San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield: 820 Students

820Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,317Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield trains students for immediate entry into high-demand careers through hands-on programs in healthcare, business, and technology. The career college serves 820 students in California's Central Valley, focusing on practical skills over academic theory. Students choose from programs designed to get them working quickly rather than pursuing four-year degrees.

The financial picture tells a mixed story for the school's working-class student base. Students pay an average of $23,393 after aid, which hits low-income families particularly hard since 56.73% receive Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $38,317 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt of $10,674 with monthly payments around $113. The return on investment works better for some programs than others, though the 30.16% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle financially.

The student body reflects Bakersfield's demographics, with 68.17% Hispanic students and 67.68% women dominating enrollment. Nearly all students come from California, creating a tight-knit community focused on local career opportunities. The 92.5% employment rate shows the college successfully places graduates in jobs, though the 47.80% six-year graduation rate indicates many students don't finish their programs.

Academics & Faculty

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield operates as a private career college focused on job-ready training rather than traditional academics. The school specializes in healthcare, business, and technology programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. With 820 students and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small for hands-on learning. The 47.80% graduation rate reflects the challenges many career college students face balancing work and school. Healthcare programs like medical assisting and respiratory therapy anchor the curriculum. Students earn a median of $32,791 one year after graduation, with 92.5% finding employment. The emphasis stays on practical skills over theory, with labs and clinical rotations preparing students for immediate career entry.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,317

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$58,719
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Certificate	$46,869
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Associate	$43,798
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Associate	$41,441
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Certificate	$39,009
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$34,921
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$28,666
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$26,313
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$24,765
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$24,596

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

San Joaquin Valley College sits in California's Central Valley agricultural center, where summer temperatures regularly hit 100+ degrees and you'll need sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats. The campus serves 820 students in a commuter-focused environment where 99.08% come from California. With women making up 67.68% of enrollment, the student body reflects the region's demographics with 68.17% Hispanic students.

Daily life revolves around intensive career training rather than traditional college activities. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller, hands-on classes in healthcare labs and business simulation rooms. Most students balance coursework with jobs or family responsibilities since this is a working-student campus. Weekend life typically involves studying, work, or family time rather than campus events. The college focuses on getting students job-ready quickly, with a 92.5% employment rate showing the practical focus works. Students often form study groups around their program concentrations, creating tight-knit professional networks that extend beyond graduation into local healthcare facilities and businesses.

Setting: City-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–58°F
July Avg: 70°–97°F
Annual Precipitation: 6.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

This Bakersfield career college draws overwhelmingly from California, with 99% of its 820 students staying in-state for practical job training. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strong healthcare programs where female enrollment typically dominates. The campus serves a predominantly Hispanic community, mirroring Bakersfield's demographics and the college's role as a local workforce pipeline. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, showing the school's mission to provide career training for working-class families seeking stable employment in healthcare, business, and technology fields.

Men: 32.3%
Women: 67.7%
White: 13.2%
Black: 5.0%
Hispanic: 68.2%
Asian: 4.2%
In-State Students: 99.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 56.7%

Location

San Joaquin Valley College sits in Bakersfield, California's eighth-largest city with over 380,000 residents. The campus draws 99.08% of its students from California, reflecting its strong local ties. Bakersfield anchors the southern Central Valley, roughly 110 miles north of Los Angeles and 280 miles southeast of San Francisco. This agricultural center is known for oil production and country music heritage, earning the nickname "Nashville West." The flat valley landscape contrasts with the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains to the east. The region's working-class character aligns with the college's career-focused mission, serving a student body that is 68.17% Hispanic. Students considering colleges in California may also compare San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bakersfield, California 93309-2659

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,317
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,245
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 30.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $113/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,674

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield?

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield operates as an open-enrollment career college, meaning most students who apply and meet basic requirements are admitted. The college focuses on hands-on training for healthcare, business, and technology careers rather than selective admissions. With 820 students enrolled, the school prioritizes accessibility for working adults and career changers.

How much does San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,393 annually after financial aid is applied. About 57% of students receive financial assistance, with many qualifying for Pell Grants due to the school's focus on serving working-class families. Monthly loan payments average $113 for graduates who borrow money.

What programs is San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield known for?

The college specializes in career-focused programs in healthcare, business, and technology with hands-on training approaches. Students work with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in technical skills development. The school targets practical job preparation rather than traditional academic subjects.

What are the job prospects after graduating from San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield?

Graduates achieve a 92.5% employment rate, reflecting the school's career-focused mission. The median earnings reach $38,317 ten years after graduation, with most students finding work in healthcare and technical fields. However, only 48% complete their programs within six years, indicating challenges with program completion.

Where do most San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield students come from?

Nearly all students (99%) come from California, with the majority living in the Central Valley region. The student body is 68% Hispanic and 68% female, reflecting the local demographics of Bakersfield. The college serves as a regional training center for residents seeking career advancement without relocating.

How much debt do San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield graduates typically have?

Graduates who borrow money leave with a median debt of $10,674, which is relatively low for career college programs. About 61% of students take out federal loans to finance their education. The loan repayment rate stands at 30%, suggesting some graduates face challenges paying back their educational investments.