West Valley College
Tel:
(408)867-2200
- 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 9,062 students (31% of students are full-time).
- The college's student:teacher ratio of 39:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
- Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 68%.
- West Valley College is one of 8 community colleges within Santa Clara County, CA.
- The nearest community college to West Valley College is De Anza College (4.0 miles away).
Top Placements
West Valley College places among the top 20% of community colleges in California for:
- Category Attribute
- Affordability Least expensive tuition
- Debt For Students Least debt for graduating students
School Overview
- The teacher population of 235 teachers has declined by 30% over five years.
| West Valley 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 | 235 staff | 97 staff |
| Total Enrollment | 9,062 students | 7,516 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 39:1 | 44:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 2,799 students | 1,613 students |
| # Part-Time Students | 6,263 students | 5,903 students |
 |  | |
| % American Indian/Alaskan | 1% | - |
| % Asian | 12% | 13% |
| % Hispanic | 20% | 37% |
| % Black | 2% | 7% |
| % White | 53% | 32% |
| % Two or more races | 4% | 3% |
| % Non Resident races | 1% | 3% |
| % Unknown races | 7% | 5% |
 |  | |
| Diversity Score | 0.66 | 0.73 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 29% | 29% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $37,700 | $34,600 |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) 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.
Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to West Valley College is De Anza College (4.0 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- De Anza CollegePublic23,104 students | 4.00 Mi21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408)864-5678 4.0023,104 - San Jose City CollegePublic9,072 students | 5.90 Mi2100 Moorpark Ave
San Jose, CA 95128
(408)298-2181 5.909,072 - Mission CollegePublic8,435 students | 8.80 Mi3000 Mission College Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408)988-2200 8.808,435 - Foothill CollegePublic15,030 students | 9.00 Mi12345 El Monte Rd
Los Altos, CA 94022
(650)949-7777 9.0015,030 - Carrington College-San JosePrivate, for profit805 students | 13.30 Mi6201 San Ignacio Ave.
San Jose, CA 95119
(408)960-0162 13.30805
Recent Articles
The Online Education Initiative will greatly expand course offerings for community college students, while making the transfer process between institutions much more smooth. The Initiative has its critics, however, who decry the loss of local control over education.
A recent study reveals that job applicants with a credential or associate’s degree from a community college have slightly better chances of getting a job interview than students who attend a for-profit college or university. Since community colleges are much more budget friendly than for-profit institutions and have much better job placement results, community colleges are a much better option for employment-minded students.
After City College of San Francisco loses its accreditation, other community colleges in the state are facing warnings, sanctions and possible loss of accreditation as well.
