About Peninsula College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,080 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in the state. Even those from higher-income families rarely pay more than $12,892 annually. Graduates earn a median of $37,078 ten years after enrollment, while carrying only $15,786 in debt with monthly payments of $167. The college delivers solid value for students seeking an affordable start to higher education.
Women make up 61.72% of the student body, and 84.36% come from Washington state. The Pirates field just 4 varsity sports with 82 total athletes, reflecting the college's focus on academics over athletics. With a 90.1% employment rate, graduates successfully launch careers or continue their education despite the college's modest 40.60% six-year graduation rate.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,078
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,138 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,474 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $23,649 |
Campus Life
The Pirates compete in just 4 varsity sports with 82 total athletes, creating a low-key athletic scene. Students often spend weekends exploring Olympic National Park, which borders the town, or taking the ferry to Victoria, British Columbia. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in small classes. With 84.36% of students from Washington state, the campus has a distinctly local feel. Many students work part-time jobs in town while completing their degrees. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk. Students frequently transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly, with a 90.1% employment rate reflecting strong regional job placement.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–44°F
- July Avg
- 54°–66°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 81.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- -772.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.3%
- Women
- 61.7%
- White
- 52.4%
- Black
- 3.8%
- Hispanic
- 13.6%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 84.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.8%
Location
- Address
- Port Angeles, Washington 98362
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,078
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,499
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $167/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,786
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Peninsula College?
Peninsula College operates as an open-enrollment community college, meaning most students can enroll without competitive admission requirements. The school serves 1,139 students primarily from Washington state, with 84.36% coming from in-state. As a community college on the Olympic Peninsula, it focuses on providing accessible education for local residents and transfer preparation.
How much does Peninsula College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Peninsula College is $4,529 per year, making it highly affordable compared to four-year universities. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,080 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $12,892. Only 30.76% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the school's already low sticker price of $4,586 for in-state tuition.
What academic programs is Peninsula College known for?
Peninsula College operates on a quarter system with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in its programs. The school is recognized for strong transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and career training programs. With women comprising 61.72% of enrollment, the college serves a diverse student body across the Olympic Peninsula region.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Peninsula College?
Peninsula College has a 41.12% four-year graduation rate and a 40.60% six-year graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where students often attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates achieve a 90.1% employment rate with median earnings of $37,078 ten years after enrollment. The median student debt is relatively low at $15,786 with monthly payments averaging $167.
Where is Peninsula College located and what is campus life like?
Peninsula College sits in Port Angeles, Washington, in a town-remote setting on the Olympic Peninsula. The Pirates field just 4 varsity sports teams with 82 total athletes competing for $110,497 in athletic scholarships. The remote location provides access to Olympic National Park and outdoor recreation opportunities that define the Pacific Northwest experience.
Does Peninsula College offer good value for transfer students?
Peninsula College provides excellent value as a stepping stone to four-year universities, with low tuition costs and strong transfer preparation programs. The school's quarter system allows for flexible scheduling, important for the 84.36% in-state students who often work while attending. With only 7.45% of students taking federal loans and an average institutional grant of $4,716 for qualifying students, it minimizes debt while preparing students for university transfer.
