About Seattle Central College
Students pay an average net price of $6,329, making this one of the more affordable paths to higher education in Seattle. In-state tuition runs just $4,865, while out-of-state students pay $5,354. Graduates earn a median of $43,307 ten years after starting, though debt loads average only $12,000. Monthly loan payments hit $127 for those who borrow. The employment rate reaches 89.7%, reflecting the college's career-focused approach.
The student body leans female at 56.2% and brings together diverse backgrounds across Seattle. Nearly 98% of students come from Washington state. White students make up 25.8% of enrollment, while Black, Hispanic, and Asian students each represent 13-17% of the campus. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively small. Only 21.5% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than the lowest income brackets.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 28.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,307
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $65,332 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $60,771 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,236 |
Campus Life
As a community college, Seattle Central doesn't offer campus housing, so students commute from across the metro area. With 97.85% of students coming from Washington state, many live at home or rent nearby apartments. Weekends revolve around Capitol Hill's coffee shops, music venues, and bookstores just steps from campus. The neighborhood's reputation for arts and activism attracts students interested in social justice and creative fields. Pike Place Market sits just down the hill, while the University of Washington campus offers additional college town experiences. The 31.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's role as both a transfer stepping stone and career training center for working adults balancing multiple responsibilities.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–48°F
- July Avg
- 57°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.8%
- Women
- 56.2%
- White
- 25.8%
- Black
- 16.9%
- Hispanic
- 13.6%
- Asian
- 15.5%
- In-State Students
- 97.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.5%
Location
- Address
- Seattle, Washington 98122
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,307
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,515
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 34.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Seattle Central College?
Seattle Central College operates with open enrollment, meaning anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can register for classes. The college serves 3,879 students and welcomes learners at all levels through its community college model. Nearly 98% of students come from Washington state, reflecting its role as a local educational center.
How much does Seattle Central College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $6,329 per year for all students. In-state tuition runs $4,865 while out-of-state students pay just $5,354, making it affordable even for non-residents. About 21% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with a manageable $12,000 in debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Seattle Central College?
Classes maintain an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for reasonable personal attention in this community college setting. The college operates on a quarter system and focuses heavily on transfer preparation and career training programs. Faculty work closely with students navigating both academic and professional pathways.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Seattle Central College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 31%, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. However, 90% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $43,307 ten years after enrollment. The college serves as an important stepping stone for students entering the workforce or transferring to four-year universities.
Where is Seattle Central College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Seattle's active Capitol Hill neighborhood, one of the city's most culturally diverse and creative areas. Students experience true urban college life with access to coffee shops, music venues, and arts spaces just steps from campus. The location provides internship and job opportunities throughout the Seattle metropolitan area.
Does Seattle Central College serve a diverse student population?
The student body is diverse, with only 26% identifying as white students. Black students make up 17% of enrollment, Hispanic students 14%, and Asian students 15% of the population. Women comprise 56% of the student body, and this diversity reflects both Seattle's demographics and the college's mission to serve the broader community.
