Palomar College

Spoke with someone in the counselling department about an appointment for my daughter who is interested in attending the college in the fall. Explained that she is bright but has experienced some challenges with depression and other issues and wants to make sure she is strong enough to complete the course. The woman made it clear they are not a public health resource — she needs to enroll and then seek help once she was a student. Not interested at all and suggested she enroll at Mira Costa when I explained they were happy to meet her before admission.

Attended a semester here and I absolutely hated it. I hated it because of the parking, and also the staff. The cashier, financial aid, and registrar? it’s the one on the other side of door at the financial aid office, the people there are rude. U need to stay out of that perimeter because all they have is so much negativity, even on the phone! The registers office, they have students that works for them which is even worse bc they don’t know what they’re doing and saying to me when I was there. They were giving me faces too, I was like it’s that what you were trained for and being paid for??? But the teachers are hella nice! Well at least mine were. Lol

That’s my school! I hate the traffic on the 78 but love all the instruction and skills I aquired during my 5 years on campus. Changed my way of seeing the world!

I am one of those people that will always be a student. I was a student at Palomar way back in the day and I left for bigger, but not necessarily better. Then I can back… multiple times.
I love Palomar. Its gotten bigger, fancier with the new buildings and classes. But the teachers are just as always… great and approachable. I love that about community colleges because they are always teaching you useful things like accounting and stock trading (for those with the money and the risk tolerance).
Awesome staff, useful classes. The lines can be long at the admin office and the student body not as cream of the crop as one desires at time, but a great deal for your money.

K so I clearly can’t give school a 5 star rating, let alone a 4 considering it’s school, so… 3 stars seems pretty nice.
I’ve been coming to Palomar off and on since 2009 (clearly I’m not a star student). In the beginning, the campus was so underdeveloped and terrible. I still don’t understand why any college campus has to be so complex. Like why do the parking lots have to be so cluttered and confusing? Why is one of the «parking lots» placed on a sidewalk? Maybe think about expanding those and making them a little more tolerable… Granted they chose San Marcos to be the main campus (no clue why), so there’s only so much they can do. Over the past few years, Palomar has really done a lot to the place. Newer buildings are a plus, and I don’t think they’re done upgrading, so that’s cool.
Now on to the staff. I actually liked my professors the first few classes, then I had bad luck with the ones after. I would name them to give you a fair warning, but I’m assuming that’d be simply mean… what I can say is that I’ve had 2 professors specifically who genuinely sucked at being a professor, and probably should have considered trying a different route career wise. But most have been decent enough or actually really good.
I do want to point out that out of desperation (due to my English professor giving us the most intolerable novels to read, and he didn’t respect anybody else’s opinions besides his own), I went to the writing center to have one of the «tutors» make sure my paper was good enough to turn into a judgemental ass of a professor. The tutor was sweet but um… how was he a tutor? He was practically mute, didn’t explain a single thing properly, and pretty much just read my prompt to me and said that’s what to do. Uhh, I’ve always been a good writer and clearly I have eyes, but he was the most unhelpful person I’ve ever met with in hopes of getting some sort of help and feedback.
Of course paying whatever the actual cost per unit is here beats paying out the ass at CSUSM or any other UC for that matter. I’m a fond believer in high school students going to a community college for 2 years BEFORE going to a 4 year. Seriously, 80% of freshman college students change their mind on what they want to do within 2 years, so take advantage of staying local while you deal with all the GE shit you’d end up paying 3x as much for at a UC. Avoid the 40k of debt you’ll be in. Yeah I’m ranting, but I find my opinion to be pretty logical…
Overall, Palomar is a decent school. It continues to get better over time.

I started in June of this year. There are some painful moments, such as waiting in the Financial Aid line, but every interaction I have had with any Palomar staff has been professional ans helpful. I can’t say it’s the best because it is all I know, but it’s pretty dang good.

Capoeira Quilombo com Mestre Elias!!!
CAPOEIRA Quilombo with Master Elias!!!

After taking multiple semesters at miracosta and palomar miracosta takes the cake. Palomar is full of rude people. With the exception of a few teachers this place is the worst educational decision I’ve made. The admin people have no idea what they’re doing and think they can talk to people how they want. The most unprofessional people running this place. Cashiers are the worst. These people talk to you like you are the scum of the earth. No respect. This place is more expensive for anything they can change the price on. You’re only getting a good price on the units because they can’t charge more. Parking is miserable and the food expensive and far from tolerable. Guy in the computer lab is rude and closes early even during finals, he’ll just turn off the computers. Classes are hard to get into and many students are fresh out of high school and only there to please their parents.
Do yourself a favor and go to Miracosta, it’s cheaper, more relaxed and much better campus!

