Clatsop Community College: $4,575 Tuition

$4,575Tuition

506Students

24%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,477Earnings

#20 in OregonPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Clatsop Community College

This small coastal college trains students for careers in maritime industries and other hands-on professions. With just 506 students, Clatsop Community College sits in the historic fishing town of Astoria, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The school draws students seeking practical skills in marine technology, culinary arts, and healthcare programs. Nearly 69% of students come from Oregon, attracted by the college's reputation for job-ready training.

Students pay an average net price of $13,433 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at $4,575. About 38% receive Pell Grants, keeping college affordable for working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $39,477 ten years after starting, which provides solid returns on the typical debt load of $11,602. Monthly loan payments average just $123, making this education financially manageable for most students.

The student body skews female at 63%, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's nursing and business programs. The 23.7% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges serving students who often work while attending. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name. Most graduates find work quickly, with an 86.8% employment rate showing the value of career-focused programs.

Academics & Faculty

Clatsop Community College serves students in Oregon's remote coastal region with a strong focus on maritime and technical training programs. The college operates on a quarter system with 506 students and maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. However, only 23.70% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. The school particularly excels in maritime programs, taking advantage of its location near the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. Career-focused programs prepare students for immediate employment, with 86.8% of graduates finding jobs after completion. Women make up 63.24% of the student body, and 24.11% of students are Hispanic.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 23.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,477

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$69,338
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$27,377
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$25,194

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Clatsop Community College experience small-town coastal life in Astoria, a historic fishing port 90 miles northwest of Portland. With just 506 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know your classmates and professors personally. The Pacific Northwest weather means rain jackets matter more than winter coats, though you'll need layers for the damp chill that settles over the Columbia River mouth.

Most students commute from surrounding coastal communities, as the college doesn't offer traditional dormitories. Women make up 63% of enrollment, and many students juggle classes with work in the region's maritime, tourism, and service industries. The 86.8% employment rate reflects the college's strong connections to local employers. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities like hiking in the Coast Range, exploring nearby beaches, or visiting Portland for urban amenities. The Astoria-Megler Bridge connects students to Washington state, while the town's Victorian architecture and fishing heritage create a unique backdrop for college life in one of Oregon's most remote settings.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1958

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–49°F
July Avg: 53°–67°F
Annual Precipitation: 149.6"
Annual Snowfall: 1.4"

Student Demographics

Students at Clatsop Community College are primarily Oregon locals drawn by the school's maritime and career training reputation. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 506-person student body, reflecting strong enrollment in healthcare and service programs alongside the traditionally male maritime tracks. About 37% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class coastal families seeking practical skills. The diverse student mix includes nearly a quarter Hispanic students, mirroring the demographics of Oregon's fishing and logging communities. Most stay in-state after graduation, filling essential roles in the regional economy.

Men: 36.8%
Women: 63.2%
White: 48.2%
Black: 1.2%
Hispanic: 24.1%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 68.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.8%

Location

Astoria sits on Oregon's rugged north coast, about 95 miles northwest of Portland. This historic port town of 10,000 residents perches where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The setting combines maritime heritage with stunning coastal scenery, including the famous Astoria Column and Victorian-era homes. With 68.87% of students coming from within Oregon, many are drawn to the area's fishing, logging, and tourism industries. The remote coastal location offers small-town charm but limited urban amenities. Fog, rain, and mild temperatures define the climate year-round. The college serves as a key workforce pipeline for the region's maritime and hospitality sectors. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Clatsop Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Astoria, Oregon 97103

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,477
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,609
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 38.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $123/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,602

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment like at Clatsop Community College?

Clatsop Community College serves 506 students in the coastal town of Astoria. The student body is 63% women and reflects Oregon's diversity with 48% white students and 24% Hispanic students. This small community college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

How much does Clatsop Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $13,433 after financial aid, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,112. In-state tuition starts at $4,575 while out-of-state students pay $8,607. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs.

What programs is Clatsop Community College known for?

The college is well-known for its maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in Oregon's coastal industries. Students benefit from hands-on, career-focused education in a quarter-system format. The school has built its reputation around practical training that connects directly to regional job markets.

What are the job outcomes for Clatsop Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $39,477 ten years after enrollment with an 87% employment rate. The college's focus on maritime and career training shows in these solid earnings for a two-year program. Monthly loan payments average just $123, reflecting the school's affordable approach to career preparation.

Where is Clatsop Community College located?

The campus sits in Astoria, Oregon, a remote coastal town known for its maritime heritage and scenic Pacific Northwest setting. About 69% of the 506 students come from within Oregon. The town-remote setting provides an intimate learning environment away from urban distractions.

Does Clatsop Community College have good graduation rates?

The six-year graduation rate is 24%, which reflects the college's role as a community college serving many part-time and working students. Many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their degree. The college focuses more on career preparation and skill development than traditional graduation metrics.