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Palo Verde College (PVC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Palo Verde College

Where the Colorado River cuts a green ribbon through the desert, college feels personal. Palo Verde College is known for transfer-ready academics and career training across health, business, public service, and skilled trades. Instructors have a reputation for real-world projects and steady mentorship, supported by labs, a solid library, tech-ready classrooms, tutoring, advising, and services for veterans and students with accommodations.

Campus life runs on a friendly, can-do vibe. You might find student government meetings, culture and service clubs, low-key arts events, and study sessions that spill outside when the weather cooperates. There's space to work out, and the river draws students for paddling, fishing, and calm sunrise walks. And the nights? Big-sky stargazing. Career prep shows up early with resume help, employer visits, and internships tied to regional agriculture, energy, healthcare, and public agencies. The small-town community is close-knit, so opportunities come from people who learn your name.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: One College Drive, Blythe, California, 92225, USA
Unit ID: 120953

Academic & Institutional

Control: Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation: ACCJC
Length of Study: Programs of 2 to less than 4 years (e.g. associate degree)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Associate's - High Transfer, Mixed students
Campus Setting: Located in a distant rural area (5-25 miles from urban area)
Tuition: In-state: $1,380 · Out-of-state: $13,800
Student Profile:
Total Students: 3,461
Undergraduate: 2,909
Graduate/Other: 552
Male: 2,877 Female: 584
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 196 Full-time: 117 Part-time: 79

