Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Palomar College

San Marcos, CA

Total Enrollment

34,486

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

163

163 career programs

Full-Time Students

23,880

34,486 part-time

Total FTE

10,882

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
34,486
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 163
High diversity
~212 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

Palomar College operates as a large trade college with 34,486 students across 163 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 34,486 students, Palomar College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 163 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 23,880 (40.9%)
40.9%
Part-Time Students 34,486 (59.1%)
59.1%
Total Students 58,366

Majority part-time students (59.1%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (69.2%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
46.1%
15,914 students
Men
53.9%
18,572 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
49.1%
16,949 students
Hispanic/Latino
49.1% (16,949)
White
32.9% (11,335)
Asian
6.2% (2,134)
Two or More Races
6.0% (2,079)
Black/African American
2.9% (1,017)
International Students
0.6% (215)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.5% (186)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.4% (149)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 34,486 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 49% of the student body (16,949 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

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

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

58,366 students

54% Men, 46% Women
23,880 Full-time
Diversity Index: 64% • Minority Students: 59%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

6,053
All full-time students
3,284 men, 2,769 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Undergraduate

6,053
Full-time undergraduate
3,284 men, 2,769 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Degree-Seeking

5,887
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
3,202 men, 2,685 women
Diversity: 65%

FT First-Time

1,921
Full-time first-time students
1,049 men, 872 women
Diversity: 63%

FT Continuing

3,966
Full-time continuing students
2,153 men, 1,813 women
Diversity: 66%

Part-Time Students

All Students

18,815
All students total
10,205 men, 8,610 women
Diversity: 64%

Transfer

1,547
Transfer-in students
879 men, 668 women
Diversity: 70%

Continuing

11,476
Continuing students
6,326 men, 5,150 women
Diversity: 64%

Non-Degree

2,648
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,162 men, 1,486 women
Diversity: 63%

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

18,883
White
1,683
Black/African American
28,759
Hispanic/Latino
3,622
Asian
627
International
Diversity Index: 64% Minority Students: 59%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

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

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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 Palomar 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 Palomar College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 34,486 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (69.2%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
• Academic Intensity: 10,882 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
• 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

7607441150

Address

1140 W. Mission Road

San Marcos, CA 92069-1487

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