The college was opened in 1955 as American River Junior College, on the site of the old Grant Technical College. It moved to its current location in 1958, occupying eight newly built office complexes and the original Cameron ranch house. In 1965 the college became a part of the Los Rios Community College District and became American River College. Today, along with Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College and Sacramento City College, ARC is directed by a seven-member board of trustees elected by voters residing in the district.

The climactic police showdown of the 1986 Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore film Wisdom was filmed on the American River campus, including in and around Beaver Stadium.

During the period of 2004-2013, the college opened a variety of new facilities, including buildings for Health Education, Theater & Music, Kinesiology, and Life Science and Fine Arts. In addition, the college also expanded its bookstore and library and opened a new Student Center and parking garage.

In 2008 the student government supported California Proposition 8 which sought to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples. In 2010 the Board of Trustees lost a lawsuit[clarification needed] against the student government.

ARC Vision

American River College is a premier learning community that transforms and enriches people's lives.

ARC Mission

American River College is a public community college granting certificates and associate degrees. The college primarily serves residents of the six-county Greater Sacramento region who are capable of benefiting from community college instruction. This service is provided through traditional classroom instruction, off-campus centers, and distance education.

ARC exists to 1) assure students identify their educational goals and needs and 2) successfully accomplish learning in the four educational areas, listed below in alphabetical order:

Career and technical education to achieve employment or enhanced career skills for job advancement.

Developmental education to achieve basic foundation skills in reading, writing, mathematics, English as a Second Language, and learning and study skills which are necessary for students to succeed in college-level work.

General education to achieve knowledge, skills and attitudes for post-secondary education success, personal enrichment, self-development, and a purposeful and meaningful life as a member of a global community.

Lower division post-secondary education to achieve transfer to and success in obtaining a degree at a four-year post-secondary education institution.