About South Seattle College
Students pay an average net price of $6,802, making this one of the most affordable paths to higher education in Washington state. In-state tuition runs just $4,865, and 98.89% of students qualify for that rate. Graduates earn a median of $44,486 ten years after starting, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. Only 9.81% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from working families seeking career advancement rather than traditional college-age students.
The student body reflects Seattle's diversity, with no single racial group forming a majority. Men make up 57.12% of enrollment, higher than most colleges. The 31:1 student-faculty ratio means large classes, but completion rates of 29.94% within four years show many students successfully transfer to finish bachelor's degrees elsewhere.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 31:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 97.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,486
Campus Life
Nearly 99% of students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit local community feel. With a 31:1 student-to-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. The quarter system moves quickly through coursework. Weekends often revolve around Seattle's coffee culture, Pike Place Market, and outdoor activities when the rain breaks. Students balance work and school since only 9.8% receive Pell grants, suggesting many are working adults or career changers. The diverse student body reflects Seattle's international character, with significant Asian American representation at nearly 17%. Campus life centers more on academics and career preparation than traditional college social activities.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1970
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–48°F
- July Avg
- 57°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 57.1%
- Women
- 42.9%
- White
- 25.2%
- Black
- 18.1%
- Hispanic
- 18.4%
- Asian
- 16.7%
- In-State Students
- 98.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 9.8%
Location
- Address
- Seattle, Washington 98106-1499
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,486
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $69,656
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,200
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at South Seattle College?
South Seattle College has an open admission policy as a community college, meaning students can enroll without a traditional acceptance process. The school serves 1,495 students and draws almost exclusively from Washington state, with 98.89% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the Seattle area.
How much does South Seattle College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at South Seattle College is $6,802 per year. In-state tuition runs $4,865 while out-of-state students pay $5,354, making it one of the more affordable options in Seattle. Students from the lowest income bracket pay a net price of $6,149 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at South Seattle College?
South Seattle College has a student-faculty ratio of 31:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. The college operates on a quarter system, allowing for flexible scheduling that works well for working adults and career changers. This structure helps accommodate the diverse student body that community colleges are known for serving.
What are the graduation rates at South Seattle College?
South Seattle College has a 4-year graduation rate of 29.94% and a 6-year rate of 26.20%. These rates reflect the community college mission of serving students with varying goals, from transfer preparation to workforce training. Many students attend part-time or take breaks, which affects traditional graduation metrics but doesn't capture the full value of community college education.
Where is South Seattle College located and what is campus life like?
South Seattle College sits in Seattle's large urban environment, giving students access to internships and job opportunities in the tech and healthcare sectors. The student body is diverse, with 25.22% White, 18.39% Hispanic, 18.13% Black, and 16.66% Asian students. Men slightly outnumber women at 57.12% to 42.88%, reflecting strong enrollment in technical and trade programs.
How much do South Seattle College graduates earn after graduation?
Graduates earn a median of $44,486 ten years after enrollment, which is competitive for a community college program. The 5-year median jumps to $69,656, showing strong earning potential as graduates advance in their careers. These numbers reflect the college's focus on practical, job-ready skills that translate directly to the workforce.
