Sacramento City College endorses an open door policy where students are welcome to attend regardless of previous educational background and where the college faculty and staff are committed to the success of students. It is the expectation of the college that students take responsibility for their learning as evidenced by their actions in class, on campus, and in the preparation for their classes. The college fully expects students to make measurable progress and meet the objectives of each course in which they are enrolled with or without accommodations for a verified disability. The college has both academic probation and progress probation policies outlined in the catalog.

With certain exceptions students are entitled to attempt a maximum of 30 remedial or developmental units so that they have an opportunity to develop the skills to succeed in college level work. Students are ultimately expected to succeed in associate degree level courses and/or meet their educational objectives.