This review is for Christie S. at the financial aid office. You are rude and cold. I cannot believe we have to deal with you in doing our extremely stressful financial aid issues. I have requested to not email with you any longer, yes that was me. I understand you are doing your job, but please feel free to be a bit nicer. We are all people here, who are trying to further our education.

A few days ago I paid for my son’s first semester of college at Palomar. This is done on their website. After paying, I could not find the print icon, and so did not get a receipt. I went down to the college cashiers office to get a copy. The lady told me that she can not give me a copy, but can give it only to my son (who is 18). I explained to her that I am his mother, and I paid for his tuition with my credit card from my bank account, so it seems to me that I should be getting the reciept. She said «No, we cannot give it to you, have your son come down and we’ll give it to him. It is federal law to protect your son’s privacy.»
My son did not pay for his tuition — I did, so I should get the receipt. My son was out of town at the time, and still is, so I have to wait until next week to get the receipt from my son. I don’t know if I should be dismayed by Palomar, or by the Federal Government. Someone is chiseling away at parental authority, and causing confusion in the family unit. I have a bad sense about Palomar College now, and I am not likely to forget this anytime soon!

Palomar College has grown considerably so it’s no longer a little college.
With that being said, there are some pros and cons:
Pros:
1) Huge variety of classes offered
2) Main campus and satellite campuses in Escondido, Camp Pendleton, Fallbrook, Mt. Carmel, and Pauma Valley
3) Online classes
4) Fast-​track classes
5) Low cost compared to community colleges in other states
6) Big campus but not too big that you can’t get from one end to the other without needing to stop for a meal or potty break in between
7) Bus terminal in front of campus
8) Sprinter station across the street
9) Anyone can enroll
Cons:
1) Parking
2) Parking
3) Parking
4) Limited food options
5) Bookstore is too small
Do you get that parking is a problem? Plan to arrive early, especially the first week of school. You may have to drive around until you can find a spot. It would be awesome if someone could create an app that showed empty parking spots.
Bring your own food. It’s cheaper and if you have dietary issues, you’ll have what you need.

I’ve only taken one class here. It was in the NS building. The parking lot of huge. Don’t have to fight anyone for a parking spot. The NS building is fairly new. I took Algebra with Professor Butler. He is the nicest teacher ever! I took the class at night so not sure how atmosphere during the day is like. But I would definitely take classes here again. Registering process was easy. The staff at the Escondido campus are also very helpful.

Very good school and facilities. There’s a wide range of age of the students that attend. This is a great place to take classes whatever your plan may be.

One of the top community colleges you’d ever stumble upon, they offer so many resources and different classes here. Palomar is always in constant construction because they need more buildings to accommodate students in classrooms and facilities to help them. The new buildings are quite pleasing for classrooms and study work (h and tlc are the newest so far), and they continue to add more and more. Their parking lot can be a bit hectic, and some people just cut you off and take your parking spot because… well they’re just impatient and mean.
Quite a few professors teach at other universities along side palomar, which means that students are receiving the same education you would at a university (of course depending on the professor you take), so you’d be getting your bang for your buck. If you get a good professor, anyways. Ask them questions, they ask for questions actually. Seek help and they will provide and help you through it.
Btw, they’ve got a pretty topnotch debate team in the whole nation.
I’ve got way more tips than review but I think I’d end up blowing up the tips so I’ll just type them here:
–for the first few weeks of a semester, parking will be the death of you if you don’t arrive early enough. Park in the neighborhoods. Even if it is a walk, it’s worth the walk and being on time for a class you might be wait listed in instead of still searching for parking with the amount of time it would take to walk.
–In the beginning of the semester, the bookstore will be completely filed with not only people, but with workers as well. You will always have someone come up to you and ask if you need help, even if someone already asked you once. It’s okay, just be patient if you don’t need the help. Don’t be alarmed, however, if you can’t all of a sudden find help in the middle of the semester. At that point, you must search for them. Do not also be alarmed if they know less about snacks than you do, you might end up exploring the whole store more than them because you’re actually seeking something as opposed to them just being there for the job. Unless of course you know they’ve been there as long if not even longer than you have.
–You will be switched around the counseling office to different counselors, especially if you just need to see one Asap. If you find one that you really like, you have the option to keep going back to them. Make counseling appts in the beginning of the week.
–Bring food, or if you don’t have time for that at least just buy a snack. Food here is pretty pricey. They’ve got microwaves in the cafeteria for you to warm up your food, and restaurants aren’t even that far. They’re like. down a few streets.
–It’s pretty easy to make a club, especially if you’re willing.
–They offer tutors in multiple places: stem, tlc, library, etc. And it’s all free too. There are certain buildings that cater specifically to a certain subject, and what’s better is that they most likely know your teachers teaching style unless they’re new. Watch out for stats though, it’s better to go to the library as opposed to the math center.
–They’ve got individual piano practice rooms for you music lovers or for those who don’t have a piano to practice with. Anyone can go in those, and it’s pretty relaxing. Some may find it a bit intimidating because you’re enclosed in brick walls in a tiny room enough to fit 2 – 3 people at most.
–There will be some strange people you find on campus. Some guy walking on stops, people in the corner of the cafeteria bringing their own TV and consoles to game, random tight roping, cosplayers, etc. It’s college and people are their own

