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$4,580Tuition
4,573Students
41%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$50,712Earnings
#12 in WashingtonPublic4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Green River College

Green River College builds careers through hands-on training and transfer pathways that connect directly to Washington's job market. The school enrolls 4,573 students in Auburn, a small city between Seattle and Tacoma. Students come here for strong aerospace programs, nursing training, and skilled trades preparation that feeds into Boeing and other regional employers. Nearly all students are Washington residents (98.35%) who appreciate the college's quarter system and practical approach to education.

The financial picture makes sense for working families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $10,534 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $19,968. Graduates earn a median of $50,712 ten years out, with typical debt loads of just $11,891. Monthly loan payments average $126, making this education affordable relative to earning potential. Only 8.73% of students take federal loans.

The Gators field eight varsity sports with 90 total athletes competing for $96,001 in athletic scholarships. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in career-focused programs. With a 96.4% employment rate, Green River delivers on its promise of job-ready training. The 41.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's mission serving working students and career changers.

Academics & Faculty

Green River College built its reputation as a transfer powerhouse and career training center in the Seattle metro area. The school excels in aerospace manufacturing programs that feed directly into Boeing's nearby facilities. Nursing students benefit from clinical partnerships with regional hospitals, while trade programs in automotive and welding maintain strong industry connections. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, professors can provide personalized attention that many community college students need. The 41% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer after two years rather than complete degrees here. Academic support services help the 98% in-state student body navigate both transfer pathways and direct-entry career programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
97.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
41.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
41.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,712
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $46,087

View all 67 programs →

Campus Life

Green River's Auburn campus sits 30 miles south of Seattle, where students pack rain jackets nine months of the year and rarely see snow. The college serves 4,573 students on a compact campus that feels more like a workplace than a traditional college. With 98.35% of students coming from Washington state, most commute from nearby communities rather than living in dorms.

The quarter system keeps pace quick, with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring professors know your name. Students spend weekends working part-time jobs or transferring credits to four-year universities, which 60% plan to do. The Gators compete in 8 varsity sports with just 90 total athletes, creating an intimate athletic scene. Campus life revolves around career-focused programs rather than parties. Students grab coffee between classes in the main building or study in small groups preparing for nursing prerequisites or aerospace certification exams. The diverse student body reflects the region's demographics, with 27.36% white students and strong representation from Asian, Hispanic, and Black communities who shape the college's practical, goal-oriented culture.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Quarter
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1963

Campus Safety (2023)

22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 0 0 0
Arson 3 0 0 1
Rape 2 2 0 0
Burglary 3 0 0 0
Stalking 3 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 1
Fondling 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
36°–48°F
July Avg
57°–78°F
Annual Precipitation
40.1"
Annual Snowfall
6.3"

Student Demographics

Green River draws overwhelmingly local students, with 98% coming from Washington state. The college serves a diverse community where no single racial group dominates, reflecting the multicultural makeup of the Seattle-Tacoma area. Students come from working-class backgrounds, with nearly one in five receiving Pell Grants. The even gender split makes sense given Green River's dual focus on transfer programs and career training. Many students are looking for affordable pathways to four-year degrees or direct entry into fields like aerospace manufacturing and healthcare.
Men
49.4%
Women
50.7%
White
27.4%
Black
9.2%
Hispanic
15.9%
Asian
13.3%
In-State Students
98.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.4%

Location

Green River College sits in Auburn, Washington, about 30 miles south of Seattle. The campus serves a diverse student body with 50.65% women and draws heavily from local communities, with 98.35% of students coming from in-state. Auburn blends suburban neighborhoods with industrial areas, reflecting the college's strong ties to aerospace and manufacturing training programs. The Pacific Northwest setting offers access to both urban opportunities in nearby Seattle and outdoor recreation in the Cascade Mountains. The quarter system aligns well with the region's fast-paced tech and aviation industries. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Green River College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Auburn, Washington 98092-3622
Green River College campus
Green River College campus
Green River College campus
Green River College campus
Green River College campus
Green River College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,712
Median Earnings (5 years)
$51,948
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,500
Loan Repayment Rate
40.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$126/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,891

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Green River College?

Green River College maintains open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 4,573 students and focuses on accessibility rather than selectivity. Most students use Green River as a stepping stone to four-year universities through its strong transfer programs.

How much does Green River College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,447 annually at Green River College. In-state tuition runs just $4,580, making it one of Washington's most affordable options. Graduates typically leave with only $11,891 in debt and manageable monthly loan payments of $126.

What academic programs is Green River College known for?

Green River College operates on a quarter system and maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The college has built a reputation for aerospace training, nursing programs, and skilled trades education. Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on career preparation in these high-demand fields.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Green River College?

Green River College graduates achieve a 96.4% employment rate within six years of completing their programs. Median earnings reach $50,712 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong outcomes in technical and healthcare fields. The 41.20% six-year graduation rate aligns with the college's focus on working students and career changers.

Where is Green River College located and what is campus life like?

Green River College sits in Auburn, Washington, serving a diverse student body that is 50.65% women and 49.35% men. The campus hosts 90 student athletes across 8 varsity sports, with teams known as the Gators. Nearly all students (98.35%) come from Washington state, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.

Does Green River College offer good transfer opportunities to four-year universities?

Green River College has developed strong transfer pathways that allow students to complete general education requirements affordably. With a quarter system and established articulation agreements, students can transfer seamlessly to Washington's public universities. The college's 40.98% four-year graduation rate reflects many students successfully transferring before completing degrees at Green River.