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Diablo Valley College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Diablo Valley College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Diablo Valley College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Diablo Valley College reviews, or contribute your own Diablo Valley College review if you're a current student there.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Shawn Steven from Antioch, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Diablo Valley College has a variety of great professors that know what they are teaching. If you are focusing on a certain subject, DVC has the professors that you are looking for.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus in Pleasant Hill, CA is very well organized. You'll never get lost in the campus. The students that attend DVC are very diverse and unique in their own way. The student store is great when you need something on the hurry and the student library is the ideal place to go when you need a quiet and resourceful place to study.
    Bang for the buck

    Diablo Valley's tuition fee per unit is very affordable. At $26/per unit, you'll be able to take the same classes that a University offers at a much, much lower cost and then be able to transfer these units to the college you want to attend in the future. With the help from the friendly people in the DVC Transfer & Counseling center, transferring to your desired college will be a snap!
    Tips for prospective students

    Make use of the campus and what it offers to the fullest. Diablo Valley College offers many different resources and centers that students usually ignore. You'll be amazed how resourceful these are in the long run.
    Great for these types of students

    Diablo Valley College is great for college students that are troubled financially and for those who aren't sure in what career they want to pursue in. For people that are living around the bay area, there are two campuses which you can attend. DVC is great for people who are working and want to take classes at the same time. The school offers flexible classes to work around your schedule. There is a campus in San Ramon, CA and one in Pleasant Hill, CA. DVC is the ideal place to meet new people through school functions and the numerous student clubs in DVC.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Garrett from Clayton, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Diablo Valley College (DVC), is the local community college closest to my house and is this biggest Contra Costa Community College. DVC is well known for an outstanding international department and having spectacular sport teams. It is a great place to get UC education, from you UC professors at a small cost compared to a 4 year college.
    Tips for prospective students

    Prospective students should not stress about their major or what school to transfer, since DVC is made so students can discover themselves. DVC is super cheap and it is best to take full advantage of the cost by taking courses that are transferable and hopefully more than just general education classes.
    Academic Rigor

    Most of the teachers have backgrounds from a 4 year college and are truly inspired with the class. A first time Professor does get a little lost, since many students stand at a different educational level then a University, but the veteran teachers really know their stuff.
    Dorm Life

    DVC is an awesome commuter school, but housing isn't much. Across the street is Camelback apartments and is where most of the international students stay.
    Food and Dining

    DVC has normal cafeteria, but gets better when the culinary students set up their booth for lunch. Cafeteria is not large and spectacular, but it does the job. There is a Peet's coffee in the book store, some coffee does good for those morning classes.
    What to do for fun

    The East Bay Area is filled with tons of activities such as hiking, going to San Francisco, shopping at the mall, going to all the downtowns, and even taking a short trip up to the snow. Sport teams are awesome at DVC and they except most students.
    Bang for the buck

    Community colleges are the way to go! Especially if you are living at home to really save some money. It is great to get general education credits and more done at a cheap cost.
    Great for these types of students

    All students!!! Everyones personality is accepted.
    Clubs and Activities

    Unless in a culture club, there isn't really any.
    Greek Life

    None.
    Campus Safety

    Police trainees onsite at all times in golf cart, on bikes, or even walking.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Hannah from Alamo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Though this is a community college, many of the professors that I have had are part-time at nearby Universities like Berkley or other prestigious schools.
    Am enjoying being here

    The environment at this campus is incredibly friendly, and it is very easy to create a fast and genuine group of friends. Plus, there are tons of extracurricular activities and groups that are always looking for more people!
    Tips for prospective students

    This is a great junior college and it is a fantastic place to start if you aren't sure of your major, or if you want to get your general education and pre-major classes out of the way before transferring to a university. After two years at DVC, you can get straight to work at a university or state college towards your major.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who is looking for a fantastic education without spending several thousand dollars on tuition per year can benefit from DVC. They even have two campuses, so the people who live in the Bay Area can attend the campus that is closest to them!

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Kamilia from Antioch, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Diablo Valley College has great classes! The professors are usually on their A game. The professors try their hardest to help you succeed.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to meet with a counselor.
    Explore all the opportunities the school has to offer.
    What to do for fun

    Go to the softball, basketball, and baseball games.
    Join a culinary class!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Native American Day
    Great for these types of students

    Asians.

