Diablo Valley College 

Diablo Valley College (DVC) is a public community college with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, Contra Costa County, California. DVC is one of three publicly supported community colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District (along with Contra Costa College and Los Medanos College). It was opened in 1949. DVC has more than 22,000 students and 300 full-time and 370 part-time instructors.

History of the College

Officially, the college began in 1949 at some of the most unlikely sites: high schools, banks, churches, and even the old army camp. Called East Contra Costa Junior College, we moved to our current site in 1952, with ten steel buildings acquired by the government for $45 each. The foundation stone for the first permanent building was laid in 1953, and the name Diablo Valley College was adopted in 1958.

They’ve come a long way since these humble beginnings. Over a million and a half students have enrolled here since 1949.  As they salute their heritage, they look forward to serving one of the most dynamic, educational areas in Northern California for another 50 years.

Diablo Valley College has provided quality education to the community it serves for over 70 years. A million students later, enrolling in the DVC program is one of the best ways to ensure acceptance at a four-year college. DVC is not only recognized as one of the best community colleges in California, but also leads the state in the transfer to four-year institutions.

Research figures recently published by the UCLA Center for Community College Studies show that DVC’s transfer rate to four-year universities is 67% higher than the national average. Another report released by the California Post-Secondary Educational Commission shows that DVC ranked number one in state transfers, ahead of all other California community colleges.

A brief history of their land shows us that this was originally the home of the Costanian Indians. In 1844, the Mexican government granted the land to William Welch, and it became part of his vast Rancho Las Juntas, which included the northwestern Walnut Creek, all of Pleasant Hill, and the northeastern half of Martinez. After World War II, the land was subdivided into housing units, and on October 5, 1950, the College Board of Trustees purchased the DVC site for $172,500. Construction started in September 1951.

With more than 28,000 students of all ages and a host of programs, you will find a dynamic learning environment and a lively atmosphere at DVC. Their Pleasant Hill campus is located off Interstate 680, and the campus is located on 100 acres of gently rolling hills in view of Mt. Diablo, a landmark in northern California. The San Ramon Valley Center in Dougherty Valley opened its doors to students in November 2006. The name San Ramon Campus was adopted in 2011.

Both of their beautifully landscaped locations are a short distance from San Francisco, creating the ideal setting for California’s premier transfer institution.They  are the college of choice for many students from private and public high schools in the nearby districts of Martinez, Mt. Diablo, San Ramon, and Acalanes.