South Puget Sound Community College: $5,103 Tuition

$5,103Tuition

2,692Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,039Earnings

#18 in WashingtonPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About South Puget Sound Community College

South Puget Sound Community College serves the state capital region with strong workforce training and transfer programs. The college enrolls 2,692 students in Olympia, focusing on preparing students for both immediate employment and four-year university transfer. Nearly 98% of students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community rooted in the South Sound area.

Students pay an average net price of $9,090 after financial aid, with costs dropping to $8,414 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $45,039 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $11,000 manageable with monthly payments around $117. The college delivers solid value for students seeking affordable education with clear career pathways. Only 6.78% of students take federal loans, suggesting many can afford their education without borrowing heavily.

The student body skews female at 58%, reflecting strong programs in healthcare and human services. The Clippers field seven varsity sports with 83 total athletes, offering a modest but engaged athletic program. With an 89.7% employment rate and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, the college emphasizes personal attention and job-ready skills that serve the regional economy well.

Academics & Faculty

South Puget Sound Community College serves as both a workforce training center and transfer pathway for students across the South Sound region. The college's 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors for academic support and guidance. However, the 42% six-year graduation rate reflects common challenges at community colleges, where students often attend part-time while working or face financial pressures. SPSCC specializes in career-focused programs that connect directly to local employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Students pursuing four-year degrees can complete their first two years here before transferring to universities. The college's quarter system allows for flexible scheduling that accommodates working students' needs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 94.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,039

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$48,849
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$33,993
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$26,353
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$26,353
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$26,353
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,455

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

South Puget Sound Community College sits in Washington's capital city, about an hour south of Seattle. With 2,692 students spread across a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll find manageable class sizes but still plenty of people to meet. The campus lacks dormitories, so students commute from around the South Sound region. Nearly all students (97.40%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit local community feel.

Olympia's Pacific Northwest location means you'll definitely need that rain jacket and warm layers from October through April. The Clippers field seven varsity sports with 83 total athletes, though the college focuses more on academics and workforce training than athletic traditions. Students often spend weekends exploring downtown Olympia's music venues and coffee shops, or hiking nearby trails when the weather cooperates. The quarter system keeps things moving quickly, with many students balancing part-time jobs alongside their studies. Women make up 58.47% of enrollment, and the campus reflects the region's growing diversity with significant Hispanic (17.68%) and Asian (6.76%) student populations.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1962

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	1	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–46°F
July Avg: 50°–77°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.6"
Annual Snowfall: 3.9"

Student Demographics

South Puget Sound draws overwhelmingly from Washington state, with nearly all students coming from the local region. The college serves a working-class community, with about one in four students receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Women make up nearly 60% of enrollment, reflecting strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services that traditionally attract female students. The student body is racially diverse for rural Washington, with Hispanic students comprising the largest minority group at 18%. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities while pursuing career training or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.

Men: 41.5%
Women: 58.5%
White: 48.0%
Black: 4.2%
Hispanic: 17.7%
Asian: 6.8%
In-State Students: 97.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.9%

Location

South Puget Sound Community College sits in Olympia, Washington's capital city, about 60 miles southwest of Seattle. The campus serves 2,692 students in a small city setting known for its government buildings, artsy downtown, and proximity to Puget Sound. Olympia blends political activity with Pacific Northwest outdoor culture, offering students access to waterfront areas and nearby forests. The college draws 97.40% of its students from within Washington state, reflecting its role as a regional institution. The South Sound area provides internship opportunities in government agencies and local businesses. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare South Puget Sound Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Olympia, Washington 98512-6292

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,039
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,080
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at South Puget Sound Community College?

South Puget Sound Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges. With 2,692 students enrolled, the school serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the Olympia area. Nearly all students are Washington residents, making up 97.40% of the student body.

How much does South Puget Sound Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $9,090 annually for students at South Puget Sound Community College. In-state tuition is $5,103 while out-of-state students pay $5,637. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $8,414, making it an affordable option for local workforce training.

What academic programs is South Puget Sound Community College known for?

South Puget Sound Community College operates on a quarter system and maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The school is recognized for its workforce training programs and transfer preparation in the South Sound region. With strong ties to local employers, it focuses on practical career preparation alongside traditional academic pathways.

What are the employment outcomes for South Puget Sound Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 89.7% employment rate, reflecting the school's emphasis on career readiness. The median earnings after 10 years are $45,039, while recent graduates earn a median of $36,513 in their first year. The 6-year graduation rate stands at 42.00%, typical for community colleges serving diverse student populations.

Where is South Puget Sound Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Olympia, Washington's capital city, offering a small city setting near government offices and natural areas. With 58.47% female students and a diverse population including 17.68% Hispanic and 47.99% White students, the campus reflects the region's demographics. The Clippers compete in 7 varsity sports with 83 total athletes.

How affordable is student debt at South Puget Sound Community College?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $11,000, lower than four-year institutions. Monthly loan payments average $117, making debt manageable for graduates entering the workforce. Only 6.78% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's affordability and the financial circumstances of its student body.