Mt Hood Community College: $5,175 Tuition

$5,175Tuition

3,540Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,125Earnings

#17 in OregonPublic4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Mt Hood Community College

Mt Hood Community College serves students who want practical training for good-paying careers without the debt load of a four-year degree. With 3,540 students on a suburban campus in Gresham, this school focuses on workforce preparation and transfer programs. Students here are serious about getting skills that employers want, whether that means earning a two-year degree or completing prerequisites before transferring to a four-year university. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get more attention than at larger schools.

The financial picture looks reasonable for what you get. Students pay an average net price of $6,443 after aid, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. Graduates typically earn $41,125 ten years after starting, and those who do borrow money leave with a median debt of just $13,667. Monthly loan payments average only $145, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training. About 21% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families well.

The school offers nine varsity sports for 140 student athletes, giving the campus some life beyond academics. With 58% women and 90% in-state students, the student body reflects Oregon's local communities. The 94.8% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.

Academics & Faculty

Mt Hood Community College focuses on career training and transfer preparation, with popular programs in nursing, dental hygiene, and automotive technology that prepare students for Oregon's job market. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors can give personal attention, which matters since many students work part-time or return to school after years away. However, the 26% graduation rate reflects the reality that community college students often take longer to finish or transfer before completing their degree here. The school runs on a quarter system, letting students start programs three times per year instead of waiting for fall semester. About 90% of students come from Oregon, keeping costs low with in-state tuition at $5,175.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,125

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$63,005
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$48,432
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$48,041
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$43,128
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management.	Associate	$30,409
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$24,267
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$24,035

View all 102 programs →

Campus Life

Mt Hood Community College sits in Gresham, about 20 miles east of Portland, where students can reach the city by light rail in under an hour. The Pacific Northwest weather means you'll need a good rain jacket from October through May, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing but plenty of gray, drizzly days. Since this is a community college, no students live on campus, and with 90.44% of the 3,540 students coming from Oregon, most commute from home or nearby apartments.

Campus life revolves around getting to class and getting out, though the school does field 9 varsity sports teams with 140 total athletes. The quarter system keeps things moving fast, and many students work part-time jobs while taking classes. Weekends often mean heading into Portland for nightlife and culture, or exploring Oregon's outdoor scene. The Mount Hood National Forest is less than an hour away for hiking and skiing. With 58.11% women and a diverse student body that's 20.93% Hispanic, the campus reflects the changing demographics of the Portland metro area. Most students are focused on finishing their two-year programs or transferring to four-year schools.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	5	0
Burglary	3	0
Stalking	3	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0
Fondling	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–46°F
July Avg: 56°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.7"
Annual Snowfall: 3.4"

Student Demographics

Mt Hood draws students from across the Portland metro area, with 90% coming from Oregon. The student body skews female at 58%, which reflects the school's strong programs in nursing, dental hygiene, and education. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families who need affordable pathways to careers or four-year transfers. The diverse mix includes 21% Hispanic students and significant Asian representation, mirroring the changing demographics of suburban Portland where many students work while taking classes.

Men: 41.9%
Women: 58.1%
White: 53.4%
Black: 5.3%
Hispanic: 20.9%
Asian: 7.7%
In-State Students: 90.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 21.4%

Location

Mt Hood Community College sits in Gresham, Oregon, about 20 miles east of downtown Portland. Gresham is a large suburb with around 115,000 residents, making it Oregon's fourth-largest city. The campus serves students from across the Portland metro area, with 90.44% of the 3,540 enrolled students coming from in-state. The Pacific Northwest location puts students close to both urban opportunities in Portland and outdoor recreation in the Cascade Mountains. Mt Hood itself looms just 40 miles southeast, offering year-round skiing and hiking. The area's mix of suburban communities and natural beauty attracts students who want affordable education near a major city without the downtown price tag. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Mt Hood Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gresham, Oregon 97030

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,125
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,418
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $145/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,667

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Mt Hood Community College?

Mt Hood Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. With 3,540 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education for the Portland metro area. Over 90% of students come from Oregon, making it a popular choice for local residents seeking affordable education.

How much does Mt Hood Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,443 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,193 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $12,483. The college keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition of $5,175, though only 21% of students receive federal financial aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mt Hood Community College?

The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. Mt Hood operates on a quarter system, allowing students to complete programs more quickly than traditional semester schedules. The college serves a diverse student body with 58% women and significant Hispanic representation at nearly 21%.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Mt Hood Community College?

The college reports a 26% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the reality that many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates achieve a 94.8% employment rate with median earnings of $41,125 ten years after enrollment. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $13,667 and monthly loan payments of just $145.

Where is Mt Hood Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Gresham, Oregon, a large suburban community in the Portland metropolitan area. With 9 varsity sports programs and 140 total athletes, Mt Hood offers modest athletic opportunities supported by $235,229 in scholarships. The suburban setting provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining access to Portland's job market and cultural amenities.

Does Mt Hood Community College offer good value for transfer students?

Mt Hood serves as an affordable pathway for students planning to transfer to four-year universities, with low tuition costs and proximity to Oregon's public university system. The college's quarter system allows students to accumulate credits efficiently, while the $4,193 net price for low-income students makes it accessible to first-generation college students. Only 13.44% of students take federal loans, indicating most can afford their education without significant borrowing.