Palo Verde College
Out-of-state tuition
$13,800
In-state $1,380
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
3,833
Student-faculty ratio 22:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
14.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 20.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Palo Verde College, located in Blythe, California, is a community college that offers a wide range of educational opportunities to its diverse student body. Established in 1947, the college has a long-standing commitment to providing accessible and affordable education. One of the key features of Palo Verde College is its emphasis on student-centered learning, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The college offers various degree programs, certificate programs, and vocational training, ensuring that students can find the path that best suits their career goals.
The college's campus is equipped with modern facilities, including well-appointed classrooms, computer labs, and a library that supports both academic and personal research. Furthermore, Palo Verde College promotes a vibrant campus culture, encouraging students to participate in various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that enhance their college experience. The college also prioritizes student support services, offering academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling to help students succeed in their studies and transition smoothly into the workforce. With a strong focus on community engagement and partnerships, Palo Verde College plays a vital role in the local community, preparing graduates for successful careers and active citizenship.
Analysis of Key Educational Data at Palo Verde College
Palo Verde College, as a public institution, demonstrates significant trends in tuition costs, student retention, graduation rates, and gender enrollment ratios. Over the years, tuition for in-state undergraduates has remained stable at $1,380, while out-of-state tuition has seen a notable increase, rising from $7,890 in 2015 to $13,800 by 2024. This stark contrast may deter potential out-of-state students and impact enrollment figures, particularly for non-residents seeking affordable education.
Retention rates exhibit a fluctuating trend, with a peak of 68.9% in 2017 but dropping to 43.75% in 2021. The inconsistent retention rates could reflect broader challenges faced by students, possibly exacerbated by economic factors or institutional support fluctuations. However, the retention rate rebounded to approximately 59.3% in 2023, suggesting that ongoing efforts to improve student engagement and support services may be bearing fruit.
Graduation rates have shown a promising upward trajectory, with the on-time graduation rate increasing from 14.9% in 2013 to 30.2% in 2023. This improvement may indicate enhanced academic support and advising, contributing to higher student success. Conversely, the 150% graduation rate, which captures those who take longer to graduate, saw less dramatic change, hovering around 34.9% in 2023.
The gender enrollment ratio has also shifted, with male students consistently making up a larger portion of the undergraduate population, peaking at 87.6% in 2021 before slightly declining to 86.4% in 2023. This gender imbalance may prompt discussions about outreach and support for female students, aiming to cultivate a more inclusive educational environment.
Overall, while Palo Verde College faces challenges such as rising out-of-state tuition and fluctuating retention rates, the advancements in graduation rates and ongoing efforts to engage a more balanced student demographic are encouraging signs for the institution's future.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, distant
- Nearest major city
- Phoenix, about 150 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about 110 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Bruce Moses (Superintendent/President)
- Phone
- 7609215500
- City
- Blythe, California
- Address
- One College Drive, Blythe, CA 92225
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Palo Verde College
The graduation data from Palo Verde College for 2023 reveals a prevalent trend towards associate degrees, with a total of 263 graduates in this category. Notably, the Humanities/Humanistic Studies program stands out, boasting the highest number of graduates at 163. This could indicate a strong interest in liberal arts education, which is crucial for developing critical thinking and communication skills.
In contrast, other fields such as Information Technology, Education, and Engineering show no graduates at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate levels. This lack of higher degree completions could signal a gap in advanced educational opportunities or a need for more robust programs to attract students in these growing fields, especially as the demand for skilled professionals in technology and education sectors continues to rise.
Furthermore, the data indicates that there are no international students graduating with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees, suggesting a need for enhanced recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse student body. This is particularly relevant in the current globalized education landscape, where international students contribute significantly to the diversity and vibrancy of college communities.
Overall, while the number of associate degree graduates is commendable, the absence of higher degree completions raises questions about the college's capacity to support students in more advanced academic pursuits. Addressing these disparities could enhance both the educational offerings and the overall reputation of Palo Verde College.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | - | |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
Students
3,833 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 83:17 · Freshman retention 51.6%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,316
- First-year undergraduates 94
- Transfers and others 1,423
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,833)
Data insights
Palo Verde College Student Demographics in 2023
The student demographics at Palo Verde College for the year 2023 offer a glimpse into the composition of the student body, highlighting both diversity and gender disparities. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 667 students, with a striking 88.2% identified as male. This predominance of males continues in the undergraduate sophomores, where males constitute 88.1% of the 3,009 students. The trend persists with undergraduate transfer students, who have a male representation of 90.0% among 411 students.
Interestingly, the overall representation of females is notably low across these groups, with the percentages being 11.8% for freshmen, 11.9% for sophomores, and a mere 10.0% for transfer students. This gender imbalance raises questions about the factors contributing to such disparities, particularly in a time when educational institutions are striving for inclusivity and equal representation.
The demographics also reveal a rich tapestry of ethnic backgrounds within the student body, although specific numbers are lacking for the undergraduate sophomores and transfer students. In the case of freshmen, there are 216 white students, making up a significant portion of the group, which reflects broader trends seen in many community colleges across the United States.
