About Columbia Basin College
Students pay an average net price of $8,302 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training in the Pacific Northwest. Graduates earn a median of $46,680 ten years after enrollment, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $14,829. The employment rate hits 93.4%, suggesting the college delivers on its workforce preparation mission. Monthly loan payments average just $157, making the financial burden manageable for most graduates.
The Hawks compete in 9 varsity sports with 156 total athletes sharing $322,610 in athletic scholarships. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio allows for hands-on learning in technical programs. With 97% of students coming from in-state, CBC maintains deep roots in the local community while preparing students for careers that keep the regional economy running.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 97.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 28.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,680
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $69,140 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $64,493 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,432 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,265 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,007 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $32,711 |
| Marketing. | Associate | $27,476 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,660 |
Campus Life
The quarter system keeps pace quick at this community college known for launching careers in agriculture, healthcare, and trades. Women make up 61% of students, and over half are Hispanic, reflecting the region's agricultural workforce. With 97% of students from Washington state, you'll find a tight-knit local feel rather than a traditional college party scene.
Weekends often mean heading home or working part-time jobs. The Hawks field nine varsity sports with 156 total athletes, giving smaller programs a chance to compete. The employment rate hits 93.4% after graduation, showing the college's focus on job readiness over campus life. Students here are practical, career-focused, and deeply connected to the agricultural economy of the Columbia River valley.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 126 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–41°F
- July Avg
- 55°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -775.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.6%
- Women
- 61.5%
- White
- 34.0%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 51.7%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.1%
Location
- Address
- Pasco, Washington 99301
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,680
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,951
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $157/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,829
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia Basin College?
As a community college, Columbia Basin College has an open admission policy that welcomes all students who have graduated high school or earned a GED. The college serves 4,226 students with 97.46% coming from Washington state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local residents seeking affordable higher education and workforce training.
How much does Columbia Basin College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,302 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $6,194 while the total cost of attendance reaches $17,346 including room and board. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,480 on average, making this one of the most affordable college options in Washington.
What academic programs is Columbia Basin College known for?
The college operates on a quarter system and maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. Columbia Basin College specializes in workforce training programs that prepare students for local industries in the Tri-Cities area. The school focuses heavily on career-oriented education and technical skills development.
What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Columbia Basin College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 27.70%, which reflects the college's role as a stepping stone for many students who transfer or enter the workforce. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,680 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 93.4% employment rate. Monthly loan payments average just $157, keeping debt manageable for most students.
Where is Columbia Basin College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Pasco, Washington, a large suburban setting in the Tri-Cities region. Housing capacity reaches only 126 students, reflecting the college's primarily commuter-focused student body. The Hawks compete in 9 varsity sports with 156 total athletes receiving $322,610 in athletic scholarships.
What is the student demographic makeup at Columbia Basin College?
Women make up 61.45% of the student body while men represent 38.55% of enrollment. Hispanic students comprise 51.66% of the population, making this a Hispanic-serving institution, while white students account for 33.98%. The college serves as a crucial educational gateway for the region's diverse community, with 24.06% of students receiving Pell Grants.
