Work. Kids. Life. College. Only 24 hours in a day.
We know it’s not easy, so we created PACE.
The Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE) is intended to extend the reach of a variety of Ventura College’s degree programs to students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend college. PACE extends the reach of Ventura College by offering programs and courses in a fully online format so that adult learners can participate in our degree programs, regardless of their personal and work commitments or their location or proximity to campus.
The Ventura College PACE is a cohorted program in which students complete the pre-determined series of courses together from program onset to graduation. With each term’s classes pre-determined, PACE students are registered by the college into the courses as a group (a cohort). Being in a cohort creates a community of learners with whom you can build a professional network and have a support system of student peers as you work your way through the program. Whether your classmates live in your city, just up the street, or in another region, a new, meaningful connection is only a click away – and, for many students, these connections last a lifetime.
PACE provides a mechanism and modality through which to offer Ventura’s outstanding degree programs, and as a value-added benefit, provides a number of resources to support adults attending college--for the first time or returning to college after being away.
PACE is designed for busy adults and enables you to complete an Associate degree in about two years. Students are engaged in two courses simultaneously, completing 4-5 courses each term, with a reduced load in summers. This format allows students to complete an associates program in less than two years. All courses are offered fully online.
Please review the information below to see how PACE can support you and your educational goals.
Click below to see the sequence of courses for each Associate degree:
- Business Spring 2023 (Applications closed for Spring '23)
- Business Fall 2023 (Applications are now OPEN for Fall '23!)
More Programs Coming Soon in 2023/2024!
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
Once you complete your Associate degree, you have the option to pursue your Bachelor’s degree at one of our transfer partner Universities that also have programs built for busy adults, including CSU Northridge, CSU Channel Islands, Cal Lutheran University, UCLA, UCSB, UC Berkeley, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and more.
FULLY ONLINE COURSEWORK! Our fully online courses and 24/7 course access provide flexibility and convenience so you can work on your assignments during the hours that fit your busy schedule. In addition, your course schedules for each term are already planned and we’ll register you so there is no chance of getting closed out of classes.
AFFORDABLE! PACE programs are fully financial aid eligible like the majority of VC programs; students in the PACE program may be eligible for 0 tuition costs through the CA College Promise Grant program. In addition, all courses are 0 textbook cost courses (“ZTC”) to support working families.
FLEXIBLE! Complete your coursework while keeping your job. Work on assignments, review course content, and participate in group meetings from the comfort of your own home. You can work on your online courses at a time that works best for you.
ENHANCED SUPPORT! The PACE point of contact is available to help with any issues or concerns that you may have. Additional academic support staff are also integrated into the classes. Students will be oriented on using the course technology at the beginning of the program, and laptops and wifi can be provided when needed.
Applying to PACE takes FOUR easy steps:
To apply, go to the Apply & Enroll page. If you’re a current Ventura College student, you can skip this step. Important - Make sure to send us all your official transcripts from other colleges so we can give you credit for completed college courses.
Just takes a few minutes to complete this one page application.
PACE will reach out to you after you've applied to provide more information about scheduling a meeting with a counselor.
A meeting with a counselor is required. Counseling appointments can be via ZOOM or phone (or in-person) and you can now meet with counselors over your lunch or dinner break.
PACE strongly recommends all students apply for Financial Aid:
Go to the VC Financial Aid website for more information, and then review the types of Financial Aid that are available.
Make sure you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to see what financial aid you qualify for!
Many of our students are eligible for the California College Promise Grant (CCGP) and don't pay any tuition.
And even if you don’t qualify, our enrollment fees are very affordable at $46 per unit for CA residents (or about $1,380 per year). If you need help filling out the FAFSA, or CADAA, please contact the financial aid office at (805) 289-6369 or by email at vcfinancialaid@vcccd.edu for assistance.