- West Valley College is a public community college whose primary purpose is to facilitate successful learning. It is committed to the education of the individual along with fostering the economic development of the communities it serves. West Valley College provides students with opportunities to participate in a wide spectrum of educational experiences designed to fulfill their academic and career needs. Encouraged to seek knowledge and wisdom as lifelong learners, our students are motivated to expand their human potential, enrich the quality of their lives, and develop the job skills and other competencies necessary to function in contemporary society.
School Highlights
West Valley College serves 7,513 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Enrollment: 7,513 students
- In-state tuition: $1,186
- Out-state tuition: $4,978
- Student:teacher ratio: 15:1
- Minority enrollment: 56%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
West Valley College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 507 teachers has grown by 115% over five years.
West Valley College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
507 staff
308 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of West Valley College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The West Valley College diversity score of 0.69 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,513 students
7,899 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
22:1

# Full-Time Students
2,380 students
1,660 students

# Part-Time Students
5,133 students
6,239 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
495 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,380 students
1,580 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
54 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,133 students
6,239 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a

% Asian
14%
14%

% Hispanic
29%
45%

% Black
2%
5%

% White
44%
26%

% Two or more races
9%
4%

% Non Resident races
1%
3%

% Unknown races
1%
3%


Diversity Score
0.69
0.70

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
40%
35%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.92%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$37,700
$34,700

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,186 is less than the state average of $1,246. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,978 is less than the state average of $6,603. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,186
$1,246

Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,978
$6,603

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
66%
86%

Median Debt for Graduates (Year 2007)
$3,500
$6,125
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,542
$6,239

Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- West Valley College is a public California Community College located on the west side of Silicon Valley, in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, 50 miles south of San Francisco. Continuing a nearly 40 year tradition, West Valley College offers 18 dynamic career programs, professional certificates, and degree programs with exceptional preparation for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Flexible course options including online and distance learning combined with many levels of support such as financial assistance, educational planning, personal counseling, child care and learning skills programs provide every student the opportunity for the highest academic and personal success. West Valley College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Post-secondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does West Valley College cost?
West Valley College's tuition is approximately $1,186 for In-State students and $4,978 for Out-State students.
What is West Valley College's ranking?
West Valley College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition and Least debt for graduating students.
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