- 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 3,943 students (22% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 3,943 students
- In-state tuition: $1,380
- Out-state tuition: $7,170
- Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
- Minority enrollment: 97%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 222 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Taft College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates--Public Special Use
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
222 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Taft College has declined by 33% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has decreased from 27:1 over five years.
The Taft College diversity score of 0.54 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,943 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
852 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
3,091 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
240 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
852 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,091 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
72 students
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
13%
% Asian
5%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
62%
46%
% White
3%
5%
% Hawaiian
26%
24%
% Two or more races
1%
4%
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.54
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2799%
0.4179%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4884%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,400
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,380 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has grown by 25% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,170 is more than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,380
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,170
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (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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