Skip to main content
$1,384Tuition
2,177Students
42%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,633Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Coalinga College

This Central Valley community college serves the agricultural heartland with 2,177 students in a remote farming town. Coalinga College focuses on practical education for students pursuing careers in agriculture, trades, and transfer pathways. The campus sits in California's agricultural center, where students learn alongside working farms and ranches. Nearly 74% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse agricultural workforce of the region.

Students pay an average net price of $8,626 after financial aid, making this one of California's most affordable college options. In-state tuition costs just $1,384 before aid. Graduates earn a median of $37,633 ten years after starting, which provides solid returns given the low debt load of $6,750. Monthly loan payments average only $72 for those who borrow. The employment rate of 89.1% shows strong job placement in the agricultural economy.

The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than typical community colleges, but 95% of students come from California. Housing capacity serves only 160 students on a campus designed primarily for commuters. The Falcons compete in seven varsity sports as an independent program with 166 total athletes. Most students live locally and work in agriculture while attending classes.

Academics & Faculty

Coalinga College serves California's agricultural heartland with career-focused programs that reflect the region's farming economy. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though the small enrollment of 2,177 students creates a tight-knit campus environment. Students here pursue associate degrees and certificates in agriculture, automotive technology, and other technical fields that prepare them for immediate employment in the Central Valley. The 41.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face balancing education with jobs and family responsibilities. The college's agricultural programs draw students interested in modern farming techniques and agribusiness management.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
26:1
Full-Time Faculty
35.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
41.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,633

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $80,858
Public Health. Associate $61,814
Psychology, General. Certificate $58,673
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. Certificate $22,087
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $20,140

View all 57 programs →

Campus Life

Daily life at Coalinga revolves around a tight-knit agricultural community 200 miles from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. With only 160 housing spots for 2,177 students, just 7% live on campus. Most students commute from nearby farming towns across the Central Valley.

The desert climate means 300+ days of sunshine and temperatures reaching 100°F in summer. You'll need sunscreen, not winter coats. The campus sits in ranch country where cattle outnumber people, and the nearest Starbucks is 40 minutes away. Students often work part-time jobs on local farms or ranches between classes.

Weekends center around outdoor activities like fishing at nearby reservoirs or attending rodeos. The 166 athletes across seven sports create campus energy, especially during baseball and softball seasons. With 73.82% Hispanic enrollment, the college reflects the Valley's agricultural workforce demographics. Many students are first-generation college attendees balancing family farm responsibilities with coursework. The small-town atmosphere means professors know students by name, but entertainment options require creativity or a drive to Fresno.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
160 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
38°–59°F
July Avg
68°–100°F
Annual Precipitation
8.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Coalinga College draws students from California's agricultural heartland, with nearly 95% coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 74%, reflecting the demographics of the Central Valley farming communities it serves. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college provides affordable pathways for working-class families. The near-even gender split of 50% women and 50% men aligns with the school's full community college mission. Students typically come from local farming families and nearby towns seeking career training or transfer preparation without leaving their rural roots behind.
Men
49.8%
Women
50.2%
White
12.8%
Black
5.3%
Hispanic
73.8%
Asian
2.3%
In-State Students
95.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
22.1%

Location

Coalinga sits in California's Central Valley, roughly 200 miles southeast of San Francisco and 60 miles west of Fresno. The town serves as a center for the surrounding agricultural region, where cotton, almonds, and oil production dominate the economy. With just 17,000 residents, Coalinga maintains a small-town atmosphere in one of the nation's most productive farming areas. The campus sits amid rolling hills and farmland, far removed from California's coastal cities. Housing capacity accommodates only 160 students, reflecting the college's role as a local commuter school. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Coalinga College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Coalinga, California 93210

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,633
Median Earnings (5 years)
$41,250
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$27,500
Loan Repayment Rate
35.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$72/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Coalinga College?

Coalinga College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, serving 2,177 students primarily from the local agricultural community. The college draws 95% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a regional institution in the Central Valley farming region.

How much does Coalinga College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,626 annually, with in-state tuition at just $1,384. The college keeps costs low for local families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying only $7,041 net price and graduating with a median debt of $6,750.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Coalinga College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1, which is higher than many colleges but typical for community colleges serving rural areas. Classes focus heavily on practical skills for agriculture and trades, reflecting the college's mission to serve Central Valley farming communities.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Coalinga College?

Graduates achieve an 89.1% employment rate, earning a median salary of $37,633 ten years after graduation. The college's focus on agricultural and technical programs aligns well with local job markets in farming and related industries throughout California's Central Valley.

Does Coalinga College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides limited on-campus housing for just 160 students at $7,800 per year. Most of the student body commutes from the surrounding rural communities, as the college primarily serves local residents in this remote Central Valley town.

What sports does Coalinga College offer?

The Falcons compete as an independent institution with 7 varsity sports and 166 total athletes. The athletic program receives no scholarship funding, focusing instead on providing recreational opportunities for students in this small farming community.