  • Valentina from Concord, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DVC has lots of diversity. They have transfer agreements with many four-year schools.Professors care about their students.
    Academic Rigor

    Depending on what class you take, and with what professor DVC is pretty much a breeze
    Dorm Life

    No dorms
    Food and Dining

    Never tried their cafe, but I’ve heard is pretty good. They only accept cash, or checks.
    Bang for the buck

    Going to a community college for two years really saved me a lot of money. I applied for the BOG waiver and didn’t pay for classes, only books
    Campus Safety

    I have never been threaten on campus, or scared to walk to the parking lot late nights after class. Security on campus is a biggie.

  • Sahar from Pleasanton, CA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This is a wonderful community college.
    Great for Transfer students.
    Lots of classes offered and wonderful faculty.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't miss your registration date as impacted classes fill quickly.
    Academic Rigor

    Classes are tough and teachers have high expectations. My review is based on science courses.
    Food and Dining

    Not enough to review on. Very limited if any.
    What to do for fun

    Commuter school. However, there are many social clubs for those desiring more.

  • Jessica from Pittsburg, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Diablo Valley College is one of the top community colleges in the state. The professors here are very helpful and want to make sure that each and every one of their students succeed. With a little hard work and dedication, each student at Diablo Valley College has the opportunity to do great in college and enjoy it at the same time.
    Tips for prospective students

    Even though some professors at this school act as if they don't care, it'd be best for you not to test them. Most of the teachers are work at bigger universities so they have a lot on their plates and do not need rude remarks from students whom they see only twice a week. They try their best to be good teachers, so you should try your best to be a good student. They go through a lot. Give them a break.
    Although Diablo Valley College is a small school, your grades are still as important as they were in high school and they will either make or break you. Make sure to always plan accordingly and don't procrastinate. Procrastinating may have worked in high school but it's no use in college. You have to get your work done and stop saying that you put the pro in procrastinate, that won't really get you anywhere and the teachers here at Diablo Valley College explain that constantly.
    And as for one last tip, just enjoy your college life. Don't stress out to a point where you lose yourself. School can get hard but if you plan everything out to your liking and manage your time well, you can really enjoy your time spent at Diablo Valley College.
    Academic Rigor

    Although a community college, the academic challenges at Diablo Valley College are somewhat similar to that of a large university. Everyone takes their jobs and academic lives very seriously at Diablo Valley College and try just as hard as students and faculty of other schools. At DVC, you can guarantee that you'll get the challenges you need in order to succeed in college.
    Dorm Life

    Unfortunately there are no dorms at Diablo Valley College but there are many apartments and townhouses nearby that do justice. They are very homey and some are even furnished and the best thing is, they cost much less than the dorms in larger universities.
    Food and Dining

    At first, one might think that Diablo Valley College does not have any good food but if you look carefully and know the right people, they can take you to the best school food you will ever taste in your life and not to mention the many restaurants surrounding Diablo Valley College. And if you want to walk around a little after a large meal, right before your class, you can walk around at the mall which is just a 10 minute walk away from Diablo Valley College. You get it all here at DVC!
    What to do for fun

    Although we have a small campus, many people can different ways to have fun. Some people enjoy joining the many sports teams we have at Diablo Valley College while others enjoy joining the many clubs. And also, many small businesses like to come to Diablo Valley College and show off what they're business is all about, whether it be selling jewelry or t-shirts, you know that you'll just have to stop and take a look. Many businesses from all over Pleasant Hill come to DVC and sell things that can be an interest to almost everybody. But whichever you choose to do, it's guaranteed that you'll have fun doing it.

  • Samantha from Antioch, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DVC is a pleasant campus with a wide range of different professors and students. Despite being a community college, it still has great resources for students such as free counseling and tutoring. Academically, this school is what you make of it.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't discount evening classes if you're a serious student! They're filled with working adults that are taking their education seriously which can be a refreshing change from classes with students that do nothing but discuss upcoming parties.
    Academic Rigor

    My classes haven't been very difficult, but it ranges from professor to professor. Always check professor reviewing sites.
    Dorm Life

    Because it is a community college, there is no dorm.
    Food and Dining

    Around lunch time, the culinary arts department is often serving food which is almost always really cheap and very good. If you don't make it in time for that, your only options are greasy burgers, hot dogs, chips, and sodas.
    What to do for fun

    Since it's located in the bay area, there's always tons to do if you're willing to hop on the BART into the city. Locally, there's only a mall and indoor mini-golf.
    Bang for the buck

    The availability of free tutoring, counseling, and transfer advice make it worth it in my book in addition to the great professors.
    Great for these types of students

    All!
    Clubs and Activities

    There are clubs on campus, but the active ones seem to be the ones dedicated to students with specific ethnic backgrounds (ex. Chinese, etc.). The plays produced by the drama program are also very good, but sometimes sell out.
    Greek Life

    None.
    Campus Safety

    I've never felt unsafe on campus nor had anything happen to my car.

