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Public, 4-year

Taft College

Taft, California · www.taftcollege.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$10,852

In-state $1,108

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

4,464

Student-faculty ratio 28:1

Peer median 18 : 1

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

About

Taft College, located in Taft, California, is a distinguished community college known for its commitment to student success and educational excellence. Founded in 1922, the college has built a reputation for providing a wide array of academic programs, vocational training, and community education opportunities. With a focus on nurturing a diverse student body, Taft College offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, with popular fields including nursing, business administration, and engineering technology. The college’s dedication to student achievement is reflected in its supportive learning environment and the availability of various resources such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.

The campus culture at Taft College is vibrant and inclusive, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement. The college is home to various student organizations and clubs that cater to a wide range of interests, promoting leadership and teamwork among students. The college also emphasizes the importance of athletics, offering a variety of sports programs that encourage physical fitness and camaraderie. Additionally, Taft College is committed to providing modern facilities that enhance the learning experience, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces. With its strategic location near the oil fields of Kern County, Taft College not only serves the educational needs of local residents but also prepares students for successful careers in various industries, making it a vital institution in the region.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Taft College

The data from Taft College reveals some significant trends in tuition costs, student retention rates, graduation rates, and gender ratios over recent years.

Firstly, there has been a noticeable fluctuation in the tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, while in-state tuition was as low as $1,134 in 2016, it has gradually risen to $1,108 in 2023. In contrast, out-of-state tuition saw a sharp increase from $7,080 in 2014 to $9,076 projected for 2024. This rising cost can be a concerning trend for prospective students, particularly those from out of state, as it may deter enrollment and impact the overall diversity of the student body.

Student retention rates have demonstrated a positive trend, increasing from approximately 60% in 2013 to around 73% in 2023. This improvement indicates that more students are finding the support and resources they need to continue their education at Taft College, which is essential for fostering a successful academic environment.

Graduation rates, however, present a mixed picture. While the timely graduation rate (within 100% of the expected time) peaked at about 23% in 2020, it has since declined to approximately 16% in 2023. This decline raises questions about the challenges students face in completing their degrees, and it highlights the need for enhanced support systems to help students navigate their academic paths.

Gender ratios among undergraduate students have also shifted, with a notable increase in the proportion of female students, rising from about 39% in 2013 to nearly 47% in 2023. This shift toward a more balanced gender representation is encouraging, as it reflects a broader trend of increasing female participation in higher education.

In conclusion, while Taft College shows promising improvements in student retention and gender balance, the rising tuition costs and fluctuating graduation rates warrant further attention and action to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. These metrics are crucial for assessing the overall effectiveness and accessibility of the educational experience at Taft College.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Bakersfield, about 30 mi
Nearest international airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 100 mi
Taft, California
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Leslie Minor (Interim Superintendent/President)
Phone
6617637700
City
Taft, California
Address
29 Cougar Court, Taft, CA 93268

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate5982 international (0.3%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Biological and Physical Sciences
145
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
63
Humanities/Humanistic Studies
54
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
42
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
38
Psychology, General
34
Business Administration and Management, General
34
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
31
Child Care Provider/Assistant
21
Sociology, General
20

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Taft College

The graduation data from Taft College for 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into the trends and preferences among students. Notably, in the realm of associate degrees, Health Services and Allied Health Sciences lead with 64 graduates, indicating a strong interest in healthcare fields, which aligns with the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals globally. Additionally, Dental Hygiene also shows a significant number of graduates (16), reinforcing the importance of oral health services in community health.

In the business domain, Business Administration records 31 graduates, making it the most popular choice among business-related fields. This trend is consistent with national statistics indicating that business degrees are among the most sought after, reflecting the versatility and career opportunities they offer. However, it's noteworthy that the college has not reported international students graduating in these programs, suggesting a potential area for growth in attracting a more diverse student body.

Interestingly, the data shows a total absence of graduates in several fields, including Engineering and Education, which might indicate a lack of program offerings or student interest. This is concerning, as these areas are crucial for workforce development and social progress. Moreover, the lack of international graduates across all categories suggests a need for Taft College to enhance its appeal to international students, which could enrich the educational experience and foster global connections.

