As a public comprehensive community college, Palo Alto College provides exemplary, accessible education and training to a diverse and aspiring community. The College educates, nurtures, and inspires students through a dynamic and supportive learning environment, which promotes the intellectual, cultural, economic and social life of the community.
School Highlights
Palo Alto College serves 11,193 students (19% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the state community college average of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 70%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
Enrollment: 11,193 students
In-state tuition: $5,550
Out-state tuition: $10,740
Student:teacher ratio: 25:1
Minority enrollment: 86%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Palo Alto College has grown by 19% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 25:1 has increased from 24:1 over five years.
The Palo Alto College diversity score of 0.31 is less than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has declined by 15% over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,193 students
4,669 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
25:1
17:1
# Full-Time Students
2,139 students
1,310 students
# Part-Time Students
9,054 students
3,359 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
552 students
344 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,139 students
1,289 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
16 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
3,151 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
15 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
252 students
% Asian
n/a
5%
% Hispanic
82%
46%
% Black
2%
12%
% White
14%
30%
% Two or more races
1%
2%
% Non Resident races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
n/a
3%
Diversity Score
0.31
0.68
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
29%
26%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
2.44%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,300
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,550 is more than the state average of $3,924. The in-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $10,740 is more than the state average of $6,229. The out-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,550
$3,924
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,740
$6,229
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
84%
83%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,500
$10,765
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
78%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
The college was founded in 1985 with the mission of providing
higher education in the Southside with the goal of transferring
students as well as preparing them for the workforce. In the past
20 years, we have excelled in our transfer programs. We are the
community college that has the highest transfer rate in the State
of Texas for Hispanics. The average transfer rate for Hispanic
students in Texas is 8.9% - at Palo Alto College it is 38% for
Hispanics. Palo Alto College offers general, transfer, and
technical education; basic skills development and comprehensive
literacy programs; continuing education and community outreach;
student success and support programs; instructional technologies
and distance education; library information resources and
institutional research, planning, development and evaluation. In
the workforce areas, we have added new programs in Academic
Computer Technology, Aviation Management, Criminal Justice,
Environmental Studies, Electro-Mechanical Technology, Health
Professions, Logistics, Nursing, Teacher Education, and Turfgrass
Management. Palo Alto College is accredited by the Commission on
Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to
award associate degrees and by Committee on Animal Technician
Activities and Training of the Amercian Veterinary Medical
Association. Its programs are approved by the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board, the Federal Aviation Agency, and the
American Society of Transportation and Logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Palo Alto College cost?
Palo Alto College's tuition is approximately $5,550 for In-State students and $10,740 for Out-State students.
What schools are Palo Alto College often compared to?
Palo Alto Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Northwest Vista College by visitors of our site.
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