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Public, 2-year

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, California · www.cos.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$9,038

In-state $1,394

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

14,494

Student-faculty ratio 29:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

32.8%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 39.0%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The College of the Sequoias, located in Visalia, California, is a community college renowned for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering student success. Established in 1926, it serves a diverse population of students, offering a wide range of programs and services tailored to meet the needs of the community. The college's motto, "Empowering Student Success," reflects its dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment conducive to learning. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the college offers over 150 degree and certificate programs, including transfer pathways to four-year universities, vocational training, and continuing education opportunities.

The college boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and a well-equipped library, which enhance the learning experience for students. In addition, the campus is known for its vibrant student life, which includes various clubs, organizations, and events that promote engagement and community involvement. The college's athletic programs also provide students with opportunities to participate in sports and develop teamwork skills. With a strong focus on student support services, including counseling, tutoring, and career services, the College of the Sequoias is committed to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals, making it a pivotal institution in the region.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

The data from the College of the Sequoias reveals significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention over the years. Since 2014, in-state undergraduate tuition has remained stable, hovering around $1,362 to $1,394. In contrast, the tuition for out-of-state undergraduates has seen a notable increase, starting from $5,922 in 2014 and escalating to $8,338 by 2023. This sharp rise in out-of-state tuition reflects the broader national trend of increasing costs for non-resident students, which can be a deterrent for prospective applicants.

Graduation rates have also shown a positive trajectory, particularly in the percentage of students graduating on time. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from approximately 7.15% in 2013 to about 16.08% in 2023. This increase is significant as it indicates improved academic support and resources for students, suggesting that more students are successfully completing their degrees within the standard timeframe. Furthermore, the extended graduation rate, which measures those graduating within 150% of the expected time, also increased from approximately 22.21% to 33.59%, highlighting the institution's commitment to student success.

Retention rates have fluctuated but generally remain around the mid-60% range, peaking at 71.61% in 2020. The slight drop to 64.48% in 2022 could indicate challenges faced by students, possibly exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the retention rebounded to 68.83% in 2023, signaling a positive shift toward maintaining student enrollment and engagement.

These trends collectively illustrate the evolving landscape of higher education at the College of the Sequoias, emphasizing the importance of affordability, academic support, and student retention strategies in fostering a successful educational environment.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Fresno, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), about 40 mi
Visalia, California
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Brent Calvin (Superintendent/President)
Phone
5597303700
City
Visalia, California
Address
915 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277-2214

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2,2793 international (0.1%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
721
Psychology, General
170
Business Administration and Management, General
151
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
151
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
115
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
103
Sociology, General
71
Child Care Provider/Assistant
62
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs
56
Art/Art Studies, General
47

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at College of the Sequoias

The graduation data from the College of the Sequoias in 2023 reveals significant insights into the trends of academic achievement across various fields. Notably, the most prominent degree awarded is the associate degree, with a total of 107 graduates across different disciplines. This highlights the college's role in providing accessible education and vocational training, particularly in fields like Human Services and Sociology, which produced 14 and 56 graduates respectively.

Interestingly, there are no graduates reported for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees in any field, indicating that the institution primarily focuses on associate degrees. This could reflect a strategic choice to cater to the community's needs for immediate employment skills rather than pursuing advanced degrees.

Moreover, the absence of international students graduating in higher-level degrees suggests that the College of the Sequoias may not be positioned to attract or support graduate-level international students effectively. This is an area for potential growth as global student mobility continues to rise.

As institutions worldwide adapt to the evolving job market, the emphasis on associate degrees can be seen as a response to the demand for skilled labor. However, in a landscape where higher education credentials increasingly correlate with better job prospects, the lack of bachelor’s and higher degrees might limit graduates' opportunities in competitive fields.

Overall, the data indicates a clear focus on foundational education, yet it also poses questions about the institution's long-term strategic direction in a rapidly changing educational environment.

