About Irvine Valley College
Students pay remarkably little for their education here. After financial aid, the average net price drops to just $1,886 annually. Low-income families pay only $638 per year, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive Orange County. Graduates earn a median of $49,156 ten years after starting, while carrying just $6,500 in debt. Monthly loan payments average a manageable $69. The return on investment works especially well for students planning to transfer to UC Irvine or other nearby universities.
The student body reflects Orange County's diversity, with Asian students comprising 30% of enrollment and Hispanic students making up 25%. Nearly 89% of students come from California, drawn by in-state tuition of $1,156 compared to $10,996 for out-of-state residents. The 57.5% six-year completion rate shows solid results for a community college serving part-time and working students.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 30:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 28.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,156
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 |
Campus Life
The Mediterranean climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round but never a heavy winter coat. Campus life revolves around getting to class and getting out, though the Lasers field 10 varsity sports with 197 total athletes. The student body reflects Orange County's diversity: 29.95% Asian, 28.67% White, and 24.95% Hispanic students create a multicultural environment. With a 30:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger lecture halls typical of community colleges.
Most students work part-time jobs in Irvine's tech corridor or nearby retail centers. Weekends often mean heading to nearby beaches, Disneyland, or back home to family. The campus lacks the traditional college social scene, but students appreciate being embedded in one of America's safest, most master-planned cities. Study groups often migrate to local coffee shops and libraries.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1985
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–67°F
- July Avg
- 61°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 14.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 52.3%
- Women
- 47.7%
- White
- 28.7%
- Black
- 2.2%
- Hispanic
- 25.0%
- Asian
- 30.0%
- In-State Students
- 88.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.6%
Location
- Address
- Irvine, California 92618-0301
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,156
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,015
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $69/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Irvine Valley College?
Irvine Valley College maintains open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 9,577 students and attracts a diverse population with 30% Asian students and 25% Hispanic students. This accessibility makes it a popular transfer pathway to four-year universities in Orange County.
How much does Irvine Valley College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of just $1,886 after aid, with the lowest-income families paying only $638 annually. In-state tuition starts at $1,156 before financial assistance. Only 21% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already affordable pricing structure.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Irvine Valley College?
Classes average 30 students per faculty member, which is typical for California community colleges. The college focuses on transfer preparation and career programs rather than research. Students benefit from practical, hands-on learning despite the larger class sizes common in the community college system.
Does Irvine Valley College have good job outcomes for graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $49,156 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 85.7%. The college's location in affluent Orange County provides strong job market access. Monthly loan payments average just $69, reflecting the school's low-debt approach to education.
Where is Irvine Valley College located and what's the campus like?
The campus sits in Irvine, one of California's most planned and affluent cities in Orange County. Students compete as the Lasers in 10 varsity sports with 197 total athletes. The suburban setting offers safety and proximity to major employers while maintaining reasonable living costs for community college students.
What makes Irvine Valley College unique among community colleges?
The college boasts a 57.5% six-year graduation rate, higher than many community colleges nationwide. Founded in 1985, it serves as a key transfer feeder to UC Irvine and other strong California universities. The diverse student body reflects Orange County's multicultural demographics, with nearly 30% Asian enrollment.