Overall, while Taft College has strong programs, particularly in healthcare and business, it may need to reevaluate its offerings and marketing strategies to attract a broader range of students, especially in the engineering and education sectors. As higher education continues to evolve, addressing these gaps will be vital for the institution’s growth and relevance in the educational landscape.

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

Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 145 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Liberal arts has 92 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.-
Health professionshas 81 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.-
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor.-
Businesshas 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Office Management and Supervision.-
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Biologyhas 42 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Psychology has 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Homeland security has 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Human science has 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Social sciencehas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sociology, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
History has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
Physical scienceshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physical Sciences, General.-
English has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
Legal professionshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Studies.-
Court Reporting and Captioning/Court Reporter.-
Engineeringhas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Foreign languages has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Precision production has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Engineering technologieshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Safety Technology/Technician.-

Students

4,464 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 50:50

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,464)

Hispanic
2,980 · 66.8%
White
766 · 17.2%
Unknown
375 · 8.4%
Black
155 · 3.5%
Two or more races
96 · 2.2%
Asian
69 · 1.5%
International
5 · 0.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
14.7%
18–19
16.4%
20–21
9.5%
22–24
9.9%
25 and over
49.4%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Taft College in 2023

The student demographic data from Taft College for the year 2023 showcases a diverse population across various categories of students. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 1,045, with a notable male representation of 67.1% compared to 32.9% female students. This significant gender disparity could influence the campus culture and may require active measures to promote gender equity and inclusivity.

For the undergraduate continuing students, the total is 2,092, showing a more balanced gender ratio with males at 53.5% and females at 46.5%. This shift towards a more equal distribution in the continuing student cohort might suggest a gradual change in the university's approach to attracting and retaining female students, which is a positive trend in higher education.

The undergraduate transfer students total 612, again reflecting a relatively balanced gender ratio with 52.1% males and 47.9% females. This consistency across different categories indicates that Taft College is likely providing a supportive environment for both male and female students, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for academic growth.

However, the demographic breakdown among different ethnic groups within the student population is essential to understand the broader context of diversity at the institution. Notably, the representation of various ethnic backgrounds among students is crucial for creating a rich educational experience that reflects society's diversity. While specific data on ethnic breakdowns are not fully available, it remains a vital area for future exploration to ensure that Taft College continues to promote inclusivity and equity among all student groups.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Taft College in 2023

The age distribution of students at Taft College in 2023 reveals a predominantly younger demographic, with the majority of undergraduates aged between 18 and 29. Specifically, students under 18 constitute a significant group, totaling 555 individuals, which indicates a strong interest among high school graduates. The age category of 25-29 also shows a noteworthy presence, indicating that many students may be returning to education after some time in the workforce.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students represented, suggesting that Taft College primarily serves as an undergraduate institution. This focus on younger students aligns with national trends, where many community colleges attract younger populations seeking to complete their foundational education before transferring to larger universities.

The data reveals a significant gender disparity among the student body. For instance, the number of male students in the under 18 category is 182, while female students in the same age group number 373. This trend continues across age categories, with females consistently outnumbering males, particularly in the younger age brackets. This may reflect broader societal trends regarding education, where females are increasingly pursuing higher education at higher rates than their male counterparts.

Furthermore, the representation of older students, particularly those aged 40-49 and above 65, is relatively low. This could point to barriers faced by older individuals in accessing education, such as financial constraints or family obligations. Overall, Taft College's student age composition highlights the institution’s role as a critical stepping stone for younger students while also raising questions about accessibility and support for non-traditional students.

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%

5 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.0%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 Taft College

The data on international student enrollment at Taft College reveals a significant decline over the years. From 2004 to 2010, the percentage of international students among undergraduates remained relatively stable, with a peak of 0.24% in 2004. However, as the years progressed, this percentage saw a steep decline, reaching as low as 0.02% in 2013 and again in 2019. The numbers reflect a troubling trend that could be attributed to various factors, including policy changes, global events, and shifting perceptions about studying abroad.

