For many students, community college is the way to go, either out of high school or later in life to finish a degree, or diploma, or go back to school. Seattle and Tacoma’s community colleges are tremendous resources, providing not only affordable paths to degrees, but a vast array of worker training and professional courses as well. Community colleges also offer a path for those who need to finish high school, get a GED, or learn English. And, bonus, community college tuition is a fraction of what students pay at universities.
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Clover Park Technical College
Jason Taellious Address: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW; Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: 253-589-5800
Enrollment: 7,231 full-time students
Degrees: Associate of Applied Technology, Associate of Applied Science - Transfer, certificates
Professional Programs: 50 career training programs, continuing education, extension classes
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start, career and technical high school
Other: High school completion, I-BEST, GED, ESL -
Green River Community College
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Locations:
- 12401 SE 320th Street; Auburn, WA 98092-3622 – 253-833-9111
- 1414 Griffin Avenue; Enumclaw, WA 98022 – 253-288-3400
- 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112; Kent, WA 98032 – 253-856-9595
- Auburn Center; 1221 D Street NE; Auburn, WA 98002 – 253-288-3455
Enrollment: 19,113
Degrees: Associate, transfer degrees, strong international program
Professional/Technical Programs: Yes, several programs, including some unique aviation programs, continuing education, WETRC
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start
Other: High school completion, GED, adult basic education -
Highline Community College
Atomic Taco Address: 2400 South 240th Street; Seattle, WA 98198
Phone: 206-878-3710
Enrollment: 17,134
Degrees: Associate, transfer degrees, certificates, continuing education. Bachelor's degrees in: Cybersecurity and Forensics, Global Trade and Logistics, Respiratory Care, and Youth Development.
Professional Programs: Yes. Unique programs include 3D graphics and animation, drafting design, and hospitality and tourism management.
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start, high school enhancement program
Other: GED, high school completion -
North Seattle Community College
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Address: 9600 College Way N; Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-527-3600
Enrollment: 6,000
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, associate, transfer, certificates, continuing education
Professional Programs: Yes. Unique programs include nanotechnology, watch technology, and real estate.
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start, college in the high school at Blanchet High School
Other: Adult basic education, GED, I-BEST, ESL, pre-college courses, Upward BoundContinue to 5 of 10 below. -
Pierce College
Locations:
- Fort Steilacoom - 9401 Farwest Drive SW; Lakewood, Washington 98498 - (253) 964-6500
- Puyallup - 1601 39th Avenue SE; Puyallup, Washington 98374 - (253) 840-8400
Enrollment: 20,230
Degrees: Associate, transfer, certificates, continuing education
Professional Programs: Yes. Unique programs include construction management, corrections/protection officer, and veterinary technology.
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start
Other: Adult basic education, GED, high school completion, ESL, I-BEST -
Renton Technical College
Address: 3000 NE 4th St; Renton, WA 98056
Phone: 425-235-2352
Enrollment: 4,015 full time
Degrees: Associate, transfer, certificates, continuing education, apprenticeships
Professional Programs: Multiple professional certificates and career training programs. Special programs include culinary, automotive, and construction training.
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start, tech prep
Other: Basic studies, GED, adult basic education, high school completion -
Seattle Central College
Joe Wolf Address: 1701 Broadway; Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: 206-934-3800
Enrollment: 15,520
Degrees: Associate, transfer, continuing education, certificates and limited bachelor degree programs.
Professional Programs: Yes, including cabinet making, commercial photography, film & video communications, and more.
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start
Other: Adult basic education, GED -
South Puget Sound Community College
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Address: 2011 Mottman Road SW; Olympia, WA 98512
Phone: 360-754-7711
Enrollment: 6,041
Degrees: Associate, transfer, continuing education
Professional Programs: Yes, including welding, culinary arts, phlebotomy
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start
Other: Adult basic education, ESL, GED, high school completion, I-BESTContinue to 9 of 10 below. -
South Seattle College
Locations:
- SCCC - 6000 16th Avenue SW; Seattle, WA 98106 - 206-934-5300
- Georgetown Campus - 6737 Corson Avenue South; Seattle, WA 98108 – 206-934 -5350
- NewHolly Learning Center - 7058 32nd Avenue S. - 2nd floor of the Learners Building; Seattle, WA 98118 – 206-934-6644
Degrees: Associate, transfer, Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, continuing education
Professional Programs: Yes, includes culinary, landscape, wine technology, and aviation maintenance programs.
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start, tech prep, SAT prep, Upward bound, Middle College High School, TRIO Talent Search
Other: Adult basic education, ESL, GED -
Tacoma Community College
SounderBruce Address: 6501 South 19th Street; Tacoma, Washington 98466
Phone: 253-566-5000
Enrollment: 14,000
Degrees: Associate, transfer, continuing education, transitional studies, Running Start
Professional Programs: Yes, includes nursing, radiologic science, respiratory therapy, and paralegal.
Programs for High Schoolers: Running Start, college in high school program, Fresh Start
Other: Adult basic education, I-BEST, ESL, high school completion