- 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 6,717 students (30% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Black and American), which is less than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 6,717 students
- In-state tuition: $1,186
- Out-state tuition: $4,978
- Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
- Minority enrollment: 92%
- 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
School Overview
The teacher population of 507 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
West Valley College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates--Public Special Use
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
507 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of West Valley College has declined by 11% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 has decreased from 15:1 over five years.
The West Valley College diversity score of 0.74 is more than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
6,717 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
2,035 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
4,682 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
495 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,035 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,682 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
26%
13%
% Asian
2%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
27%
46%
% White
8%
5%
% Hawaiian
34%
24%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.74
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4135%
0.4179%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4884%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$37,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,186 is less than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,978 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 5% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,186
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,978
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
75%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates (Year 2007)
$3,500
$6,125
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,542
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (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.
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 West Valley College's ranking?
West Valley College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition.
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