Palo Verde College Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Palo Verde College (PVC), established in 1947, is a public community college located in Blythe, California. Situated along the Colorado River in the agriculturally rich Palo Verde Valley, the college serves a diverse student body with a commitment to providing high-quality educational programs and services. PVC's mission is to foster an exemplary learning environment that promotes student success and lifelong learning for a diverse community of learners.

Campus and Facilities

The main campus spans 200 acres on a mesa overlooking Blythe. In 1999, PVC expanded its service area to include the eastern part of San Bernardino County and the City of Needles. The Needles Center, housed in the historic Claypool Building, was renovated and reopened in 2009, offering a modern learning environment equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Key Strategic Focus

Educational Programs

PVC offers a wide array of programs, including career and technical education, transfer degrees, developmental education, and continuing education. Popular associate degree concentrations include Humanistic Studies, Other Multidisciplinary Studies, and Biological & Physical Sciences.

Student Demographics

As of 2022, PVC had a total enrollment of 4,639 students, with 11.3% enrolled full-time. The student body is diverse, comprising 41.5% Hispanic or Latino, 36.6% White, and 9.27% Black or African American students. Notably, 85% of undergraduates are over the age of 25, indicating a significant adult learner population.

Financials and Funding

Tuition and Fees

In 2022, the median undergraduate tuition at PVC was $1,380, significantly lower than the national average for associate colleges. After accounting for grants and loans, the average net price for students was $16,835. Approximately 55% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants.

Endowment and Expenditures

As of the end of the 2022 fiscal year, PVC's endowment was valued at approximately $1.66 million, reflecting a 15.2% decline from the previous year. The total salary expenditure for the same period was $33.6 million, with instructional salaries accounting for $3.51 million.

Pipeline Development

Program Offerings

PVC offers 42 major programs through various certificates and associate degrees. The college continually assesses and updates its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of its student population and the regional job market.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Online Education

PVC provides online degree and certificate programs, with 2,346 students enrolled exclusively in online courses as of 2022. This commitment to online education demonstrates the college's dedication to accessibility and flexibility for its diverse student body.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Bruce Moses: Serving as the Superintendent/President, Bruce Moses leads the college with a focus on academic excellence and community engagement.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

PVC operates within the California Community Colleges system, which comprises 116 colleges serving over 2 million students. The system is the largest higher education system in the United States, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.

Competitor Analysis

Nearby institutions include College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California, which serves approximately 12,453 students. Both colleges offer similar programs and serve overlapping geographic regions, making them direct competitors in attracting students from the surrounding areas.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Community Engagement

The Palo Verde College Foundation, established in 1985, supports the college through fundraising and community engagement initiatives. The Foundation provides scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance to students and faculty, enhancing the educational experience at PVC.

Operational Insights

Staffing and Faculty

As of the 2022-2023 academic year, PVC employed 100 faculty members, with an average salary of $83,200. The student-to-faculty ratio was 24 to 1, indicating a commitment to maintaining manageable class sizes and personalized instruction.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Expansion and Development

PVC's strategic focus includes expanding its program offerings, enhancing online education capabilities, and strengthening community partnerships. By leveraging its strengths in serving adult learners and maintaining affordable tuition, the college is well-positioned to meet the evolving educational needs of its community.