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) at Ventura College extends access to the College’s degree programs to students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend college.
PACE offers Ventura College’s 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. Students need only to have completed high school or a GED to apply to Ventura and PACE.
Benefits of PACE
- Brings Ventura College to You
- Connects you to Communities of Practice
- Includes Predetermined & Approved Schedule of Classes
- Complete a Degree in Less than Two Years
PACE is “cohorted,” meaning a group of students (a “cohort”) begins and completes the pre-determined series of courses together, from program onset to graduation.
The VC PACE program does NOT allow students to take one off courses. Students MUST be eligible to enroll in the entire cohort. Typically, students who have taken more than 12 units will not be admitted into the PACE program.
PACE provides the mechanism through which to offer many of Ventura’s outstanding degree programs, and as a value-added benefit, it also provides resources to support adults attending college--for the first time or returning to college after being away.
You will typically be engaged in two courses simultaneously, completing 4-5 courses each term, with a reduced load in summers, and all courses are offered fully online.
Please review the information below and to the right to see the programs offered through PACE and see how we can support you and your educational goals!
Currently Offered Programs
Features of PACE
- Fully Online
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Enhanced Support
See the Benefits & Features of PACE page for more information!
PACE Testimonials
Graduating as part of the first cohort of Ventura College’s PACE Coherent Program has been a truly meaningful and transformative experience. As a fully online program, PACE redefined what higher education can look like, proving that flexibility and academic excellence can go hand in hand.
The program’s structure allowed me to balance school with work, family, and personal responsibilities without having to sacrifice any of them. PACE made college feel not only accessible, but attainable, giving me the confidence to fully commit to my education.
Despite being online, the sense of support and connection was strong. Through engaging coursework and dedicated faculty, I felt encouraged, challenged, and genuinely supported throughout my journey.PACE reshaped my educational path by providing structure, empowerment, and opportunity. As a first-generation graduate of this program, I am proud to represent its success and grateful for how it prepared me—academically and personally—for the next chapter of my life.
- Joselin Vianney Gonzalez
Associate's degree in Sociology
PACE Coherent Program Graduate
Ventura College, Class of 2026
PACE has truly been one of the best experiences of my life. The program has been both flexible and manageable, which made it possible for me to pursue college with confidence. PACE gave me the motivation I needed to take that step forward in pursuing a degree/career. - Onzi Sosa, PACE Business Student
As a first time college student and someone who had pushed getting started for so long, I am pleasantly surprised with the PACE program. I like that the program has a path with selected courses and I don't have to worry about whether I'm selecting the correct courses. I am so happy that I started this process and have continued to make progress towards my goal. - Monica, PACE Psychology Student