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.
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About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.