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West Valley College, established in 1963, began classes to serve local school districts. Situated in Saratoga, California, the college boasts a beautiful campus nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The college offers a range of educational programs including Associate in Arts or Science Degrees (AA/AS) and Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) which facilitate transfer to California State University. Students can also earn a variety of certificates.


Overview of West Valley College (WVC)


The student body at West Valley College is diverse, with over 6,500 undergraduates, of which 69% are full-time students. More than half of the students identify as racial or ethnic minorities, and there is a balanced gender ratio.

West Valley College's mission includes preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities and offering dynamic career programs. The wide range of available courses and degrees caters to a variety of academic interests and career aspirations. In terms of facilities, the Saratoga campus provides state-of-the-art resources for students, fostering an environment of learning and personal growth. With its emphasis on student success, West Valley College remains a pivotal educational institution in the heart of Silicon Valley.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting Suburb: Large
Campus Housing No
Student Faculty Ratio 21:1
Graduation Rate 52%
Year Founded 1963

Student Enrollment


Total Students7,272

Undergraduate
7,272
Graduate
0

Undergraduate Student

Male 3,200
3,200
Female 4,072
4,072

Graduate Student

Male 0
0
Female 0
0

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Top Rankings For West Valley College


WVC Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONSN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

ACCEPTANCEN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

Acceptance RateN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

Enrollment N/A

Male N/A
Female N/A
Admissions
Application Fee N/A
High School GPA N/A
High School Rank N/A
High School Transcripts N/A
College Prep Courses N/A
Recommendations N/A
SAT/ACT N/A
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) N/A
Application Deadline N/A
Common Application Accepted N/A

WVC Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


West Valley College offers a range of tuition costs adapted to different residency statuses. In-state students can expect to pay approximately $1,490 yearly in tuition and fees, a cost that has barely changed in the last four years. On the other hand, out-of-state students face higher expenses, with tuition and fees sitting at around $8,700.

Additionally, students will need to budget for textbooks, fees, and other expenses, which have been estimated to be around $4,899 in recent years. This includes the cost of living, especially since there is no on-campus housing at this location.

Many students benefit from financial assistance through scholarships and grants. These aid opportunities help reduce the cost of attendance, making education more accessible for many. For those exploring financial planning, the Net Price Calculator is a valuable tool. It provides an estimate of costs after accounting for financial aid.

Average net price 2022-2023
Net Price $6,541
Average Total Aid $6,166
Students Receiving Financial Aid 72%
Room & Board $21,452

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $1,490
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $8,702
  • Books and Supplies - $1,152
  • Room & Board - $21,452
  • Other - $4,889

Popular Academic Programs at WVC


West Valley College offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to cater to the varied interests and career paths of students. Students can choose from certificate programs, associate degrees, and options designed for transfer to four-year institutions. Popular majors at West Valley College include fields such as Business, Computer Science, and Nursing. These programs are crafted to provide essential skills and knowledge required for both the job market and further education.

Classes are structured to provide a robust and flexible educational experience tailored to students’ academic and career aspirations. West Valley College maintains an engaging and supportive academic environment with a favorable student-faculty ratio. This allows for more personalized attention and enhanced learning opportunities, ensuring that students can thrive both in and out of the classroom.

The School of Continuing Education at West Valley College offers fast and tuition-free classes across various formats, including online and in-person sessions. These classes are available during the day, night, and even on weekends, ensuring flexible learning options for all students.

Student Population Total


Student Population 7,272

Undergraduate
7,272
Graduate
0
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Majors N/A

Outcome & Salary


Graduates of West Valley College have seen varying outcomes in terms of graduation rates and salaries post-graduation. The four-year graduation rate is 52%, with another 11% transferring out to other institutions sometime during their education. Those students often transfer to programs that will allow them to complete bachelor’s degrees.

The financial prospects for these graduates also show an upward trajectory. Ten years after enrollment, former students earn an average salary of $41,100 per year. This salary is approximately 20% higher than the national median for similar graduates.

In terms of diversity among the student body, West Valley College enrolls a significant number of students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Approximately 56% are from racial-ethnic minority groups, providing an inclusive environment that may benefit graduates in diverse career landscapes.

While placement rates are not specifically detailed in available data, the increase in average salary over the years suggests favorable employment outcomes. The data aligns with the college's focus on supporting students towards achieving meaningful careers post-graduation.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $59,800
College Grads Average Salary N/A
College Grads Mid Career Salary $88,900
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential N/A
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential N/A
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $26,164
10 Year Projected ROI N/A
20 Year Projected ROI N/A
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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