Northwest Vista College
San Antonio, TX, USA

Reviews

Northwest Vista College

Brenda from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All the teachers I have had are great I am learning so much more than I thought. The teachers really are good they help you when you need, very flexible with your schedule and understanding.
Am enjoying being here
None of the classes I have taken bore me and the Campus is great! The class rooms are so personal they are small and they help you and other students interact more and get the personal attention you need from an instructor.
Bang for the buck
This college is a lot cheaper than a University and you get good quality for a less expensive price.
Tips for prospective students
If your fresh out of High School I would recommend starting off here to help you save money before you go to that University you've wanted to go to. Or I would try to do a two step program and go to a community college while being enrolled in a University that also saves money. If you haven't been to school in a long time this campus is filled with diversity and there are multi-aged students, so no worries about that.
Great for these types of students
Older adults who want to go back to school
High school Graduates

Elizabeth from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
No matter what your major is, you get a good liberal education. Liberal referring to the necessary math, english, science, art, and social studies classes you're required to take as your core curriculum. Even if you don't have a major at the beginning you're able to get enough classes so that you know a bit of everything.
Am enjoying being here
It is by far one of the most beautiful campuses I have seen in my area. There are lots of trees and grass everywhere, and a lake right in the middle of the most visited buildings. Not only is it nice to walk through, but I've been fortunate enough to have a college career full of interesting and nice teachers who are good at their job. The best part is that you're in a class of twenty to twenty-five people, tops, so you're able to talk to the teacher about anything important before or after classes. And I've personally made a lot of friends with my classmates. You meet all kinds of people here.
Bang for the buck
It's a community college, so you'd expect to have to pay less. it's about $1000 a semester before textbooks. But you learn so much from the classes here if you take the right ones that it's totally worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Get in and get your classes early so you get the ones you need to take right away. As soon as your able you need to try and get your schedule settled. The school has has to do weird things with the budget lately because of the economy, so there's going to be a lot of competition for the necessary classes with the good teachers. Check RateMyProfessor.com to check how good a teacher's been rated. I personally avoided a run-in with a particularly crummy teacher because of that site! But most of the ones I checked were good.
Also, get there early. The people may be great but the parking leaves much to be desired for the time being.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who can't afford a four-year degree or who don't know what they want to do yet. It's a great place to find yourself, and you're always able to transfer.

Amanda from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the teachers are very friendly and are willing to assist you with anything. They dedicate their time, not only in the classroom but outside as well. I have learned a lot more than I expected to, since it is a community college.
Am enjoying being here
Not only is it a quiet, beautiful campus with many resources but it is a great way to meet new people.
Bang for the buck
I have definitely saved a lot of money rather than going to a four year college. Going to Northwest Vista is a great way to get a feel for the college experience and finish all your prerequisites.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend talking to an advisor before you apply for classes. They can help you to decide on a major, what classes you'll need, and answer any questions you have.
Great for these types of students
This college is great for students on a budget. Northwest Vista also encourages group work, so if you like that then this is definitely for you.

Leslie from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the professors at Northwest Vista (NVC) are very helpful, they make sure you know the material and are comfortable with the learning speed. My first semester I took math and even though I thoroughly hate the subject, my professor was so encouraging and helpful that by the end of the class I actually started liking it!
Am enjoying being here
I'm very much an introvert, so I don't really enjoy being part of large crowds. However, many people here at NVC, make me feel very welcome and I really enjoy myself during class. I feel like my opinion is appreciated and even considered by professors and students alike.
Bang for the buck
The courses offered at NVC are definitely less expensive than other 2 year colleges around San Antonio and I have never regretted my decision to attend here.
Tips for prospective students
Sign up for your classes as early as possible! They fill up really fast and usually all the good classes are taken.
Great for these types of students
Anyone looking to save money on their first two years. Anyone who doesn't like a huge campus or large classroom. Anyone who enjoys nature (the campus has a lake, which is amazing!).

Cassandra from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I learned a lot more than I thought I would.
Bang for the buck
Although it is a community college, you are getting what you paid for.
Tips for prospective students
The campus is growing every year, but its very nice and peaceful. The instructors are very helpful. The college also has small classes for one on one time with the instructor if you need additional help. Not to mention the computer labs that have people who specialize in the subjects you need help in.
Great for these types of students
great for any kind of student. as long as you have the dedication to do your best.

