About Yakima Valley College
Students pay an average net price of $10,402 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to higher education in Washington. Graduates earn a median of $43,499 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of $13,966. The employment rate hits 94.4%, reflecting the practical focus of programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Monthly loan payments average just $148, keeping financial stress low for new graduates.
The student body is 69.7% women and 61.6% Hispanic, reflecting both the healthcare and education programs that draw female students and the valley's agricultural workforce demographics. Nearly all students are Washington residents at 96.4%, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Yaks compete in six NAIA sports with 104 total athletes, though most students focus on academics and work rather than campus life.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 30.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,499
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $67,660 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,856 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,055 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $24,421 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,667 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,403 |
Campus Life
The student body reflects the valley's demographics, with 61.64% Hispanic students and strong ties to agriculture and technical fields. Women make up 69.71% of enrollment, typical for a community college focused on health sciences and education programs. With 96.42% in-state students, most know each other from local high schools. The Yaks compete in six NAIA sports with 104 total athletes receiving $153,950 in scholarships. Weekends often involve work or family obligations rather than campus activities, given the commuter culture and quarter system that keeps academic pace quick.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 234 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Founded
- 1928
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–39°F
- July Avg
- 55°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 8.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 20.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 30.3%
- Women
- 69.7%
- White
- 26.1%
- Black
- 0.7%
- Hispanic
- 61.6%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 96.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.9%
Location
- Address
- Yakima, Washington 98907-2520
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,499
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,136
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $148/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,966
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Yakima Valley College?
Yakima Valley College operates with an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 2,539 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the Yakima Valley's diverse population, with 61.64% of students being Hispanic.
How much does Yakima Valley College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Yakima Valley College is $10,402 per year, making it an affordable option for higher education. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,106 on average, while the college's low tuition of $5,163 for in-state students reflects its mission as a community college serving local residents.
What academic programs is Yakima Valley College known for?
Yakima Valley College specializes in agricultural and technical programs that serve the region's economy. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, the college provides personalized attention in career-focused programs that prepare students for local industries in the fertile Yakima Valley.
What are the employment outcomes for Yakima Valley College graduates?
Yakima Valley College graduates achieve a 94.4% employment rate, demonstrating strong job placement in the regional economy. The median earnings 10 years after graduation reach $43,499, reflecting the college's focus on practical, career-oriented education that meets local workforce needs.
Does Yakima Valley College offer on-campus housing?
Yakima Valley College provides limited on-campus housing with a capacity of 234 students at $9,363 per year for room and board. Most of the college's students live off-campus, as 96.42% are in-state residents who often commute from the surrounding Yakima Valley communities.
What makes the student body unique at Yakima Valley College?
Yakima Valley College serves a predominantly Hispanic student population, with 61.64% of students identifying as Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of the agricultural Yakima Valley region. Women make up 69.71% of the student body, and the college has maintained its role as an educational anchor in the community since its founding in 1928.
