Accessible, high-value education has never been more essential as Ventura County families navigate rising costs, shrinking time, and increasingly complex demands. Ventura College continues to deliver affordability that goes beyond price — ensuring that every learner gains the educational experience they deserve.
Ventura College was recently joined by all three campuses of the Community Colleges of Ventura County in being ranked among the top 25 colleges in California for student return on investment. That recognition is not just an accolade; it is proof that community college can be affordable and transformative.
Costs are rising in today’s economy. As food and housing take up a larger part of their budget, potential students are wondering if education is worth the cost. New and returning students — first-generation learners, working adults, veterans, and parents returning to school — often face painful choices between paying for college and covering basic needs. We want our community to know that education is worth it, and it pays off.
When education is affordable, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Families gain stability, local employers gain skilled workers, and our region advances and grows stronger. Ventura College plays a central role in that ecosystem by keeping high-quality education accessible and connected to real economic viability and mobility. For students in Ventura County, education is a pathway to better wages, stronger careers, and the possibility to transfer to top universities.
Ventura College’s programs are intentionally aligned with regional workforce needs, regional economic priorities, and transfer pathways. Students leave with credentials, as well as with the skills and confidence to step directly into meaningful careers or continue their academic journey at four-year institutions.
This year, Ventura College launched its Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program and its first bachelor's degree in Automotive Technology . Both programs are tailored to meet urgent workforce demands in our region. These additions join a portfolio of high-impact programs that reflect commitments to educational excellence and community progress. The recent ROI ranking affirms that this intentional approach works — Ventura College is a smart investment and the power engine for opportunity.
Affordability also requires removing the hidden barriers that too often derail and delay students’ paths to their credentials. That’s why Ventura College prioritizes wrap-around supports such as advising, tutoring, childcare assistance, textbook access, financial aid, and basic needs resources.
By closely monitoring results and continually strengthening our programs with regional employers and community partners, investments that learners and families make in their education are protected. When their educational experience pays off, the benefits ripple outward throughout our regional economy.
Ventura County is a place of tremendous opportunity, but also real complexity. As industries evolve and learners arrive with diverse life circumstances, our community needs institutions like Ventura College that are flexible, accessible, and laser-focused on outcomes. By delivering strong ROI and keeping education truly affordable, we are building the skilled workforce our region needs — today and tomorrow. More importantly, we are expanding possibility. When students succeed, families succeed. When families succeed, communities thrive.
Despite our advances, affordability continues to be a moving target. Rising costs in every sector, including education, require constant adaptation. That’s why Ventura College needs continued collaboration with businesses, philanthropic organizations, policymakers, K–12 partners, and community leaders. Together, we can keep education affordable, protect opportunities, and strengthen Ventura County’s economic future.
I invite our community to join us in this work. When you support Ventura College, you support opportunity, access, and a stronger region. Thank you for trust, partnership, and belief in the power of community colleges. Ventura College remains steadfast in its mission: to make education affordable and life-changing for every learner and earner served.