About North Seattle College
Students pay an average net price of $8,351 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in expensive Seattle. Graduates earn a median of $47,728 ten years after starting, while carrying just $15,458 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $164 is manageable given the employment rate of 95.4%. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $7,776, making college accessible even for low-income students.
The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite being a larger community college. With 98.6% of students coming from Washington state, North Seattle College functions as a local stepping stone for Seattle-area residents. The Tree Frogs nickname reflects the Pacific Northwest's quirky character, though athletics aren't the main draw here.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 30.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,728
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $67,995 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $33,138 |
Campus Life
As a community college, there are no dorms or traditional campus life. Instead, 98.6% of students are Washington residents who commute from across the greater Seattle area. Weekends mean exploring Pike Place Market, hiking the nearby Cascades, or catching a Seahawks game downtown. The Tree Frogs nickname reflects the Pacific Northwest's quirky character, though don't expect stadium-sized sporting events. Students often work part-time jobs while studying, balancing transfer preparation or career training with Seattle's booming job market. Coffee shops near campus buzz with study groups, and the city's tech scene offers internship opportunities that complement classroom learning.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1970
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–47°F
- July Avg
- 56°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.9%
- Women
- 60.1%
- White
- 32.6%
- Black
- 12.6%
- Hispanic
- 20.0%
- Asian
- 10.4%
- In-State Students
- 98.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.7%
Location
- Address
- Seattle, Washington 98103-3599
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,728
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,693
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,200
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $164/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,458
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at North Seattle College?
North Seattle College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of prior academic performance. The college serves 2,792 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the diverse Seattle community. Nearly 99% of students are Washington residents, reflecting the school's role as a local educational center.
How much does North Seattle College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,351 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $7,776, while those earning over $110,000 pay $16,377. The college keeps education affordable as part of its mission to serve working-class Seattle families.
What academic programs is North Seattle College known for?
The college operates on a quarter system and maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. North Seattle College specializes in transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and career training programs aligned with local job markets. The school serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable pathways to higher education.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at North Seattle College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 32.4%, which reflects the community college model where many students transfer before completing degrees. Graduates achieve a 95.4% employment rate and earn a median salary of $47,728 ten years after enrollment. The strong job placement rate demonstrates the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the Seattle workforce.
Where is North Seattle College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Seattle's urban landscape, serving a diverse student body that is 60% female and represents multiple ethnic backgrounds. With 33% White, 20% Hispanic, 13% Black, and 10% Asian students, the college reflects Seattle's multicultural character. The Tree Frogs nickname adds a touch of Pacific Northwest identity to this commuter-focused institution.
How affordable is North Seattle College for students with financial need?
Only 13.65% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating that many attend part-time or have family support. Those who do borrow graduate with a median debt of $15,458 and monthly loan payments of $164. The low debt burden makes North Seattle College an attractive option for cost-conscious students in expensive Seattle.
