Centralia College: $5,109 Tuition

$5,109Tuition

1,476Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,140Earnings

#17 in WashingtonPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Centralia College

Centralia College serves as a stepping stone for students in southwest Washington's timber country. With 1,476 students spread across a small town campus, this community college has built its reputation on practical career training and affordable transfer pathways since 1925. The school draws almost exclusively local talent, with 97% of students coming from Washington state.

Students here pay an average net price of $7,600 after aid, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $43,140 ten years after starting college, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. Only 21% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the school's already low sticker price of $5,109 for in-state tuition.

The Trailblazers field eight varsity sports teams with 154 total athletes competing for $108,516 in athletic scholarships. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personal attention. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace. Nearly 90% of graduates find employment after finishing their programs, testament to the school's focus on job-ready skills over theoretical knowledge.

Academics & Faculty

Centralia College operates as a community college serving southwestern Washington with a focus on transfer preparation and workforce training. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors in smaller class settings. With a 45% six-year graduation rate, the college serves many students who balance education with work or family responsibilities. The school emphasizes practical programs that connect directly to regional job markets, including healthcare, business, and trades training. Students can complete associate degrees or certificates before transferring to four-year universities. The quarter system allows flexibility for working adults. Most students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where local connections matter for internships and job placement.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 45.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,140
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$65,821
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$32,925
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$29,685

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

Centralia sits halfway between Seattle and Portland, about an hour from either city by car. With only 110 housing spots for 1,476 students, just 7% live on campus. Most students commute from nearby towns or live off-campus in this lumber industry community of 17,000 residents. You'll need a rain jacket for the Pacific Northwest's wet winters and mild summers.

The 154 athletes across 8 varsity sports create some campus energy, but this is primarily a commuter school where students focus on getting their education efficiently. With 97% of students from Washington state, you'll find a local, practical atmosphere rather than a traditional college social scene. The quarter system keeps things moving quickly. Weekends often mean heading home or working part-time jobs, though some students gather for Trailblazers games or explore the nearby Chehalis River trails. The employment rate of 89.7% reflects the school's focus on career preparation rather than campus life. Expect a no-frills environment where classmates are neighbors pursuing affordable degrees close to home.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 110 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1925

Campus Safety (2023)

20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Burglary	12	0
Arson	2	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Stalking	2	0
Domestic Violence	0	1
Fondling	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–47°F
July Avg: 53°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at this community college come from Washington state, reflecting its role as a local educational anchor in rural Centralia. The student body is 97% in-state, showing the college's deep roots in serving the surrounding timber and agricultural communities. Women make up about 57% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue health sciences and education programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Men: 42.8%
Women: 57.3%
White: 59.4%
Black: 3.3%
Hispanic: 19.4%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 97.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.9%

Location

Centralia College sits in Centralia, Washington, roughly 80 miles south of Seattle. The town of 18,000 residents serves as the commercial center for Lewis County's timber and agricultural communities. Students experience small-town life surrounded by the forested foothills of the Cascade Range. With 97.09% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from rural Washington communities. The quarter system calendar accommodates students who may need to work around seasonal employment in logging or farming. Downtown Centralia offers a historic charm with antique shops and local diners within walking distance of campus. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Centralia College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Centralia, Washington 98531-4099

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,140
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,389
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Centralia College?

Centralia College operates as a community college with open enrollment, meaning students can enroll without competitive admission requirements. The school serves 1,476 students with 97.09% coming from Washington state. Founded in 1925, the college focuses on providing accessible higher education to local communities.

How much does Centralia College cost after financial aid?

Students at Centralia College pay an average net price of $7,600 after financial aid. In-state tuition is $5,109 while out-of-state students pay $5,643. Only 20.90% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already affordable tuition structure.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Centralia College?

Centralia College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in classes. The college operates on a quarter system calendar. As a community college, it emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation programs.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Centralia College?

The 4-year graduation rate is 44.87% with graduates earning a median salary of $43,140 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 89.7% among graduates. These outcomes reflect the college's focus on workforce development and practical career training.

Does Centralia College offer on-campus housing?

Centralia College provides limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 110 students out of 1,476 total enrollment. Room and board costs $17,865 for those who live on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding Centralia area given the small housing capacity.

What sports teams does Centralia College have?

The Centralia College Trailblazers compete in 8 varsity sports with 154 total student-athletes. The athletic program awards $108,516 in scholarships annually. The Trailblazers nickname reflects the college's Pacific Northwest location and pioneering spirit in community education.