College of the Sequoias is a comprehensive community college focused on student learning. Our mission is to help our diverse student population achieve their transfer and /or occupational objectives and to advance the economic growth and global competitiveness of business and industry within our region.
School Highlights
College of the Sequoias serves 16,781 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 28:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 16,781 students
In-state tuition: $1,362
Out-state tuition: $6,138
Student:teacher ratio: 28:1
Minority enrollment: 81%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of College of the Sequoias has grown by 30% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 28:1 has increased from 21:1 over five years.
The College of the Sequoias diversity score of 0.47 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
16,781 students
2,311 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
28:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
5,456 students
1,232 students
# Part-Time Students
11,325 students
8,299 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
167 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,456 students
1,155 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
11,325 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
13%
% Hispanic
70%
47%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
19%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
2%
3%
Diversity Score
0.47
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3109%
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4304%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,400
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,362 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,138 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 26% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,362
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,138
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
81%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,625
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,000
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
College of the Sequoias is a public, two-year community college
with an enrollment of just over 10,000 students. Located in
Visalia, California, the campus is halfway between Los Angeles and
San Francisco. Our administration, faculty and staff are committed
to the advancement of economic growth and to our mission of
preparing students for productive work, lifelong learning and
community involvement. COS has comprehensive offerings that
include: transfer programs, occupational-technology programs and
basic skills. In addition, COS is very proud of the educational
support offered to students and is dedicated and highly committed
to enhancing our diverse educational and cultural campus
environment. From its opening in the fall of 1926 until World War
II the district's sole mission was to provide inexpensive,
lower-division college education to local high school graduates who
intended to transfer to a traditional four-year college. This
"transfer" mission shaped the college during these years in that it
provided the theoretical and political basis for its founding,
defined its initial curriculum and activities, led to the
construction of its campus, and met the needs of the overwhelming
majority of its students. In athletics, the Giants offer 18
intercollegiate sports and have a rich and successful tradition.
The school has won state championships in football, men's
basketball, women's basketball, baseball, softball, golf, and
wrestling. The Giants have also hosted three of the last five state
championship football games (2000, 2001, and 2004).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does College of the Sequoias cost?
College of the Sequoias's tuition is approximately $1,362 for In-State students and $6,138 for Out-State students.
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Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 16,781 students
In-state tuition: $1,362
Out-state tuition: $6,138
Student:teacher ratio: 28:1
Minority enrollment: 81%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
For California public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,236 per year for in-state students and $6,547 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $20,392 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
