About Columbia Gorge Community College
The financial picture looks promising for a two-year school. Students pay an average net price of $10,550 after aid, which is reasonable considering graduates earn a median of $44,440 within ten years of leaving. Those who take out loans graduate with a median debt of $19,397, translating to monthly payments of $206. The employment rate reaches an impressive 95.7%, suggesting strong job placement in the region.
The student body skews female at 62%, with a diverse mix that includes 31% Hispanic students. The Fighting Salmon compete in athletics, though with only 50 spots in campus housing, most students commute. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in technical programs. However, the 12% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face in completing their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 31.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 11.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,440
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,493 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,644 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $36,848 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $33,993 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 |
Campus Life
Just 50 students can live on campus, meaning most commute from the surrounding Columbia River Gorge communities. Women make up 62% of the student body, and many are returning students balancing classes with work and family responsibilities. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not ID number.
Weekends often center around outdoor activities like hiking the nearby gorge trails, windsurfing at Hood River, or exploring Mount Hood's ski slopes. The Fighting Salmon nickname reflects the region's connection to the Columbia River ecosystem. With 95.7% of graduates finding employment, students focus on practical career training rather than traditional college party culture. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk and purposeful.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 50 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Founded
- 1977
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–42°F
- July Avg
- 60°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 24.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -755.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 37.9%
- Women
- 62.1%
- White
- 39.4%
- Black
- 0.6%
- Hispanic
- 31.1%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 76.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.5%
Location
- Address
- The Dalles, Oregon 97058
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,440
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,867
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $206/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,397
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Columbia Gorge Community College?
Columbia Gorge Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming all students who can benefit from instruction. With 515 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the Columbia River Gorge region.
How much does Columbia Gorge Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,550 annually at Columbia Gorge Community College. Only 21.48% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from families who don't qualify for need-based aid but still benefit from the college's affordable in-state tuition of $5,544.
What academic programs is Columbia Gorge Community College known for?
Columbia Gorge Community College operates on a quarter system with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in career and technical programs. The college focuses on workforce development for the Columbia River Gorge region, preparing students for local employment opportunities.
What are the job prospects for Columbia Gorge Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong job placement in the regional economy. However, the 6-year graduation rate stands at just 11.90%, reflecting the challenges many community college students face in completing their programs while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Where do students live at Columbia Gorge Community College?
The college offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for only 50 students, costing $7,341 annually for room and board. Most of the 515 students commute from the surrounding Columbia River Gorge communities, with 76.67% coming from in-state.
What makes Columbia Gorge Community College unique among Oregon colleges?
The Fighting Salmon nickname reflects the college's connection to the Columbia River ecosystem and regional identity. Founded in 1977, the college serves the remote Columbia River Gorge area where students are 62.14% women and 31.07% Hispanic, making it a vital educational resource for this geographically isolated community.
