About Gavilan College
Gavilan College serves as the academic foundation for South Bay students seeking affordable higher education and career training. The college enrolls 4,410 students in its rural-fringe setting in Gilroy, building strong pathways to four-year universities while offering robust workforce preparation programs. Founded in 1919, Gavilan has deep roots in the community and maintains a focus on practical education that meets local employment needs.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $923 per year after financial aid, making college accessible to working-class families. Even middle-income families earning $48,000-$75,000 face only $3,999 in annual costs. Graduates earn a median of $47,169 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on their modest investment. The employment rate of 89.3% shows most students successfully transition to the workforce or transfer to four-year schools.
Nearly all students come from California, with 99.57% classified as in-state residents. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 65.44% of enrollment. The Rams compete in eight varsity sports with 167 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes but keeps costs manageable for cash-strapped students.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $923 per year after financial aid, making college accessible to working-class families. Even middle-income families earning $48,000-$75,000 face only $3,999 in annual costs. Graduates earn a median of $47,169 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on their modest investment. The employment rate of 89.3% shows most students successfully transition to the workforce or transfer to four-year schools.
Nearly all students come from California, with 99.57% classified as in-state residents. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 65.44% of enrollment. The Rams compete in eight varsity sports with 167 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes but keeps costs manageable for cash-strapped students.
Academics & Faculty
Gavilan College serves as a stepping stone for students in California's agricultural heartland, with 65% of students identifying as Hispanic and reflecting the region's demographics. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, but students still find pathways to success. Nearly 44% of students complete their programs within six years, a solid rate for a two-year institution. The college emphasizes career training alongside traditional transfer preparation, helping students either enter the workforce directly or continue to four-year universities. With 99% of students coming from in-state, Gavilan maintains strong connections to local employers and California State University campuses for seamless transfers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 26.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,169
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $32,925 |
Campus Life
Gavilan College sits in Gilroy, about 30 miles south of San Jose in California's garlic capital. The 4,410 students experience a true commuter college atmosphere with no on-campus housing options. Nearly 100% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the 24:1 student-faculty ratio.
The campus serves as a regional center where 65% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the agricultural community's demographics. Students pack sunscreen rather than winter coats, enjoying California's mild climate year-round. Weekends often mean heading home to family or working local jobs, as 89% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. The Rams compete in eight varsity sports with 167 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. Students gravitate toward career training programs that prepare them for Silicon Valley's tech industry or transfer to nearby four-year universities. The rural-fringe setting provides a peaceful study environment while keeping students connected to the Bay Area's opportunities.
The campus serves as a regional center where 65% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the agricultural community's demographics. Students pack sunscreen rather than winter coats, enjoying California's mild climate year-round. Weekends often mean heading home to family or working local jobs, as 89% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. The Rams compete in eight varsity sports with 167 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. Students gravitate toward career training programs that prepare them for Silicon Valley's tech industry or transfer to nearby four-year universities. The rural-fringe setting provides a peaceful study environment while keeping students connected to the Bay Area's opportunities.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1919
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–60°F
- July Avg
- 54°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Gavilan College draws students from across the agricultural South Bay, with nearly two-thirds of enrollees coming from Hispanic families. The student body reflects the working-class communities surrounding Gilroy, where many families are earning their first college degrees. Women slightly outnumber men on campus, typical for community colleges focused on healthcare and business programs. Almost all students live within driving distance, creating a tight-knit campus where classmates often work together in local industries. The 4,410 students represent the diverse agricultural workforce that defines this corner of California.
- Men
- 47.0%
- Women
- 53.0%
- White
- 21.0%
- Black
- 2.0%
- Hispanic
- 65.4%
- Asian
- 4.6%
- In-State Students
- 99.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.1%
Location
Gavilan College sits in Gilroy, California, about 30 miles southeast of San Jose. The campus serves a predominantly Hispanic student population at 65.44%. Gilroy calls itself the "Garlic Capital of the World" and maintains its agricultural character despite growing tech industry influence from nearby Silicon Valley. The rural-fringe setting offers small-town atmosphere with access to major metropolitan opportunities. Nearly all students are California residents at 99.57%. The location provides affordable living compared to pricier Bay Area cities while maintaining connectivity to job markets. Rolling hills and farmland surround the community college. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Gavilan College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Gilroy, California 95020
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,169
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,642
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 34.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the enrollment process like at Gavilan College?
Gavilan College serves 4,410 students in the heart of Gilroy's agricultural region. As a community college, the school maintains open enrollment for students seeking career training or transfer preparation to four-year universities.
How much does Gavilan College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Gavilan College is just $2,244, making it highly affordable for local students. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $923 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $1,506.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Gavilan College?
Gavilan College maintains a 24:1 student-faculty ratio across its career training and transfer programs. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on serving the South Bay area's workforce development needs.
What are the job prospects for Gavilan College graduates?
Graduates achieve an 89.3% employment rate with median earnings of $47,169 after ten years. The college's strong career training programs prepare students for the region's agriculture, technology, and healthcare industries.
Where do most Gavilan College students come from?
Nearly all students (99.57%) come from California, with the student body being 65.44% Hispanic and 53.04% female. The college serves as a local anchor institution in Gilroy's diverse agricultural community.
Does Gavilan College offer athletic programs?
The Rams compete in 8 varsity sports with 167 total athletes as an independent athletic program. Founded in 1919, the college balances academics with athletics but focuses primarily on career preparation rather than athletic scholarships.