The overall undergraduate population, despite fluctuations, shows a gradual increase from 2004 to 2019, indicating that the decline in international student numbers is not due to a decrease in total enrollment but rather a diminishing interest from international students. The pandemic may have further exacerbated this decline, as seen in the years following 2019, where the enrollment of international students remained low amidst travel restrictions and safety concerns.

The absence of data on graduate students adds another layer of complexity to understanding the full picture of international enrollment at Taft College. However, the trends observed in undergraduate numbers suggest a need for strategic initiatives to attract international students, particularly as many institutions in the U.S. are actively seeking to diversify their student bodies.

In conclusion, the declining percentage of international students at Taft College underscores the necessity for targeted outreach and support programs to rekindle interest and ensure that the college remains a competitive option for students worldwide.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$18,947

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$10,852
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$1,108
Room and board
$8,095
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 60% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 64%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$76.7M

Government grants and contracts
$72.9M94.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.0M2.6%
Tuition and fees
$1.6M2.1%
Investment return
$281K0.4%

Expenses$60.3M

Instruction
$19.8M32.8%
Institutional support
$8.4M13.9%
Scholarships
$8.2M13.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$6.9M11.5%
Student services
$6.8M11.3%
Academic support
$3.5M5.7%
Research
$750K1.2%
Public service
$253K0.4%
Other
$5.8M9.6%

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
$118,487peers $68,588
Professor
$124,185peers $79,972
Associate professor
$92,781peers $69,677

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
2025
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Soccer3520
Baseball29-
Softball-15
Volleyball-14
Basketball-12
Golf66
2024
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Soccer4219
Baseball29-
Softball-16
Basketball-14
Volleyball-13
Golf72
2023
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Soccer3421
Baseball37-
Volleyball-10
Basketball-9
Golf8-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions near Taft College that you might consider exploring:

  1. California Institute of Technology - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Caltech is renowned for its rigorous science and engineering programs.

  2. University of California-Los Angeles - With a ranking of 15, UCLA is a prestigious research university known for its diverse academic offerings and vibrant campus life.

  3. University of Southern California - Ranked 28th, USC is a private research university that offers a wide array of programs and is particularly well-known for its film and business schools.

  4. Pomona College - As a highly respected liberal arts college ranked 4th, Pomona College emphasizes a strong undergraduate education with a focus on critical thinking and creativity.

  5. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, CMC is known for its economics and government programs, blending liberal arts education with leadership training.

  6. Pepperdine University - With a rank of 76, Pepperdine offers a unique blend of liberal arts education and a strong Christian ethos, situated in a beautiful coastal location.

These institutions provide a variety of academic programs and environments, catering to different educational goals and preferences.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Incidents, 2023–2025

Arson
8
Burglary
2
Drug referrals
2
Fondling
1
Aggravated assault
1
Motor vehicle theft
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 Taft College

The crime data from Taft College reveals a fluctuating trend in campus-related offenses over the years. Starting from 2013, the average crime rate per 1,000 students was relatively low at 0.70, but this number saw a notable increase by 2015, reaching 2.11. This spike may indicate a growing concern for campus safety, as more incidents were reported during that period.

Interestingly, 2016 and 2020 showed a decline in crime rates, possibly reflecting effective safety measures or community engagement initiatives. However, the year 2021 stands out with a significant rise in crime rates to 3.08, which raises questions about underlying factors contributing to this increase, such as societal issues or changes in campus policies.

In 2022, the crime rate dropped to 0.51, indicating a positive trend towards improved safety. Yet, the figure rose again in 2023 to 2.09, suggesting that while some years may have seen success in reducing crime, others have experienced setbacks.

Specific types of offenses, such as drug-related arrests and domestic violence, should be closely monitored, as they can greatly impact student well-being and the overall campus environment. The fluctuating nature of these statistics emphasizes the need for continued efforts in crime prevention and awareness on campus.

For more information on calculating crime rates, you can visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

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.