About Chemeketa Community College
Money matters work in students' favor here. The average net price hits $8,457 after financial aid, with 33.93% of students receiving Pell Grants for additional support. Graduates typically leave with $12,822 in debt but earn a median of $40,968 ten years out. Monthly loan payments average just $136, making the debt manageable against solid earning potential. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,562 net, while those from higher-income families see costs rise to $14,741.
The student body reflects Oregon's changing demographics, with 33.59% Hispanic enrollment alongside a 50.74% white majority. Nearly all students come from in-state at 98.31%. The Storm compete in eight varsity sports with 134 total athletes sharing $246,741 in athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 41.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 22.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,968
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,734 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Associate | $64,493 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $62,508 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,193 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,896 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $35,060 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,569 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $30,409 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Associate | $28,598 |
Campus Life
Most students live off-campus since Chemeketa doesn't offer dormitories, with many working part-time while pursuing technical certifications or transfer degrees. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes than typical community colleges. Students often spend weekends exploring Salem's downtown or heading to Portland for entertainment. The Storm athletic teams field 134 athletes across 8 sports, giving the campus some school spirit. With strong job placement rates (92.6% employment), many graduates stay in the mid-Willamette Valley after completing programs in fields like nursing, welding, or automotive technology. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk, with students moving quickly through career-focused coursework.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1969
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–48°F
- July Avg
- 55°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.1%
- Women
- 55.0%
- White
- 50.7%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 33.6%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 98.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.9%
Location
- Address
- Salem, Oregon 97305
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,968
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,223
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $136/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,822
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Chemeketa Community College?
Chemeketa maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 6,457 students and focuses on providing accessible education to the mid-Willamette Valley region. Nearly 98.31% of students are Oregon residents, reflecting its strong community ties.
How much does Chemeketa Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,457 annually, making it an affordable option for higher education. In-state tuition runs $6,210 while out-of-state students pay $13,905. About 33.93% of students receive Pell Grants, and those who borrow graduate with a median debt of just $12,822.
What academic programs is Chemeketa Community College known for?
Chemeketa specializes in career and technical education programs designed to meet regional workforce needs. The college operates on a quarter system with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. Its programs prepare students for immediate employment, with graduates achieving a 92.6% employment rate.
What are the career outcomes for Chemeketa Community College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $40,968 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical nature of the college's programs. The 6-year graduation rate stands at 22.20%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time. Monthly loan payments average just $136, making debt manageable for most graduates.
Where is Chemeketa Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Salem, Oregon's capital city, in a large suburban setting that provides both urban amenities and small-town feel. Chemeketa fields 8 varsity sports teams called the Storm with 134 total athletes. The student body is 54.95% female and diverse, with 33.59% Hispanic students representing the largest minority group.
How affordable is Chemeketa Community College for low-income students?
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $6,562, making college accessible to working-class families. The college awards institutional grants averaging $7,147 to 14.84% of students. Founded in 1969, Chemeketa has maintained its mission of serving the broader community regardless of economic background.
