Definition
Cisco College is a public, two‑year community college headquartered in Cisco, Texas, United States, offering associate degrees, certificate programs, and workforce training.
Overview
Founded in 1939 as Cisco Junior College, the institution serves students from Cisco and the surrounding regions of East Central Texas. The college operates a main campus in Cisco and a satellite campus in Abilene. As part of the Texas public higher‑education system, Cisco College provides open‑access education, adult continuing‑education courses, and community outreach programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees and certificates.
Etymology/Origin
The college derives its name from the city of Cisco, Texas, which itself was named after John J. Cisco, a 19th‑century railroad official. The original designation “Cisco Junior College” reflected its status as a junior college providing the first two years of post‑secondary education.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governance | Governed by a locally elected board of trustees; operates under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. |
| Accreditation | Accredited by SACSCOC; authorized by the Texas State Board of Education. |
| Academic Programs | Offers Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees; career‑technical certificates in fields such as nursing, welding, automotive technology, and information technology. |
| Enrollment | Approximately 2,000–2,500 credit‑seeking students ( figures vary by semester ), plus non‑credit adult education participants. |
| Campus Facilities | Main campus includes academic classrooms, science laboratories, a library, a student center, athletic facilities, and a technology hub. The Abilene campus houses additional classrooms and specialized labs. |
| Student Services | Provides counseling, financial aid assistance, tutoring, workforce development services, and transfer advising to four‑year institutions. |
| Athletics | Intercollegiate sports compete as the Cisco Wranglers in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), including baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, and cross country. |
| Community Role | Partners with local businesses and school districts for vocational training, offers cultural events, and hosts community education workshops. |
Related Topics
- Community colleges in Texas
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
All information presented reflects publicly available, verifiable sources up to the knowledge cutoff date.