Grays Harbor College: $4,751 Tuition

$4,751Tuition

1,058Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,865Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Grays Harbor College

Grays Harbor College serves the logging and fishing communities of Washington's Olympic Peninsula with practical workforce training that connects directly to local industry needs. The college enrolls 1,058 students on its rural Aberdeen campus, where nearly 97% come from Washington state. Students can choose from programs designed around the region's natural resources economy, including forestry, marine technology, and trades that support the area's timber and maritime heritage.

The financial picture works strongly in students' favor. Average net price runs just $3,149 annually, dropping to only $1,557 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates typically carry $11,075 in debt with monthly payments around $117. Median earnings reach $40,865 within ten years of graduation, making this education a solid investment for working-class families. The low cost reflects Washington's strong community college funding and the school's focus on keeping education accessible.

Women make up 58% of the student body, while the campus reflects the Peninsula's changing demographics with 21% Hispanic enrollment alongside a 54% white majority. The Chokers field six varsity sports teams with 89 total athletes competing. With a 91% employment rate after graduation, students find the practical skills training translates well into steady regional work opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

Grays Harbor College serves as a workforce-focused community college with programs designed to get students into local industries quickly. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors, though the 35.3% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. The college emphasizes practical training in fields like forestry, healthcare, and maritime studies that connect directly to Olympic Peninsula employers. Many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce after completing certificates or associate degrees. With 91.1% of graduates finding employment, the school delivers on its promise of career preparation rather than traditional academic exploration.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 96.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,865

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$70,456
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,014

View all 41 programs →

Campus Life

Aberdeen sits 100 miles southwest of Seattle on Washington's rugged Olympic Peninsula. You'll need a good rain jacket more than sunscreen - this timber town gets over 80 inches of rain annually. The campus serves a community where logging and fishing still shape the local economy. With 1,058 students spread across workforce training programs, you'll find classmates preparing for careers in welding, nursing, and forest management alongside those completing transfer requirements.

Nearly 97% of students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Most students commute from nearby towns like Hoquiam and Ocean Shores since campus housing is limited. Weekends often involve outdoor activities - the Pacific Ocean beaches are minutes away, and Olympic National Forest offers hiking trails. Students frequently gather at local coffee shops or head to nearby Westport for fishing. The Chokers compete in six varsity sports with 89 total athletes, giving the small campus a genuine community college atmosphere where everyone knows the players.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–43°F
July Avg: 50°–72°F
Annual Precipitation: 215.1"
Annual Snowfall: -766.0"

Student Demographics

Students from across Washington's Olympic Peninsula make up the backbone of Grays Harbor College, with 97% coming from in-state. The school draws heavily from local working families, as 28% receive Pell Grants for financial need. Women outnumber men by a significant margin at 58% to 42%, reflecting the college's emphasis on healthcare and human services training programs. The student body is 54% white with a growing Hispanic population at 21%, mirroring the demographic shifts in Aberdeen and surrounding timber communities seeking career retraining opportunities.

Men: 41.7%
Women: 58.3%
White: 54.2%
Black: 3.6%
Hispanic: 21.5%
Asian: 2.4%
In-State Students: 96.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.1%

Location

Aberdeen sits on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, about 108 miles southwest of Seattle. This small logging town of roughly 17,000 residents lies near the Pacific coast where the Chehalis and Wishkah rivers meet. The region is known for its dense forests, rainy climate, and blue-collar industrial heritage. Aberdeen gained cultural fame as the hometown of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain. The area receives over 80 inches of rain annually, creating the lush temperate rainforest environment. With 96.86% of students coming from in-state, Grays Harbor College serves primarily local residents seeking affordable education close to home. The rural setting offers outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Grays Harbor College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Aberdeen, Washington 98520-7599

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,865
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,901
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,075

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Grays Harbor College?

Grays Harbor College has an open admission policy as a community college, meaning they accept all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,058 students primarily from Washington state, with 96.86% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it an excellent starting point for students seeking affordable higher education on the Olympic Peninsula.

How much does Grays Harbor College cost after financial aid?

Students at Grays Harbor College pay an average net price of just $3,149 after financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,557 per year, while in-state tuition starts at $4,751 before aid. The college keeps costs manageable with graduates carrying a median debt of only $11,075.

What academic programs is Grays Harbor College known for?

Grays Harbor College specializes in workforce training programs that prepare students for local industries. The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused coursework. Students can complete programs on a quarter system calendar that accommodates working adults and career changers.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Grays Harbor College?

The college reports a 91.1% employment rate for graduates, reflecting strong job placement in regional industries. However, the 4-year graduation rate is 35.33% and 6-year rate is 31.60%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,865 ten years after enrollment.

Where is Grays Harbor College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Aberdeen, Washington, a rural-fringe community on the Olympic Peninsula known for its logging and maritime heritage. With only 89 total athletes competing in 6 varsity sports as the Chokers, campus life centers more around academics and workforce preparation than athletics. The student body of 58.32% women and 41.68% men reflects the college's focus on serving local community needs.

Does Grays Harbor College offer good financial aid options?

About 28.14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student population. Only 9.74% receive institutional grants averaging $4,495, but the low federal loan rate of 5.02% shows most students can afford the college without borrowing. Monthly loan payments average just $117 for those who do borrow, making debt manageable for working graduates.