Seattle Central College

1701 Broadway Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
Top Ranked (2024-25): View Rankings
  • Seattle Central Community College is a public, two-year, degree granting institution located in the heart of Seattle. During the 2005-06 academic year over 14,100 students enrolled in unique educational opportunities including college transfer, professional-technical training, adult basic education, and continuing education.

School Highlights

Seattle Central College serves 8,115 students (49% 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 73% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the state average of 56%.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Enrollment: 8,115 students
  • In-state tuition: $3,893
  • Out-state tuition: $9,083
  • Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
  • Minority enrollment: 73%
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Seattle Central College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:

School Overview

The teacher population of 675 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Seattle Central College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
675 staff
353 staff
This chart displays total faculty of Seattle Central College and community college average number of faculty in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.

Student Body

The student population of Seattle Central College has grown by 20% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 10:1 over five years.
The Seattle Central College diversity score of 0.85 is more than the state average of 0.75. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
8,115 students
4,711 students
This chart displays the total enrollment of Seattle Central College and community college average number of enrollment of Washington by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
This chart displays the student staff ratio of Seattle Central College and community college average student staff ratio of Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
# Full-Time Students
3,947 students
2,028 students
This chart displays the total number of Full-time students enrollment of Seattle Central College and average number of community college Full-time students enrollment of Washington by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
# Part-Time Students
4,168 students
3,179 students
This chart displays the total number of Part-time students enrollment of Seattle Central College and average number of community college Part-time students enrollment of Washington by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
This chart displays the Full-time students and Part-time students enrollment breakdown of Seattle Central College.
This chart displays community college average Full-Time students and Part-Time students enrollment breakdown of Washington.
# Enrollment Undergraduate
811 students
494 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,947 students
2,028 students
This chart displays the total number of Full-time undergraduate students enrollment of Seattle Central College and average number of community college Full-time undergraduate  students enrollment of Washington by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,168 students
3,179 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
This chart displays the percentage of American Indian/Alaskan students in Seattle Central College and the percentage of American Indian/Alaskan community college students in Washington by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
% Asian
17%
10%
This chart displays the percentage of Asian students in Seattle Central College and the percentage of Asian community college students in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% Hispanic
11%
17%
This chart displays the percentage of Hispanic students in Seattle Central College and the percentage of Hispanic community college students in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% Black
17%
7%
This chart displays the percentage of Black students in Seattle Central College and the percentage of Black community college students in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% White
27%
44%
This chart displays the percentage of White students in Seattle Central College and the percentage of White community college students in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
This chart displays the percentage of Hawaiian students in Seattle Central College and the percentage of Hawaiian community college students in Washington by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
% Two or more races
8%
8%
This chart displays the percentage of Two or more races students in Seattle Central College and the percentage of Two or more races community college students in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% Non Resident races
11%
3%
This chart displays the percentage of Non Resident students in Seattle Central College and the percentage of Non Resident community college students in Washington by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
% Unknown races
9%
9%
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Seattle Central College.
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Washington.
Diversity Score
0.85
0.75
This chart displays the diversity score of Seattle Central College and the community college average diversity score of Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
28%
This chart displays completion rates for First-Time of Full-time students of Seattle Central College and community college average completion rates for First-Time of Full-time students of Washington by year, with the latest 2007-08 school year data.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.249%
0.3584%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,000
$36,400
This chart displays average graduate earnings (10 Years) of Seattle Central College and community college average graduate earnings (10 Years) of Washington by year, disaggregated by student subgroups with the latest 2012-13 school year data.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $3,893 is less than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $9,083 is more than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has grown by 124% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,893
$4,105
This chart displays tuition fees for an in-state student of Seattle Central College and the public community college average tuition fees for an in-state student of Washington by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,083
$7,359
This chart displays tuition fees for an out-of-state student of Seattle Central College and the public community college average tuition fees for an out-of-state student of Washington by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
60%
58%
This chart displays the percent of students who is receiving some financial aid in Seattle Central College and the percent of community college students who is receiving some financial aid in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$11,794
This chart displays median debt for students who have completed a certificate or degree in Seattle Central College and average median debt for community college students who have completed a certificate or degree in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,258
$6,192
This chart displays median debt for students who have not completed a certificate or degree in Seattle Central College and average median debt for community college students who have not completed a certificate or degree in Washington by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Acceptance Rate
n/a
99%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • Although the official history of Seattle Central began in 1966, its main campus is the site of two important Seattle schools that preceded the present day college. In accordance with a 1969 master plan, extensive renovation and new construction at Seattle Central took place over a seven-year period. With the completion of the Broadway Performance Hall (built from the central section of the high school) in 1978, the college campus possesses a striking historic reminder of its past that augments the modern main building next to it. These two buildings are appropriate symbols of the school's long standing commitment to provide quality education to all who seek it. The college's Broadway campus also includes a complete Student Activity Center, Bookstore and Student Government buildings. Seattle Central Community College, located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, is known for its ethnically and culturally diverse student body, innovative student services and coordinated studies curriculum for college transfers. Professional-technical programs offered include apparel design, ASL interpreter training, biotechnology, culinary arts, wood construction, maritime, and many health-related occupations. Seattle Central Community College is currently accredited in good standing by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Seattle Central College cost?
Seattle Central College's tuition is approximately $3,893 for In-State students and $9,083 for Out-State students.
What is Seattle Central College's ranking?
Seattle Central College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Diversity in US community colleges and Average community college minority breakdown.
In what neighborhood is Seattle Central College located?
Seattle Central College is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, WA.

School Calendar

View the Seattle Central College yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Winter 2025 - Last day to withdraw with 100% refund
January 10, 2025 (Friday)
Winter 2025-Last Day to Add/Register/Withdraw
January 17, 2025 (Friday)
Winter 2025-Last Day to Withdraw With 50% Refund
January 25, 2025 (Saturday)
Winter 2025-Last day to change audit/credit status/(instr permission) Last day to withdraw (no refund)
February 28, 2025 (Friday)
Spring 2025-Last Day to Withdraw With 100% Refund
April 11, 2025 (Friday)

Recent Articles

Healthcare Careers: 10 Top Health Fields
Healthcare Careers: 10 Top Health Fields
Learn about 10 of the best jobs in health care that you can land with just a two-year degree from your local community college.
Is President Obama's Plan for Free Community College Right for America?
Is President Obama's Plan for Free Community College Right for America?
President Obama recently introduced a plan to deliver free Community College tuition to all Americans across the country. Is it the right call?In this story, we will not attempt to make a judgment call on whether free Community College is right or wrong for the United States. Instead, we paneled a few experts in education and economics to get their take on the issue. We’re showing both sides of the coin, and letting readers decide on their own.
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills
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.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Enrollment: 8,115 students
  • In-state tuition: $3,893
  • Out-state tuition: $9,083
  • Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
  • Minority enrollment: 73%
  • Source: Verified school update

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

King County, WA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.79, which is higher than the national average of 0.00. The most diverse community college in King County, WA is Renton Technical College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

Quick Links