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Palo Verde College (PVC) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0103 Humanities/Humanistic Studies. (Cert<2y)
A program that focuses on combined studies and research in the humanities subjects as distinguished from the social and physical sciences, emphasizing languages, literatures, art, music, philosophy and religion.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $143,290 +$48,820 (+51.7%)
Health (5)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.1009 Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist. (AltPostBac)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and other health care professionals, to draw blood samples from patients using a variety of intrusive procedures. Includes instruction in basic vascular anatomy and physiology, blood physiology, skin puncture techniques, venipuncture, venous specimen collection and handling, safety and sanitation procedures, and applicable standards and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $153,860 +$15,960 (+11.6%)
31-9097 Phlebotomists $44,390 $61,500 +$17,110 (+38.5%)
51.1501 Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction. Includes instruction in individual and group counseling skills, psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, substance abuse treatment modalities, substance abuse prevention and treatment resources, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, treatment evaluation, patient observation and education, group dynamics, professional standards and ethics, and applicable law and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
21-1011 Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors N/A N/A N/A
21-1014 Mental Health Counselors N/A N/A N/A
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $153,860 +$15,960 (+11.6%)
51.3901 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
29-2061 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $64,150 $72,740 +$8,590 (+13.4%)
51.3902 Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to perform routine nursing-related services to patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities, under the training and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
31-1131 Nursing Assistants $41,270 $46,680 +$5,410 (+13.1%)
Business (5)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201 Business Administration and Management, General. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $163,970 -$98,960 (-37.6%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $120,130 -$12,990 (-9.8%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $107,350 -$53,580 (-33.3%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $99,420 -$26,610 (-21.1%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $99,000 -$15,520 (-13.6%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $123,920 -$5,260 (-4.1%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $113,770 -$2,240 (-1.9%)
11-3111 Compensation and Benefits Managers $156,230 $241,990 +$85,760 (+54.9%)
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $131,800 -$28,680 (-17.9%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $152,670 +$12,080 (+8.6%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $123,050 +$3,390 (+2.8%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $95,420 +$8,360 (+9.6%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $84,080 -$2,020 (-2.3%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 $76,380 +$5,760 (+8.2%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $87,950 +$4,790 (+5.8%)
13-1071 Human Resources Specialists $79,730 $77,800 -$1,930 (-2.4%)
13-1081 Logisticians $87,600 $82,860 -$4,740 (-5.4%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $95,860 -$12,240 (-11.3%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $87,720 -$26,990 (-23.5%)
13-1141 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $82,920 $86,950 +$4,030 (+4.9%)
13-1199 Business Operations Specialists, All Other $92,380 $81,760 -$10,620 (-11.5%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $124,710 +$10,870 (+9.5%)
52.0204 Office Management and Supervision. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to supervise and manage the operations and personnel of business offices and management-level divisions. Includes instruction in employee supervision, management, and labor relations; budgeting; scheduling and coordination; office systems operation and maintenance; office records management, organization, and security; office facilities design and space management; preparation and evaluation of business management data; and public relations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $99,420 -$26,610 (-21.1%)
43-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $71,560 $67,980 -$3,580 (-5%)
52.0401 Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. (AltPostMSc)
A program that generally prepares individuals to perform the duties of administrative assistants and/or secretaries and stenographers. Includes instruction in business communications, principles of business law, word processing and data entry, office machines operation and maintenance, office procedures, public relations, secretarial accounting, filing systems and records management, and report preparation.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
43-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $71,560 $67,980 -$3,580 (-5%)
43-4161 Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $50,950 $50,620 -$330 (-0.6%)
43-6011 Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $77,060 $78,180 +$1,120 (+1.5%)
43-6014 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $47,640 $53,120 +$5,480 (+11.5%)
52.0703 Small Business Administration/Management. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to develop and manage independent small businesses. Includes instruction in business administration; enterprise planning and entrepreneurship; start-up; small business operations and problems; personnel supervision; capitalization and investment; taxation; business law and regulations; e-commerce; home business operations; and applications to specific sectors, products, and services.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 $76,380 +$5,760 (+8.2%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
Interdisciplinary (2)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0101 Biological and Physical Sciences. (Cert<2y)
A program that is either a general synthesis of one or more of the biological and physical sciences, or a specialization which draws from the biological and physical sciences.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $143,290 +$48,820 (+51.7%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $84,540 +$10,840 (+14.7%)
30.9999 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Cert<2y)
Any instructional program in multi/interdisciplinary studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
Human Sciences (5)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0201 Business Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences. (AltPostMSc)
A program that focuses on the relationship between the economy and the consuming individual and family. Includes instruction in consumption theory and practice, the production and distribution of retail goods and services, and the management of business enterprises.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1192 Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $84,450 $161,740 +$77,290 (+91.5%)
25-9021 Farm and Home Management Educators $60,470 $89,940 +$29,470 (+48.7%)
19.0708 Child Care and Support Services Management. (AltPostMSc)
A program that focuses on the provision and management of child care services and that prepares individuals to plan, design, and manage child care facilities and programs that meet children's developmental needs and interests and that provide safe and healthy environments. Includes instruction in child development and psychology; home- and institution-based child care; identification of diseases, injuries, and psychological trauma and applicable referrals; parent relations; personnel and business management principles; and related laws and policies.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1192 Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $84,450 $161,740 +$77,290 (+91.5%)
25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $41,450 $48,180 +$6,730 (+16.2%)
19.0709 Child Care Provider/Assistant. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to be primary providers of home, family, residential, or institutional-based child care services. Includes instruction in child growth and development, nutrition, recreation, planning and supervision of play and learning activities, child abuse and neglect prevention, parent-child relationships, and applicable legal and administrative requirements.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
39-9011 Childcare Workers $33,140 $40,840 +$7,700 (+23.2%)
Production (3)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0508 Welding Technology/Welder. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
51-4121 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $55,100 $56,930 +$1,830 (+3.3%)
51-4122 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,270 $60,970 +$11,700 (+23.7%)
Psychology (1)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101 Psychology, General. (Cert<2y)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
19-3032 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists $134,400 $137,540 +$3,140 (+2.3%)
19-3033 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $106,850 $116,710 +$9,860 (+9.2%)
19-3039 Psychologists, All Other $111,340 $139,090 +$27,750 (+24.9%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $57,450 -$6,110 (-9.6%)
25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,530 $140,370 +$46,840 (+50.1%)
Mechanics (2)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0604 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
49-2093 Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $80,980 $108,260 +$27,280 (+33.7%)
49-2096 Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $50,240 $59,910 +$9,670 (+19.2%)
49-3023 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $55,260 $61,120 +$5,860 (+10.6%)
Security & Safety (6)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0103 Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. (Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply theories and practices of organization management and criminal justice to the administration of public law enforcement agencies and operations. Includes instruction in law enforcement history and theory, operational command leadership, administration of public police organizations, labor relations, incident response strategies, legal and regulatory responsibilities, budgeting, public relations, and organizational leadership.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $173,250 +$88,430 (+104.3%)
33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $110,990 $132,820 +$21,830 (+19.7%)
43.0107 Criminal Justice/Police Science. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control and public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation and maintenance, report preparation and other routine law enforcement responsibilities.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $173,250 +$88,430 (+104.3%)
33-3011 Bailiffs $62,180 N/A N/A
33-3021 Detectives and Criminal Investigators $98,770 $95,330 -$3,440 (-3.5%)
33-3051 Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers $79,320 $102,120 +$22,800 (+28.7%)
33-9021 Private Detectives and Investigators $61,680 $57,190 -$4,490 (-7.3%)
43.0201 Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program focusing on the application of fire science and technology to problems of reducing fire risk, limiting loss, supervising substance removal, conducting safety inspections and investigations, and advising on matters of safety procedures and fire prevention policy. Includes instruction in fire behavior, fire simulation, structural risk assessment, materials analysis, detection and suppression systems, smoke management, supply and evacuation, public education, legal aspects of fire prevention, and related research and communications methods.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
33-1021 First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $97,030 $92,200 -$4,830 (-5%)
33-2011 Firefighters $63,890 $64,450 +$560 (+0.9%)
33-2021 Fire Inspectors and Investigators $87,440 $95,810 +$8,370 (+9.6%)
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0303 Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the layout, design and typographic arrangement of printed and/or electronic graphic and textual products. Includes instruction in printing and lithographic equipment and operations, computer hardware and software, digital imaging, print preparation, page layout and design, desktop publishing, and applicable principles of graphic design and web page design.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
43-9031 Desktop Publishers $60,250 $83,860 +$23,610 (+39.2%)
51-5111 Prepress Technicians and Workers $49,130 $69,310 +$20,180 (+41.1%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$3,558
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$15,978
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$1,380
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$13,800
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$19,431 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$2,178
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,428 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$10,125
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

2%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$5,503
Avg. Loan
N/A
Avg. Federal Loan
N/A
Additional
Students with Any Grant
71
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
0
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
36
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
N/A
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$19,181 – $53,892
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$19,181 (25th %) $53,892 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $36,389
Median Salary After 6 Years
$30,602
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$36,389
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
N/A
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
N/A
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Palo Verde College (PVC)

How much does it cost to attend Palo Verde College (PVC)?

The annual tuition at Palo Verde College (PVC) is $1,380 for in-state students and $13,800 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $3,558 for in-state students and $15,978 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,431 (off-campus) and books and supplies $2,178.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Palo Verde College offer?

Palo Verde College (PVC) offers 52 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (6 programs)
  • Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (5 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (5 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (4 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Palo Verde College?

Palo Verde College (PVC) provides financial aid to 2% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,503 and average loans of $0.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,026
  • State/Local grants: $3,214

The university supports 71 students with grants and 0 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Palo Verde College graduates?

Palo Verde College (PVC) graduates earn a median salary of $30,602 after 6 years and $36,389 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $19,181 (25th percentile) to $53,892 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $59,300 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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