Ventura College: $1,416 Tuition

$1,416Tuition

9,971Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,430Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Ventura College

The Pirates have sailed through nearly a century of serving Ventura County, building a reputation as a transfer powerhouse that gets students to four-year universities. This community college enrolls 9,971 students in a mid-sized coastal city known for its laid-back California vibe. The college excels at preparing students for transfer to UC and Cal State schools, with strong programs in liberal arts and career training. Students appreciate the smaller class sizes despite the 27:1 student-faculty ratio being typical for community colleges.

The financial picture looks compelling for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $1,844 net after aid, while those from middle-income families ($30-48K) pay even less at $1,803. Graduates earn a median of $43,430 ten years out, which easily covers the modest $13,876 median debt load with monthly payments of just $147. Only 0.91% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's affordability.

The student body reflects Ventura County's demographics, with 66.12% Hispanic students and 97.85% California residents. Women outnumber men 56.76% to 43.24%. The college fields 19 varsity sports with 318 total athletes competing as independents. With a 42.60% six-year graduation rate and 87.1% employment rate, students find solid pathways to both transfer and career success.

Academics & Faculty

Ventura College serves as a full community college with strong transfer preparation and career training programs. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the reality of community college education, where students often need to be self-directed learners. The 42.6% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Ventura College has built a reputation for solid liberal arts transfer programs that prepare students for California State University and University of California campuses. The college also offers robust career and technical education in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and hospitality management. Students benefit from affordable tuition at just $1,416 for in-state residents.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Full-Time Faculty: 35.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,430

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$74,576
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$29,685
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,774
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$16,169

View all 78 programs →

Campus Life

Students walk between Ventura College's 112-acre campus under California sunshine year-round, where winter coats gather dust and sunscreen stays essential. The college sits 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles in coastal Ventura, where ocean breezes keep temperatures comfortable. Nearly all 9,971 students commute from home since the community college offers no dorms. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with 66% Hispanic enrollment and 98% coming from in-state.

Weekend life centers around the nearby beaches and downtown Ventura's shops and restaurants rather than campus activities. Many students balance coursework with jobs, contributing to the 87% employment rate among graduates. The Pirates compete in 19 varsity sports with 318 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Students often transfer to four-year universities after completing general education requirements or career training programs. The relaxed coastal atmosphere suits students who prefer studying close to home while enjoying Southern California's outdoor lifestyle. Campus culture emphasizes academic preparation and workforce training over traditional college social experiences.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1925

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	0	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0	0
Statutory Rape	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–65°F
July Avg: 60°–72°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Ventura College draws almost entirely from California, with 97.85% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's strong reputation as a local community college serving the greater Ventura area. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 66%, making it a Hispanic-serving institution that mirrors the region's demographics. Women outnumber men by a significant margin at 57% to 43%. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college fulfills its community college mission of providing accessible higher education to working-class families in Ventura County.

Men: 43.2%
Women: 56.8%
White: 20.6%
Black: 2.1%
Hispanic: 66.1%
Asian: 4.5%
In-State Students: 97.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.5%

Location

Ventura sits along California's coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, about 60 miles northwest of downtown LA. The city of 109,000 offers Pacific Ocean beaches and mountain views in Ventura County. Students enjoy year-round mild weather with average temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The area blends suburban neighborhoods with agricultural land, famous for strawberry and avocado farming. Ventura's historic downtown features the San Buenaventura Mission, founded in 1782. The college draws 97.85% of its students from in-state, mostly from the surrounding region. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Ventura College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ventura, California 93003-3872

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,430
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,258
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $147/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,876

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Ventura College?

Ventura College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, enrolling 9,971 students without requiring SAT or ACT scores. The college serves as an accessible entry point for students seeking affordable higher education or looking to transfer to four-year universities.

How much does Ventura College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $2,257 annually, making Ventura College one of the most affordable options in California. With in-state tuition at $1,416 and only 25.48% of students receiving federal financial aid, most families can afford the college without taking on significant debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ventura College?

The college operates with a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but means larger class sizes than at four-year institutions. Students benefit from the college's strong transfer programs and career-focused curricula despite the higher ratio.

What do graduates of Ventura College earn after completing their programs?

Alumni earn a median of $43,430 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive employment rate of 87.1%. The college's focus on practical skills and local industry connections helps graduates secure stable employment in the Ventura County area.

Where is Ventura College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Ventura, California, a mid-size coastal city known for its beaches and agricultural heritage. Founded in 1925, the campus serves a predominantly Hispanic student population (66.12%) and reflects the diverse demographics of Ventura County.

Does Ventura College offer athletic programs?

The Pirates compete in 19 varsity sports as an independent institution, with 318 total student-athletes participating across programs. The college provides no athletic scholarships, focusing instead on affordable education and community engagement through sports.