About Tacoma Community College
Students pay an average net price of $9,321, making this one of the more affordable options for higher education. In-state tuition runs just $4,920 annually. Graduates earn a median of $47,168 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of $13,000. The monthly loan payment averages only $138, creating a manageable path to career advancement. These numbers add up to solid financial value for both transfer-bound and career-focused students.
Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 65.84%, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and education. The Titans field six varsity sports with 104 total athletes competing. An impressive 90.2% employment rate shows that graduates find work in their fields. About 93% of students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 32.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,168
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,814 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,823 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $35,060 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,848 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $31,839 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,615 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,824 |
Campus Life
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name. With 92.54% of students from Washington state, many work part-time jobs while attending classes. The quarter system keeps the pace quick, and the diverse student body includes 33.90% white, 18.17% Hispanic, and 10.12% Black students. Weekends often involve study groups, part-time work, or exploring Tacoma's revitalized downtown arts district. The campus culture centers around transfer preparation and workforce training rather than traditional college social life. Students here are goal-oriented commuters building toward their next step.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–46°F
- July Avg
- 54°–75°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 34.2%
- Women
- 65.8%
- White
- 33.9%
- Black
- 10.1%
- Hispanic
- 18.2%
- Asian
- 8.6%
- In-State Students
- 92.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.3%
Location
- Address
- Tacoma, Washington 98466-6100
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,168
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,883
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $138/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Tacoma Community College?
As a community college, Tacoma Community College maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 4,248 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the South Sound region. This approach allows students to begin their college journey regardless of previous academic performance.
How much does Tacoma Community College cost after financial aid?
Students at Tacoma Community College pay an average net price of $9,321 annually. In-state tuition runs $4,920 while out-of-state students pay $11,030. The college keeps costs manageable with graduates typically carrying just $13,000 in median debt.
What academic programs is Tacoma Community College known for?
Tacoma Community College operates on a quarter system and maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. The college excels in transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and offers career-focused technical training. About 92.54% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local reputation.
What are the job outcomes for Tacoma Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve a strong 90.2% employment rate after completing their programs. Ten years after enrollment, median earnings reach $47,168, demonstrating the value of both transfer and career programs. The college's focus on practical skills and local workforce needs helps students secure meaningful employment.
Where is Tacoma Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in midsize Tacoma, Washington, providing urban opportunities while maintaining a community feel. With 65.84% women and 34.16% men, the student body reflects typical community college demographics. The Titans compete in 6 varsity sports with 104 total athletes, though athletics plays a smaller role than academics.
How diverse is the student population at Tacoma Community College?
The student body shows significant diversity with 33.90% White, 18.17% Hispanic, 10.12% Black, and 8.55% Asian students. About 24.32% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and lower-income students. This diversity reflects Tacoma's multicultural community and the college's commitment to educational access.
