Napa Valley College’s new student housing complex, River Trail Village, is facing a significant challenge: it’s mostly empty.
Six months after opening, only a third of the 588 beds are occupied, far below the college’s projections. While other community colleges with dorms are at capacity, Napa Valley College is struggling to attract students. High cost of living in Napa, coupled with the dorm’s rent, is a major barrier, even with scholarships available.
The college is now working to increase awareness, expand eligibility to non-students like school district employees and AmeriCorps members, and improve marketing. If occupancy doesn’t improve, the college will have to dip into its reserves to cover costs.
The situation contrasts sharply with Santa Rosa Junior College’s successful, fully occupied dorm, highlighting the complexities of providing affordable student housing in high-cost areas.
