Community College of Allegheny County: $4,842 Tuition

$4,842Tuition

9,305Students

23%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,449Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Community College of Allegheny County

Community College of Allegheny County serves as Western Pennsylvania's gateway to higher education and career training. The system operates four campuses across the Pittsburgh region, enrolling 9,305 students who are largely local residents drawn by practical programs and workforce development opportunities. Nearly 98% of students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the college's deep community roots. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain manageable while offering direct pathways to both four-year transfers and immediate employment.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious students. After financial aid, families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,510 annually, while those making $30,000-$48,000 pay $7,414. Graduates typically leave with $12,680 in debt but earn a median salary of $39,449 ten years later. Monthly loan payments average just $134, making this education remarkably affordable. The 94.6% employment rate demonstrates strong job market connections, though the 23% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time or take breaks for work and family obligations.

The student body leans slightly female at 54%, with significant diversity including 18% Black students. Ten varsity sports compete under the Wildcats banner, though athletic scholarships aren't offered, keeping the focus squarely on academics and career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

The Community College of Allegheny County serves as Pittsburgh's primary workforce development engine, training students for in-demand regional careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that many four-year universities cannot match. However, the 23% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and studies. CCAC's nursing program consistently ranks among the strongest in Pennsylvania, feeding graduates into Pittsburgh's major hospital systems. The college's culinary arts program has gained recognition for partnerships with local restaurants. With 97% of students from Pennsylvania, CCAC focuses intensively on meeting local employer needs rather than broad academic exploration.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 30.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 23.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,449

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Certificate	$124,590
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,851
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$45,808
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$41,342
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$41,323
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$40,485
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$39,369
Computer Programming.	Associate	$38,289
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$37,593
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$36,668

View all 111 programs →

Campus Life

Community College of Allegheny County spreads across four campuses throughout Pittsburgh, putting students right in the heart of a major city known for its bridges, steel heritage, and thriving tech scene. With 9,305 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll find bustling hallways but still get individual attention from professors. Pittsburgh winters demand heavy coats and boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers bring humid heat perfect for exploring the city's riverside trails.

Nearly 98% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community where many work part-time jobs around class schedules. Since this is a commuter school with no campus housing, students typically head home or to work after classes rather than hanging around campus. The 54% female, 46% male student body reflects working adults and recent high school graduates pursuing everything from nursing to automotive technology. Weekend life revolves around Pittsburgh's neighborhoods, Steelers games, and part-time jobs rather than campus activities. The employment rate of 94.6% shows most students successfully balance school with work responsibilities.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1966

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Robbery	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–39°F
July Avg: 63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.3"
Annual Snowfall: 44.1"

Student Demographics

CCAC draws from Pittsburgh's working-class neighborhoods, with 98% of students staying close to home for affordable education. The student body reflects the city's diversity, mixing white, Black, and smaller Asian and Hispanic populations who see the college as their pathway to better jobs. Women outnumber men slightly, drawn to the school's strong nursing and healthcare programs that match Pittsburgh's medical economy. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, showing how the college serves families where a four-year degree feels financially out of reach but career training remains essential.

Men: 45.8%
Women: 54.2%
White: 60.2%
Black: 17.7%
Hispanic: 4.6%
Asian: 4.7%
In-State Students: 98.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.3%

Location

Community College of Allegheny County operates four campuses throughout Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's metropolitan area. The college serves 9,305 students across a region known for its steel industry heritage and emerging tech sector. Pittsburgh offers students access to major employers like UPMC, Heinz, and Google while maintaining affordable living costs compared to other major cities. The area features distinct neighborhoods connected by the city's famous bridges spanning three rivers. Students benefit from internship opportunities at Fortune 500 companies and startups in the Strip District and East Liberty. Nearly 98% of enrolled students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce pipeline. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Community College of Allegheny County with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233-1895

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,449
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,518
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $134/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,680

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Community College of Allegheny County?

Community College of Allegheny County maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 9,305 students across four campuses in the Pittsburgh area. Nearly 98% of students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the school's role as a local educational resource.

How much does Community College of Allegheny County cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,166 after financial aid, with in-state tuition at $4,842 annually. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based support. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $6,510, making education accessible to Pittsburgh's working-class families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Community College of Allegheny County?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 17:1, providing reasonable access to instructors in a community college setting. CCAC operates on a semester system across its multiple campuses throughout Allegheny County. The college has built a reputation as one of Pennsylvania's largest community college systems since its founding in 1966.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Community College of Allegheny County?

Graduates achieve a 94.6% employment rate, reflecting strong workforce preparation and regional employer connections. Median earnings reach $39,449 ten years after enrollment, with typical monthly loan payments of just $134. The relatively low median debt of $12,680 makes CCAC an affordable pathway to Pittsburgh's job market.

Where are Community College of Allegheny County's campuses located?

The college operates four campuses throughout the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area, serving students across Allegheny County. With 54% women and 46% men enrolled, CCAC draws from diverse Pittsburgh neighborhoods. The student body reflects the region's demographics, with significant representation from both urban and suburban communities.

Does Community College of Allegheny County offer athletics programs?

The Wildcats compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA with about 80 total student-athletes. Athletic scholarships are not available, keeping focus on academics and affordability. The athletic programs provide opportunities for community engagement while maintaining the college's mission as an accessible educational institution.