Palo Alto College
About Palo Alto College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Palo Alto College teaches on the south side of San Antonio, one of the Alamo Colleges, and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Teacher education and cosmetology are among its largest programs, alongside the transfer track.
Founded
1983
Location
San Antonio, Texas
Students
8,801
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
33%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$3,412
Out-of-state: $9,952
Avg Net Price
$4,463
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$37,448
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
May 1
Regular
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
33% complete their degree within three years
Retention
57%
Transfer Out
12.2%
Teaching Quality
30:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
49.6%
$/Student
$6.2K
Class Size
Large
The 33% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$3,412
In-State
$9,952
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$500
Total Cost of Attendance
$11,946
After Financial Aid
$4,463
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,680
Receive Grants
26.6%
Take Loans
2.3%
Tuition is $3,412/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $4,463.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Palo Alto College fund their education.
While in School
26.6%
Get Grants
Free money
2.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$22,304
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$13,393
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$142/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $13,393, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Palo Alto College.
Gender
62.7%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
8,801
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
63.8%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
22.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 63.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
8,801
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Palo Alto Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$37,448
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$34K
1099 grads
4yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$29K
81 grads
1yr Earnings
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
—
47 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$45K
32 grads
4yr Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services
—
25 grads
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
—
15 grads
Median earnings are $37K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Palo Alto College
How much does Palo Alto College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Palo Alto College?▾
How much do Palo Alto College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.