
Imperial Valley College, located in Imperial, California, was founded in 1922 and was originally known as Central Junior College and operated through the campus of Central Union High School. The 1922 opening of and 1947 closure of Brawley Junior College resulted in an increase in enrollment at Central Junior College due to the influx of students from around IMperial Valley, resulting in a name change of the junior college to Imperial Valley College in 1951 to better reflect the increased role and service area of the school. By 1962 the college was given a new campus which has been the school's permanent home since. The school is one of the 112 schools that comprise the California Community College System, which is the largest provider of post secondary education in the United State of America.
Academics
Imperial Valley College offers residents and enrolled students a variety of study options through its many academic and career oriented programs. Students interested in academic transfer will complete the first two years of a four year education at IVC followed by transfer to a four year college or university to continue one's education and complete their bachelor's degree. Transfer to a public institution in the California State University System or the University of California System is facilitated through agreements in place that guarantees admission for students if certain academic conditions are met. Students interested in transfer to out of state or private schools should meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum that best meets the admissions requirements of the desired school or schools.
Career and technical programs provide specialized education in a specific field, allowing enrolled students to become professionals through the training and skill development provided by the program. Individuals will take classes that offer both theoretical and practical education, allowing students to use studies methods and techniques in controlled environments that simulate real world settings, allowing students to experience and perfect the necessary skills for gainful employment in their chosen field of study. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Imperial Valley College is an open enrollment institution that allows any student who meets the minimum requirements for admission to enroll by submitting a completed application and paying all associated fees. Students should also supply transcripts and standardized test scores. Students lacking ACT or SAT scores may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration. Participation by new students orientation as well as a meeting with a counselor to discuss program enrollment and curriculum are highly encouraged.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine a student's financial needs and aid program eligibility. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $3,400. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $1,300-$1,500
- Out-of-State: $6,900-$8,266
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $46-$55 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $220-$260 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 85% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 84% | $6,283 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Imperial Valley College may offer student services like:
- Online classes
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Student employment
- Assistance to find work
- Day care for children
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges offer a variety of career and transfer options for students. The following table shows the graduation and transfer-out rates for Imperial Valley College, versus those community colleges in California, which can be valuable information for determining which school to attend.
IVC | Imperial County | California | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 17.3% | - | 24.3% |
Transfer-out Rate | 11.1% | - | 13.8% |
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Imperial Valley College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Agriculture (A)
- Crop Production (C)
- Agricultural Business (A)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Banking and Financial Services (A, C)
- Office Management and Supervision (A, C)
- Sales Manager (A, C)
Communications and Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology (A)
- Computer Science (A)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (A)
- Web Design (A)
Construction Trades
Education
Engineering
- Pre-Engineering
Engineering Technology
- Refrigeration Technology (A, C)
- Recycling Technology (A, C)
- Energy Management
- Engineering Technology
English Language and Literature
- English (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
Foreign Languages and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
History
- History (A)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Legal Professions and Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
- Humanistic Studies (A)
Library Science
- Library Assistant
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Electrical Equipment Installation and Repair (C)
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Industrial Electronics Technology (A, C)
- Auto Body
Physical Sciences
- Physical Sciences (A)
Precision Production
- Welding (A, C)
Psychology
- Psychology (A)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Human Services (A, C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
- Corrections Officer (A, C)
- Fire Science (C)
- Fire Prevention (A, C)
Social Sciences
- Social Science (A)
- Sociology (A)
- Political Science (A)
- Anthropology (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (A)
- Music
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Imperial Valley College.
- Palo Verde College in Blythe, CA (75 miles away)
- College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA (83 miles away)
- Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, CA (84 miles away)
- Grossmont College in El Cajon, CA (88 miles away)
- Southwestern College - Chula Vista in Chula Vista, CA (88 miles away)