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$1,238Tuition
12,470Students
41%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,678Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Los Angeles Valley College

Los Angeles Valley College serves the sprawling San Fernando Valley with practical career training and university transfer programs. The college enrolls 12,470 students on its Valley Glen campus, where over half are Hispanic students reflecting the diverse local community. LAVC has built its reputation as a stepping stone for students heading to four-year universities and those seeking immediate job skills in high-demand fields like nursing, automotive technology, and media arts.

Students pay an average net price of $10,200 annually, making this one of California's more affordable college options. In-state tuition runs just $1,238 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,678 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $10,500. The 82.1% employment rate shows most students find work after completing their programs. Monthly loan payments average only $111, making the financial burden light for most graduates.

The Monarchs compete in 10 varsity sports with 200 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. With a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at four-year schools. The 41.2% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students transfer before completing degrees here or attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Los Angeles Valley College serves over 12,000 students as a full community college offering transfer preparation and career training programs. With a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at four-year institutions, requiring students to be proactive about seeking help. The college is particularly known for its strong nursing program, which has built a solid reputation in the San Fernando Valley healthcare community. Students can also pursue career certificates in aviation, automotive technology, and media arts. The 41% six-year completion rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees at Valley College.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
27:1
Full-Time Faculty
30.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
41.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,678

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $60,839
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,318

View all 92 programs →

Campus Life

Valley Glen sits in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves 12,470 students in a sprawling suburban setting where palm trees line wide boulevards and strip malls. You'll need sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50 degrees. Over half the student body is Hispanic (50.88%), reflecting the Valley's diverse working-class communities.

As a commuter college, students drive to campus from across the Valley and beyond. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, especially for general education courses. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, juggling shifts at local restaurants, retail stores, or entertainment industry gigs. Weekends typically involve heading home to family or picking up extra work hours. The 200 student-athletes competing in 10 varsity sports bring some school spirit to campus, though most social connections happen in study groups or transfer preparation programs rather than traditional college parties.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1949

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 6 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 0 0 0
Fondling 2 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
45°–67°F
July Avg
64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
13.9"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Los Angeles Valley College draws heavily from the local San Fernando Valley community, with 95% of students coming from California. The student body is majority Hispanic at 51%, reflecting the demographics of the surrounding neighborhoods. Women outnumber men 57% to 43%, typical for community colleges where many students pursue health sciences, education, and transfer programs. About one-quarter of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training in the entertainment capital.
Men
43.4%
Women
56.6%
White
31.7%
Black
5.7%
Hispanic
50.9%
Asian
5.5%
In-State Students
94.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.9%

Location

Valley Glen sits in the San Fernando Valley, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves a sprawling suburban region known for its strip malls, family neighborhoods, and entertainment industry connections. With 94.67% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local Valley communities. The area offers typical Southern California weather and easy freeway access to both LA's job market and recreational destinations. Students can reach Hollywood in 30 minutes or Malibu beaches in 45 minutes. The Valley has shed its sleepy reputation to become a tech center, with major companies relocating from expensive coastal areas. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Los Angeles Valley College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Valley Glen, California 91401-4096
LAVC marquee
LAVC marquee
LAVC front sign
LAVC front sign

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,678
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,873
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,600
Loan Repayment Rate
39.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Los Angeles Valley College?

Los Angeles Valley College has an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students who have graduated high school or earned a GED. The college serves 12,470 students and maintains a 27:1 student-faculty ratio. Founded in 1949, LAVC focuses on providing accessible higher education to the diverse San Fernando Valley community.

How much does Los Angeles Valley College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,200 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income students with families earning under $30,000 pay around $9,486, while those from higher-income families may pay up to $14,791. Only 25.94% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's already low tuition structure.

What academic programs is Los Angeles Valley College known for?

LAVC operates on a semester system and offers transfer preparation alongside career training programs. The college maintains smaller class sizes than many universities with its 27:1 student-faculty ratio. Students can choose from numerous associate degree and certificate programs designed to either transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.

What career outcomes do Los Angeles Valley College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $42,678 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 82.1%. The college achieves a 41.20% six-year graduation rate, which is solid for a community college serving a diverse student population. Those who borrow money graduate with a manageable median debt of $10,500 and monthly loan payments of $111.

Where is Los Angeles Valley College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Valley Glen, California, in the heart of the San Fernando Valley within Los Angeles. With 56.58% women and 43.42% men, the student body is majority Hispanic at 50.88%, reflecting the local community demographics. The Monarchs compete in 10 varsity sports with 200 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships.

Is Los Angeles Valley College a good value for transfer students?

LAVC offers exceptional value with in-state tuition of just $1,238 annually, making it an affordable pathway to a four-year degree. The college's location in Los Angeles provides easy transfer opportunities to nearby Cal State and UC campuses. With 94.67% of students coming from California, LAVC serves as a crucial stepping stone for local students seeking higher education.