What Is It Known For?
San Bernardino Valley College has anchored education in the Inland Empire since 1926, when voters created the San Bernardino Valley Union Junior College District. The campus experienced its greatest expansion under President Arthur M. Jensen from 1967 to 1986, a period that saw enrollment reach 18,000 students by 1975 and multiple campus buildings take shape. After facing seismic safety challenges in the early 2000s, SBVC invested heavily in modernizing its infrastructure to protect students and staff while creating contemporary learning spaces.
Recent enrollment has surged past 15,750 students for Fall 2025, reflecting renewed interest in affordable, quality education close to home. The college serves as a gateway to four-year universities and provides career training that meets regional workforce needs.
Degrees & Certifications
SBVC offers 91 associate degrees and 124 certificate programs across academic and vocational disciplines. Students pursue careers in:
- Nursing
- Administration of Justice
- Computer Science
- Automotive Technology
- Child Development
- Psychiatric Technology
- Welding Technology
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
The college provides 48 fully online degree and certificate programs alongside traditional campus offerings. Day classes run throughout standard business hours, with afternoon and evening sessions extending until 10:00 PM Monday through Friday. Weekend College operates Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, allowing working adults to complete degrees while maintaining employment.
Health education programs require clinical rotations at partner hospitals and clinics throughout San Bernardino County. These hands-on experiences prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, San Bernardino Valley College holds accreditation from The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Additional programmatic accreditations from specialized agencies also validate individual departments and programs.
Acceptance Rate
SBVC maintains a 100% acceptance rate through its open admissions policy.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The total estimated annual cost of attending San Bernardino Valley College is about $31,602. This figure covers tuition, fees, books, health insurance, and basic living expenses. California residents benefit from substantially lower tuition compared to out-of-state students, making the college an affordable option for many.
When compared to other public institutions, SBVC’s fees are roughly half the cost of California State University campuses and far less than those at private colleges. For a personalized estimate based on residency and financial aid, students can use the Net Price Calculator to better understand their individual expenses.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Hospitality
Criminal Justice & Law
- Administration of Justice
- Corrections
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
Healthcare
- Nursing
- Pharmacy Technology
- Psychology
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Collision and Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Electricity/ Electronics
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Machinist Technology
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Computer Information Technology (CIT)
- Computer Science
Real Estate
- Real Estate
Campus Locations
San Bernardino 701 South Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410
Reviews
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Based on reviews in Google, San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is a good, affordable starting point for an academic career, celebrated for its dedicated professors, strong vocational programs, and beautiful, well-maintained campus. However, its core mission is frequently undermined by crippling administrative failures, inconsistent student support, and chronic issues within the Financial Aid and Counseling departments.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Dedicated and Passionate Professors: Faculty are consistently highlighted as the “bright spot” and are described as mentors who genuinely care about student success and are passionate about their subjects.
Strong Technical/Vocational Programs: The college offers an extensive list of “really good programs,” with the Welding program receiving specific, recent praise for providing an “amazing place of learning” that prepares students for the workforce.
Beautiful and Affordable Campus: The physical campus is described as “gorgeous” with “beautiful vegetation” and modern facilities. It is highly valued for its affordability compared to a four-year university.
Helpful Academic Resources: The Success Center is noted for having hard working staff that assists students, and the library is a helpful resource for exams.
Common Criticisms
Crippling Administrative Failures: This is the most severe and consistent source of negative feedback. Students report being “screwed over badly” by administrative departments, including losing class records years after graduation and deleting veteran students’ applications multiple times.
Chronic Financial Aid and Counseling Dysfunction: These two departments are consistently described as “VERY unhelpful.” Complaints include failing to release financial aid waivers on time for multiple years and staff being inaccessible by phone or appointment.
Inconsistent Teaching Quality: While most professors are praised, some reviews note that faculty can be “hit or miss,” with some professors perceived to “just care about a paycheck,” forcing students to “self-teach ourselves.”
Surrounding Area and Social Atmosphere: Reviewers mention the “area around the campus isn’t fantastic” and that the student community can feel slightly reflected by that. Younger students reported difficulty connecting with others and navigating the initial application process.
Momentum
The momentum for SBVC is academically stable but operationally struggling. The college maintains a core of dedicated faculty and invests in its physical campus, which supports its strong vocational programs. However, the administration’s long-standing failures in record-keeping, veteran support, and the counseling/financial aid departments create a massive barrier to student success. The lack of resolution on these critical issues suggests the institution is failing to effectively support the excellent education its professors provide.