- Since 1955, Columbia Basin College has helped students of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their dreams of a higher education. CBC offers bachelor and associate degrees, one-year certificates and basic skills in an effort to improve the lives of all in our community.
School Highlights
Columbia Basin College serves 8,250 students (51% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 56%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 8,250 students
- In-state tuition: $4,771
- Out-state tuition: $6,858
- Student:teacher ratio: 19:1
- Minority enrollment: 59%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Columbia Basin College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 436 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Columbia Basin 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
436 staff
353 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Columbia Basin College has grown by 13% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 has increased from 15:1 over five years.
The Columbia Basin College diversity score of 0.62 is less than the state average of 0.75. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
8,250 students
4,711 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
4,176 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Students
4,074 students
3,179 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
825 students
494 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,176 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,074 students
3,179 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
126 students
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
2%
10%
% Hispanic
46%
17%
% Black
1%
7%
% White
41%
44%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
4%
8%
% Non Resident races
n/a
3%
% Unknown races
4%
9%
Diversity Score
0.62
0.75
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.284%
0.3584%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,400
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,771 is more than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,858 is less than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,771
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,858
$7,359
Tuition Notes
None
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
59%
58%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,500
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,192
$6,192
Acceptance Rate
n/a
99%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC`s mission is to inspire, educate and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare Administration, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Information Technology, Project Management and Teacher Education. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Columbia Basin College cost?
Columbia Basin College's tuition is approximately $4,771 for In-State students and $6,858 for Out-State students.
What sports does Columbia Basin College offer?
Columbia Basin College offers 6 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Columbia Basin College's ranking?
Columbia Basin College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Largest student body.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Columbia Basin College is Pacific Northwest Christian College (3.4 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
Pacific Northwest Christian College
Private not-for-profit
3021 West Clearwater Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 420-4545
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 420-4545
3.4 miles
| 21 students
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 522-2500
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 522-2500
41.9 miles
| 3,920 students
2411 NW Carden Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-1260
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-1260
42.7 miles
| 2,859 students
7662 Chanute St NE
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(509) 793-2222
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(509) 793-2222
65.1 miles
| 2,584 students
Yakima Valley College
Public
South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd.
Yakima, WA 98907
(509) 574-4600
Yakima, WA 98907
(509) 574-4600
70.9 miles
| 4,711 students
Recent Articles
Careers: Broadcasting
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college.
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.
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills
We offer straightforward advice on identifying transferable skills, exploring job opportunities, leveraging community resources, and embracing lifelong learning. With relatable examples and encouragement, this guide aims to empower readers to navigate the job market confidently and successfully transition into new careers.
