About Palomar College
Palomar College was founded in 1946, and today is a public, two-year community college with six campus sites located throughout San Diego County, California. The mission of Palomar College is “to provide an engaging teaching and learning environment for students of diverse origins, experiences, needs, abilities, and goals.” Palomar partners with universities, employers, the military, student assistance programs, and others on grants and other initiatives.
Students take classes to either earn an associate’s degree or to transfer credits to a four-year institution, in addition to programs for earning a professional certificate. Many programs are offered completely online. These are ideal for busy students who work well independently and have solid study skills. Classes are offered through an online Learning Management System, television, and video.
Accreditation & Licensing
Palomar College is accredited by:
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC)
Type:
2-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Associate's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 27,097 ; Graduate: Not applicablePercent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 29% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
38%Transfer Rate:
8%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$42,300Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
45%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$3,553Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Palomar College
All Programs
Business
Palomar College gives many students a practical way to finish early college work and keep moving. It offers a wide range of classes, so students can build a steady schedule each term. Many use Palomar as a transfer starting point and shape a clear path over time.
Cost is a big strength. Palomar is often more affordable than a university, which is a key reason many students begin here. With steady pacing, students can make solid progress toward an associate degree, including through online coursework.
Support at Palomar College can make daily school life easier. Counselors are often helpful and give clear answers. Disability services are also accommodating. Students have real places to go when questions come up.
Support is not the same in every office or class. Advising can feel uneven at times. Class quality can also vary by professor. Students usually do best when they stay in touch with counselors and instructors throughout the term.
Palomar College supports a steady online path. Students can take full course loads online over multiple years. That makes it easier to keep school in your routine and keep moving toward an associate degree.
The college gives clear program and course information to help with planning. Progress can vary by class and instructor, so staying organized matters. Students who manage their time well can do very well in this format.
Palomar College offers solid, focused classes and a serious learning environment. Students often describe courses as strong and worthwhile. In many classes, lectures matter, so paying close attention helps you keep up and do well.
Course options are broad, which gives students room to build a schedule that fits their term. Teaching quality can vary by professor, so your class section can shape your experience. Counseling also supports day-to-day planning, with helpful guidance on classes and next steps.
Palomar College is a practical, lower-cost place to begin college. Many students use it to build a strong transfer plan. The school offers a wide range of classes, which can make scheduling easier and help students move at their own pace.
For many students, costs are lower than at a university. Palomar also supports steady online progress, including full online course paths toward an associate degree. Teaching can differ from class to class, so course planning matters.
Counseling can be helpful and clear when students use it early and often. Overall, Palomar is a good fit for students who stay involved, plan their classes, and use advising support along the way.
Palomar College is a practical, lower-cost place to begin college. Many students use it to build a strong transfer plan. The school offers a wide range of classes, which can make scheduling easier and help students move at their own pace.
For many students, costs are lower than at a university. Palomar also supports steady online progress, including full online course paths toward an associate degree. Teaching can differ from class to class, so course planning matters.
Counseling can be helpful and clear when students use it early and often. Overall, Palomar is a good fit for students who stay involved, plan their classes, and use advising support along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palomar College
Is Palomar College accredited?
Yes. Palomar College is institutionally accredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
How many online programs does Palomar College offer?
Palomar College offers 8 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Palomar College offer?
Palomar College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Palomar College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Palomar College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Palomar College falls into GetEducated’s $ tuition tier, which points to a lower tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Palomar College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Palomar College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Palomar College military friendly?
Palomar College does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Palomar College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Palomar College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Palomar College accept life experience credit?
Palomar College does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Palomar College programs fully online or mixed?
Palomar College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Palomar College offer?
Palomar College has online program options in areas such as Computer Science & IT and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Palomar College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Placement Test. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Palomar College?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Palomar College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Palomar College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Palomar College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Palomar College programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Palomar College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Palomar College is featured in 4 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Palomar College is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in California:
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- Senior Level: Technical Director ($200,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
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- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CPHQ
- Entry Level: Environmental Specialist ($65,000)
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- Required Education: BS Environmental Science
- Certifications: CHMM, PE