De Anza College: $1,562 Tuition

$1,562Tuition

14,953Students

68%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$56,596Earnings

#22 in CaliforniaPublic2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About De Anza College

De Anza College serves as a launching pad for students heading to four-year universities, with enrollment of 14,953 in the heart of Silicon Valley. The college has built a reputation for strong transfer programs to UC and CSU systems, offering over 100 degree and certificate programs. Notable graduates include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. Students benefit from the school's proximity to major tech companies in Cupertino's small-city setting.

The financial picture looks promising for most students. Average net price sits at $4,667, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,046 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $56,596 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $5,625 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $60, and the employment rate reaches 85.7%.

The student body reflects the diversity of Silicon Valley, with 38% Asian students and 29% Hispanic students creating a multicultural environment. Only 18% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many come from middle-class families who can afford the low tuition. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace, matching the energy of the surrounding tech center.

Academics & Faculty

De Anza College serves as a top launching pad for students heading to four-year universities, with 67.8% completing their programs within six years. The college offers over 100 degree and certificate programs designed specifically for transfer to UC and CSU systems. Students work with faculty at a 24:1 ratio, which is typical for community colleges but means getting individualized attention requires initiative. The school has produced notable tech innovators like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi. Transfer preparation dominates the academic culture here, with counselors and faculty focused on ensuring students meet requirements for competitive universities. Most students use De Anza as a cost-effective stepping stone to their bachelor's degree.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Full-Time Faculty: 36.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 67.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,596

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Campus Life

Silicon Valley's tech influence permeates De Anza College, where 38% of students are Asian and many dream of transferring to top UC schools. The Cupertino campus sits in the heart of Apple's backyard, just minutes from the company's headquarters and other tech giants. Students bundle up for chilly mornings but shed layers by afternoon in the mild Mediterranean climate.

With 14,953 students and no dorms, De Anza operates as a classic commuter college where most students drive to campus. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means lecture halls fill quickly, especially in popular computer science and engineering courses. Weekends empty out as students return home or work internships at nearby tech companies. The quarter system keeps pace intense with only 17.99% receiving financial aid, though most pay just $1,562 in tuition. Mountain Lions compete in 13 varsity sports, but athletic culture takes a backseat to academics. Study groups often form around transfer goals, with students sharing tips for getting into Berkeley or UCLA.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	3	0	0	0
Arson	1	0	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 42°–59°F
July Avg: 58°–76°F
Annual Precipitation: 13.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

De Anza draws a tech-focused student body that reflects Silicon Valley's diversity. Asian students make up 38% of enrollment, followed by Hispanic students at 29%. The community college serves mostly local California residents, with 87% coming from in-state. Men slightly outnumber women at 51%, likely reflecting strong STEM and engineering transfer programs. Only 18% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from middle-class families who can afford the area's high cost of living but still value De Anza's affordable pathway to four-year universities.

Men: 51.2%
Women: 48.9%
White: 16.6%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 28.5%
Asian: 38.1%
In-State Students: 87.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.0%

Location

De Anza College sits in Cupertino, California, just 45 miles south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. The campus serves nearly 15,000 students in one of the world's most modern tech centers. Cupertino is home to Apple's headquarters and countless startups, creating abundant internship and job opportunities for students. The area features mild Mediterranean weather year-round and sits between the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Francisco Bay. Housing costs reflect the region's prosperity, but the college's average net price of $4,667 makes education accessible. Students considering colleges in California may also compare De Anza College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cupertino, California 95014

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $56,596
Median Earnings (5 years): $76,818
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $60/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,625

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at De Anza College?

De Anza College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 14,953 students and focuses heavily on transfer preparation to four-year universities. Students can choose from over 100 degree and certificate programs designed to either transfer or enter the workforce directly.

How much does De Anza College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,667 annually, with in-state tuition at just $1,562. Low-income students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,046 net price, making the college highly affordable. Only 17.99% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the relatively affluent student population in Silicon Valley.

What is De Anza College known for academically?

De Anza College operates on a quarter system and maintains strong transfer pathways to UC and CSU systems. The student-faculty ratio stands at 24:1, typical for community colleges. The college has produced notable alumni including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

What are the career outcomes for De Anza College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $56,596 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's location in high-paying Silicon Valley. The employment rate reaches 85.7% for graduates. Students graduate with relatively low debt, with a median of just $5,625 and monthly loan payments of only $60.

Where is De Anza College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Cupertino, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley's tech corridor. The student body is 38.09% Asian and 28.54% Hispanic, reflecting the diverse demographics of the Bay Area. About 87.28% of the 14,953 students come from in-state, with a nearly even gender split of 51.15% men and 48.85% women.

Does De Anza College offer athletic programs?

De Anza College fields 13 varsity sports with 275 total athletes competing as the Mountain Lions. The college competes as an independent institution rather than in a formal conference. Athletic scholarships are not offered, with $0 in athletic scholarship funding, typical for California community colleges.