  • Kaylyn from Pleasant Hill, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    Some classes are taught by previous professors at berkeley and other rigorous universities, so the classes are just as educational and rigorous as if taking the course at a 4-year college.
    Food and Dining

    The crow's nest sells some of the best chinese food.
    Bang for the buck

    Classes are not overpriced for the quality of education you get.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for students working a full or part time job, or students intending to transfer.
    Campus Safety

    DVC is in a safe city in a safe neighborhood. Campus police are around as well as the police station not to far away.

  • Chelsea from Concord, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DVC is a great community college because at least most of the professors really care about you and your goals. The professors take the students seriously and do not treat them like children. Each class has a diverse range of students and they are all treated equally.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to the counselors as much as possible and tell them as much as possible about your goals. They just want to make sure you do well.
    Academic Rigor

    The school is on the semester system but the time flies by really fast. So, the professors are always keeping an eye on what's coming next. The student should, too. The professors do not expect any slacking just because this is a community college. The professors push the students to do their best.
    Food and Dining

    There are plenty of places to choose from! The Culinary Arts students work as waiters and waitresses in a restaurant on campus called The Norseman. Also, the campus provides Peet's in the Book Center and Starbucks in the Student Union. A student can find food in any of those places or the cafeteria which usually has a good variety of snack foods.
    What to do for fun

    The pond is really calming and the ducks and geese are always entertaining. Also, if a student has an open space in his/her schedule, the mall is a walk away.
    Clubs and Activities

    The Dramatic Society is always open for new people and they meet on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30. They are really fun and just want the Performing Arts to thrive.

  • Josh from Benicia, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Diablo offers a wide range of transfer student oriented programs. The construction is a pain but will likely be cool when completed. They have a turtle pond.
    Tips for prospective students

    This is the place to go for cute girls.
    Academic Rigor

    Not too hard if you have half a brain on you.
    Dorm Life

    Community college...
    Food and Dining

    Food in the area sucks.
    What to do for fun

    Take a nap in the library.
    Bang for the buck

    Just fine.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Selling grade changes on your transcript.
    Great for these types of students

    Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese
    Clubs and Activities

    Lots of 'em.
    Greek Life

    Very little.
    Campus Safety

    Never heard of anything unsafe.

  • ANGELO from PITTSBURG, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i would give diablo valley college a 5 out 5 rating wise because this college is very helpful for students to explore and have a feel in their first steps of college life over here. diablo valley college helps the students to stay on track on there g.e. requirements and help you get transfer out within 2 years to transfer out.
    Tips for prospective students

    always no when your registration date is to get in the classes that you want to get into never wait for the last minute to sign up for a class. always take advantage with your professor's office hours if you need help in any of your work or lost on something that you don't understand.
    Academic Rigor

    nothing, just start up to date with your classes and you'll do good.
    Food and Dining

    food and dining is really good.

  • Sean from Concord, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    dvc is a great school with passionate professors.
    the class sizes are small and affordable.
    i recommend this school to anyone in search of obtaining a aa degree, or seeking to transfer to a 4-year institution.
    Tips for prospective students

    if your looking for an overall great experience from a community college, diablo valley college is your place!
    Academic Rigor

    in addition to being a great school, the professors really expect a lot out of you. don't expect it to be easy!
    Dorm Life

    no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    food is about average. nothing too fancy or amazing.
    What to do for fun

    hanging out with friends, or finding new ones in the quad.

  • Oliver from Walnut Creek, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    an amazing experience with helpful professors and staff members.
    Tips for prospective students

    stay on top of deadlines because they are important.
    Academic Rigor

    great professors/instructors teaching at the university level.
    Dorm Life

    no dorms due to community college.
    Food and Dining

    great food all around campus, specifically the food prepared by the students in dvc's culinary program.
    Bang for the buck

    affordable, great option before transferring to a 4 year university.
    Clubs and Activities

    many clubs from social, major related, religious, hobbies, and culture.
    Greek Life

    none
    Campus Safety

    safe, with school pd.

