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$1,185Tuition
11,106Students
22%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$39,676Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About San Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino Valley College serves as a gateway to higher education for the diverse Inland Empire community. With 11,106 students on its city campus, SBVC has been preparing students for four-year transfers and career paths since 1926. The college particularly excels in workforce development programs that align with the region's growing logistics and healthcare industries. Hispanic students make up 70% of the enrollment, reflecting the surrounding San Bernardino community's demographics.

The financial picture makes SBVC highly accessible to working families. Students pay an average net price of $8,234 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $1,185. Graduates earn a median of $39,676 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on this modest investment. Only 27% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from families just above the federal aid threshold. The loan default situation remains manageable with a 33% repayment rate.

Women outnumber men 61% to 39% in the student body, typical for community colleges nationwide. The Wolverines compete in 12 varsity sports with 252 total athletes, though the athletics program operates without scholarship funding. With a 91.5% employment rate after graduation, SBVC delivers on its promise of practical career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

San Bernardino Valley College serves 11,106 students with a strong focus on transfer preparation and career training programs. The college is particularly known for its robust nursing and allied health programs, which prepare students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention despite the large enrollment. The 22% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including part-time enrollment and work obligations. SBVC offers solid pathways in business, automotive technology, and computer science. The college's semester system allows students to progress steadily through their programs while balancing work and family responsibilities common among the diverse student body.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
24:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
22.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,676

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Associate $76,460
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,109
Education, General. Associate $38,289
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $33,281
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $31,133
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $30,409
Human Services, General. Associate $27,476
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $25,194
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $20,530

View all 94 programs →

Campus Life

San Bernardino Valley College sits in California's Inland Empire, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. With 11,106 students spread across a mid-sized city campus, you'll find plenty of space to breathe. The desert climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round but can leave the heavy winter coat at home.

Women make up 61% of the student body, and the campus reflects the region's diversity with 70% Hispanic students. As a community college, nearly all students commute from home or nearby apartments since there's no on-campus housing. The 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio means classes can feel crowded, especially in popular transfer programs.

Weekend life revolves around the surrounding San Bernardino area rather than campus activities. Students often head to nearby mountains for hiking or make the drive to LA or Orange County beaches. The 252 student-athletes competing in 12 sports provide some campus energy during game days. With 91% of students from California, many have local connections that shape their social circles beyond the classroom.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1926

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 9 0 1 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 1
Fondling 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
41°–66°F
July Avg
62°–95°F
Annual Precipitation
12.9"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

San Bernardino Valley College draws primarily from the local Inland Empire community, with nine out of ten students staying close to home. The student body reflects the region's demographics, with Hispanic students making up the majority alongside smaller populations of Black, white, and Asian students. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway for working-class families seeking career training and transfer opportunities.
Men
38.8%
Women
61.2%
White
10.6%
Black
10.2%
Hispanic
70.1%
Asian
4.5%
In-State Students
90.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.0%

Location

San Bernardino sits 60 miles east of Los Angeles in California's Inland Empire region. The city of 216,000 people anchors one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Southern California. Students here experience desert climate with mountain views of the San Bernardino National Forest. The area blends suburban neighborhoods with industrial centers, offering internship opportunities in logistics and healthcare. Cost of living runs lower than coastal California cities. The campus serves a community where 70.06% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the region's demographics. Desert landscapes and nearby mountain recreation provide outdoor activities year-round. Students considering colleges in California may also compare San Bernardino Valley College with similar schools in the region.
Address
San Bernardino, California 92410-2798
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino Valley College
Auditorium, SBVC.2
Auditorium, SBVC.2

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,676
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,238
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$25,700
Loan Repayment Rate
33.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at San Bernardino Valley College?

San Bernardino Valley College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, meaning all students with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. The college serves 11,106 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the diverse San Bernardino community. Nearly 91% of students are California residents taking advantage of the affordable in-state tuition.

How much does San Bernardino Valley College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,234 annually, with in-state tuition listed at just $1,185 per year. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, and the net price varies by family income, ranging from $7,949 for middle-income families to $13,367 for the highest earners. The college keeps costs low as part of California's community college mission to provide affordable education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at San Bernardino Valley College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 24:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. San Bernardino Valley College has operated since 1926 and focuses on transfer preparation and career training programs. The college serves a predominantly Hispanic student body, with 70% of students identifying as Hispanic.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at San Bernardino Valley College?

The six-year graduation rate is 22%, reflecting the varied paths community college students take, including part-time study and transfer before completion. However, graduates achieve a 91.5% employment rate and earn a median salary of $39,676 ten years after enrollment. Many students use the college as a stepping stone to transfer to four-year universities rather than completing their degree here.

Where is San Bernardino Valley College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in San Bernardino, a mid-sized city in California's Inland Empire region. With 252 student athletes competing in 12 varsity sports as the Wolverines, the college maintains an active athletic program despite offering no athletic scholarships. The student body is 61% female and represents the diverse demographics of the San Bernardino area.

Does San Bernardino Valley College offer good financial aid beyond federal programs?

Only 4.17% of students receive institutional grants from the college, with those grants averaging $5,093. The college's strength lies in its low base tuition rather than extensive scholarship programs, and just 0.27% of students take out federal loans. This reflects the community college model of keeping education affordable upfront rather than relying heavily on financial aid packages.