College Profile: Palo Alto College
Palo Alto College was the culmination of a struggle that began in earnest in November 1982 when Southside community leaders, spearheaded by the Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) organization, sought and received the endorsement of Gubernatorial candidate Mark White for a community college in the under-served Southside of Bexar County.
Palo Alto College classes began with 231 students in high schools and at military installations in September 1985, and administrative offices were located at Billy Mitchell Village outside the Kelly Air Force Base gates.
When the mission-style campus opened in January 1987, the new college attracted students from throughout Bexar County and adjoining counties and was named the fastest growing college in Texas in 1991.
Consistent increases in enrollment have prompted much physical growth, specifically through the construction of new facilities for added classroom space as well as sports and recreation. The college is located on 126 acres.
As a public comprehensive community college, Palo Alto College provides exemplary, accessible education and training to a diverse and aspiring community. The College educates, nurtures, and inspires students through a dynamic and supportive learning environment, which promotes the intellectual, cultural, economic and social life of the community.
The college achieved full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1989. Its accreditation was reaffirmed in 2002.
The emphasis of Palo Alto College always has been its students. Enrollment reached a peak in Fall 2005 with 8,100 students reported. Historically, Hispanics comprise more than half of Palo Alto's enrollment, and females generally outnumber males.
In Fall 2000 Texas A&M University-Kingsville began offering junior- and senior-level courses on the Palo Alto College campus. Through the Pathway Model from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, TAMUK can operate a System Center until they reach the equivalent of 1,500 full-time students. At that time, with the approval of the Coordinating Board and the Texas Legislature, Texas A&M University-San Antonio could become a reality on the southside. The System Center offers a variety of programs, including teacher certification in some areas.
After 20 years, Palo Alto College is making a difference and moving forward to share its campus and its resources to improve its community.
210-486-3000 (general)
210-921-5316 (financial aid)
210-921-5270 (admissions)
General Information
Other Names |
|
Type |
Public, 2-year |
Control |
Public |
Size |
5,000 - 9,999 |
Campus Setting |
City: Large |
Calendar System |
Semester |
Title IV Eligibility |
Participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs |
Relgious Affiliation |
Not applicable |
College Student Services Offered
Yes |
Remedial Services | Yes |
Academic/career counseling service |
Yes |
Employment services for students | Yes |
Placement services for completers |
Yes |
On-campus day care for students' children | |
|
College Special Learning Opportunities
Yes |
ROTC | Yes |
Distance learning opportunities |
Yes |
ROTC: Army | Yes |
Study abroad |
No |
ROTC: Navy | Yes |
Weekend/evening college |
No |
ROTC: Air Force | |
|
Sources: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
More info
Palo Alto College Website
Admissions Considerations & Recommendations
Open admission policy |
Yes |
Admission test scores |
Not applicable |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language |
Not applicable |
Applicants (most recent fall period)
Admissions (most recent fall period)
Percentage of Students Submitting Test Scores
SAT Percentile Scores
ACT Percentile Scores
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid
Average Amount of Financial Aid Received
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergraduates
Average Tuition for Full-Time Graduates
Comprehensive Fee for Full-Time Undergraduates
Per Credit Hour Charge for Part-Time Undergraduates
Per Credit Hour Charge for Part-Time Graduates
Student Body
11,267 |
Student Body Size | No |
On-Campus Housing |
0 |
Fall Applicants | 0 |
Total Dormitory Capacity |
0 |
Fall Admissions | |
|
Geography
Gender
Ethnicity
College Levels Offered
Yes |
Less than one year certificate | Yes |
One but less than two years certificate |
Yes |
Associate's degree | No |
Two but less than 4 years certificate |
No |
Bachelor's degree | No |
Postbaccalaureate certificate |
No |
Master's degree | No |
Post-master's certificate |
No |
Doctor's degree | No |
First-professional degree |
|
| No |
First-professional certificate |
All Academic Programs
- Management Science, General.
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services.
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping.
- Electromechanical Technology/Electromechanical Engineering Technology.
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
- Political Science and Government, General.
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.
- Mathematics, General.
- Computer and Information Sciences, General.
- Fine/Studio Arts, General.
- Speech and Rhetorical Studies.
- Spanish Language and Literature.
- History, General.
- Teacher Assistant/Aide.
- Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- English Language and Literature, General.
- Music, General.
- Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General.
- Social Work.
- Agriculture, General.
- Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
- Engineering, General.
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
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