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$4,388Tuition
3,109Students
32%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,009Earnings
#20 in WashingtonPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College serves 3,109 students in Washington's suburbs, building a reputation as a reliable stepping stone to four-year universities and career success. The college excels at transfer preparation, helping students save money on their first two years before moving to universities like the University of Washington. Students also choose Shoreline for its career training programs that lead directly to employment.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $8,661 annually after aid, while those from families making $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $8,042. Graduates earn a median of $52,009 ten years after starting, making the modest debt load of $12,021 manageable with monthly payments of $127. The 89.9% employment rate shows employers value Shoreline credentials.

The student body reflects Washington's diversity, with 33.45% white students and significant representation from Asian (13.28%), Hispanic (12.93%), and Black (8.01%) communities. Women make up 57.74% of enrollment. The Dolphins compete in seven varsity sports with 117 total athletes. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention during their quarter-system courses.

Academics & Faculty

Shoreline Community College builds strong pathways to four-year universities and career programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors know your name and progress. About 32% of students complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges where many attend part-time while working. The college excels at transfer preparation, helping students earn credits toward bachelor's degrees at lower costs. Career training programs prepare students for immediate employment in high-demand fields. Students benefit from Washington State's Direct Transfer Agreement, which guarantees junior standing at state universities. The quarter system allows flexibility for working adults and faster program completion.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
97.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
32.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,009

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $77,087
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $68,499
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $41,937
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $38,289
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Associate $33,993
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. Associate $30,771
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $21,508

View all 70 programs →

Campus Life

Shoreline sits 10 miles north of Seattle, putting you close enough to catch a Mariners game but far enough to avoid downtown parking fees. The 83-acre campus overlooks Puget Sound with the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop. You'll need a good rain jacket since Seattle gets 37 inches of rain annually, but summers are perfect for hiking and beach volleyball.

Only 245 students can live on campus out of 3,109 total enrollment, so most commuters drive from nearby neighborhoods like Lynnwood and Edmonds. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name in those nursing and business classes. With 93.53% of students from Washington state, you'll find plenty of locals who grew up skiing at Crystal Mountain and kayaking in Lake Washington.

Weekend life centers around Seattle's coffee culture and outdoor adventures rather than traditional college parties. The seven varsity sports teams, nicknamed the Dolphins, compete in basketball and soccer at the NWAC level. Many students work part-time jobs since the employment rate hits 89.9%, balancing classes with real-world experience before transferring to University of Washington or Western Washington University.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
245 beds
Calendar System
Quarter
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1963

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 0 0 2
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
37°–47°F
July Avg
56°–76°F
Annual Precipitation
37.8"
Annual Snowfall
3.8"

Student Demographics

Shoreline draws primarily local students, with over 93% coming from Washington state. The student body reflects the diverse Seattle metro area, with significant Asian, Hispanic, and Black populations alongside white students. Women outnumber men by a notable margin, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and social service programs. The relatively low Pell Grant rate of 13% suggests Shoreline serves middle-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees. Most students work while attending, balancing education with employment in the region's tech and service economy.
Men
42.3%
Women
57.7%
White
33.5%
Black
8.0%
Hispanic
12.9%
Asian
13.3%
In-State Students
93.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
12.6%

Location

Shoreline Community College sits in Shoreline, Washington, just 10 miles north of Seattle. The campus serves the greater Puget Sound region, with 93.53% of students coming from in-state. This suburban setting offers easy access to Seattle's job market and cultural attractions while maintaining a quieter college environment. The Pacific Northwest location provides proximity to both mountains and water, with the Cascade Range to the east and Puget Sound nearby. The area's tech industry presence creates strong internship and career opportunities for students. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Shoreline Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Shoreline, Washington 98133-5696
Shoreline Community College
Shoreline Community College
Shoreline CC 04
Shoreline CC 04
Shoreline Community College campus
Shoreline Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,009
Median Earnings (5 years)
$58,162
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,400
Loan Repayment Rate
48.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,021

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Shoreline Community College?

Shoreline Community College operates as an open-admission community college, meaning qualified applicants are generally accepted. The school serves 3,109 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the diverse Puget Sound region.

How much does Shoreline Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,116 annually at Shoreline Community College. In-state tuition runs $4,388 while out-of-state students pay $7,430, making it an affordable option for Washington residents looking to start their college journey.

What academic programs is Shoreline Community College known for?

Shoreline Community College operates on a quarter system and maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. The school built its reputation on strong transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and comprehensive career training programs.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Shoreline Community College?

Graduates achieve a 32.40% six-year completion rate and earn a median salary of $52,009 ten years after enrollment. The school boasts an impressive 89.9% employment rate, demonstrating its effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.

Where is Shoreline Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Shoreline, Washington, a large suburban community north of Seattle. With housing capacity for 245 students and 117 student athletes competing in 7 varsity sports as the Dolphins, the college offers a close-knit community experience.

How diverse is the student body at Shoreline Community College?

The student body reflects the Pacific Northwest's diversity with 33.45% White, 13.28% Asian, 12.93% Hispanic, and 8.01% Black students. Women comprise 57.74% of enrollment while 93.53% of students come from Washington state, creating a predominantly local yet multicultural learning environment.