- 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 4,464 students (22% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 4,464 students
- In-state tuition: $1,380
- Out-state tuition: $7,170
- Minority enrollment: 84%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 68 teachers has declined by 69% over five years.
Taft College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
68 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Taft College has grown by 25% over five years.
The Taft College diversity score of 0.50 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has declined by 12% over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,464 students
6,838 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
66:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
967 students
1,022 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
3,497 students
5,816 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
4,464 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
967 students
967 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,497 students
5,850 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
72 students
140 students
% Asian
2%
12%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
68%
46%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
3%
7%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
16%
23%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
2%
5%
% Unknown races
9%
6%
Diversity Score
0.50
0.71
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
34%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,400
$34,300
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $1,380 is more than the state average of $1,238. The in-state tuition has grown by 24% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,170 is more than the state average of $6,634. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,380
$1,238
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,170
$6,634
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
90%
85%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Taft College cost?
Taft College's tuition is approximately $1,380 for In-State students and $7,170 for Out-State students.
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