What Is It Known For?
De Anza College has served Silicon Valley since 1967, when the Foothill-De Anza Community College District established this second campus on 131 acres in Cupertino. Named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, the college opened with 3,000 students and has grown into one of California’s most respected community colleges.
Today, approximately 14,953 undergraduate students benefit from programs that blend academic excellence with practical workforce preparation. The institution’s location in the heart of technology innovation has shaped its curriculum and partnerships with local industries.
Degrees & Certifications
De Anza College offers associate degrees and professional certificates across different academic and vocational fields. Some of the programs offered here include:
- Accounting
- Automotive Technology
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- Child Development and Education
- Engineering
- Nursing
- Paralegal Studies
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
The college provides flexible scheduling options to accommodate diverse student needs. Many programs offer evening courses, particularly in career-technical fields like Automotive Technology. De Anza’s Online Education department delivers numerous fully online and hybrid courses, enabling students to balance education with work and family responsibilities.
Health Technologies and similar programs incorporate clinical experiences and laboratory work at regional healthcare facilities, providing essential hands-on training alongside classroom instruction.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, De Anza College maintains full accreditation through the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
Acceptance Rate
As a California community college, De Anza maintains an open admission policy. This translates to 100% acceptance for qualified applicants.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average annual cost to attend De Anza College is around $4,667, which includes tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses after financial aid. To get a personalized estimate, future students can use the school’s Net Price Calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- Management
- Marketing Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Corrections/Probation
- Law Enforcement
- Paralegal Studies
Professional Services
- Graphic Design
Healthcare
- Health Sciences
- Insurance and Coding
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Kinesiology (Physical Therapy / Occupational Therapy)
- LVN Transition to RN
- Nursing
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Psychology
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- CNC Machinist
Technology
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Aided Design - Mechanical
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Database Development Practitioner
- Networking
- Web Development
- Information Technology
Real Estate
- Real Estate
Campus Locations
Cupertino 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, De Anza College is overwhelmingly regarded as an excellent and highly-rated community college known for its strong academics, successful transfer rates, and beautiful campus. However, its reputation is significantly hampered by widespread and chronic complaints about disorganized, inconsistent, and often frustrating administrative and counseling services.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Academics and Transfer Success: De Anza is consistently recognized as one of the top community colleges in the country and the Bay Area for students intending to transfer. Reviewers emphasize its “stellar reputation” at four-year institutions and its “solid transfer paths” to UC and State colleges.
Quality Faculty and Flexible Learning: Students praise the “great” and “amazing teachers” who are highly enthusiastic and supportive. The college offers a large, diverse array of classes, flexible schedules (online, evening, weekend), and utilizes a quarter system, which students appreciate for allowing them to complete more credits quickly.
Attractive Campus and Amenities: The campus is frequently described as “beautiful,” “relaxing,” and having a “university” feel. Students appreciate the on-campus resources, including an affordable gym, good food in the cafeteria (e.g., “best burgers”), and an extensive selection of electives and clubs.
Staff Kindness (Selectively): While administrative offices are criticized (see below), some reviewers specifically praise the staff in the student services office for being “very friendly,” “professional,” and “gracious” when helping with specific, complicated issues.
Common Criticisms
Severe Administrative and Counseling Disorganization: This is the most prevalent and disruptive criticism. Students widely report that the counseling, financial aid, and admissions offices are “unorganized and frustrating,” with staff who “don’t care anything about their job.”
Parking Congestion and Logistics: While the college has large parking lots, congestion is a constant issue. Reviewers complain that the lots become “completely jammed” when the monthly flea market or other major events (like triathlons) coincide, often leading to difficulty finding an exit.
Strict Financial/Bookstore Policies: Complaints exist regarding the strict bookstore return policy and long waits/issues with the financial aid process, with some students expressing caution to international students regarding limited counselor availability and parking time limits near the ISP office.
Momentum
The momentum for De Anza College is academically high, but administratively unstable. The college is clearly succeeding in its core mission of providing a top-tier community college education that successfully moves students to four-year universities. However, the relentless complaints about administrative chaos in counseling and financial aid create unnecessary stress and barriers to entry, which can lead to students transferring or abandoning their education plans despite the high quality of the teaching.