Spokane Community College: $4,057 Tuition

$4,057Tuition

4,114Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,984Earnings

Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Spokane Community College

Spokane Community College builds careers through hands-on training that gets students working fast. The school serves 4,114 students in Washington's second-largest city with programs designed for immediate employment or smooth transfer to four-year universities. Students choose from dozens of career and technical programs, from nursing and automotive technology to computer science and welding. The quarter system keeps courses moving quickly, and the 17:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,951 after aid, while even those from higher-income families rarely pay more than $13,615. Graduates typically leave with $13,501 in debt but earn $41,984 ten years later. Monthly loan payments average just $143. With 92% of graduates finding employment, the investment pays off quickly for most students.

Women make up 61% of the student body, and nearly all students come from Washington state. About 28% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve students from modest backgrounds. The 37% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing their programs here.

Academics & Faculty

Spokane Community College focuses on career and technical education that gets students job-ready or prepared for university transfer. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors can provide hands-on guidance in programs like automotive technology, welding, and healthcare training. About 37% of students graduate within six years, which reflects the school's mission as a stepping stone rather than a traditional four-year destination. Many students earn industry certifications alongside their degrees. The college serves as a practical pathway for students seeking immediate employment in skilled trades or those planning to complete their bachelor's degrees elsewhere. Programs emphasize real-world skills that employers in the Spokane region actively seek.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 36.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,984

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$65,983
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$62,409
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$44,942
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$38,289
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$35,954
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$32,925
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$32,925
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$31,702
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$31,038
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$30,635

View all 79 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Spokane Community College navigate a quarter system that keeps pace with the city's seasonal rhythms. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so a good coat is essential for walking between buildings on the urban campus. The college sits in Spokane proper, Washington's second-largest city, giving students access to downtown restaurants and the Riverfront Park area.

With 94.33% of students from Washington state, the campus maintains a local community feel. Women make up 60.89% of enrollment, creating a female-majority environment. Most students commute to campus rather than living in dorms, which shapes the social active around class schedules and part-time work. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes than typical universities.

Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities like hiking in nearby mountains or exploring Spokane's growing arts district. Many students work while attending classes, reflecting the college's focus on career preparation. The technical programs attract students serious about entering the workforce quickly, creating a practical, goal-oriented campus culture rather than a traditional college party scene.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	0	0	1	0
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–37°F
July Avg: 56°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 17.4"
Annual Snowfall: 45.4"

Student Demographics

Students at Spokane Community College come overwhelmingly from Washington state, reflecting its strong reputation as a local workforce development center. Women make up 61% of the student body, likely drawn to the school's prominent healthcare and human services programs. The student population is 63% white with growing Hispanic enrollment at 12%. Many students are working adults and career changers seeking practical skills training. The college serves a significant number of first-generation and lower-income students who value affordable tuition and direct pathways to employment in Spokane's evolving economy.

Men: 39.1%
Women: 60.9%
White: 62.6%
Black: 3.7%
Hispanic: 12.3%
Asian: 2.6%
In-State Students: 94.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.8%

Location

Spokane Community College sits in Washington's second-largest city, with Spokane's metro area home to over 500,000 residents. The campus operates about 280 miles east of Seattle in the Inland Northwest region. Students experience four distinct seasons in this mid-sized city surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills. The Spokane River runs through downtown, while nearby mountains offer skiing and hiking opportunities. The area blends urban amenities with outdoor recreation access typical of the Pacific Northwest interior. Local industries include healthcare, education, and manufacturing, providing internship and job opportunities for the college's 4,114 students. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Spokane Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Spokane, Washington 99217-5399

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,984
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,422
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $143/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,501

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Spokane Community College?

Spokane Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school enrolls 4,114 students with 94.33% coming from Washington state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students beginning their college journey or changing career paths.

How much does Spokane Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Spokane Community College is $6,206 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,951 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $13,615. The school keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition of only $4,057 per year.

What academic programs is Spokane Community College known for?

Spokane Community College specializes in career and technical education programs designed for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, the school provides hands-on training in fields that lead to solid middle-class careers. The quarter system allows for flexible scheduling and faster program completion.

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

Spokane Community College achieves a 37.30% six-year graduation rate and an impressive 92.0% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $41,984 ten years after graduation with manageable debt of $13,501. These outcomes reflect the school's focus on practical skills training for in-demand careers.

Where is Spokane Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Spokane, Washington, a midsize city that offers urban amenities without big-city costs. With 60.89% female and 39.11% male students, the campus serves a diverse population including 12.30% Hispanic and significant numbers of working adults. The city setting provides internship and job opportunities while maintaining an affordable cost of living.

How affordable is financial aid at Spokane Community College?

Only 27.75% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the school's already low costs and the fact that many students pay out of pocket. The federal loan rate is just 19.92%, well below national averages, with monthly payments averaging only $143. This low borrowing rate demonstrates how the college keeps education accessible without burdening students with excessive debt.