- 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 7,655 students (31% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 34:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 7,655 students
- In-state tuition: $1,186
- Out-state tuition: $4,978
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Student-teacher ratio: 34:1
- Minority enrollment: 73%
- 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
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 225 teachers has declined by 55% over five years.
West Valley College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1965
Campus Size
143 acres
Total Faculty
225 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of West Valley College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 34:1 has increased from 15:1 over five years.
The West Valley College diversity score of 0.76 is more than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 9% over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,655 students
6,838 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
34:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
2,397 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
5,258 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
7,655 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,397 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,258 students
5,850 students
% Asian
28%
12%
% Hispanic
28%
46%
% Black
3%
7%
% White
27%
23%
% Two or more races
11%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
2%
6%
Diversity Score
0.76
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
45%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$37,700
$34,300
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $1,186 is less than the state average of $1,238. The in-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,978 is less than the state average of $6,634. The out-state tuition has declined by 43% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,186
$1,238
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,978
$6,634
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
81%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates (Year 2007)
$3,500
$6,546
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,542
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
82%
82%
Sports
School Mascot
Vikings
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
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 the acceptance rate of West Valley College?
The acceptance rate of West Valley College is 82%, which is equal to the state average of 82%.
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 Diversity in US community colleges.
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