- 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 Facts (2025-26)
- 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:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
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
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 9:1 over five years.
The Seattle Central College diversity score of 0.83 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
5,207 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
3,947 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Students
4,168 students
3,179 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
811 students
494 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,947 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,168 students
3,179 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
17%
10%
% Hispanic
11%
17%
% Black
17%
7%
% White
27%
44%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
8%
8%
% Non Resident races
11%
3%
% Unknown races
9%
9%
Diversity Score
0.83
0.75
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
$36,400
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
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,083
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
60%
58%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,258
$6,192
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.
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 2025-Last Day to Withdraw With 100% Refund
October 03, 2025 (Friday)
Fall 2025-Last Day to Add/Register/Withdraw
October 10, 2025 (Friday)
Fall 2025-Last Day to Withdraw With 50% Refund
October 18, 2025 (Saturday)
Fall 2025-Last Day to Change Audit/Credit Status/(Instr Permission) Last Day to Withdraw (No Refund)
November 21, 2025 (Friday)
Winter 2026 - Last day to withdraw with 100% refund
January 09, 2026 (Friday)
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