Palomar College - San Marcos, California

Danielle P.

Choose your professors wisely as this choice will determine your fate and success in the class. This is an affordable college to complete your education goals, however the staff isn't very helpful or accurate in their information. Calling most of their numbers available for information will lead you to frustration and confusion. Especially the financial and cashier's office, which I would assume would have the most competent individuals, but I was wrong because it was the opposite. I had just called about a simple question and was left to be transferred from department to department, and ended with my question still unsolved and annoyed by the service. Overall it's a good experience in the classroom, but not with the other staff. I also had to go to three different counselors from different departments (veterans, palomar promise, and general), and each one gave me a different education plan.

Justin A.

The school is okay, but most of the classes I want to take are only offered online, which isn’t convenient for me. I'm enrolled in an online video editing course that feels really boring, and the workload is overwhelming, with many assignments due on the same day. I’ve already been dropped from two classes and only have two left. One of my professors even mentioned dropping me from the class during another course. It’s been a frustrating experience overall.

Maria G.

They wonder why so many people transfer to Mira costa?
1) I was on the phone as the “first in line” for 15-20 minutes and decided to use my work phone and call. Why did that call get picked up and not my personal phone?
2) I tried asking if I needed any paperwork or documents for financial aid as I have not done it in years. URI, the person who picked up my phone said “didn’t you look online, you can see everything there” I would have not been calling asking for clarification. Didn’t even tell me finish my sentence and sounded so annoyed that she/he had to pick up the phone. This is so discouraging and disappointing. @palomar college page owner plz dont even comment about emailing bc I already did.

Courtney G.

I've been a student (intermittently) here since 2010. As someone that loves learning and the overall "school" atmosphere, I feel extremely fortunate that I get to be a student at Palomar College; "lucked out", I would say.

The teachers are magnificent and have the potential to change your life forever (I know a few that have for me already*).

You can get help with enrollment fees with through the BOG Waiver - all my classes end up being free because of it. Parking permits 1/2 off also.

The school is modern and always improving. Their buildings are stylish and unlike anything I've seen anywhere else. Each is unique, yet somehow they all come together to form a beautiful campus.

I truly look at this campus like a second home. I love going here.

(Parking can suck, that's a big reason why I try to only stick to night classes 🤓) ➡️ HOWEVER! They now have a brand new parking GARAGE! I haven't used it yet, as I am only doing evening classes, but I can only imagine how much it helps everyone be able to find parking! It is nice to know that they actually do care about the problems we face throughout college life & do what they can to help make it as comfortable & as enjoyable as possible!
UPDATE (3/19/18)!! I started using the parking garage and it is AWESOME!!! Security cameras coming soon! This school keeps on getting better and better!!

'Safety' is also another big thing here that they take seriously. They make sure to inform us students on a regular (& when, if necessary) basis all the details regarding our options when it comes to being and staying safe throughout our education at Palomar. They have their own (actual/legit) police force that is on duty 24/7 & a direct emergency line to call any hour day or night. They provide free escorts to anyone needing or just wanting a little extra piece of mind walking to their car or anywhere around campus. Every class locks from the inside by a button next to the teacher's phone that keeps anyone from getting in in case of an active shooter or anything else putting students at harm, & when they lock, it sends a signal to the Palomar Police with the location of the room, etc. etc. I could go on but you get it, they care & work hard to keep us safe! 🤗

* AJ Professor Jack Hook, AJ Professor Leeyann Chapman, COMM Professor Wendy Nelson & LS Professor Lisa Burns; just to name a few! 😉

esme G.

The classes and education itself is phenomenal. Cashier's office was very accommodating and i really appreciate their staff.

I cannot say the same of the financial aid office or admissions staff who handle phone calls. I'm not sure if it's the same lady but every time I call I seem to get to her and she's very rude, gives false information, and makes me feel stupid. I always dread having to make a call to this college. Her customer service communication needs to be re-evaluated. There are many students here who don't need to feel casted aside for trying to further there education and better themselves.

Saturn

This was last semester 2024. One time there was extremely loud music coming from the little cafe inside the cafeteria. Although there was some sort of cultural event on the left farther side, but they weren’t the ones playing the loud music. It came from the white barista girls. Everyone was looking at the girls disgusted because the music had nothing do to with the people handling the cultural event. So the girls were playing the rudely loud music freestyle & the fact that the loud music was still on for over 4 minutes means that they were extremely unprofessional. It was so loud & worst because it was indoors so the sound waves keep bumping back. Im writing this now because i heard that the manager responds immediately about 1 star reviews but not only that, the girls are still working at the same area today.

Michelle H.

I would definitely recommend going to a different school. I have had so many issues with this college. Most recently I had spoke with someone about dropping a class . I filled out the form and was informed that I was withdrawn from the class and no other action was required. Then I get an email saying I owe 75 dollars. I reached out to several people and only got the run around. I shouldn’t have to pay for a class I dropped from and never attended. It’s sad how bad this school has become.

Dawn H.

This campus is lovely and the staff are professional, courteous and competent. There are numerous parking lots making it quite convenient even for late arriving students or for those who take classes during peak hours. The natural sciences building is quite impressive as is the landscaping and labeling of the plants and trees.
This school is a gem!