- Centralia College is a public community college in Centralia, Washington. Although it primarily offers certificates and Associate degrees, it also offers a few Bachelor's degrees. Founded in 1925, Centralia is the oldest continuously operating community college in the state of Washington.
School Highlights
Centralia College serves 3,324 students (48% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 56%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 3,324 students
- In-state tuition: $3,858
- Out-state tuition: $4,272
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 42%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Centralia College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 279 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Centralia College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
279 staff
353 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Centralia College has grown by 8% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Centralia College diversity score of 0.60 is less than the state average of 0.75. The school's diversity has grown by 12% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,324 students
5,207 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
1,591 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Students
1,733 students
3,179 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
332 students
494 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,591 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,733 students
3,179 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
48 students
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
2%
10%
% Hispanic
16%
17%
% Black
4%
7%
% White
58%
44%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Non Resident races
n/a
3%
% Unknown races
13%
9%
Diversity Score
0.60
0.75
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
34%
29%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
44%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,900
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,858 is less than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,272 is less than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has declined by 16% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,858
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,272
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
63%
58%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,192
Acceptance Rate
n/a
99%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Centralia College is the oldest continuously operating community college in the state of Washington. Founded in 1925, the College has a rich heritage of professional, technical, transfer, and basic skills programs serving the community. Centralia College is a small, rural, safe, comprehensive community college that offers many of the experiences of college life found at larger institutions. We have numerous student activities including clubs, student programs, athletics, theater productions, and dances. The college offersAssociate in Arts (AA), Associate in Liberal Arts (ALA), Associate In Science (AS), Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T), Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) and Associate in General Studies (AGS) degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Centralia College cost?
Centralia College's tuition is approximately $3,858 for In-State students and $4,272 for Out-State students.
What is Centralia College's ranking?
Centralia College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Least expensive tuition.
Recent Articles

Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.

The Real Dollar Value of an Associate Degree
How much is an associate's degree really worth? We calculate and research the ROI of an associate degree specifically, and the results are interesting.

Hands Across California: Community College Students Band Together to Save the System
Facing a monumental budget crisis, California's community college students took matters into their own hands, holding rallies and conferences for Hands Across California.