- As a public comprehensive community college, Palo Alto College provides exemplary, accessible education and training to a diverse and aspiring community. The College educates, nurtures, and inspires students through a dynamic and supportive learning environment, which promotes the intellectual, cultural, economic and social life of the community.
School Highlights
Palo Alto College serves 10,559 students (17% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the state community college average of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 94%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 10,559 students
- In-state tuition: $5,550
- Out-state tuition: $10,740
- Student:teacher ratio: 23:1
- Minority enrollment: 97%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Palo Alto College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 454 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Palo Alto College
(TX) 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
454 staff
262 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Palo Alto College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 has decreased from 24:1 over five years.
The Palo Alto College diversity score of 0.43 is less than the state average of 0.75. The school's diversity has grown by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
10,559 students
3,803 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
16:1
# Full-Time Students
1,837 students
788 students
# Part-Time Students
8,722 students
3,015 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
552 students
344 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,837 students
784 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
15 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
8,722 students
3,005 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
31 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
252 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
4%
% Asian
5%
12%
% Hispanic
n/a
9%
% Black
73%
40%
% White
3%
6%
% Hawaiian
17%
24%
% Two or more races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
n/a
3%
Diversity Score
0.43
0.75
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3296%
0.5294%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.366%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,300
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,550 is more than the state average of $3,316. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $10,740 is more than the state average of $5,750. The out-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,550
$3,316
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,740
$5,750
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
90%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,500
$10,765
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
81%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- The college was founded in 1985 with the mission of providing higher education in the Southside with the goal of transferring students as well as preparing them for the workforce. In the past 20 years, we have excelled in our transfer programs. We are the community college that has the highest transfer rate in the State of Texas for Hispanics. The average transfer rate for Hispanic students in Texas is 8.9% - at Palo Alto College it is 38% for Hispanics. Palo Alto College offers general, transfer, and technical education; basic skills development and comprehensive literacy programs; continuing education and community outreach; student success and support programs; instructional technologies and distance education; library information resources and institutional research, planning, development and evaluation. In the workforce areas, we have added new programs in Academic Computer Technology, Aviation Management, Criminal Justice, Environmental Studies, Electro-Mechanical Technology, Health Professions, Logistics, Nursing, Teacher Education, and Turfgrass Management. Palo Alto College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and by Committee on Animal Technician Activities and Training of the Amercian Veterinary Medical Association. Its programs are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Federal Aviation Agency, and the American Society of Transportation and Logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Palo Alto College cost?
Palo Alto College's tuition is approximately $5,550 for In-State students and $10,740 for Out-State students.
What schools are Palo Alto College often compared to?
Palo Alto Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Northwest Vista College by visitors of our site.
What is Palo Alto College's ranking?
Palo Alto College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Texas for: Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Palo Alto College located?
Palo Alto College is located in the South San Antonio neighborhood of San Antonio, TX.
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