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

Liberal arts has 726 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$28,889
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.$28,889
Businesshas 186 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.$35,821
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Health professionshas 181 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physical Therapy Assistant.$60,954
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).-
Athletic Training/Trainer.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$102,557
Psychology has 170 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.$22,106
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 144 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Homeland security has 122 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Corrections.$31,521
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$31,521
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician.-
Social sciencehas 94 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 88 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Dance, General.-
Graphic Design.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Music, General.-
Human science has 69 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General.-
Child Care Provider/Assistant.$22,807
Apparel and Textile Marketing Management.-
Agricultural has 63 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.-
Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production.-
Crop Production.-
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General.-
Educationhas 56 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs.-
Communication has 35 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Journalism.-
Computer and information sciencehas 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Technology.-
Computer Science.-
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Legal professionshas 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Studies.-
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Mechanic and repair has 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Foreign languages has 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Spanish Language and Literature.-
American Sign Language (ASL).-
History has 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
English has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
Physical scienceshas 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Engineeringhas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Culinary has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General.-
Biologyhas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Architecture has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Architectural Technology/Technician.-
Construction trades has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Electrician.-
Building Construction Technology/Technician.-
Cultural has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Women's Studies.-
Precision production has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Public administrationhas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Human Services, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Philosophy has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Philosophy.-

Students

14,494 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 70.8%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (14,494)

Hispanic
10,475 · 72.3%
White
2,583 · 17.8%
Asian
506 · 3.5%
Two or more races
412 · 2.8%
Black
251 · 1.7%
Unknown
200 · 1.4%
International
19 · 0.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
17.5%
18–19
34.0%
20–21
16.0%
22–24
10.6%
25 and over
21.9%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at College of the Sequoias in 2023

The data from the College of the Sequoias in 2023 reflects a diverse student body, particularly notable among undergraduate freshmen and seniors. The total enrollment for freshmen is 2,326, with a nearly balanced gender ratio of 50.2% male and 49.8% female. This indicates a healthy environment for both genders, fostering a sense of equality among new students.

For undergraduate seniors, the total number is significantly higher at 7,433, but the gender ratio is less balanced, with only 40.5% male and 59.5% female. This disparity could suggest various factors, including retention rates or differences in academic interests that attract more female students to certain programs.

Transfer students also reflect a similar trend, with 621 enrolled and a gender ratio of 44.3% male and 55.7% female. This slight imbalance mirrors the findings for seniors, raising questions regarding the academic paths pursued by different genders at various stages of their education.

The overall enrollment data reveals a substantial number of students across different races and ethnic backgrounds. However, it is essential to consider the increasing diversity in higher education, where institutions strive to create inclusive environments. The presence of international students and varied ethnic groups enriches the academic experience, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Overall, the figures suggest that while gender ratios may vary within different cohorts, the College of the Sequoias is fostering an engaging and diverse educational atmosphere conducive to all students. Continued efforts to analyze and address these dynamics will be crucial for ensuring equitable opportunities and support for all individuals in the academic community.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at College of the Sequoias

The age demographic data from the College of the Sequoias reveals some interesting trends regarding the composition of students. The most significant group is represented by students under 18, comprising 36.4% of the total female population and 41.5% of the total student body. This points to a strong presence of younger students, which could be indicative of the college's appeal to high school graduates.

The 18-19 age group also showcases a robust enrollment, making up 26.9% of the total male and 28.8% of the total female students. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that many students transition directly from high school to college, underscoring the role of community colleges in providing accessible education.

As students age, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. For instance, the 22-24 age group accounts for only 6.4% of total male students and 10.5% of total female students. This trend continues as we examine older age brackets, where the percentage of enrolled students sharply decreases, suggesting that community colleges may need to enhance outreach and support programs for non-traditional students.

Moreover, the data shows no representation of graduate male students, highlighting a potential area for growth in graduate programs. This absence could reflect broader trends in higher education where many students choose to enter the workforce after obtaining their undergraduate degrees instead of pursuing further education.

Overall, while the College of the Sequoias successfully attracts a substantial number of younger students, there remains an opportunity to engage older demographics and graduate-level students, further diversifying its academic community.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.1%

19 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.3%2017: 0.2%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.1%2020: 0.1%2021: 0.1%2022: 0.1%2023: 0.1%2024: 0.1%2025: 0.1%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at College of the Sequoias

The data on international student enrollment at the College of the Sequoias reveals a significant decline in the percentage of international students over the years from 2004 to 2023. In 2004, the proportion of international students among undergraduates was 0.19%, which saw fluctuations but generally declined to approximately 0.09% by 2023. This downward trend raises concerns about the institution's appeal to international students, especially in recent years marked by global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changing immigration policies.

The peak of international enrollment occurred in 2016, where the percentage reached 0.29%. However, a sharp decline followed, with the lowest point occurring in 2021 and 2022, where only 0.07% of the student body were international students. This reduction may indicate a combination of factors including increased scrutiny on international admissions, logistical challenges during the pandemic, and perhaps a shift in global student mobility patterns.

Furthermore, as many colleges and universities strive to create diverse environments, the declining numbers could impact the overall educational experience for domestic students as well. International students often bring diverse perspectives and cultural experiences that enrich the academic community.