  • Kearston from Fairfield, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    dvc has a wide selection of available majors and the faculty is amazing. the campus is large and when its not under construction is very beautiful. with one of the highest transfer rates to four year universities i think that dvc is an excellent community college.
    Tips for prospective students

    use webadvisor to register for classes.
    Academic Rigor

    challenging classes with excellent instructors.
    Food and Dining

    lots of eateries within walking distance including sun valley mall.

  • Anthony from san ramon, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Dorm Life

    none
    What to do for fun

    join a team or club
    Greek Life

    none that i know of

  • Jonathan from San Leandro, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the best community college in the contra costa system. hard working teachers who really care about the students futures. a modern looking school in an old campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    if you're looking for a community college, this is a great place to start. they have great university acceptance rates.
    Academic Rigor

    the teachers know what they're talking about and many of them have had experience in their field. they really work hard to get the students to learn the required information and more.
    Dorm Life

    they don't have any dorms, but there are many apartments near by. they are a great commuter school.
    Food and Dining

    the norks cafe is the greatest and cheapest place to eat on campus. it's great for poor college students. also, the fresh baked goods by the culinary students are to die for.
    What to do for fun

    there are many clubs and sports events active throughout the year.
    Bang for the buck

    the norsk cafe is well known on campus by everyone and offers a cheap, but full meal for every.
    Great for these types of students

    great school for those who want to stay close to home.

  • Alex from Walnut Creek, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    You will learn however much you will want to learn. At this school you have to take advantage that its such a small community college. If you do you will greatly succeed.
    Am enjoying being here

    Sometimes because it's so small it can get a little boring. I also feel like it takes a long to see progress which makes it hard for me to stay motivated.
    Bang for the buck

    DVC is definitely a lot less than any four year school, that is the main reason why I decided to attend.
    Tips for prospective students

    There are so many people here (counselors, teachers, other staff) here to help you. Use them! Have them help you with whatever you need: homework, resume, personal statement anything. They are here for you.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for students that work full time and need to save money. Also great for students that need more one on one attention.

  • Tanya from Bay Point, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The teacher's at DVC are great. They help when you need it and point you at the right direction. Although there are classes where you don't learn a lot from. It's all based on what the student's like best, some don't like lectures, some do, and so on. I suggest checking out ratemyprofessor.com before making the decision on your teachers! I have learned a lot from the majority of my teachers and I know I will be prepared when I need to transfer to a higher institute.
    Am enjoying being here

    I enjoy the atmosphere of the college, yet it is very cliche. A lot of the students that attend here already have friends from high school so if you come from another school, it is a little difficult to make friends. The campus is very beautiful on the other hang and is taken care of. I love just sitting outside and enjoying nature.
    Bang for the buck

    Saves alot of money than going straight to a 4-year university. The books are for the most part very cheap but the cafeteria food is such a rip-off. Other than that, I have saved a lot of money and because I was qualified for the BOG Fee Waiver, I've only ever had to pay for my books. I am a part-time worker and full-time student, so all the money I earn goes into my savings account for when I have to transfer.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would definitely attend this school, there are little things that could be better but I do love going to school at DVC and nothing really compares. It is in a great location and there isn't much to think about. There's great teachers, it's walking distance from the mall and other great locations, you learn a lot and the counselors are really helpful. Even if don't qualify for financial aid, it's a great investment towards your education.
    Great for these types of students

    that like quiet neighborhoods, small or large classes, hard-working and motivated.

  • sara bay area,CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Diablo Valley College is known for being one of the top community colleges. The professors are all helpful and have a an outstanding background in the material they have teaching since majority have their Ph.d.
    Am enjoying being here

    A great stepping stone for a first year student to have a lot of diversity from the student body not only from people from the Bay Area but the International students as well.
    Tips for prospective students

    I recommend speaking with the counselor about laying out a plan for the classes that you would need to take for you major and your goal at DVC. Speaking to your professors about the material and any questions you would have would be helpful in the long run. Also for almost each subject their are tutor centers that you should take advantage from.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that are trying to save money and receive a great education at a low cost while getting there general education out of the way.

