San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) vs Chaffey

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Chaffey College, both esteemed community colleges in Southern California, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking higher education. While sharing similarities in their commitment to academic excellence and student success, these institutions also possess distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and aspirations. SBVC boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students, while Chaffey College maintains a slightly more selective admissions process. In terms of academic offerings, SBVC excels in the fields of Liberal Arts and Humanities, while Chaffey College shines in the areas of Business and Healthcare. Both colleges foster a vibrant and diverse student body, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region. However, SBVC's student population leans slightly more towards female students, while Chaffey College has a marginally higher proportion of male students. As you explore the comprehensive comparison table provided, you'll uncover further insights into these institutions, enabling you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Chaffey College	San Bernardino Valley College
Overview
Location	Rancho Cucamonga, California	San Bernardino, California
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	72.0%	58.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,324 Out of state: $32,100	In state: $28,302 Out of state: $36,086
Average net price	$13,939	$9,621
Tuition	In state: $1,104 Out of state: $8,880	In state: $1,288 Out of state: $9,072
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	83.0% Average amount $5,314	70.0% Average amount $4,935
Students receiving federal student loan	0.0% Average amount $5,125
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,688 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%	9,913 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	4.9%	N/A
International students	0.4%	0.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Multidisciplinary Studies Social Sciences Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Liberal Arts Law Enforcement and Firefighting Business Health Professions Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	27.9%	20.0%
Dropout rate	44.4%	56.9%
Transferred out	9.2%	6.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $28,190 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Education, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $32,299 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,530 Year 3: $30,304 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $18,101 Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: $19,561 Biological and Physical Sciences (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $27,700 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Human Services, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $27,476 Year 3: N/A Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: N/A Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $61,797 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: N/A Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $73,434 Year 2: $54,109 Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $24,160 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $31,133 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Chaffey College?

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Chaffey College, while both serving the Inland Empire, have distinct characteristics. SBVC is known for its strong focus on career technical education programs and a more intimate campus environment. Chaffey College, on the other hand, is larger and offers a broader range of academic programs, including a robust honors program and a wider selection of transfer pathways. Consider your academic and career goals, as well as your preferred learning environment, when deciding which college is a better fit.
Which college, SBVC or Chaffey, is larger?

Chaffey College is significantly larger than San Bernardino Valley College in terms of student enrollment and campus size. This larger size translates to a greater variety of courses, resources, and student activities.
How do the academic programs compare between SBVC and Chaffey College?

Both SBVC and Chaffey College offer a wide range of academic programs, including general education courses, associate degrees, and transfer programs. However, Chaffey College generally offers a broader selection of majors and specialized programs. SBVC is particularly strong in career technical education, offering programs designed to lead directly to employment. Review the specific programs offered at each college to see which aligns best with your academic interests.
What are the strengths of SBVC's career technical education programs?

San Bernardino Valley College excels in career technical education, providing hands-on training and industry-relevant skills in fields such as automotive technology, nursing, and administration of justice. These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce upon graduation.
Does Chaffey College have an honors program?

Yes, Chaffey College has a well-established honors program designed for academically motivated students. This program offers enriched coursework, smaller class sizes, and opportunities for research and leadership development. SBVC also offers honors courses, but Chaffey's program is more comprehensive.
How do the transfer rates to four-year universities compare between SBVC and Chaffey College?

Both SBVC and Chaffey College have strong transfer rates to four-year universities, including the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. Chaffey College, due to its larger size and broader range of programs, may have a slightly higher overall transfer rate, but both institutions provide excellent resources and support to help students successfully transfer.
What kind of student support services are available at SBVC and Chaffey College?

Both SBVC and Chaffey College offer a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, financial aid assistance, career counseling, and disability services. These services are designed to help students succeed academically and personally. Check each college's website for specific details on the services offered and how to access them.
How do the campus cultures differ between SBVC and Chaffey College?

SBVC is known for its smaller, more intimate campus environment, which can foster a strong sense of community. Chaffey College, being larger, offers a more diverse and bustling campus atmosphere with a wider range of student clubs and organizations. Consider which type of environment best suits your personality and learning style.
What are the tuition and fees like at SBVC and Chaffey College?

Tuition and fees at both SBVC and Chaffey College are generally the same, as they are both part of the California Community Colleges system. However, there may be slight differences in fees depending on the specific courses you take and the services you utilize. Check each college's website for the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees.
Which college is closer to me?

The best way to determine which college is closer to you is to use a map or online search engine. San Bernardino Valley College is located in San Bernardino, while Chaffey College has its main campus in Rancho Cucamonga, with additional campuses in other locations. Consider your commute and transportation options when making your decision.

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