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$16,100Tuition
52Students
44%Grad Rate (6-yr)
Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Code 108

About Oak Valley College

Oak Valley College operates as one of California's smallest private institutions with just 52 students enrolled. This tiny Christian college in Rialto focuses on providing highly personalized education in an intimate setting. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. Half the student body identifies as Hispanic, reflecting the diverse Inland Empire community surrounding campus.

The financial picture tells a story of accessibility despite private tuition of $16,100. Students typically pay just $5,805 after aid, making this one of California's most affordable private options. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families. The average institutional grant of $12,526 covers most of the sticker price. No students take federal loans, suggesting families can manage costs without borrowing.

The graduation rates reveal the challenges facing such a small institution. Only 42% of students graduate within four years, and 44% finish within six years. The 73% retention rate means about one in four students transfer after freshman year. These numbers suggest Oak Valley works best for students who thrive in very small environments and can navigate the limited resources that come with micro-college enrollment.

Academics & Faculty

Oak Valley College serves just 52 students with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio that creates an intensely personal academic environment. This small private college focuses on individualized education where professors know every student by name. The 41.67% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who persist benefit from strong faculty attention. With 100% of students coming from California, the college maintains strong connections to local communities and employers. The trimester calendar system allows for focused, intensive coursework throughout the year. Students receive substantial financial support, with 40.38% getting institutional grants averaging $12,526, making the education accessible despite the intimate setting.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
7:1
Graduation Rate (4-year)
41.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
43.5%
Retention Rate
73.3%

Campus Life

Oak Valley College operates with just 52 students, creating an intimate campus where everyone knows each other by name. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors who track your progress closely. Half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the diverse San Bernardino County community surrounding this small Rialto campus.

Rialto sits about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, close enough for weekend trips to beaches or city attractions but far enough to maintain a quiet suburban feel. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this desert climate where winter temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees. The trimester system keeps academic pace brisk, with breaks that align well with California's sunny weather patterns.

With 100% of students coming from California, most commute from nearby areas rather than living on campus. The 73% retention rate suggests students either love the close-knit environment or struggle with the intense personal attention. Weekend activities likely center around small group gatherings and regional attractions like nearby mountains or desert recreation areas.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Trimester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
44°–67°F
July Avg
64°–93°F
Annual Precipitation
11.6"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Oak Valley College draws entirely from California, reflecting its deep roots in the Inland Empire community. Half the student body is Hispanic, making it a Hispanic-serving institution that mirrors Rialto's demographics. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment with just 52 total students. Nearly 45% receive Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to serving working-class families. Women slightly outnumber men at 56% to 44%. This small Christian college functions more like an extended family than a traditional campus, where every student knows their professors personally.
Men
44.2%
Women
55.8%
White
36.5%
Black
11.5%
Hispanic
50.0%
Asian
0.0%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
44.7%

Location

Oak Valley College sits in Rialto, California, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles in the Inland Empire region. The suburban setting serves a tight-knit community of just 52 students who are all California residents. Rialto lies in the San Bernardino Valley, surrounded by the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, giving students access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. The area has grown as part of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan sprawl, transforming from agricultural land to suburban neighborhoods. With half the student body being Hispanic and strong financial aid support averaging net costs under $6,000, the college reflects the diverse, working-class character of the Inland Empire. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Oak Valley College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Rialto, California 92377

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student experience like at Oak Valley College?

Oak Valley College serves just 52 students with an intimate 7:1 student-faculty ratio. This tiny private college in Rialto operates on a trimester system and maintains strong ties to its religious mission. The close-knit community means every student gets personal attention from professors.

How much does Oak Valley College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,805 annually, making this one of the most affordable private colleges in California. The school charges $16,100 for tuition regardless of residency status. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,632 on average after aid.

What are the academics like at Oak Valley College?

The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures students work closely with professors in small classes. About 73% of students return for their second year, though the school serves a population that often faces financial and academic challenges. The trimester calendar allows for intensive coursework throughout the year.

What are the graduation outcomes at Oak Valley College?

About 42% of students graduate within four years, with the six-year rate reaching 43.5%. These modest completion rates reflect the school's mission of serving first-generation and low-income students who often need extra support. The college primarily serves Hispanic students, who make up 50% of enrollment.

Where do Oak Valley College students come from?

Every single student at Oak Valley College comes from California, creating a tight regional community. The student body is 56% female and diverse, with 50% Hispanic students, 37% white students, and 12% Black students. This reflects the demographics of the Inland Empire region where the college operates.

Does Oak Valley College provide good financial aid?

Nearly 45% of students receive financial aid, with the average institutional grant reaching $12,526. The college serves many Pell Grant recipients, representing 45% of the student body. Remarkably, no students take federal loans, suggesting the aid packages cover most costs for this low-income population.