Chet Raj Bhandari Written by Chet Raj Bhandari

About Foothill College

Study at Foothill College from Nepal

 

You dream and think of studying in the USA, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on it, and you want to make sure you have a good provider.

Then, Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California, may be just what you’re looking for.

With a stunning campus, small classes, great university transfer programs, and more than 1,800 course offerings in a wide variety of disciplines, including 84 associate degrees and 119 credit certificates, one bachelor’s degree, and 30+ noncredit certificates– Foothill has much to offer.

The college particularly boasts of a robust transfer system to other elite universities such as the University of California (UC), and California State University (CSU) systems.

Foothill has well-equipped modern learning facilities with up-to-date science, art studios, computer labs, and a highly equipped library.

Academic counseling, career services, mental health services, and international student advisors also provide strong student support in the college.

The campus being located in Silicon Valley increases its close access to major technological companies, such as Apple, Google, and Meta, expanding interesting opportunities in terms of internships and landing employment at these companies.

One of the most successful transfer schools in the U.S., as well as one of the highest-ranked community colleges in the country, Foothill is also an inviting campus and serves a diverse student population with committed faculty.

This is an intelligent choice in that students can begin his/her studies in a more reasonably priced environment and eventually transfer to a top-notch university, all of which they can enjoy the diverse Californian culture and a prospective career life.

If you are a Nepali student planning to study at Foothill College, Goreto Educational Consultancy can guide you through every step — from selecting the right program to preparing applications, securing your student visa, and arranging accommodation.

With years of experience helping students study in the USA from Nepal, Goreto ensures you have accurate information, personalized counseling, and complete support for a smooth transition to U.S. college life.

 

Why Choose Foothill College?

 

  • Top Transfer Pathways – Strong record of transfer to UC, CSU, and private universities.

  • Affordable – Study at a lower cost compared to U.S. universities.

  • Location Advantage – In Silicon Valley, near world-leading tech companies.

  • Modern Facilities – Science labs, art studios, computer centers, and library.

  • Student Support – Academic advising, career counseling, mental health services, and international student guidance.
    Source: https://www.foothill.edu/about

Campuses

 

Campus / CenterLocation
Main CampusLos Altos Hills, California
Sunnyvale CenterSunnyvale, California

Source: https://www.foothill.edu

Number of Courses & Levels

 

Foothill College offers over 1,800 courses across disciplines from Accounting to Women’s Studies.

By Academic Category:

  • Business & Social Sciences

  • Fine Arts & Communication

  • Health Sciences & Horticulture

  • Kinesiology & Athletics

  • Language Arts

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

By Qualification Level:

  • Associate Degrees (AA/AS): 84+

  • Bachelor’s Degrees: 1 (Dental Hygiene)

  • Certificates of Achievement: 119+

  • Noncredit / Continuing Education: 30+

  • ESL & Academic English Programs

Source: https://foothill.edu/academics/index

Scholarships for Nepali Students

 

Foothill offers scholarships and financial aid options for both domestic and international students:

  • Foothill College Foundation Scholarships – merit and need-based.

  • State-funded & External Scholarships – including STEM and transfer support.
    Amounts vary from partial tuition coverage to living expense support. Goreto can help Nepali students apply strategically.
  • Source: https://foothill.edu/financialaid

Campus Life

 

Life at Foothill includes:

  • Modern Classrooms & Labs – Updated science, art, and computer facilities.

  • Library & Resource Center – Books, e-databases, study rooms.

  • Physical Education Complex – Gyms, fitness classes, and sports fields.

  • Health Services – Medical and mental health support.

  • Clubs & Organizations – Dozens of cultural, academic, and leadership clubs.

  • Eco-Friendly Campus – Sustainable, peaceful learning environment.
    Source: https://foothill.edu/services/index

Notable Alumni

 

Foothill alumni work globally, especially in Silicon Valley tech, healthcare, and design industries. Top recruiters include Google, Apple, and Kaiser Permanente.
Source: https://foothill.edu/career

Rankings

 

  • Consistently among the top California community colleges for transfer to UC/CSU.

  • Recognized for high student satisfaction and academic performance.

  • Nationally ranked for online learning programs.

  • Strong reputation in STEM and health sciences.
    Source: https://foothill.edu/facts/index

Tuition Fees

 

Qualification LevelEstimated Annual Tuition (USD)Estimated Annual Tuition (NPR)
Associate Degree (AA/AS)$10,752NPR 1,430,016
Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T)$10,752NPR 1,430,016
Certificate Programs$4,800 – $6,000NPR 638,400 – 798,000
Noncredit/Continuing EducationFree or minimalFree or minimal
ESL (English as a Second Language)$288 per unitNPR 38,304 per unit

Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ NPR 132.5 (subject to change).
Source: https://foothill.edu/international/tuition

Living Expenses

 

Accommodation TypeMonthly Cost (USD)Monthly Cost (NPR)
Homestay$1,200 – $1,500NPR 159,600 – 199,500
Shared Apartment$900 – $1,200NPR 119,700 – 159,600
Private Apartment$1,500 – $2,200NPR 199,500 – 292,600
Room Rental$700 – $1,000NPR 93,100 – 133,000

Source: https://foothill.edu/international/housing.html

Library

 

The Foothill College Library provides:

  • Print and e-book collections, journals, and research databases

  • 24/7 online services

  • Group and quiet study spaces

  • Free Wi-Fi and computers

  • Research and citation help

  • Printing, scanning, and photocopying at affordable rates
    Source: https://foothill.edu/library

Placements & Career Support

 

Foothill emphasizes transfer to universities but also supports direct employment:

  • Career Services Center – resume workshops, career counseling.

  • Work Experience Program – earn credits while working.

  • Employer Network – Silicon Valley tech, healthcare, and startups.

  • Job Fairs – connect students with recruiters.

  • OPT (Optional Practical Training): up to 1 year work experience after graduation.
    Source: https://foothill.edu/career

Top Companies Hiring

 

  • Google

  • Apple

  • Facebook (Meta)

  • Tesla

  • Amazon

  • Cisco Systems

  • Stanford Health Care

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • Netflix

  • LinkedIn

Source: https://foothill.edu/career

Graduate Average Salaries

 

Degree LevelAvg. Salary (USD)Avg. Salary (NPR)
Associate of Arts (AA)$42,000NPR 5,565,000
Associate of Science (AS)$45,000NPR 5,955,000
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)$48,000NPR 6,348,000
Certificates$38,000NPR 5,030,000
Continuing Education$40,000NPR 5,300,000
All Graduates (10 Years)$60,000NPR 7,950,000

Based on CA labor market & alumni outcomes.
Source: https://foothill.edu/career | https://www.bls.gov

Part-Time Jobs

 

Nepali students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hrs/week during semesters and full-time in breaks.

Common on-campus jobs:

  • Library Assistant

  • Peer Tutor

  • Computer Lab Assistant

  • Cafeteria or Bookstore Staff

  • Event Support Staff

  • Gym & Recreation Assistant

  • Office Clerk

  • Student Ambassador

Source: https://foothill.edu/studentjobs

Upcoming Intakes

 

IntakeApplication Deadline
Fall Quarter 2025June 1, 2025
Winter Quarter 2026October 1, 2025
Spring Quarter 2026January 31, 2026
Summer 2026April 15, 2026

Source: https://foothill.edu/calendar

Eligibility Criteria

 

Program TypeAcademic RequirementsEnglish RequirementsDocuments Required
Associate Degrees10+2 / High School with GPA ≥ 2.0IELTS 6.0 (no band <5.5), TOEFL iBT 61, Duolingo 90+Application, transcripts, proof of English, passport, financials
Bachelor’s (Dental Hygiene, Respiratory Therapy)College-level prerequisites, GPA ≥ 2.5IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, Duolingo 105+Application, transcripts, SOP, LORs, immunizations
CertificatesHigh School (+2)IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL iBT 46, Duolingo 75+Application, transcripts, English proof, passport
Noncredit / ContinuingMinimum age 18, basic literacyNo IELTS requiredApplication, ID proof
ESL ProgramsOpen entryPlacement testApplication, passport

Source: https://foothill.edu/international/admissions.html

Required Documents

 

  • Completed Application Form

  • Valid Passport Copy

  • Academic Transcripts (English or certified translation)

  • Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE)

  • Financial Statement/Bank Statement (1 year of costs)

  • Affidavit of Support (if sponsored)

  • Application Fee Receipt

  • Visa documents (F-1, SEVIS I-20, DS-160) if applicable

  • Transfer Form (for students inside USA)

Source: https://foothill.edu/international/admissions.html

Contact Details

 

English Language Requirements

 

Program TypeIELTSTOEFL iBTDuolingoPTE
Associate Degrees6.06190+44+
Bachelor’s6.579105+50+
Certificates5.54675+40+
Noncredit/ESLNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required

Source: https://foothill.edu/international/admissions.html

Admission Timeline & Deadlines

 

  • Fall 2025: June 1, 2025
  • Winter 2026: October 1, 2025
  • Spring 2026: January 31, 2026
  • Summer 2026: April 15, 2026


Source: https://foothill.edu/calendar

Program Details

Associate of Science in Computer Science

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Division

Foothill College

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Eligible

IELTS:

6.0 (no band less than 5.5)

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

44+

*Note:

Designed for transfer to UC/CSU universities.

Associate of Arts in Business Administration

Business & Social Sciences Division

Foothill College

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

6.0

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

44+

*Note:

Includes transfer pathway to UC Berkeley & other UC campuses.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

Health Sciences Division

Foothill College

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

4 Years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

6.5 (no band less than 6.0)

TOEFL:

79+

PTE:

50+

*Note:

One of the few U.S. community colleges offering a bachelor’s program.

Accommodation for Nepali Students

Accommodation TypeMonthly Cost (USD)Monthly Cost (NPR)
Homestay$1,200 – $1,500NPR 159,600 – 199,500
Shared Apartment$900 – $1,200NPR 119,700 – 159,600
Private Apartment$1,500 – $2,200NPR 199,500 – 292,600
Room Rental$700 – $1,000NPR 93,100 – 133,000

Foothill does not provide on-campus dorms but helps students secure nearby housing.


Source: https://foothill.edu/international/housing.html

Accommodation Typeonthly Cost (USD)Monthly Cost (NPR)
Homestay (with meals)$1,200 – $1,500NPR 159,600 – 199,500
Homestay (without meals)$900 – $1,200NPR 119,700 – 159,600
Shared Apartment$1,000 – $1,600NPR 133,000 – 212,800
Private Apartment$1,500 – $2,500NPR 199,500 – 332,500
Student Housing (Private)$1,200 – $1,800NPR 159,600 – 239,400

No on-campus dorms available. De Anza helps students find private housing or homestays.


Source: https://www.deanza.edu/international/housing

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