- Taft College is committed to student learning in transfer and vocational programs supported by precollegiate basic skills and a wide range of student services. All programs and services are focused on the educational needs of the West Kern Community College District learners.
School Highlights
Taft College serves 7,860 students (12% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 35:1 is higher than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 7,860 students
- In-state tuition: $1,380
- Out-state tuition: $7,170
- Student:teacher ratio: 35:1
- Minority enrollment: 83%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 222 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Taft College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Nontraditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
222 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Taft College has grown by 31% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 35:1 has increased from 16:1 over five years.
The Taft College diversity score of 0.52 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has declined by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,860 students
2,311 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
35:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
938 students
1,232 students
# Part-Time Students
6,922 students
8,299 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
786 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
938 students
1,155 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,922 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
72 students
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
13%
% Hispanic
67%
47%
% Black
3%
7%
% White
17%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
10%
3%
Diversity Score
0.52
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3358%
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)
$38,400
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,380 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has grown by 25% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,170 is more than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,380
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,170
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Taft College has been serving its community and students for over seventy-five years. This service has included the tradition of small classes, a focus on learning, strong interaction with faculty and staff, and access. Here students will find a college that engages learners as full partners in the learning process. Taft College's small classes provide the opportunity to work directly with an excellent faculty. Learners at Taft acquire the skills to succeed on their job, at transfer colleges, and in life. Taft College is located in the western Kern County community of Taft with a population of 17,000. The surrounding area brings the total population to about 21,000. The community is in the heart of the Midway-Sunset oilfield, one of the nation's best producing fields. While oil is the leading industry, the area also is rich in agriculture, light industry, and recreation. The campus is located at 29 Emmons Park Drive. Campus buildings are considered excellent structures with adequate space provided for physical education, recreation and athletics. The campus was built in 1956 and originally included classrooms, a library, student union, and administrative offices, marking the first step in separating the college from the high school. Taft College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Taft College cost?
Taft College's tuition is approximately $1,380 for In-State students and $7,170 for Out-State students.
Recent Articles
Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.
A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
