Score a Quality Higher Education in San Joaquin County
These institutions are crafting creative workforce solutions for the region.
The Central Valley of California is a place where businesses are guaranteed a robust pipeline of talent, thanks to award-winning instutitions of higher education in San Joaquin County that are crafting creative workforce solutions.
In This Article
San Joaquin Delta College and Cal State, Stanislaus
San Joaquin Delta College offers over 100 career and degree certificate programs for students wishing to learn a trade, upgrade skills or start their journey to a four-year college like California State University, Stanislaus.
“We have folks from all walks of life with all sorts of goals,” says Alex Breitler, director of marketing and communications at Delta College. “That ranges from traditional high school graduates to adult learners who are looking to retool for a new career or grow in their existing career to folks who take classes for fun or for their health and wellness.”
Delta College offers free tuition for all first-time, full-time college students. Roughly two-thirds of all students enjoy free tuition, either through a first-time college waiver or an income-based fee waiver. The nursing program is highly competitive, with graduates increasing their income by 588% within one year of graduation.
Athletics is among the highest ranked in the state – recently, two former baseball players were drafted by Major League Baseball teams.
Humphreys University
Since 1896, Humphreys University has adapted to the times, now offering blended, virtual and online instruction.
“We understand that college may be intimidating for many young adults, so we have tried to create opportunities for high school students to experience our intimate college setting and personalized attention to help them recognize that a college degree is within reach,” says Sandra Curiel, marketing and media coordinator.
One example of the university’s outreach is a partnership with ABLE Charter Schools that provides dual enrollment and free college courses so students can get a head start on their associate degree while working toward their high school diploma.
“We want to help students realize their potential and pursue a college degree, whether at Humphreys or elsewhere.”
Sandra Curiel, marketing and media coordinator
Delta Sierra Adult Education Alliance
Housed at Delta, this consortium brings community college, adult learning and the Strong Workforce Program together to develop pathways to training and jobs. It supports programs like Healthforce Partners, which unites educators and employers to meet workforce needs, showcases health fairs and provides health access and immigrant education.
“Even our students who are non-residents or undocumented can attend Delta for free,” says Heather Maloy, Alliance Program co-director. “DART – Directing Adults on the Right Track to Employment – offers real-world career advice. One woman who just graduated took her education from adult ed to two associate degrees and is now working as a transition specialist for other new students.”
University of the Pacific
Pacific was ranked in the Top 20 among all private universities for annual earnings; the average yearly salary for Pacific’s engineering graduates during their first 10 years in the field is more than $100,000, nearly $10,000 higher than the median annual salary.
The school has received accolades in its schools of music, business, pharmacy, and engineering and computer science.
“The Eberhardt School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the world’s premier business accrediting organization,” says Provost Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert. “The Eberhardt School has been ranked by Poets & Quants as No. 1 best undergraduate business school in the West among small schools. The Eberhardt School is known for outstanding experiential learning courses such as its student-managed investment portfolios of more than $4 million.”
Another example of how the university sets a standard in workforce development is through its pre-dental program, which offers an accelerated pathway where students can complete all pre-dental requirements in just six semesters. Students admitted to the Pre-Dental Advantage Program, who fulfill the necessary requirements, are guaranteed an interview for potential admission to the university’s Dugoni School of Dentistry.
“When our students come in, many are low income, and Pacific is a game-changer for them,” says Dean Elizabeth Orwin.
Get to Know San Joaquin County
Want to learn more about living and working in San Joaquin County? Check out the latest edition of Livability San Joaquin County, California.
