- In an environment that nurtures creativity and intellectual curiosity, Gavilan College serves the community by providing a high-quality learning experience which prepares students for transfer, technical and public service careers, lifelong learning and participation in a diverse global society.
School Highlights
Gavilan College serves 8,452 students (22% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 30:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 8,452 students
- In-state tuition: $1,246
- Out-state tuition: $6,654
- Student:teacher ratio: 30:1
- Minority enrollment: 78%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Gavilan College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 283 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Gavilan College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
283 staff
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Gavilan College has grown by 51% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 30:1 has increased from 16:1 over five years.
The Gavilan College diversity score of 0.67 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has grown by 14% over five years.
Total Enrollment
8,452 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
30:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
1,842 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
6,610 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
845 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,842 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,610 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
7%
13%
% Hispanic
50%
47%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
22%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
16%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
3%
3%
Diversity Score
0.67
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
42%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,800
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,246 is less than the state average of $1,516. The in-state tuition has grown by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,654 is less than the state average of $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,246
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,654
$6,779
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
57%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,156
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,961
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Gavilan College was originally established in 1919 as San Benito County Junior College. It operated under this title until 1963, when a new community college district was drawn that included both San Benito and southern Santa Clara Counties. Successful passage of a local bond in 1966 provided the needed funds to construct the present campus at Santa Teresa Boulevard in Gilroy. The main campus is located south of Gilroy against the hills that form the western boundary of the Santa Clara Valley. Every aspect of the 150-acre Gavilan College campus has been planned to emphasize the student-centered philosophy adopted by the Board of Trustees and the college staff. Buildings have been designed and constructed to serve the needs and interests of college students and are equipped with the most recently developed aids to enhance teaching and learning. Gavilan College also has sites in Hollister at the Briggs Building and in Morgan Hill as a wing of the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center. These two sites are an integral part of the District's effort to enhance student access to a college education. Gavilan College offers a wide range of services, including programs of community education, study in the liberal arts and sciences, and study in the pre-professional, business, voactional, and technical fields. To support student success, we offer services that strengthen and augment the learning environment. Courses and programs of study are offered days, evenings, weekends, and online. All offerings are designed to assist students in meeting their educational and life goals. Gavilan College is fully accreditated by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC.), last granted a six-year accreditation in 2001, the Gavilan College's accreditation will be reviewed again in 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Gavilan College cost?
Gavilan College's tuition is approximately $1,246 for In-State students and $6,654 for Out-State students.
What is Gavilan College's ranking?
Gavilan College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least debt for graduating students.
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