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$5,610Tuition
1,882Students
31%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,891Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Butler County Community College

Butler County Community College serves 1,882 students in the rolling hills outside Pittsburgh. The college has built a reputation for practical career training and affordable pathways to four-year degrees since opening in 1965. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, professors know students by name and can provide personalized attention. Nearly all students are Pennsylvania residents who appreciate staying close to home while building job skills.

The financial picture tells a compelling story. Students from low-income families pay just $2,746 after aid, while even middle-class families rarely pay more than $6,555. Graduates typically leave with only $10,020 in debt and monthly payments of $106. Within ten years of graduation, the median graduate earns $38,891. This represents solid value for students seeking credentials without crushing debt loads.

Women make up 62.7% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and human services programs. The Pioneers compete in five varsity sports with 43 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community. With a 90.8% employment rate, graduates find work quickly in the region's healthcare systems, manufacturing plants, and service industries. The 31.2% six-year completion rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations.

Academics & Faculty

Butler County Community College serves nearly 1,900 students with a strong focus on career preparation and workforce development. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means students get personal attention in small classes, though the 31% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. The college is known for its nursing program, which feeds into the region's healthcare system, and skilled trades training that connects directly to local manufacturing jobs. With 99.7% of students coming from Pennsylvania, Butler functions as a true community college, serving local residents who need flexible scheduling and affordable pathways to four-year degrees or immediate employment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
29.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
31.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,891

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Certificate $56,641
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $34,704
Business/Commerce, General. Certificate $28,598
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Certificate $27,874
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Certificate $26,933
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Certificate $18,309
Computer Software and Media Applications. Certificate $17,282

View all 95 programs →

Campus Life

Butler County Community College draws students from across western Pennsylvania, with nearly all of its 1,882 students coming from in-state. The campus sits in Butler, about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh, giving students access to city internships and jobs while enjoying small-town affordability. Pennsylvania winters mean you'll need a heavy coat from December through March, with snow common and temperatures often below freezing.

As a commuter school, most students drive to campus and head home after classes. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller, more personal classrooms where professors know your name. Women make up 63% of the student body, and many are working adults balancing jobs with education. The Pioneers compete in five varsity sports with 43 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available.

Weekends tend to be quiet on campus since most students live at home or in nearby apartments. Many work part-time jobs in Butler's retail and healthcare sectors. Students often drive to Pittsburgh for entertainment, shopping, or Steelers games when they want city excitement.
Setting
Town-Fringe
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1965

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–34°F
July Avg
58°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
43.2"
Annual Snowfall
34.9"

Student Demographics

Butler County Community College draws heavily from western Pennsylvania's working families. Nearly all students come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep roots in the local community. Women make up about two-thirds of enrollment, typical for a community college with strong nursing and allied health programs. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway for first-generation and lower-income students. The diverse age range spans recent high school graduates to career changers seeking new skills in healthcare and technical fields.
Men
37.3%
Women
62.7%
White
86.3%
Black
2.7%
Hispanic
2.4%
Asian
1.5%
In-State Students
99.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
34.8%

Location

Butler County Community College sits in Butler, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. The town serves as the county seat in a region known for manufacturing and healthcare industries. Butler maintains a small-town atmosphere with around 13,000 residents while offering access to larger urban amenities. The campus operates on a semester system and draws 99.66% of its 1,882 students from within Pennsylvania. The surrounding area features rolling hills typical of western Pennsylvania, with outdoor recreation opportunities at Moraine and Keystone State Parks nearby. Local employers include major healthcare systems and manufacturing companies that often hire the college's graduates. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Butler County Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Butler, Pennsylvania 16002

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,891
Median Earnings (5 years)
$40,876
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,400
Loan Repayment Rate
54.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,020

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Butler County Community College?

Butler County Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning virtually all applicants are accepted. The school serves 1,882 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local community. Nearly 100% of students are Pennsylvania residents, reflecting the college's mission to serve Butler County and surrounding areas.

How much does Butler County Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,075 annually at Butler County Community College. About 35% of students receive financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $2,746 per year. Graduates typically leave with a manageable median debt of $10,020, resulting in monthly loan payments of only $106.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Butler County Community College?

Butler County Community College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college operates on a semester calendar system and emphasizes practical, career-focused education. This low ratio helps students build strong relationships with instructors in their chosen programs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Butler County Community College?

Butler County Community College graduates achieve a 90.8% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. The median earnings ten years after graduation reach $38,891, reflecting the value of the college's career-oriented programs. However, the six-year graduation rate stands at 31.2%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees.

Where is Butler County Community College located and what is campus life like?

Butler County Community College sits in Butler, Pennsylvania, in a town-fringe setting that combines small-town charm with proximity to Pittsburgh. The student body is 62.7% women and predominantly local, with 99.66% coming from Pennsylvania. The campus has a commuter-focused atmosphere rather than traditional residential college life.

Does Butler County Community College offer athletic programs?

Butler County Community College fields five varsity sports through the NCCAA with 43 total athletes competing as the Pioneers. The athletic program operates without offering athletic scholarships, keeping costs low for participants. Sports serve as an additional outlet for student engagement at this primarily commuter-focused institution.