Pretty damn fine educational institution.
The professors are outstanding. There is a large selection of classes. The campus is clean and nicely landscaped. The parking lots are large and I’ve never had trouble finding a spot. The office staff is very helpful. Every time I’ve needed to call for info, they are spot-​on with advice. Bathrooms are clean and well-​stocked.
The only reason I gave 4 stars was due to enrollment. I’ve had a few issues getting into classes I needed. This is mostly due to overcrowding and demand. Maybe offer more classes when demand is high? Also, do not have 2 prerequisite classes to get into another class. 60 people trying to enroll in a 25 seat class was never going to work!

If someone is following you to your car DON’T get freaked out, cry bloody murder, and run for your life.
The parking is just a bitch, and they want your spot.
Classes are amazingly hard to get into, unless you’re a super senior with priority, a vet, or a disabled persons.
Library is pretty solid for a CC.
Pack your lunches, the food is nastay!
Main thing is, go in with a plan, constantly refer to that plan, and you will be that 1 in 7 that transfers out.
DO NOT solely rely on the guidance counselors! Use your resources and take the time to map out every class and keep a tally in your notebook. Make transferring out your priority, and you will succeed.

I’m in the process of returning to college to update my job skills and Palomar online is where I started. After a few classes I actually feel a lot more prepared because I was able to build on old skills and instructors seemed to understand that. I work with a lot of people that think they’re too old to do this and you’re not! Update your skills, this place gets it, enjoy your job a little more. It’s been a great experience. My only problem is that they need A LOT more online – a LOT more.

The counselors and and professors are amazing! Palomar has helped me through all of my educational goals… except for one. After doing so well in all of my pre-​nursing core classes, I had reached the limit for registering because of the amount of units I had. Right when I reached my last semester, they took away my priority enrollment. I literally only need one more class, but this class also happens to be one of the more impacted classes on campus.
There is an appeal process which one can go through to try to get it back. I followed this process all the way through until the end. I wait for a response and receive one of the most callous responses I have ever heard from a person where they tell me my request was denied. Are you kidding me? The evaluations office at Palomar is full of the most rude and inconsiderate people. Anyways, now I’m back to the bottom where I so arduously worked my way from. Thanks for nothing.

Yha you know whats up. you know whats crackin how we do on las posas. you know the life. the dispensaries. the spots. the homies

I love the new TLC building. Never be too proud to work with a tutor or ask for help. I did, which is why i finished last semester with 2 A’s and 1 B. Parking is always a bitch, but it is well worth it. All of my teachers were great!

Been a student since 09 and I’ve seen some major changes happen here. Definitely for the better. Even with the increase of student population, Palomar staff and officials seem to handle it very well. Though you may still have a hard time getting the classes you want when you want them, registering early may pay off. Also, don’t give up on trying to get into a class. Many instructors will take wait listers and crashers.
Not gonna lie, parking is a B!&@#. Oh, and don’t get caught with out a parking pass. Not even for a few minutes. I swear patrol waits in the bushes and jumps your car with a ticket as soon as you walk away.
Cafeteria is lacking. Subway is about the only decent thing. Otherwise, just over priced junk food– pizza, candy, soda, more candy. Great for caffeine and sugar addicts.
There is a wide variety of professors here. you would have to check
for better individual reviews.
campus is pretty clean most of the time. plus, they are pushing to have a no smoking campus which is nice for us clean air loving people.