- 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 5,396 students (59% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is more than the state average of 60%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 5,396 students
- In-state tuition: $3,893
- Out-state tuition: $9,083
- Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
- Minority enrollment: 76%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Seattle Central College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 270 teachers has declined by 60% over five years.
Seattle Central College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1966
Total Faculty
270 staff
156 staff
Student Body
The student population of Seattle Central College has declined by 6% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 has increased from 10:1 over five years.
The Seattle Central College diversity score of 0.84 is more than the state average of 0.77. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,396 students
3,791 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
24:1
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Students
3,166 students
1,835 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
2,230 students
1,956 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
5,396 students
3,741 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,166 students
1,835 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,230 students
1,956 students
% Asian
16%
9%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
12%
19%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
15%
6%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
24%
40%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
7%
8%
% Non Resident races
11%
3%
% Unknown races
14%
14%
Diversity Score
0.84
0.77
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
25%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,000
$36,300
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $3,893 is less than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has declined by 16% 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 94% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,893
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,083
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
72%
70%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,258
$6,242
Source: 2025 (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
Fall 2026-Last Day to Withdraw With 50% Refund
October 17, 2026 (Saturday)
Fall 2026-Last Day to Change Audit/Credit Status/(Instr Permission) Last Day to Withdraw (No Refund)
November 20, 2026 (Friday)
Winter 2027 - Last day to withdraw with 100% refund
January 08, 2027 (Friday)
Winter 2027-Last Day to Add/Register/Withdraw w/o 'W'
January 15, 2027 (Friday)
Winter 2027-Last Day to Withdraw With 50% Refund
January 23, 2027 (Saturday)
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