About Palo Alto College
Students pay an average of $4,374 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable paths to higher education in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $37,448 ten years after enrollment, while typical student debt sits at just $13,393. Monthly loan payments average $142, reflecting the college's commitment to keeping education accessible. Only 25% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low sticker price outright.
The student body reflects San Antonio's demographics, with 78% Hispanic enrollment and 61% women. Nearly 99% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 30:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the college's focus remains on practical skills and job placement. With an 88% employment rate after graduation, Palo Alto delivers on its workforce development mission.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 30:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,448
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,119 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $26,933 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,933 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $18,087 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $16,169 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $11,851 |
Campus Life
Campus life revolves around weekday classes and evening programs designed for working students. With 60.99% of students being women and many juggling jobs or family responsibilities, social life tends to be more informal than at traditional four-year schools. Students often study in the library between their day and evening classes or grab food at the student center. The Palominos compete in intramural sports, but weekend activities usually happen off-campus in San Antonio's downtown district, just a short drive north. Many students use weekends to work, spend time with family, or participate in community events throughout the city.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–64°F
- July Avg
- 75°–96°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 29.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.0%
- Women
- 61.0%
- White
- 12.3%
- Black
- 5.3%
- Hispanic
- 77.7%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 98.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.3%
Location
- Address
- San Antonio, Texas 78224-2499
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,448
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $40,423
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $142/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,393
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Palo Alto College?
As a community college, Palo Alto College has an open admission policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The college serves 7,723 students primarily from San Antonio's south side, with 98.68% coming from Texas. Nearly 78% of students are Hispanic, making it a vital educational pathway for the local Latino community.
How much does Palo Alto College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $4,374 per year, making it highly affordable for working families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $3,745 annually. Only 25.27% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role as an accessible option for those seeking career training without overwhelming debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Palo Alto College?
The student-faculty ratio is 30:1, which is typical for large community colleges focused on efficiency. Classes emphasize practical workforce training and transfer preparation to four-year universities. The college operates on a semester system and serves as part of the respected Alamo Colleges District.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Palo Alto College?
Graduates achieve an 87.7% employment rate, demonstrating the college's strong workforce connections. Median earnings reach $37,448 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the value of career-focused programs. The college's emphasis on practical skills training helps students enter San Antonio's growing job market quickly.
Where is Palo Alto College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in San Antonio's large urban environment, serving the south side of the city. With nearly 61% female enrollment, the campus attracts many non-traditional students balancing work and family responsibilities. The Palominos athletic teams provide school spirit for this commuter-focused institution.
Does Palo Alto College help students transfer to four-year universities?
The college maintains a 34% six-year graduation rate, which includes both certificate completions and transfers to universities. Students typically carry manageable debt loads of $13,393 with monthly payments of just $142. As part of the Alamo Colleges District, it offers clear pathways to Texas universities for students seeking bachelor's degrees.