In conclusion, the trend of decreasing international student enrollment at the College of the Sequoias serves as a reflection of broader challenges facing the higher education sector. It emphasizes the need for institutions to adapt and implement strategies that enhance their attractiveness to international students in an increasingly competitive global education market.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$31,538

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$9,038
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$1,394
Room and board
$22,500
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 29% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 150%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$192M

Government grants and contracts
$174M90.9%
Tuition and fees
$5.8M3.0%
Investment return
$4.8M2.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.6M1.4%
Gifts and private grants
$411K0.2%
Other
$3.8M2.0%

Expenses$179M

Instruction
$56.6M31.6%
Scholarships
$34.7M19.4%
Institutional support
$26.3M14.7%
Student services
$21.9M12.2%
Academic support
$8.7M4.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$8.0M4.5%
Other
$23.1M12.9%

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.

All faculty
$113,444peers $68,588
Instructor
$113,444peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
2025
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football75-
Track and Field (Outdoor)4726
Soccer2726
Swimming and Diving (combined)2115
Baseball35-
Basketball1113
Tennis1311
Cross Country158
Equestrian-16
Volleyball-15
Softball-13
2024
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football86-
Soccer2926
Track and Field (Outdoor)3817
Baseball33-
Basketball1514
Swimming and Diving (combined)199
Equestrian-20
Tennis118
Volleyball-18
Cross Country86
Softball-13
2023
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football92-
Track and Field (Outdoor)4717
Soccer3026
Swimming and Diving (combined)2116
Baseball30-
Basketball1310
Softball-18
Cross Country98
Volleyball-13
Tennis-12
Equestrian-12

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near the College of the Sequoias:

  1. California State University-Fresno - Ranked 185, this university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its diverse student body and strong community engagement.

  2. University of California-Santa Barbara - With a rank of 35, UCSB is renowned for its research programs and beautiful campus located by the ocean. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

  3. University of the Pacific - Ranked 148, this university provides a personalized education with small class sizes and a strong emphasis on professional programs.

  4. California Institute of Technology - One of the top-ranked universities in the world at rank 7, Caltech specializes in science and engineering and is known for its rigorous academic standards.

  5. Stanford University - An elite institution ranked 3, Stanford is recognized for its cutting-edge research, distinguished faculty, and vibrant campus life.

  6. Claremont McKenna College - This liberal arts college is ranked 11 and is known for its focus on economics, government, and public affairs.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and are known for their strong reputations in higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
28
Drug arrests
25
Arson
4
Aggravated assault
3
Liquor arrests
2
Robbery
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at College of the Sequoias

The crime statistics at the College of the Sequoias reveal a concerning trend over the past decade. From 2013 to 2017, the crime rate per 1000 students steadily increased, peaking in 2017 with a rate of 3.43. This surge may be attributed to various factors, including a rise in campus population or an increased awareness and reporting of incidents. Notably, the types of crimes reported include gun-related arrests, drug arrests, and alcohol-related incidents, which are critical areas that require attention from campus authorities.

In subsequent years, particularly from 2018 to 2021, there was a fluctuation in crime rates, with 2019 recording the highest rate of 3.66 before dropping to 1.51 in 2022. This may suggest that the college has implemented effective measures to address crime, or perhaps there was a shift in student behavior and activities. The significant drop in 2023, with a crime rate of just 0.68, indicates a notable improvement, which is promising for campus safety.

It's essential for the administration to continue monitoring these trends, focus on preventive strategies, and promote a culture of safety among students. Engaging in community-building initiatives and providing resources for reporting and addressing crime can further enhance campus security. As we reflect on these statistics, it is crucial to consider the broader societal issues contributing to crime and to continually strive for a safer educational environment. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: crime rate calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of College of the Sequoias include Bray Wyatt (Professional wrestler best known for WWE), Joseph James Dengelo (Golden State Killer, serial killer and former police officer) and Steve Perry (Former lead singer of Journey).

More alumni (6, by field)

Sports

  • Yunss Akinocho 1987–

    Moroccan-French basketball player

  • Jamal Britt 1998–

    Track and field hurdler

    Also attended: University of Iowa

  • DeeAndre Hulett 1980–

    Former professional basketball player

  • Dave Marshall 1943–2019

    MLB outfielder for Giants, Mets and Padres

  • Daryl Patterson 1943–2025

    Major League Baseball pitcher

  • Steve Stroughter 1952–2018

    Former Seattle Mariners designated hitter and left fielder

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

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.