Clark College: $4,632 Tuition

$4,632Tuition

4,699Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,356Earnings

Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Clark College

Clark College serves as a launching pad for students seeking practical career training or transfer pathways to four-year universities. With 4,699 students on its Vancouver campus, the college has built a reputation for strong workforce programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and trades since 1869. The quarter system allows flexibility for working students, while small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio provide personal attention. Nearly 95% of students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

The financial picture looks promising for most students. Average net price sits at $9,826, but students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,031 after aid. Graduates typically leave with only $10,881 in debt and monthly loan payments of $115. Within ten years, median earnings reach $42,356, making the investment worthwhile for most career paths. Only 22% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's affordability.

The student body leans female at 61%, with significant diversity including 19% Hispanic and 55% white students. While the 36% six-year graduation rate may seem low, this reflects the community college model where many students transfer before completing degrees. With 91% employment rates and strong industry connections, Clark prepares students for immediate workforce entry.

Academics & Faculty

Clark College focuses heavily on transfer programs and career training that feeds directly into local industries. The school excels in healthcare programs, manufacturing training, and skilled trades preparation that align with Vancouver's job market. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention from instructors who often have real-world experience in their fields. The 37.45% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees here. Clark's quarter system allows for flexible scheduling around work commitments. The college serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce with marketable technical skills.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 97.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 37.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,356

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$63,898
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$60,839
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$60,320
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$39,729
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$34,704
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$34,348
Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications.	Associate	$33,993
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$33,993
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$32,925
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$30,409

View all 67 programs →

Campus Life

Clark College sits just across the Columbia River from Portland, giving students easy access to a major metropolitan area while keeping costs manageable with in-state tuition at $4,632. The Pacific Northwest climate means you'll need rain gear and layers rather than heavy winter coats, with mild temperatures year-round. As a community college, Clark doesn't offer on-campus housing, so the 4,699 students commute from throughout Vancouver and the broader region.

The student body reflects the working-class character of Southwest Washington, with 94.22% coming from in-state and many balancing jobs alongside their studies. Women make up 60.54% of enrollment, and the college serves a diverse population with 18.92% Hispanic students. The quarter system keeps pace quick, and with strong workforce training programs, many students head straight into careers after graduation. Weekend life centers around the greater Portland area, where students can explore food trucks, hiking trails, and the city's famously quirky culture. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention as students prepare for transfer to four-year universities or enter high-demand fields like healthcare and manufacturing.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1869

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	4	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0	0
Dating Violence	1	0	1
Stalking	1	1	0
Arson	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–47°F
July Avg: 57°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.8"

Student Demographics

Clark College draws students who want practical career training without leaving the Pacific Northwest. Nearly all students come from Washington state, reflecting the school's strong reputation for launching local careers in healthcare and manufacturing. Women make up 60% of enrollment, likely drawn to the college's robust nursing and allied health programs. The student body includes significant Hispanic representation at 19%, mirroring Vancouver's diverse community. With a 22% Pell Grant rate, Clark serves working-class students seeking affordable pathways to middle-class careers through hands-on training and seamless university transfers.

Men: 39.5%
Women: 60.5%
White: 55.0%
Black: 3.4%
Hispanic: 18.9%
Asian: 5.3%
In-State Students: 94.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.1%

Location

Clark College sits in Vancouver, Washington, just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. The campus is located about 10 minutes from downtown Portland, giving students access to a major metropolitan area of 2.5 million people. Vancouver itself has around 185,000 residents and offers the benefits of Washington's no state income tax while maintaining proximity to Oregon's cultural attractions. The Pacific Northwest setting provides access to both Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong community ties. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Clark College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Vancouver, Washington 98663-3598

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,356
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,966
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $115/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,881

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Clark College?

Clark College maintains an open admission policy as a community college, welcoming students regardless of their academic background. With 4,699 students enrolled, the college serves as a gateway for those seeking affordable higher education or career training. The school particularly focuses on helping students transfer to four-year universities or gain workforce skills.

How much does Clark College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,826 annually, with in-state tuition set at just $4,632. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $8,031 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Washington state. Graduates typically leave with only $10,881 in debt, well below national averages.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Clark College?

Clark College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in classes. The college has built a strong reputation for transfer programs and workforce training, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. This focused approach helps students either continue their education or enter the job market quickly.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Clark College?

The college reports a 91% employment rate for graduates, reflecting its emphasis on career-ready programs. While the six-year graduation rate stands at 36%, many students transfer before completing their associate degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,356 ten years after enrollment, with monthly loan payments averaging just $115.

Where is Clark College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Vancouver, Washington, a mid-size city across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. With 60% women and 55% white students, the college draws heavily from the local community, with 94% of students coming from in-state. The Penguins compete in 11 varsity sports with 226 total athletes.

Does Clark College offer strong programs for students planning to transfer?

Clark College has built its reputation on excellent transfer pathways to four-year universities throughout Washington and Oregon. The college operates on a quarter system and focuses heavily on preparing students for bachelor's degree programs. Many students use Clark as an affordable stepping stone, completing general education requirements before transferring to more expensive universities.