About San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria
Students pay an average of $20,549 per year after financial aid, with 62% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $38,317 ten years after completing their programs, which means the typical student makes nearly twice their annual college costs once they're working. However, the loan repayment rate is only 30%, suggesting many graduates struggle to pay back their debt despite the $10,674 median debt load being relatively modest.
The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than you'd find at most community colleges. But the school delivers on job placement, with a 92.5% employment rate for graduates. The 49% graduation rate within six years is typical for career colleges, where many students balance work and family responsibilities while completing their programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 27:1
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,317
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $23,853 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,858 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $22,094 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $21,861 |
Campus Life
As a commuter school with 100% in-state students, there's no campus housing or weekend social scene. Most of your 89.57% female classmates are local residents focused on getting job skills quickly. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means large class sizes for such a small school, but the hands-on healthcare and business programs keep you busy with practical training. Since 75.46% of students are Hispanic and most are working adults or parents, the atmosphere is serious and goal-oriented rather than social. You'll spend evenings studying at home rather than hanging out on campus, with most interaction happening during lab sessions and group projects.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 39°–63°F
- July Avg
- 53°–72°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 10.4%
- Women
- 89.6%
- White
- 11.0%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 75.5%
- Asian
- 3.1%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 62.1%
Location
- Address
- Santa Maria, California 93454-6921
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
How much does San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,549 annually, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $19,811, while those from higher-income families can expect to pay over $25,000. This career college focuses on practical training for healthcare and business fields.
What is the graduation rate at San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria?
About 49% of students complete their programs within six years. The school serves a predominantly Hispanic student population (75%) who are often first-generation college students. Most graduates enter healthcare and business careers immediately after completing their certificates or associate degrees.
How much do San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $38,317 ten years after starting school. Entry-level earnings begin around $32,791 in the first year post-graduation. The college emphasizes career-focused training that leads directly to employment in growing fields like healthcare and technology.
What is the student body like at San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria?
The school enrolls just 163 students, creating an intimate learning environment. Nearly 90% of students are women, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare fields like medical assisting and nursing. All students come from California, with three-quarters identifying as Hispanic.
Does San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria have small class sizes?
The student-faculty ratio is 27:1, which is higher than most community colleges but typical for career-focused institutions. Classes emphasize hands-on training rather than traditional lectures. The small overall enrollment means students often know their classmates well across different programs.
What makes San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria unique compared to other schools?
The college boasts a 92.5% employment rate, meaning nearly all graduates find jobs in their field of study. Over 62% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves students from low-income backgrounds who are seeking practical career training. The focus on healthcare and business programs addresses local workforce needs in the Central Coast region.
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About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.