Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Palo Alto College

San Antonio, TX

Total Enrollment

19,494

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

76

76 career programs

Full-Time Students

7,756

19,494 part-time

Total FTE

4,972

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
19,494
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 76
High diversity
~257 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Palo Alto College operates as a large trade college with 19,494 students across 76 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 19,494 students, Palo Alto College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 76 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 7,756 (28.5%)
28.5%
Part-Time Students 19,494 (71.5%)
71.5%
Total Students 27,250

Majority part-time students (71.5%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (39.8%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
60.3%
11,752 students
Men
39.7%
7,742 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
76.6%
14,942 students
Hispanic/Latino
76.6% (14,942)
White
12.5% (2,431)
Black/African American
4.6% (906)
Two or More Races
2.2% (430)
Asian
1.3% (249)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (19)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (16)
International Students
0.0% (2)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (60%) across 19,494 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 77% of the student body (14,942 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 60% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

27,250 students

39% Men, 61% Women
7,756 Full-time
Diversity Index: 35% • Minority Students: 85%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

2,263
All full-time students
869 men, 1,394 women
Diversity: 23%

FT Undergraduate

2,263
Full-time undergraduate
869 men, 1,394 women
Diversity: 23%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,615
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
612 men, 1,003 women
Diversity: 24%

FT First-Time

919
Full-time first-time students
338 men, 581 women
Diversity: 19%

FT Continuing

696
Full-time continuing students
274 men, 422 women
Diversity: 29%

Part-Time Students

All Students

10,908
All students total
4,340 men, 6,568 women
Diversity: 38%

Transfer

652
Transfer-in students
222 men, 430 women
Diversity: 53%

Continuing

4,749
Continuing students
1,853 men, 2,896 women
Diversity: 39%

Non-Degree

3,185
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,327 men, 1,858 women
Diversity: 39%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

2,993
White
1,094
Black/African American
21,700
Hispanic/Latino
287
Asian
2
International
Diversity Index: 35% Minority Students: 85%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Palo Alto College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Palo Alto College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 19,494 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
• Academic Intensity: 4,972 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

2104863000

Address

1400 W Villaret Blvd

San Antonio, TX 78224-2499

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials