As a comprehensive, open door community college, South Puget Sound Community College is committed to providing quality educational opportunities to meet the intellectual, academic, vocational, career, personal, and developmental education needs of its students and members of the community.
School Highlights
South Puget Sound Community College serves 4,665 students (60% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the state community college average of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 50%.
Quick Stats (2023)
Enrollment: 4,665 students
In-state tuition: $4,321
Out-state tuition: $9,556
Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
Minority enrollment: 41%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The teacher population of 366 teachers has grown by 165% over five years.
South Puget Sound Community College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
366 staff
353 staff
Student Body
The student population of South Puget Sound Community College has declined by 5% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 has decreased from 14:1 over five years.
The South Puget Sound Community College diversity score of 0.62 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,665 students
4,003 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
# Full-Time Students
2,778 students
2,116 students
# Part-Time Students
1,887 students
1,887 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
430 students
384 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,778 students
2,116 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,887 students
1,887 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
160 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
8%
8%
% Hispanic
12%
14%
% Black
2%
5%
% White
59%
50%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
11%
8%
% Non Resident races
2%
6%
% Unknown races
6%
7%
Diversity Score
0.62
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
40%
37%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
2.2%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,500
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,321 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 $9,556 is more than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,321
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,556
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
48%
67%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,424
$6,292
Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
South Puget Sound Community College is a public two-year college.
With more than 5,000 full-and part-time students, we are the
largest college in the South Puget Sound area. Our main campus is
nestled in a beautiful wooded area a few minutes away from the
state capitol in Olympia, Washington. We also offer classes at our
Hawks Prairie Center in Lacey and in Yelm. Founded in 1962 as
Olympia Vocational Technical Institute Renamed Olympia Technical
Community College in 1976 Mission expanded to become a fully
comprehensive community college in 1980 Renamed South Puget Sound
Community College in 1984 Established the Hawks Prairie Center in
Lacey in 1995. The college offer occupational training for gaining
the skills and knowledge you need for direct employment or career
advancement in business and industry. Associate of Technical Arts
degrees and/or certificates of completion are offered in a variety
of areas. South Puget Sound Community College awards degrees of
Associate of Arts, Associate Degree in Nursing, Associate of
General Studies, and Associate of Technical Arts. Certificates are
awarded for successful completion of vocational-technical programs.
High school diplomas and the GED high school equivalency are also
offered. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on
Colleges and Universities. We offer college transfer, technical and
enrichment courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does South Puget Sound Community College cost?
South Puget Sound Community College's tuition is approximately $4,321 for In-State students and $9,556 for Out-State students.
What is South Puget Sound Community College's ranking?
South Puget Sound Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Highest completion rates.
School Calendar
View the South Puget Sound Community College yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
EventDate
Last Day to Withdraw and receive a "W" on the transcriptJune 02, 2023 (Friday)
Last Day to Withdraw and receive a "W" on the transcriptJune 02, 2023 (Friday)
Last Day of WOL ClassesJune 14, 2023 (Wednesday)
Last Day of WOL ClassesJune 14, 2023 (Wednesday)
Last Day of Instruction SPSCC, Hybrid and OL ClassesJune 16, 2023 (Friday)
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to South Puget Sound Community College is Pierce College District (19.8 miles away)
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For Washington public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $4,105 per year for in-state students and $7,359 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $19,532 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
