About Big Bend Community College
Students pay an average net price of $10,875 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,385. Graduates earn a median of $43,814 ten years after starting college. With typical debt loads of just $9,166 and monthly loan payments of $97, the school offers solid financial value for career-focused students. The 91.1% employment rate shows graduates find work in the region's agriculture, healthcare, and energy sectors.
The student body reflects the area's demographics, with 49.26% Hispanic enrollment and 38.25% white students. Campus housing accommodates 200 students in this remote town setting. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention, though the 36.7% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their programs. Transfer pathways to four-year universities remain popular for students seeking bachelor's degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,814
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,424 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,314 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,964 |
Campus Life
The 1,281 students reflect the region's demographics, with 49.26% Hispanic enrollment mirroring the agricultural workforce families that call this area home. With 91.82% of students coming from in-state, campus feels like an extension of the tight-knit rural community. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story. Vikings athletics fields six sports teams with 109 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter-heavy population. Weekends often involve trips to nearby lakes for fishing and boating, or drives to the Columbia River for hiking. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk, matching the work ethic of this farming and manufacturing region.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 200 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Founded
- 1962
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–36°F
- July Avg
- 56°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 9.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.4%
- Women
- 57.6%
- White
- 38.3%
- Black
- 1.5%
- Hispanic
- 49.3%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 91.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.4%
Location
- Address
- Moses Lake, Washington 98837-3299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,814
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,648
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $97/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,166
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Big Bend Community College?
Big Bend Community College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 1,281 students with 91.82% coming from Washington state. As a community college founded in 1962, it focuses on providing accessible higher education to the rural Moses Lake area.
How much does Big Bend Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,875 per year, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,385 after aid. In-state tuition runs $4,909 while out-of-state students pay $5,443. The school keeps costs manageable with graduates carrying a median debt of only $9,166.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Big Bend Community College?
Classes maintain a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in this rural setting. The college operates on a quarter system rather than traditional semesters. Students can choose from various programs designed for both transfer preparation and career training in the Columbia Basin region.
What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Big Bend Community College?
The 4-year graduation rate stands at 38.51%, with graduates earning a median of $43,814 ten years after starting. Employment rates reach 91.1% for completers, reflecting strong job placement in the agricultural and technical sectors of central Washington. Monthly loan payments average just $97, making debt manageable for most graduates.
Where is Big Bend Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Moses Lake, a remote town in central Washington's Columbia Basin. Housing capacity reaches 200 students, creating a close-knit residential community. The Vikings compete in 6 varsity sports with 109 total athletes, fostering school spirit in this rural agricultural region.
Does Big Bend Community College serve a diverse student population?
Hispanic students comprise 49.26% of enrollment while white students make up 38.25%, reflecting the changing demographics of Washington's agricultural communities. Women represent 57.61% of students, and 29.44% receive Pell Grants for low-income assistance. The college has become a vital educational resource for the region's growing Latino population.
