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$1,156Tuition
3,205Students
32%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$49,517Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Napa Valley College

This community college sits in the heart of California's wine country and has built a reputation around programs that reflect its unique location. Napa Valley College enrolls 3,205 students and offers standout programs in viticulture and culinary arts that tap directly into the region's world-famous food and wine industry. The small city setting puts students right in the middle of one of America's top agricultural regions.

Students pay an average net price of $14,046 after aid, which positions this as an affordable entry point into higher education. Graduates earn a median of $49,517 ten years after starting school, creating a strong return on investment for the modest median debt load of $10,147. Monthly loan payments average just $108, making the financial burden manageable for most students. Only 19% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many can afford the low in-state tuition of $1,156 without borrowing.

The student body is 49% Hispanic and draws almost entirely from California, with 97% coming from in-state. Women make up 59% of enrollment. The Storm compete in seven varsity sports with 94 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. With a 92% employment rate, graduates find work readily in the region's thriving hospitality and agriculture sectors.

Academics & Faculty

Napa Valley College leverages its location in California's wine country to offer nationally recognized programs in viticulture and winemaking. The college's culinary arts program attracts students who want to work in high-end restaurants and wineries throughout the region. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in hands-on learning environments like the campus vineyard and teaching kitchen. The 31.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. Strong industry partnerships mean graduates often find employment at local wineries, restaurants, and hospitality businesses. The college also serves as a transfer pathway for students planning to complete bachelor's degrees at four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
39.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
31.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,517

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $89,841
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $69,338
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Associate $58,673
Social Sciences, General. Associate $19,592

View all 60 programs →

Campus Life

Napa Valley College sits in the heart of California's wine country, about 60 miles north of San Francisco. The campus serves 3,205 students with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that keeps classes intimate. Nearly 97% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 59% of enrollment, while Hispanic students represent the largest demographic at 49%.

The Mediterranean climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with warm, dry summers perfect for studying outdoors. As a community college, NVC has no residential housing, so students commute from throughout Napa Valley. Weekends often revolve around the region's famous wineries and culinary scene, which directly connects to the school's standout viticulture and culinary programs. The Storm athletic teams field 94 total athletes across 7 varsity sports. Students frequently find weekend work in local restaurants and vineyards, gaining real-world experience while earning money. The campus culture reflects its agricultural roots, with many students balancing academics with hands-on industry experience.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1942

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 15 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 3
Aggravated Assault 0 0 1 1
Dating Violence 0 0 2 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 2
Robbery 0 0 1 1
Rape 0 0 0 1
Stalking 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
40°–58°F
July Avg
55°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
26.7"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Napa Valley College draws overwhelmingly from California, with 96.63% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the region's diverse agricultural workforce, with Hispanic students making up nearly half the enrollment at 48.89%. Women outnumber men 59% to 40%, likely reflecting strong interest in the college's hospitality and health programs. The school serves as an affordable pathway for local families, with many first-generation college students entering workforce-focused programs. Students typically balance coursework with jobs in the valley's thriving wine and tourism industries.
Men
40.8%
Women
59.2%
White
22.6%
Black
4.1%
Hispanic
48.9%
Asian
13.9%
In-State Students
96.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.1%

Location

Napa Valley College sits in Napa, California, about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco in the heart of California's famous wine country. The college serves a region known worldwide for its vineyards and culinary excellence. Napa's small-city setting offers students access to both agricultural traditions and tourism industries that drive the local economy. The 3,205 students experience life in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and premium wineries. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong ties to the local community. The area blends rural charm with sophisticated food and wine culture. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Napa Valley College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Napa, California 94558-6236

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,517
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,424
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$38,800
Loan Repayment Rate
44.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$108/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,147

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Napa Valley College?

Napa Valley College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, accepting all students who can benefit from instruction. The college enrolls 3,205 students with 96.63% coming from California. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students in wine country seeking affordable higher education.

How much does Napa Valley College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,046 annually, though costs vary by family income. In-state tuition runs just $1,156 while out-of-state students pay $11,908. Only 19.05% of students receive federal Pell grants, reflecting the college's role serving local working families.

What academic programs is Napa Valley College known for?

The college operates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs centered on California's wine industry. Napa Valley College has built a strong reputation for viticulture and culinary arts programs that connect directly to the region's famous wineries and restaurants. The college follows a traditional semester calendar system.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Napa Valley College?

Graduates achieve a 91.8% employment rate with median earnings of $49,517 ten years after enrollment. The 31.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the community college mission of serving part-time and working students. Monthly loan payments average just $108, making the financial investment manageable for most graduates.

What is campus life like at Napa Valley College?

The Storm compete as independents across 7 varsity sports with 94 total athletes. Women comprise 59.16% of the student body while the college serves a diverse population that is 48.89% Hispanic and 22.62% White. The small city setting in Napa provides access to both educational opportunities and the region's well-known wine industry.

Does Napa Valley College offer programs related to the wine industry?

The college capitalizes on its location in California's top wine region with specialized viticulture programs. Founded in 1942, Napa Valley College has developed deep connections to local wineries and agricultural businesses. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities in one of the world's most famous wine-producing areas.