Taft College
- Taft College is committed to student learning in transfer and vocational programs supported by precollegiate basic skills and a wide range of student services. All programs and services are focused on the educational needs of the West Kern Community College District learners.
School Highlights
- Taft College serves 5,217 students (24% of students are full-time).
- Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 68%.
- Taft College is one of 6 community colleges within Kern County, CA.
- The nearest community college to Taft College is Palo Verde College (22.2 miles away).
School Overview
- The teacher population of 68 teachers has declined by 39% over five years.
| Taft College | (CA) Community College Avg. | |
| Institution Level | At least 2 but less than 4 years | At least 2 but less than 4 years |
| Institution Control | Public | Public |
| Total Faculty | 68 staff | 97 staff |
| Total Enrollment | 5,217 students | 7,516 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 77:1 | 44:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 1,230 students | 1,613 students |
| # Part-Time Students | 3,987 students | 5,903 students |
 |  | |
| Total Dormitory Capacity | 154 | 144 |
| % American Indian/Alaskan | - | - |
| % Asian | 4% | 13% |
| % Hispanic | 43% | 37% |
| % Black | 3% | 7% |
| % White | 44% | 32% |
| % Hawaiian | 2% | - |
| % Two or more races | 4% | 3% |
 |  | |
| Diversity Score | 0.62 | 0.73 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 27% | 29% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $38,400 | $34,900 |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) IPEDS
School Notes
- Taft College has been serving its community and students for over seventy-five years. This service has included the tradition of small classes, a focus on learning, strong interaction with faculty and staff, and access. Here students will find a college that engages learners as full partners in the learning process. Taft College's small classes provide the opportunity to work directly with an excellent faculty. Learners at Taft acquire the skills to succeed on their job, at transfer colleges, and in life. Taft College is located in the western Kern County community of Taft with a population of 17,000. The surrounding area brings the total population to about 21,000. The community is in the heart of the Midway-Sunset oilfield, one of the nation's best producing fields. While oil is the leading industry, the area also is rich in agriculture, light industry, and recreation. The campus is located at 29 Emmons Park Drive. Campus buildings are considered excellent structures with adequate space provided for physical education, recreation and athletics. The campus was built in 1956 and originally included classrooms, a library, student union, and administrative offices, marking the first step in separating the college from the high school. Taft College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to Taft College is Palo Verde College (22.2 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- Palo Verde CollegePublic3,446 students | 22.20 MiOne College Drive
Blythe, CA 92225
(760)921-5500 22.203,446 - San Joaquin Valley College-BakersfieldPrivate, for profit632 students | 26.40 Mi201 New Stine Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661)834-0126 26.40632 - Santa Barbara Business College-BakersfieldPrivate, for profit562 students | 26.70 Mi5300 California Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661)835-1100 26.70562 - Kaplan College-BakersfieldPrivate, for profit393 students | 27.10 Mi1914 Wible Road
Bakersfield, CA 93304
(661)836-6300 27.10393 - 19,428 students | 32.80 Mi1801 Panorama Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93305
6613954011 32.8019,428
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