
If you want to get started in school, but aren't ready to shell out $7,500 a year, Palo Verde College may be the place for you. Located in Riverside County in Southern California, PVC offers California residents a less expensive start. Counselors will assist you in obtaining a two-year Associate in Science degree or transfer to a California State school, the University of California, or a private institution.
Classes are less than $50 per unit for in-state students and about $100 for Arizona residents because of a special Guest Agreement. Out of state students will pay around $230 per unit. Most classes are 3 or 4 units and tuition is collected at the beginning of each semester.
PVC is located near the Arizona/California border where the temperature tops 90°(f) most days. PVC is situated in the Sonoran Desert near the Colorado River. The school opened in 1947 with just 17 students and as of the latest reporting date, there were over 2,600.
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services helps to retain high-risk students such as those who have language or economic handicaps and those who have made previous unsuccessful attempts by motivating them and offering various methods of assistance.
These programs help to break down some of the barriers to education; they offer child care, meal assistance, as well as additional help in transferring to a four-year school and much more.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $13,800. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $1,400-$1,700
- Out-of-State: $7,900-$9,468
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $46-$55 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $260-$320 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 | 84% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 84% | $3,458 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Palo Verde College may provide student services like:
- Distance learning
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial courses
- Career path counseling
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Many community colleges are not only a source of technical or career training but also a stepping stone for students to transfer-out to a 4-year college, therefore we have included both graduation and transfer rates below and how this school compares against other community colleges in Riverside County and the community colleges in California as a whole.
Palo Verde College | Riverside County | California | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 19.8% | 21.8% | 24.3% |
Transfer-out Rate | 9.9% | 13.2% | 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 Palo Verde 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,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Small Business Management (C)
- Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services (C)
Communication Technology
- Animation (C)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology (A, C)
- Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications (C)
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
- Computer Graphics
Construction Trades
Engineering Technology
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Humanistic Studies (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (C)
Precision Production
- Welding (A, C)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
- Fire Prevention (C)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Palo Verde College.
- Copper Mountain College in Joshua Tree, CA (95 miles away)
- Barstow Community College in Barstow, CA (158 miles away)
- Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, CA (217 miles away)
- Porterville College in Porterville, CA (297 miles away)