What Is It Known For?
The institution began as Stockton Junior College in 1935, functioning in partnership with the University of Pacific. The college operated under that model until 1963, when it gained independence. By 1976, the main Stockton campus had opened, marking a new chapter for the institution now known as San Joaquin Delta College.
As a public, two-year community college, Delta awards credits that transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Each year, the college serves over 26,000 students across more than 70 fields of study. Students can earn Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, complete career and technical programs, or obtain Certificates of Achievement.
Degrees & Certifications
San Joaquin Delta College provides degrees and certificates as well as transfer credits and technical training. Program lengths vary depending on your goals and schedule.
Fields of study include:
- Agriculture
- Business and Law
- Science, Engineering, Computer Science, and Math
- Communication and Languages
- Technical Careers and Trades, and more.
Class Schedules
Morning, afternoon, and evening classes at San Joaquin Delta College give you options that fit around work and family commitments. With fully online courses and hybrid formats available, you can mix in-person and remote learning based on what suits your life.
Some programs build in externships or clinical experience, giving you hands-on training in real-world settings. The availability depends on your chosen field.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges has accredited San Joaquin Delta College. In addition, individual programs hold approval from professional organizations, national agencies, and state bodies relevant to their fields.
Acceptance Rate
San Joaquin Delta College has not published an overall acceptance rate. Most programs operate with open enrollment. However, certain health-related or competitive programs may require you to meet additional prerequisites and go through selective application processes.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
At San Joaquin Delta College, California residents pay $46 per unit in enrollment fees. Out-of-state students pay $312 per unit plus the $46 enrollment fee, bringing the total to $358 per unit.
For a personalized estimate that factors in your specific situation, use the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Logistics and Transportation
Criminal Justice & Law
- Law
- Paralegal / Legal Assistant
Healthcare
- Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Health Science
- Radiologic Technology
- Registered Nursing
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
- Interior Design
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Body Repair & Restoration
- Automotive Electric Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- Machine Technology
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Computer Science
- Computer Science Programming
- Computer Science Web Design
Real Estate
- Real Estate
Campus Locations
Stockton 5151 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95207
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, San Joaquin Delta College is widely appreciated for its beautiful campus, high-quality professors, and value as a transfer institution. However, these academic strengths are consistently undermined by severe, recurring criticisms of the administrative offices, including counseling, admissions, and financial aid.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Excellent Professors and Classes: Many reviewers praise their professors as “the best I’ve ever had,” being “great educators,” and generally caring about the students. The school offers a large selection of classes, hands-on certificates (like the successful CNA program), and is an effective “great step” for transferring to a four-year university.
Beautiful Campus and Environment: The physical campus is repeatedly called “beautiful,” a “hidden oasis,” and “well kept,” featuring a pond, fountains, and nice landscaping. The security presence is also noted positively.
Diversity and Supportive Community: The school is considered a “melting pot” with a diverse and generally “helpful and supportive” student body and staff. Specific departments and counselors (like those in the EOPS and Dreamers departments) receive praise for being “super helpful” and “outstanding.”
Affordability: It is recognized as a “waaay cheaper alternative” to starting at a UC or CSU, providing a cost-effective path to a degree.
Common Criticisms
Poor and Inefficient Administration/Staff: This is the most consistent and severe criticism. Reviewers cite “horrible school” service, “rude” staff, and administrative workers who “don’t care if you’re a student.” Departments are accused of being “disorganized” and refusing to assist new students properly.
Counseling Office Problems: The counseling office is singled out for being “horrible” and “overbooked,” leading to long waits (1-1.5 hours) and counselors who “seem to have no clue what they are doing.” This lack of support led one student to take unnecessary classes.
Admissions and Records Issues: Students cite a “ridiculous” transcript evaluation process that is nearly “impossible” to receive proper help for, with some applications being flagged for fraud and subsequent calls/emails going unanswered.
High Fees and Refund Issues: There are complaints that the unit fees are “high,” and that “getting your money back is nearly impossible,” leading students to feel the school views them as being “made of money.”
General Faculty/Student Quality: While many professors are praised, critics mention a small number of “bad ones” who are “lazy, and utterly lackluster,” and a portion of the student body with “kid mentalities.”
Momentum
The college maintains a generally positive perception, but negative reviews focusing on administrative failure, communication gaps, and enrollment/counseling issues are recent (within the last year) and consistent, suggesting these problems persist despite the physical improvements to the campus. The reviews indicate that students who are self-sufficient and can navigate the bureaucracy are successful, while those who rely on staff for support are often disappointed or delayed.