Glendale Community College: $1,181 Tuition

$1,181Tuition

9,807Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,540Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Glendale Community College

This San Fernando Valley institution draws nearly 10,000 students who appreciate its proximity to both downtown LA and Hollywood. Glendale Community College serves as a transfer pathway to four-year universities and offers career training programs that reflect the region's entertainment and healthcare industries. The campus sits in a diverse midsize city where 92% of students come from California.

The financial picture here makes sense for most families. Students typically pay around $7,500 after aid, though those from lower-income families pay closer to $6,500. Graduates earn a median of $41,540 ten years out, while carrying just $8,972 in debt. Monthly loan payments average only $95, making this one of the more affordable paths to career advancement in expensive Southern California.

The student body reflects the area's diversity, with 29% Hispanic students and 55% white students creating a representative mix of the region. With 16 varsity sports teams and 329 student athletes, there's a modest but active athletic presence. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but 75% of graduates find employment. Only 3% of students take federal loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

Academics & Faculty

Glendale Community College serves as a transfer center for students heading to four-year universities, with strong programs in nursing, automotive technology, and aviation maintenance. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though professors often have real-world industry experience. Only 33% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the part-time nature of many community college students who work while attending. The college excels in career technical education, offering hands-on training in fields like culinary arts and graphic design. Students benefit from small-town attention within a larger urban setting, with faculty focused on practical skills and transfer preparation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,540

Campus Life

Glendale Community College sits in the heart of Glendale, just 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus sprawls across 100 acres in a city of 200,000, giving students access to major entertainment and job markets while maintaining a smaller community feel. You'll need sunscreen year-round as temperatures average 75°F, with minimal rainfall and over 280 sunny days annually.

As a commuter school with no on-campus housing, all 9,807 students drive to campus daily. The student-faculty ratio of 25:1 means larger class sizes are common. With 47% men and 53% women, the gender split stays relatively balanced. Nearly 92% of students come from California, creating a primarily local community.

Weekends often involve work since 75% of students are employed. The college fields 16 varsity sports teams with 329 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Many students transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees. The Hispanic population represents 29% of enrollment, reflecting Glendale's diverse demographics. Students frequently study at nearby coffee shops or the Americana shopping center between classes.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1927

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	2
Dating Violence	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–68°F
July Avg: 62°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Glendale Community College draws heavily from its local San Fernando Valley community, with 92% of students coming from California. The student body reflects the area's diversity, with Hispanic students making up 29% of enrollment alongside a white majority. Over one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of serving working-class families seeking affordable education. The nearly even gender split suggests balanced program offerings that appeal equally to men and women. Students typically come here for career training, transfer preparation, or job skills while staying close to home.

Men: 47.2%
Women: 52.8%
White: 54.5%
Black: 2.5%
Hispanic: 29.0%
Asian: 7.5%
In-State Students: 91.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.3%

Location

Glendale Community College sits in the heart of Glendale, California, just 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves a diverse population with 28.95% Hispanic and 54.52% white students. Glendale itself is a midsize city known for its entertainment industry connections and proximity to major Hollywood studios. Students benefit from being in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area while avoiding the higher costs of living directly in LA. The college draws heavily from the local community, with 91.61% of students coming from in-state. The urban setting provides access to internships and job opportunities in entertainment, healthcare, and business sectors throughout the San Fernando Valley. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Glendale Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Glendale, California 91208-2894

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,540
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,972

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Glendale Community College?

Glendale Community College has an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, meaning qualified students are generally accepted. The school serves 9,807 students and maintains strong transfer partnerships with Cal State and UC systems. About 92% of students come from California.

How much does Glendale Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,461 after aid, with in-state tuition at just $1,181 annually. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, and low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,488 net. The school keeps costs low as part of California's affordable community college system.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Glendale Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 25:1, which is typical for large community colleges. Founded in 1927, Glendale has built a reputation for strong transfer programs and career training. The college operates on a semester system and serves the diverse San Fernando Valley area.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Glendale Community College?

Graduates earn a median of $41,540 ten years after enrollment, with a 75% employment rate. The school is known for practical career programs alongside academic transfer tracks. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $8,972 and monthly loan payments of $95.

Where is Glendale Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Glendale, a midsize city in the Los Angeles metro area known for its proximity to Hollywood and Burbank studios. With 329 student athletes across 16 varsity sports, the college offers competitive athletics without athletic scholarships. The student body is 53% female and reflects California's diversity with 29% Hispanic and 55% white students.

Does Glendale Community College have a good graduation rate?

The six-year graduation rate is 33%, which reflects the part-time nature of many community college students who work while attending. Many students transfer before completing degrees, making this metric less meaningful than at four-year schools. The college has served as a stepping stone to universities and careers since 1927.