- 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 12,395 students (21% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 75%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 12,395 students
- In-state tuition: $5,550
- Out-state tuition: $10,740
- Minority enrollment: 86%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Palo Alto College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 185 teachers has declined by 59% over five years.
Palo Alto College
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1985
Total Faculty
185 staff
73 staff
School Calendar
School Motto
To inspire, empower, and educate our community for leadership and success.
Student Body
The student population of Palo Alto College has grown by 10% over five years.
The Palo Alto College diversity score of 0.43 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 39% over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,395 students
4,254 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
67:1
34:1
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Students
2,555 students
902 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
9,840 students
3,352 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
12,395 students
1,360 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,555 students
869 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
9,840 students
3,370 students
% Asian
2%
6%
% Hispanic
74%
47%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
5%
13%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
14%
25%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
2%
2%
% Unknown races
2%
5%
Diversity Score
0.43
0.69
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
26%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,300
$33,900
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $5,550 is more than the state average of $3,345. The in-state tuition has declined by 15% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $10,740 is more than the state average of $5,806. The out-state tuition has declined by 23% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,550
$3,345
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,740
$5,806
Tuition Notes
Varies based on the number of hours enrolled. In-district and out-of-district rates apply.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
88%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,500
$10,630
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Source: 2025 (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.
What is Palo Alto College's ranking?
Palo Alto College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Texas for: Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Palo Alto College located?
Palo Alto College is located in the South San Antonio neighborhood of San Antonio, TX.
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