Crystal from Natalia, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Northwest Vista College staff have definitely been a great help as far as degree planning and customer service. The campus itself is beautiful for a community college setting. The overall diversity of ethnicities and comfortable feel of the college atmosphere is present.
Tips for prospective students
If you would like to attend make sure you meet with an advisor and stick with them. Prior to attend visit the campus, talk to current students, and make sure to register for classes on time. Classes fill up pretty quick.
Academic Rigor
Academically the curriculum is average but the professors are very helpful. They definitely value students and don't underestimate capabilities. The offer many options to get help in certain classes and offer many opportunities to get developed in your profession.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria food is a little pricey and I would suggest to pack lunch especially for a long day of classes. Although they do have vending machines in almost every building and have a Starbucks, so that's nice.
What to do for fun
There are many programs that are offered outside of just the school requirements. I have seen many concerts advertised and programs for students to be involved in.
Bang for the buck
It's very affordable especially if you have FASFA and apply for Grants. Although it does get a little pricey for out of district students.
Great for these types of students
Freshmen and undecided majors
Clubs and Activities
Business Student Organization
Campus Safety
Once something seems out of line they always send out e-mails and let professors know to inform us.

Me

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Taking courses at Northwest Vista College has been a pleasant experience for me so far. The staff have always been friendly and helpful. The tuition is inexpensive.
Tips for prospective students
I recommend registering for desired classes as soon as possible because they fill up fast. Also, there is a new GPS on the Alamo College Website which makes creating a degree plan easy.
Academic Rigor
The Alamo Colleges offer multiple online courses for those who need to work from home. The quality of education is high.
Food and Dining
There is a diner with a great view. They have a decent variety of drinks and snacks, and the staff are friendly.
Campus Safety
There are areas all over the parking lot where a person can call for security if they need to. There is a police station on campus. Police do patrol the area well. I feel safe when I am there - even after dark. You are never one hundred percent safe anywhere, so it is important to stay alert practice good judgement with people you do not know.

Halie from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I am new to the San Antonio area so when it came to choosing a college, I became very nervous; but everyone at Northwest Vista College was EXTREMELY helpful. They helped me step by step and even offer lots of classes you can attend to help set you your schedule and even answer the millions of questions all the first time students,parents and even returning students. They have several free activities to get involved as well as an awesome gym. They are very in tuned with how the college life works and all the professors are all very nice and want everyone to succeed. I would definitely recommend people coming here for their first two years, I'm saving so much money!
Tips for prospective students
-Attend a HOLA class
-Get Involved
-Apply for financial aid
-Arrive at school early,parking is pretty bad
Dorm Life
No dorms but Amazing surrounding apartments!
Food and Dining
Food is amazing!! & Cheap! Way better than eating out!
What to do for fun
Hiking,running,flag football, tennis,volleyball,basketball, honestly anything you can think of they have it for free.
Bang for the buck
I'm very impressed
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The campus is around a man made pond so it's always a really pretty view, I love to just sit outside and study.
Great for these types of students
I'm wanting to pursue physiology they do not offer that major here but I'm spending less than half of what I would be pending at a 4 year school just to get my basics. I know they offer great certification programs here as well as a ton of classes that are transferable to almost any college.
Clubs and Activities
THEY EVEN OFFER ALL KINDS OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURES OFF CAMPUS FOR FREE!!
Greek Life
I've heard it is pretty cool, but I don't participate in any parting activities.
Campus Safety
My family is a very overprotective christian family and even they approved and felt save about me being here, it really is just an amazing environment.

Alexis from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The Northwest Vista campus is by far the best campus in the Alamo Community of colleges. The buildings aren't clearly marked, but after you learn the campus, everything is easy to find. Most of the teachers are great.
Tips for prospective students
Use www.ratemyprofessor.com to your advantage, it is very helpful. Pay tuition on time. Get a map of the campus. If you're a new student, get a map and the week before classes start, go to campus and find the buildings your classes are in. It makes the first week easier.
Academic Rigor
The academics of this college are outstanding. The professors seem in be interested in their field of study.
Food and Dining
Food is pretty good in the cafeteria. There are vending machines in every building.
What to do for fun
There is the library. The gym has a pool table.

Sarahi from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The school location is amazing and very beautiful. The classes are very easy if you pay attention and if you fall back you can easily catch up with the help of your professors. The professors are very friendly and are always willing to help you and since the classes are very small you can easily make a connection with all your professors.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early and dont think just because it's a community college its easy. You have to do your work, homework and show up to every class to be able to pass.
Academic Rigor
I love my classes and the professors, they are very dedicated to what they teach.
Food and Dining
The food its delicious but unless you're going to be there the whole day I wouldn't recommend eating there, it can be a little expensive .
What to do for fun
There's a lot of clubs you can join and mostly every week there's something going on, so you can never be bored.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Most of the people enjoy hanging out in the cafe. No matter what time of the day it is, you always see a lot of people hanging in there just hanging out or doing work.
Great for these types of students
There's always something going on and there's always something for everyone's personalities.
Campus Safety
The campus feels isolated from everything but you feel very safe even at nights.