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100.0%Acceptance
514Students
79%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,639Earnings
Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Sumner College

Sumner College serves 514 students in Portland's bustling urban environment. This private career college focuses on practical programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. Women make up 82.5% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in fields that traditionally attract female students. The college accepts all applicants who apply, making it accessible to students seeking career-focused education without competitive admissions barriers.

Students pay an average of $28,309 annually after financial aid, with 83% taking out federal loans. Graduates earn a median of $46,639 ten years after starting school, while carrying typical debt loads of $16,500. The monthly loan payment of $175 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. With a 96.1% employment rate, students find work in their fields, though the relatively modest earnings suggest this college serves students seeking stable middle-income careers rather than high-paying professions.

The college draws equally from Oregon residents and out-of-state students, with half coming from each group. Nearly 78% of students graduate within four years, showing strong retention despite the open admissions policy. The diverse student body includes 21% White students, 14% Black students, and 8% Hispanic students, creating a multicultural learning environment in Portland's active job market.

Academics & Faculty

Sumner College operates as a private career-focused institution specializing in health sciences and professional programs. The school maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing close mentorship in hands-on fields like nursing, medical assisting, and healthcare administration. With 82.5% of students being women, the college reflects the demographics of health professions. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct instructor access throughout their programs. The 77.5% four-year graduation rate demonstrates solid completion rates for career-oriented degrees. Sumner emphasizes practical training over theoretical study, preparing graduates for immediate entry into healthcare roles. The curriculum focuses on clinical skills and professional certifications rather than broad liberal arts education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
22.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
77.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
78.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,639

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $70,009
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Associate $50,856
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $49,814
Legal Support Services. Associate $31,799

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

Sumner College sits in the heart of Portland, where students experience the Pacific Northwest's signature drizzle from October through May. You'll need a good rain jacket more than sunscreen. The school draws an equal split of in-state and out-of-state students, with 50% coming from Oregon. Women make up 82.49% of the 514-person student body, creating a distinctly female-dominated campus culture.

The small enrollment means you'll recognize faces quickly around campus. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and track your progress closely. Portland's food truck scene, coffee culture, and music venues provide weekend entertainment just outside campus doors. Students often explore the city's neighborhoods or venture to the Oregon coast an hour west. The college's urban setting means most students live off-campus in Portland apartments rather than traditional dorms. This creates a commuter school atmosphere where campus life centers around classes and study groups rather than residential programming.
Setting
City-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg
35°–46°F
July Avg
56°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
43.5"
Annual Snowfall
-1,552.4"

Student Demographics

Sumner College attracts a predominantly female student body, with women making up over 80% of enrollment. This reflects the school's focus on career-oriented programs that traditionally appeal to women, likely in fields like healthcare, education, or business services. The college draws students from across the country, with exactly half coming from out-of-state. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking practical career training. The diverse racial composition includes significant representation from Black and Hispanic students, suggesting the college prioritizes accessibility for underrepresented communities.
Men
17.5%
Women
82.5%
White
21.4%
Black
14.0%
Hispanic
7.6%
Asian
1.0%
In-State Students
50.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
39.2%

Location

Sumner College sits in Portland, Oregon's bustling urban center. Portland serves as the Pacific Northwest's largest city, home to over 650,000 residents and known for its active food scene, craft brewery culture, and strong environmental consciousness. The college draws exactly half of its students from within Oregon, while the other 50% come from out-of-state. Portland's location between the Cascade Mountains and Pacific Coast offers students access to both outdoor recreation and urban internship opportunities. The city's thriving healthcare and technology sectors provide career pathways that align with the college's professional focus. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Sumner College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Portland, Oregon 97220
Cascade Campus Sumner College
Cascade Campus Sumner College

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,639
Median Earnings (5 years)
$67,917
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,100
Loan Repayment Rate
50.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$175/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Sumner College?

Sumner College has a 100% acceptance rate, making it accessible to all applicants who meet basic requirements. The school focuses on career training and professional development rather than selective admissions. With only 514 students enrolled, the college maintains an intimate learning environment.

How much does Sumner College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $28,309 annually at Sumner College. About 39.2% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant enrollment of low-income students. The median debt load is relatively manageable at $16,500 with monthly loan payments averaging $175.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Sumner College?

Sumner College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. The college emphasizes hands-on career training and professional skill development. Students benefit from direct mentorship and industry-focused instruction in their chosen fields.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Sumner College?

Sumner College achieves a 78.9% six-year graduation rate and an impressive 96.1% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $46,639 ten years after graduation. The college's career-focused programs prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.

Where is Sumner College located and what is the campus like?

Sumner College operates in Portland, Oregon, taking advantage of the city's active job market and cultural scene. The urban setting provides students access to internships and career opportunities in various industries. Portland's reputation as a center for creative and tech industries benefits career-focused students.

Is Sumner College primarily a women's institution?

Women comprise 82.49% of Sumner College's student body, while men represent just 17.51% of enrollment. This gender distribution reflects the college's focus on programs that traditionally attract more female students. The college serves a diverse population with 21.4% White, 14.01% Black, and 7.59% Hispanic students.