  • Sarah from Danville, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    DVC is one of the highest ranked community colleges in the state of California and for good reason. The majority of my professors have a Doctorate in the field they are teaching and even a few of them are published. There are classes and opportunities to learn about nearly every subject under the moon and the classes are academically rigorous. I feel myself being pushed to maximize my potential and I find myself retaining more information I have learned here. There are plenty of tutors and resources for students to understand the material they are being taught and to succeed.
    Am enjoying being here

    Diablo Valley College is a large community college with the feel of a smaller college. I am constantly walking down the hallways between lectures and see old classmates from high school or my new friends I made while I was there. You are bound to meet some really interesting people who care about everything and anything. There are clubs and organizations for students interested in just about any subject, and there are ways to create clubs for students who want to connect even deeper about something that isn't already offered. The teachers really put in an effort to learn each student's name and the ways that student learns best to adapt their teaching style and reach out to struggling students. It isn't difficult to find a home on campus at DVC whether its sitting by the pond or studying in the library.
    Bang for the buck

    Even with budget cuts statewide and the loss of many sections for classes I still found it very possible to sign up for the classes I needed and at the times that worked best for my schedule. Tuition does increase just like every other school in the nation, however; its affordability is unmatched by any 4 year university. DVC teachers teach at other colleges in the bay area and it is extremely possible to have a professor who is teaching at institutions such as UC Davis, Stanford, and UC Berkeley without even coming close to paying the tuition bills those students have to pay. I am saving time and money getting my general education completed at DVC.
    Tips for prospective students

    It is highly recommended to sign up for classes the hour you are assigned to. Classes and sections fill up fast and it is much less stressful on the first day of class when you are enrolled rather than crossing your fingers you are chosen via lottery when adding a class. It is also recommended to not drop sections because they are difficult or don't seem as fun as originally intended. If you want to complete general education courses on time in two years and transfer, you need to be taking a full course-load each semester and complete each credit.
    Great for these types of students

    DVC is perfect for all students ranging from the straight A student to the one who struggles to pass. The teachers really know how to teach and do not let students fend for themselves. If a student seeks help, help will be granted guaranteed. Success is in reach for all students. There are classes that are given at nearly all hours of the day and night as well so it fits in the schedules of students who are also part time or full time workers. It is possible to graduate or transfer and work to pay the necessary bills.

  • Christine from Hercules, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Not only am I learning a lot at DVC but they make applying and getting started so easy. All of the professors are passionate about what they do and it reflects off of their students. They make you want to listen to what they have to teach making it easier to learn what you need to.

  • Jasmine from Oakland, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Most people look down upon community colleges, think they're not good enough, or think that only the unsuccessful students go there to try and do well. That can't be further from the truth. Going to a community college, particularly DVC, I have learned SO much, not only in academics but in life in general. I'm taking the same classes as my friends at the big universities while paying tens of thousands less. The most important thing I've learned is that junior colleges are great stepping stones in life. They help you make that transition from high school to college and better prep you for life at a big university.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take all your classes seriously from Day 1!! If you start to slack or not pay attention in class, you'll regret it come test/essay time! I learned that the hard way.

  • Emily from Napa, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning a lot of information, and picking it up easily. For the most part all the teachers are extremely intelligent and know what their talking about. As long as you take the time to find the right teacher for you you will be very successful at this school.
    Am enjoying being here

    The school it self is a beautiful campus much cleaner then some of the other schools I was looking at attending. The best part is it seems that just about everyone is friendly and is willing to talk to you and get to know you. Its got a large amount of clubs and sports. Just about anything your interested in you can find it here!
    Bang for the buck

    The school itself in a junior college and cost much less then that of a four year college for the first two years of classes. I am saving over 20 thousand a year by attending this school and getting my general education done. There is also student discount stickers that completely pay off themselves. The sticker this past semester was 8 dollars, but it is only the first two weeks and I have saved 15 dollars on books.
    Tips for prospective students

    Try to buy your books used. Though many teachers wont let you because they are the author and they recieve the money from the new books. Yet there is a used book store down the street that carries a good portion of the books used. Also if you are planning on taking morning classes, for the first couple weeks you are going to want to get there an hour early because it is hard to find parking.
    Great for these types of students

    The school is really a good place for people who do sports such as dance, swimming and basketball. Major wise it is an excellent school for English, Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Technology Majors.