Taft College: $1,108 Tuition

$1,108Tuition

3,216Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,861Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Taft College

Taft College trains students for careers in petroleum technology and agriculture, two industries that define California's Central Valley. The college serves 3,216 students in the small town of Taft, where oil derricks dot the landscape. Nearly two-thirds of students are Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of this agricultural region. The college has built strong partnerships with local oil companies and farms, creating direct pipelines from classroom to career.

Students pay an average net price of just $2,699 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in California. Graduates earn a median of $38,861 ten years after enrollment, delivering solid returns on a minimal investment. Only 17.88% of students receive federal Pell grants, suggesting many come from working-class families who earn just above poverty thresholds. The low debt burden means graduates can enter the workforce without crushing loan payments.

The Cougars compete in eight varsity sports with 138 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. Nearly all students are California residents, with 99.05% coming from in-state. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the practical, hands-on training that prepares students for immediate employment in specialized technical fields.

Academics & Faculty

Taft College specializes in petroleum technology and agriculture programs that reflect the Central Valley's economy. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though professors remain accessible for career-focused training. Students pursue certificates and associate degrees in oil field technology, welding, and agricultural sciences. The 33.8% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing degrees or enter the workforce after earning industry certifications. Nearly all students come from California, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through partnerships with local oil companies and farms, preparing students for immediate employment in regional industries.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,861

Campus Life

Taft College sits in California's Central Valley oil country, about two hours north of Los Angeles and 45 minutes from Bakersfield. With only 118 beds for 3,216 students, just 3.7% live on campus. Most students commute from nearby towns or live independently in Taft, a working-class community of 9,000 people built around petroleum and agriculture.

The desert climate means hot, dry summers where you'll need sunscreen and light clothing, plus mild winters that rarely require heavy coats. With 99% of students from California and a student body that's 67% Hispanic, the campus reflects the local community's character. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than four-year colleges, but professors know the oil and agriculture industries that employ many graduates.

Weekends often revolve around the eight varsity sports teams, though with 138 total athletes among 3,216 students, most social life happens off-campus. Many students work part-time jobs in local oil fields or farms while completing their associate degrees. The semester system allows students to balance coursework with family and work responsibilities.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 118 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1922

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	1	0
Arson	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–59°F
July Avg: 67°–98°F
Annual Precipitation: 6.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Taft College draws overwhelmingly from California's Central Valley, with nearly all students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting the surrounding agricultural community that the college has served since 1922. Men slightly outnumber women, likely due to the school's strong petroleum technology program that attracts students to the local oil industry. Few students receive Pell Grants compared to typical community colleges. The college maintains deep local roots, training workers for the region's dominant agriculture and energy sectors rather than pursuing a broader geographic reach.

Men: 53.7%
Women: 46.3%
White: 18.1%
Black: 4.0%
Hispanic: 66.8%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 99.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.9%

Location

Taft sits in California's Central Valley, about 35 miles southwest of Bakersfield. The town of 9,000 people emerged as an oil boomtown in the early 1900s. Rolling hills dotted with oil derricks and agricultural fields define the landscape around campus. Nearly all students come from California, with 99.05% classified as in-state residents. The remote setting means limited off-campus entertainment options. Students often drive to Bakersfield for shopping and dining. The college serves a predominantly Hispanic community, with 66.76% of students identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Housing capacity reaches only 118 students, so most commute from nearby communities. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Taft College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Taft, California 93268

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,861
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,293
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Taft College?

Taft College has an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, accepting virtually all applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements. The school enrolls 3,216 students and serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in the Central Valley oil region.

How much does Taft College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,699 annually, making Taft one of the most affordable college options in California. In-state tuition is just $1,108, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $2,182 after aid.

What is Taft College known for academically?

The college specializes in petroleum technology and agriculture programs that align with the local economy of Kern County. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, students get hands-on training in industries that power the Central Valley.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Taft College?

Taft achieves a 33.8% six-year graduation rate and maintains an impressive 94.9% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median of $38,861 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical, career-focused nature of the programs.

Where do students live at Taft College?

The campus houses only 118 students in on-campus facilities, as 99.05% of the student body comes from California. Most students commute from the surrounding agricultural communities rather than living on campus.

Does Taft College offer athletic scholarships?

Taft provides no athletic scholarships despite fielding eight varsity sports teams with 138 total athletes. The Cougars compete as an independent program, focusing on participation opportunities rather than recruited talent.