Defense Language Institute

  • Defense Language Institute provides culturally-based foreign language education, training, evaluation, research, and sustainment for DoD personnel in order to ensure the success of the Defense Language Program and enhance the security of the nation. The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) is regarded as one of the finest schools for foreign language instruction in the nation. As part of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the Institute provides resident instruction at the Presidio of Monterey in 23 languages and two dialects, five days a week, seven hours per day, with two to three hours of homework each night. Courses last between 26 and 64 weeks, depending on the difficulty of the language. DLIFLC is a multi-service school for active and reserve components, foreign military students, and civilian personnel working in the federal government and various law enforcement agencies.

School Highlights

The college's student:teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Student:teacher ratio: 6:1
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

School Overview

Defense Language Institute
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates--Public Special Use
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1941
Total Faculty
n/a
315 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The Defense Language Institute diversity score of 0.00 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
n/a
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
n/a
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
n/a
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
n/a
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% Asian
n/a
13%
% Hispanic
n/a
47%
% Black
n/a
7%
% White
n/a
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
n/a
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
100%
3%
Diversity Score
n/a
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
42%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
n/a
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Eagle
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates - Class of 1965 -
    • Nobel Laureate in Literature - John Steinbeck, Honorary Degree -

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are famous alumni from Defense Language Institute?
Defense Language Institute famous alumni include: Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates - Class of 1965 and Nobel Laureate in Literature - John Steinbeck, Honorary Degree.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Student:teacher ratio: 6:1
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For California public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,516 per year for in-state students and $6,779 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $17,819 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in California is 77%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

California community colleges have a diversity score of 0.70, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in California is Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Fremont. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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