About Portland Community College
Students pay an average net price of $9,920 after aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training. Graduates earn a median of $44,592 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of $12,999. The monthly loan payment of $138 reflects the college's focus on practical, debt-conscious education. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and the employment rate of 91.3% shows strong job placement outcomes.
The student body is 56% female and increasingly diverse, with Hispanic students making up 22% of enrollment. The graduation rate of 18% reflects the reality of community college students who often transfer, work while enrolled, or complete certificates rather than degrees. With just 72 total athletes across four varsity sports, PCC prioritizes academics and career preparation over athletics.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 31.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 17.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,592
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $73,635 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,015 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Associate | $61,218 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $59,950 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $59,253 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $58,673 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,151 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $51,482 |
Campus Life
Portland's mild, wet winters require rain jackets more than heavy coats, while summers stay comfortable without intense heat. Students juggle classes with work schedules, as many attend part-time while employed. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means manageable class sizes despite the large enrollment. Weekends often involve exploring Portland's food scene, hiking nearby trails, or working jobs that help cover the $5,040 in-state tuition.
The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly. With only 30.56% receiving financial aid, many students pay out-of-pocket for their education. Campus life centers around academic goals rather than traditional college social experiences. Study groups form naturally, and students appreciate the practical, career-focused approach that leads to a 91.3% employment rate after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–48°F
- July Avg
- 54°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.8%
- Women
- 56.2%
- White
- 50.3%
- Black
- 5.7%
- Hispanic
- 22.4%
- Asian
- 7.9%
- In-State Students
- 92.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.6%
Location
- Address
- Portland, Oregon 97219-7132
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,592
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,810
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $138/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,999
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process like at Portland Community College?
Portland Community College operates with an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning most students who apply can enroll. The school serves over 18,000 students with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. Nearly 93% of students come from Oregon, making it a popular choice for local residents seeking affordable higher education.
How much does Portland Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Portland Community College is $9,920 per year. In-state students pay $5,040 in tuition while out-of-state students pay $10,080. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $8,626.
What academic programs is Portland Community College known for?
Portland Community College operates on a quarter system and focuses on career preparation and transfer pathways. Only 8% of students receive institutional grants averaging $5,055. The college emphasizes practical training that leads to employment, with graduates showing a 91% employment rate.
What are the graduation and earnings outcomes at Portland Community College?
Portland Community College has a 17.7% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the part-time nature of many community college students. Graduates earn a median of $44,592 ten years after enrollment with typical debt of $12,999. The monthly loan payment averages just $138, making education debt manageable for most students.
What is campus life like at Portland Community College?
Portland Community College has a diverse student body that is 56% women and represents multiple ethnic backgrounds including 22% Hispanic and 8% Asian students. The Panthers compete in four varsity sports with 72 total athletes. The urban setting provides access to Portland's active culture while maintaining an affordable educational environment.
How does Portland Community College serve working students?
Portland Community College has served the Portland area since 1961 and caters heavily to working adults and part-time students. Only 21% of students take out federal loans, suggesting many pay as they go or work while attending. The college's quarter system and flexible scheduling accommodate students balancing education with employment responsibilities.
