New Student Housing

New Student Housing

In Spring 2026, Sierra College will open its new student housing complex that will provide housing for more than 350 students. The project is supported by $82 million from the State of California’s Affordable Student Housing grant program. Through careful planning, the monthly rent for most students will be substantially below market rate for the area. Additionally, with investments from members of the community, the cost of housing for students with the greatest need will be significantly decreased — in some cases, down to zero cost to the student.

Housing is one of the biggest barriers for many students to attend and be successful in college. This project is more than just a building. It will change our students’ lives."
Willy Duncan President Of Sierra
Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/ President

A Living-Learning Community for Students

The new student housing space will serve as a centrally-located social hub on campus, creating community for students. It will provide services and amenities that encourage students to participate in campus life, including programs and events. It will also be an empowering space — offering educational opportunities where basic needs are met and life skills are learned.

Rendering of students sitting outside near steps leading to new student housing building

Housing Design

  • Located in the heart of campus, adjacent to the Library/Learning Resource Center and the Campus Center/Café, this new residence hall will provide affordable student housing.
  • The housing design is comprised of three wings that converge at a central feature called the Hub, a welcoming glass beacon and center of activity.
  • The building features a three-story central staircase paired with two elevators for convenient, equitable access to all floors.
  • Individual residential wings feature generous hallways punctuated with natural light and shared study alcoves on all floors.
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Project Statistics

SCOPE: Three-story student housing

SIZE: 124,000 gsf

PROJECT BUDGET: $98.3 million
The District received $80.5 million for the project through the California Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program.

GROUNDBREAKING: April 11, 2023

END OF CONSTRUCTION: Fall 2025

STUDENTS MOVE IN: Spring 2026

Project Manager: Cypress Construction Management

Concept Architect: AP Architects

Design/Build: HKS, Inc.

General Contractor: DPR Construction

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Campus Living with Students in Mind

Rendering of students studying and socializing on outdoor balcony as students walk along path to student housing below.
OUTDOORS: The outdoor landscape spaces offer opportunities for socialization, studying or active exercise and games. The housing is sustainably constructed of a metal panelized system, digitally prefabricated off-site and erected with minimal disruption to campus.
Rendering of students using stairs, study areas and walking to elevators in lobby of student housing building
FIRST FLOOR: The ground floor lobby is dedicated to greeting and community-centered functions, including a front desk for security and resident services.
Rendering of students chatting and studying in atrium on second floor near indoor gym in student housing
SECOND FLOOR: The second floor features a fitness center, kitchen, study spaces, laundry room and an outdoor terrace with sunset views.
Rendering of students watching TV and using shared kitchen
THIRD FLOOR: The third floor offers a shared kitchen with a game/movie space, laundry room and an open, shared study/lounge overlooking the campus.
Rendering of students relaxing and studying in apartment-style room
LIVING SPACES: The apartment-style units provide kitchenettes with a sink, refrigerator and shared eating and living spaces to relax in and hang out with roommates.
Student Housing Room Layout Blueprint
LIVING SPACE LAYOUT: Each student apartment will have two or three bedrooms. Each bedroom will have two beds, two desk/study areas and two separate closet/storage areas. Each living area will also have two or three en-suite bathrooms.