Palomar College offers two-year vocational and semi-professional curricula and the first two years of college/university work towards an accredited baccalaureate degree program.
Students may earn an Associate Degree and/or a Certificate of Achievement in one or more of the programs. They may also complete lower-division requirements (first two years) for transfer to a four-year college/university (General Education Requirements). Most students transferring from Palomar College to a public four-year college/university enroll at a campus of the University of California, such as UCSD, or at one of the California State Universities, such as SDSU or CSUSM.
Palomar College is a “commuter college”, meaning that it does not offer dormitories or housing assistance. However, there are many apartment complexes around the campus with apartments for rent. If you are interested in experiencing homestay with an American family, we have information about private homestay services available to our applicants. Please Note: Palomar College is in no way responsible for the services provided by these organizations.
Unfortunately, financial assistance is not available to international students in the state of California at the community college level. However, you are eligible to apply for any local scholarships by establishing a Grade Point Average (GPA) after attending one semester. Also, you may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during enrolled semesters. Please keep in mind that on-campus employment is on a first-come-first-serve basis and is not guaranteed. The Office of International Education cannot assist students in locating employment.
You may view our college catalog online at: www.palomar.edu/catalog.
How To Get To Palomar College
Palomar College is located in San Marcos, California, off Hwy 78, which lies between the I-5 and I-15 freeways. It is 30 miles north of San Diego and 90 miles south of Los Angeles. The closest airport is San Diego International Airport. If you are flying in to LAX or San Francisco, you can obtain a shuttle flight to San Diego.
To help students achieve their academic goals, Palomar College provides the following services:
Career Center
Short-term career classes, walk-in career counseling, resume writing assistance, career assessment, individual career counseling, occupational and job search materials, career and college videos. The Career Center is located in the Student Union building (SU-17).
Counseling and Matriculation
Academic, assessment, vocational, and personal counseling are provided in the Office of International Education (SU-103). International students may also make counseling appointments at the main counseling center in the Student Services Center (SSC).
Transfer Center
The Transfer Center, located in the Student Services Center (SSC), contains information, resources and staff to assist students with transfer planning. Representatives from four-year universities are also available, by appointments.
Library Services
The Palomar College Library houses over 100,000 volumes, videos, CD’s and audio cassettes, in addition to the library’s extensive magazine and journal holdings. The Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) lab provides an area where students can use computer-formatted tutorials in over 250 class-related topics. Internet access is available and there are 140 computers for student use.
Tutorial Services
The Tutoring Center, located in the library on the first floor, provides free tutoring in many academic subjects.
Health Services Center
All students currently enrolled who have paid a college health fee qualify for many free or low-cost health services which include emergency and first aid care, health assessment and screening, physical exams, immunization, TB tests, hearing and vision screening, lab tests, over the counter medicines and treatments. Health counseling and education are also provided for stress reduction, substance abuse, nutrition, sexually transmitted diseases and many other health-related topics. (All International Students are required to have medical and accident insurance while attending Palomar College.)
Behavioral Health Counseling Services
Behavioral Health Counseling Services (BHCS) is a safe place to talk with someone privately about any concern. This may include stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, relationship difficulties, managing an existing behavioral health condition, questions about identity, or other issues.
Athletics
Palomar College has intercollegiate teams in the following areas:
Men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, water polo, and wresting.
Women’s sports: basketball, beach volleyball, cheer, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and water polo.
Office of Student Life and Leadership
The Office of Student Life and Leadership, located in SU-201 provides information for the varied needs of the students. The office coordinates the housing board, sale board, aids in publicizing upcoming student activities held throughout the campus, and issues student activity cards upon receipt of payment ($15 per semester) Information about alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs and referral services is also available.
Bookstore Services
The Palomar College Bookstore is a comprehensive operation that provides textbooks, supplemental reading materials, and auxiliary supplies for students and staff.
Other Organizations and Activities Offered at Palomar: |
| Art Gallery |
| Theatre |
| International Club Facebook Page |
| Student Clubs and Organizations |
| Associated Student Government |
| Wellness/Fitness Center |
| Planetarium |
| Campus Police |
| TV and Radio |