About Lower Columbia College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,427 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in the Pacific Northwest. The average net price across all income levels is $8,222, while graduates typically earn $40,691 ten years after starting college. Students graduate with a manageable median debt load of $10,506, resulting in monthly loan payments of only $111. The return on investment proves solid for a two-year institution.
The Red Devils compete in six varsity sports with 109 total athletes sharing $118,036 in athletic scholarships. Housing capacity is limited to just 72 students, so most of the 85.01% in-state enrollment lives off-campus in the surrounding community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 90.2% employment rate demonstrates the college's effectiveness in preparing students for immediate workforce entry.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 93.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 25.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,691
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $70,628 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $34,704 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,771 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $23,579 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,340 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $22,806 |
Campus Life
The Pacific Northwest climate means you'll need rain gear and layers for the wet winters, though summers are pleasantly warm. Women make up 72% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. With 85% of students from Washington state, you'll find a strong regional community feel.
Weekends often center around the nearby Columbia River for fishing and outdoor activities. The Red Devils compete in six varsity sports with 109 total athletes, though athletics play a smaller role than at four-year universities. Students frequently head to Portland for bigger city amenities and entertainment. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk. Many students work part-time jobs in Longview's timber and manufacturing economy while pursuing their degrees.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 72 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Founded
- 1934
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–47°F
- July Avg
- 53°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 28.1%
- Women
- 71.9%
- White
- 65.8%
- Black
- 2.6%
- Hispanic
- 14.2%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 85.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.1%
Location
- Address
- Longview, Washington 98632
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,691
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,501
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 34.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,506
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Lower Columbia College?
Lower Columbia College maintains open admission as a community college, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 1,743 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in southwestern Washington. The student body is 71.89% women, reflecting strong participation in the college's health sciences and transfer programs.
How much does Lower Columbia College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $8,222 annually, making it highly affordable for most students. In-state tuition runs just $4,346, while students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of only $6,427. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based aid distribution.
What is the academic experience like at Lower Columbia College?
Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in classes. The college operates on a quarter system, allowing for flexible scheduling and accelerated progress. Lower Columbia is known for its strong nursing program and seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities.
What career outcomes can students expect from Lower Columbia College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $40,691 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 90.2%. The college excels at workforce preparation, particularly in healthcare and technical fields. Monthly loan payments average just $111, reflecting the school's affordability and modest debt loads.
What is campus life like at Lower Columbia College?
The compact campus houses only 72 students in residence halls, creating an intimate residential experience. With 109 student-athletes competing across 6 varsity sports as the Red Devils, athletics provide a spirited community focus. The college draws 85% of its students from Washington state, fostering strong regional connections.
How does Lower Columbia College support student completion?
The college achieves a 25.4% four-year graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer early. Founded in 1934, Lower Columbia has long specialized in flexible pathways that accommodate working students and career changers. The quarter system and evening classes help non-traditional students balance education with other commitments.
