About Oak Valley College
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
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
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
- 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
- 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.
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