Barstow Community College: $1,104 Tuition

$1,104Tuition

2,585Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,104Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Barstow Community College

Students come to Barstow Community College to escape California's high costs while preparing for four-year universities or entering the workforce. The college serves 2,585 students in California's high desert, offering transfer preparation and career training programs that match the region's needs. With 98.46% of students from California, this is where locals build their academic foundation without breaking the bank.

The financial story here is straightforward and student-friendly. After aid, students typically pay around $12,347 annually, a fraction of what they'd spend at four-year institutions. Graduates who borrowed money leave with just $3,500 in debt, requiring monthly payments of only $37. Within ten years, median earnings reach $35,104, making this one of the more affordable paths to career advancement in California. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families.

The student body is 65.49% women and diverse, with Hispanic students comprising 44.76% of enrollment and Black students making up 19.81%. Class sizes run large with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, typical for community colleges focused on accessibility over intimacy. The Vikings compete in just two sports with 45 total athletes, reflecting the college's academic rather than athletic focus.

Academics & Faculty

Barstow Community College serves as a stepping stone for students in California's Mojave Desert region, focusing heavily on transfer preparation and career training programs. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can feel crowded, making it harder to get individual attention from professors. With a 33% six-year graduation rate, the college reflects typical community college challenges where many students attend part-time or face financial pressures. The school emphasizes practical workforce development alongside academic transfer tracks. Students can complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities or pursue certificate programs in fields like healthcare and business. Nearly 98% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit local community atmosphere.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 22.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,104

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Social Sciences, General.	Associate	$26,353

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Barstow sits in California's Mojave Desert, roughly 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The high desert climate means hot summers and surprisingly cold winters, so students need both sunscreen and warm jackets. With 2,585 students spread across a commuter campus, you won't find dorms or a traditional college town atmosphere.

Nearly all students (98.46%) come from California, and the 25:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the practical, no-frills approach of desert community colleges. Women make up 65.49% of enrollment, with Hispanic students representing the largest group at 44.76%. The campus serves a working community where many students balance jobs with classes.

Weekends typically mean heading home or working, as Barstow offers limited entertainment options for college-age students. The Vikings field just two varsity sports with 45 total athletes and zero athletic scholarships. Students here are focused on transferring to four-year universities or completing workforce programs that lead directly to employment. The desert setting creates a tight-knit community among those who stay involved on campus.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1959

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–59°F
July Avg: 71°–102°F
Annual Precipitation: 5.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.3"

Student Demographics

Students come primarily from the local Mojave Desert communities, with 98% hailing from California. The student body reflects the region's diverse demographics, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at 45%, followed by Black students at 20% and white students at 21%. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, likely drawn to the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class families in this rural desert region.

Men: 34.5%
Women: 65.5%
White: 21.4%
Black: 19.8%
Hispanic: 44.8%
Asian: 3.8%
In-State Students: 98.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.5%

Location

Barstow Community College sits in Barstow, California, roughly 120 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert. The town serves as a transportation center where major highways converge in California's high desert region. With 98.46% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves local residents in this remote area known for its railroad history and military presence. The desert setting offers wide open spaces and clear skies, but students face limited entertainment and cultural options compared to urban areas. The region's harsh climate and isolation shape campus life . Students considering colleges in California may also compare Barstow Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Barstow, California 92311

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,104
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,878
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,000
Monthly Loan Payment: $37/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $3,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How selective is admission at Barstow Community College?

Barstow Community College has open enrollment as a public community college, meaning all students with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. The school serves 2,585 students primarily from the local high desert region. Nearly 99% of students are California residents taking advantage of accessible higher education.

What does Barstow Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,347 annually, with in-state tuition at just $1,104 before aid. About 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need in the community. Graduates typically leave with only $3,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $37.

What are the academics like at Barstow Community College?

The college operates on a semester system with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, typical for community colleges focused on accessible education. Students can choose from transfer preparation programs and workforce development tracks. The school serves a diverse population with 45% Hispanic students and 20% Black students.

What career outcomes do Barstow Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $35,104 ten years after enrollment, with 76% finding employment. The 33% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Recent graduates start with median earnings of $27,023 in their first year.

What is campus life like at Barstow Community College?

The Vikings compete as an independent athletic program with just 2 varsity sports and 45 total athletes. The student body is 65% women and 35% men, reflecting community college demographics nationwide. The small-town setting in Barstow provides an intimate learning environment in California's Mojave Desert region.

How does Barstow Community College serve its desert community?

Founded in 1959, the college specifically serves the high desert region of California where educational options are limited. Only 6% of students receive institutional grants averaging $6,677, as the school focuses on keeping base costs low rather than providing large aid packages. The location makes it a vital educational anchor for residents in this geographically isolated area.