As educational institutions continue to evolve, it will be crucial for Palo Verde College to assess these trends and implement strategies that promote both gender equity and ethnic diversity. Addressing these imbalances could foster a more inclusive environment that benefits all students, preparing them for a diverse world.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Palo Verde College
The age distribution of students at Palo Verde College reveals interesting trends regarding the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 40-49 age range, comprising a significant 43.1% of the total male student body and 38.4% of the total female student body. This trend suggests that the college is attracting a mature demographic, possibly due to the accessibility of higher education programs for adult learners.
Additionally, the data indicates a strong presence of students aged 30-34, making up 21.6% of the male population and 22.6% of the female population. This aligns with a growing trend across American colleges, where non-traditional students, often balancing work and family commitments, seek to enhance their skills or change careers.
Interestingly, there are very few students under the age of 18, which raises questions about the college's appeal to younger students. The age group of 18-19 accounts for only 5.8% of male students and 10.2% of female students, indicating that the institution might not be the first choice for those immediately transitioning from high school to college.
Furthermore, the college's data shows that there are no graduate students in the provided age categories, which could suggest a focus on undergraduate programs or a lack of resources for graduate studies. As education continues to evolve, especially in light of recent trends towards online learning and flexible scheduling, Palo Verde College may benefit from programs tailored to the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students alike.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
2 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Palo Verde College
The data on international students at Palo Verde College reflects a fluctuating trend over the years from 2007 to 2023. The number of undergraduate students has varied significantly, with total enrollment reaching a peak of 4,639 in 2023. However, the presence of international students remains strikingly low throughout this period.
In 2007, there was only one international undergraduate student, representing a mere 0.02% of the total undergraduate population. This figure saw a slight increase over the years, peaking at 0.11% in 2020, when five international students were enrolled. Unfortunately, the overall percentage of international students in the undergraduate program rarely exceeded 0.1%, indicating a persistent challenge for the college in attracting international learners.
This trend is reflective of broader challenges faced by many community colleges in the United States, which often struggle to compete with larger universities that offer a wider array of resources and support for international students. The low numbers could also be influenced by external factors such as immigration policies, global events, and the economic climate, which can impact students' decisions to study abroad.
As we look ahead, Palo Verde College may benefit from targeted recruitment efforts and enhanced support services to increase its appeal to international students. Emphasizing cultural diversity and providing robust academic and social support could be key strategies to improve these enrollment figures in the coming years.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$39,567
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $13,800
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,380
- Room and board
- $25,767
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 75% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 72%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$50.0M
Expenses$43.9M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 13 | 8 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 14 | 10 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 13 | 9 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego · 152.7 mi
U.S. News #137
-
University of California-RiversideRiverside · 155.1 mi
U.S. News #80
-
Arizona State University-TempeTempe · 157.4 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla · 158.8 mi
U.S. News #29
-
University of San DiegoSan Diego · 159.2 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Nevada--Las VegasLas Vegas · 171.1 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Soka University of AmericaAliso Viejo · 177.6 mi
Liberal Arts #41
-
Pitzer CollegeClaremont · 177.9 mi
Liberal Arts #44
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 178.1 mi
Liberal Arts #8
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Palo Verde College:
-
University of California-San Diego - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, UC San Diego is a prestigious research university known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and medicine.
-
Pomona College - With a rank of 4, Pomona College is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, celebrated for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.
-
Harvey Mudd College - Ranked 16th, Harvey Mudd is a private liberal arts college specializing in engineering, science, and mathematics, known for its collaborative and innovative educational approach.
-
Claremont McKenna College - This college ranks 11th and is recognized for its strong programs in government, economics, and international relations, offering a liberal arts education with a focus on leadership.
-
University of California-Irvine - Ranked 33rd, UC Irvine is known for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings, particularly in the fields of health sciences and engineering.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Palo Verde College
The crime data from Palo Verde College for the years 2013 to 2023 reveals an impressive record of zero incidents across various categories of offenses, including gun arrests, drug-related arrests, alcohol-related arrests, domestic violence, and thefts. This trend indicates a remarkably safe campus environment, which is a positive aspect for current and prospective students, as well as for faculty and staff.
In an era where many educational institutions face challenges related to campus safety, the absence of reported incidents at Palo Verde College could be attributed to effective campus security measures, community engagement, or a robust support system for students. It is also possible that the college has implemented proactive educational programs focusing on crime prevention and awareness, contributing to a culture of safety.
However, while this data is encouraging, it is essential to consider the broader context. National trends in campus crime have shown fluctuations, often influenced by various factors, including socio-economic conditions and legislative changes. The absence of crime does not necessarily equate to a lack of potential risks; it may also reflect underreporting or other systemic issues.
Overall, the data positions Palo Verde College as a safe choice for education, but it remains crucial for the institution to maintain vigilance and continue fostering a secure environment. Continuous monitoring and transparent reporting will be key to ensuring that this positive trend persists. For more information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.