History of Ventura College
The first college in Ventura County was established in 1925 when a junior college department was added at Ventura Union High School. In 1952, Ventura Junior College was renamed Ventura College, and in response to a study regarding local educational needs, identified as a separate two-year institution for the freshman and sophomore years of college.
In 1955, the College moved to its present 112-acre hillside campus at 4667 Telegraph Road in the eastern part of Ventura – so close to the ocean that there is a clear view of the Channel Islands from several spots on campus.
In 1962, the voters of Ventura County authorized the formation of a community college district separate from any other public school entity. Ventura College is now a comprehensive community college serving a diverse population of college-age and adult students who pursue a wide variety of transfer, vocational and other educational goals. The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) now includes two additional colleges, Moorpark College and Oxnard College, and serves more than 36,000 students, 96.5% of whom are California residents. The District Administrative Center offices are located 761 E. Daily Drive in Camarillo.
About Ventura College
VC provides the opportunity for nearly 10,000 students each semester to earn an Associate degree, complete certificates, and upgrade job skills. The college also offers a range of prospects for students to enhance their college experience outside the classroom through student activities, leadership opportunities, and athletics.
Ventura College was the first community college in the state to offer a tuition Promise Program with the support of public and private donors to the Ventura College Foundation. Since its inception, tuition costs of more than $4 million have been paid to over 22,000 students. The Ventura College Promise model and data were instrumental in the recent creation of the statewide California College Promise Program. Beginning in the fall of 2019, this statewide initiative combined with the support of the VC Foundation will be able to cover the tuition and other fees for most first-time, first-year, full-time students who meet eligibility requirements.
Ventura College has offered educational opportunities in Ventura County for almost 99 years. This legacy contributes to our college’s strong foundation, on which we provide high-quality instruction and support services delivered by outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators, who are focused on student success. VC provides a range of programs for our diverse student population to enable university transfer and job preparedness by providing flexible day and evening class schedules, online courses, and additional programs on our Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula, CA. At VC, we know our students’ academic journeys are not always easy. As such, the college also offers financial, academic, and health support services to help eliminate barriers to boost your college success.
Ventura County is composed of a unique blend of rural and urban communities. VC values our connections with industry, government, and educational partners by being an active and contributing member of our community. These partnerships help create both unique opportunities for the college and pathways for our students into transfer universities, as well as employment.
Additionally, we have transfer agreements with all California State Universities, University of California, and many private higher education institutions to facilitate access into baccalaureate programs.
Accreditation
Ventura College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, 415-506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Student Status
50%
17%
7%
23%
3%
28.3%
71.7%
40%
2.5%
| STUDENT GENDER | |
|---|---|
| Female | 55.6% |
| Male | 42.2% |
| Unreported | 2.2% |
| STUDENT ETHNICITY | |
|---|---|
| Hispanic | 64.1% |
| White | 22.9% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 5.0% |
| Multiple | 3.6% |
| Black | 2.3% |
| Other | 1.9% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| ENROLLMENT STATISTICS | |
|---|---|
| Student Count | 10,350 |
| Student Average Age | 24.5 |