About Diablo Valley College
Students pay an average net price of $6,142 annually, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive California. In-state tuition runs just $1,312 before aid. Graduates see their investment pay off quickly, with median earnings hitting $51,378 ten years after enrollment. Most students graduate with modest debt loads of $10,021, and monthly loan payments average only $106. The employment rate of 83.1% shows that DVC delivers practical results for students entering the job market.
The student body reflects the diverse East Bay community, with Hispanic students making up 30.73% of enrollment and Asian students representing 18.22%. Nearly all students (93.50%) come from California. The Vikings compete in 17 varsity sports with 253 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. Class sizes average 24 students per faculty member.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,378
Campus Life
This is a commuter school where students drive in from across Contra Costa County and beyond. The student-faculty ratio of 24:1 means you'll share professors with plenty of classmates in lecture halls. The diverse student body reflects the Bay Area's demographics, with 30.73% Hispanic students, 29.53% White students, and 18.22% Asian students. Since there's no on-campus housing, weekends revolve around off-campus activities in the surrounding suburbs or trips into Berkeley and San Francisco. The Vikings compete in 17 varsity sports with 253 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Most students balance classes with work, given that 83.1% find employment and many transfer to four-year universities after completing their studies here.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1949
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 41°–58°F
- July Avg
- 58°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 17.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.2%
- Women
- 49.8%
- White
- 29.5%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 30.7%
- Asian
- 18.2%
- In-State Students
- 93.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.7%
Location
- Address
- Pleasant Hill, California 94523
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,378
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,209
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $106/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,021
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Diablo Valley College?
Diablo Valley College operates under California's open enrollment policy for community colleges, meaning virtually all applicants are accepted. The college serves 14,734 students and draws 93.50% of its student body from California residents. This accessible approach helps the school serve as a major transfer pathway to four-year universities in the Bay Area.
How much does Diablo Valley College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,142 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income students with family incomes under $30,000 pay just $4,708 after aid, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $12,417. The school keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition of only $1,312.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Diablo Valley College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 24:1, reflecting the larger class sizes common at community colleges. Despite this ratio, DVC has built a strong reputation for academic support and transfer preparation. The college operates on a semester system and maintains its status as one of the top community colleges in California for university transfers.
What are typical earnings for Diablo Valley College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $51,378 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 83.1%. The college's location in Pleasant Hill provides access to Bay Area job markets, contributing to these solid earning outcomes. Students typically graduate with manageable debt loads, with a median of $10,021 and monthly loan payments of just $106.
Where is Diablo Valley College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Pleasant Hill, a large suburban community in the East Bay about 30 miles east of San Francisco. With 253 student-athletes competing in 17 varsity sports as the Vikings, DVC offers a more robust athletic program than many community colleges. The student body of nearly 15,000 reflects the Bay Area's diversity, with significant Hispanic (30.73%), Asian (18.22%), and White (29.53%) populations.
How successful are transfer students from Diablo Valley College?
The college maintains a 45.60% six-year graduation rate, which includes both degree completion and successful transfers to four-year institutions. DVC has earned recognition as one of California's top transfer colleges, particularly for students heading to UC Berkeley and other University of California campuses. The school's strong academic reputation helps explain why only 16.73% of students require Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-class families seeking an affordable path to a bachelor's degree.
