- Lower Columbia College is a public community college in Longview, Washington. LCC offers associate degree programs along with some bachelor degree programs and certification courses. In the 2023-2024 year, LCC awarded 66 certificates, 491 associate degrees, and 5 Bachelor in Applied Science degrees.
School Highlights
Lower Columbia College serves 3,338 students (46% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 56%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 3,338 students
- In-state tuition: $4,150
- Out-state tuition: $4,665
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 31%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Lower Columbia College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Completion Rates
School Overview
The teacher population of 350 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Lower Columbia College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
350 staff
353 staff
Student Body
The student population of Lower Columbia College has grown by 23% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Lower Columbia College diversity score of 0.49 is less than the state average of 0.75. The school's diversity has grown by 9% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,338 students
5,207 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
1,534 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Students
1,804 students
3,179 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
333 students
494 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,534 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,804 students
3,179 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
3%
10%
% Hispanic
13%
17%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
69%
44%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
7%
8%
% Non Resident races
1%
3%
% Unknown races
4%
9%
Diversity Score
0.49
0.75
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
22%
37.92%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
26%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,400
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,150 is more than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,665 is less than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,150
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,665
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
58%
58%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,503
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,000
$6,192
Acceptance Rate
n/a
99%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Lower Columbia College is located in Longview, where the Cowlitz River finishes its run from Mt. Rainier to the mighty Columbia River. Most Lower Columbia College students live in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties in Washington, or commute from nearby Oregon communities. LCC is part of the Washington State community and technical college system. Founded in 1934, LCC is one of the state's first community colleges. The beautiful campus has grown over the years to 26 buildings on 38.75 acres at the heart of Longview, and includes a modern library, computing and tutoring centers, new health & science building, newly renovated gym & fitness center, art gallery, bookstore, and more. Lower Columbia College offers college degrees and certificates in more than 70 fields. We also offer non-credit Community Education and Senior Studies classes, as well as high school completion, adult basic education and English as a Second Language. Courses and programs available in the following disciplines: Accounting, Advanced Technology Manufacturing, Adult Basic Education, Automotive/Diesel Technology, Allied Health, American Sign Language, Anthropology, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Blueprint Reading, Business Administration, Business Technology, Chemical Dependency Studies, Chemistry, Chinese, College Success, Computer Aided Design, Computer Science, Continuing Education, Cooperative Education, Criminal Justice, Dance, Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology, Drafting, Drama, Early Childhood Education, Earth Science, Economics, Education, Engineering, English, English as a Second Language, Environmental Science, GED preparation, Geography, Geology, High School Completion, Human Development, History, Health, Humanities, Information Technology Systems, Library/Learning Commons, Machine Trades, Manufacturing, Mathematics, Medical Assisting, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Music, Nursing, Nutrition, Oceanography, Paraeducator, Physical Education, Philosophy, Physics, Physical Science, Political Science, Process Control Manufacturing, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Speech, Technology and Welding Technology. LCC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and operates under approval granted by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Washington Student Achievement Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Lower Columbia College cost?
Lower Columbia College's tuition is approximately $4,150 for In-State students and $4,665 for Out-State students.
What sports does Lower Columbia College offer?
Lower Columbia College offers 5 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Lower Columbia College's ranking?
Lower Columbia College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Highest completion rates.
In what neighborhood is Lower Columbia College located?
Lower Columbia College is located in the Old West Side neighborhood of Longview, WA.
School Calendar
View the Lower Columbia College yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of Summer Quarter Classes
July 01, 2025 (Tuesday)
Last Day for 100% Tuition Refund*
July 09, 2025 (Wednesday)
Last Day to Withdraw without a W Grade*
July 15, 2025 (Tuesday)
Last Day for 50% Tuition Refund*
July 20, 2025 (Sunday)
Last Day to Withdraw from Summer Quarter Classes*
August 10, 2025 (Sunday)
Recent Articles
Debating Your Way to Career Success: The Hidden Benefits of Joining a Community College Debate Club
This article highlights three key reasons why joining a debate club in community college can significantly boost career prospects. It explores how debate activities enhance public speaking skills, critical thinking abilities, and networking opportunities, all of which are valuable assets in the job market.
Community Colleges Nationwide Joining in President Obamas Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge
Learn about the number of colleges joining the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, which was introduced by the White House this past spring.
Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.
