- 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 2,724 students (56% 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 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 60%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,724 students
- In-state tuition: $4,150
- Out-state tuition: $4,665
- Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
- Minority enrollment: 35%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 134 teachers has declined by 61% over five years.
Lower Columbia 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
Colors
Red and White
Total Faculty
134 staff
156 staff
Student Body
The student population of Lower Columbia College has grown by 17% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Lower Columbia College diversity score of 0.55 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 29% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,724 students
3,741 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
1,521 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Students
1,203 students
1,956 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
2,724 students
3,741 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,521 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,203 students
1,956 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
3%
9%
% Hispanic
13%
19%
% Black
2%
6%
% White
65%
40%
% Two or more races
7%
8%
% Non Resident races
1%
3%
% Unknown races
7%
14%
Diversity Score
0.55
0.00
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 13% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,150
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,665
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
80%
70%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,503
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,000
$6,242
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
BaseballBasketball
SoccerSoftball
Volleyball
Source: 2025 (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.
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
Last Day to Withdraw without a W Grade*
July 16, 2026 (Thursday)
Last Day for 50% Tuition Refund*
July 25, 2026 (Saturday)
Last Day to Withdraw from Classes
August 16, 2026 (Sunday)
Last Day of Summer Quarter Classes
August 27, 2026 (Thursday)
First Day of Fall Quarter Classes
September 21, 2026 (Monday)
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