Bragging Points

Academic excellence

Students at Seattle Central receive advanced education in small, creative classes with knowledgeable and dedicated instructors. Nearly one-third of our faculty hold doctorates in their fields. The rest hold a master’s degree.

Seattle Central was the first community college in the U.S. to pursue learning communities. Each year, more than 500 students transfer from Seattle Central to one of Washington’s public and private baccalaureate institutions. In fall 2009, Seattle Central will offer a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science. Seattle Central has funding from the Achieving the Dream national project, which allows faculty to place special emphasis on outcomes and retention.

Global mix of cultures, perspectives and ideas

With 10,000 students – including 3,000 from nearly 70 nations – Seattle Central celebrates a global mix of diverse cultures, perspectives and ideas. In an atmosphere of respect and acceptance students prepare themselves to be responsible civic leaders in a multi-cultural world.

Seattle Central takes great pride in its diversity. Forty-nine percent of our students identify as American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic, or “other” ethnicity. Students range from 16 to 70. We challenge our active student body to be thoughtfully and passionately engaged in culture, politics, human rights, current affairs and other issues facing our community, nation and world.

Affordable and accessible

A full-time student at Seattle Central pays less than $1,000 for tuition. That’s half the price of a four-year college. Last year, the Seattle Central Foundation awarded $500,000 in scholarships to current students.

Seattle Central is just minutes from downtown Seattle and at the intersection of several main bus routes. In 2019, Sound Transit will open a light rail station two blocks from the college. We offer an increasing selection of classes that do not require a trip to campus, including distance learning and online courses.

Wide variety of educational options

There’s something to fit everyone at Seattle Central. Our two-year degrees offer a solid foundation for transferring to a four-year college or university. We offer more than 30 professional and technical training programs that prepare people for high-demand jobs. Continuing education courses lead to a high school diploma, mastery of the English language, improved computer skills or simply a more fulfilling life.

Dedication to our mission

For more than 40 years, Seattle Central has turned hope into real achievement for students young and old, from near and far. We inspire people to define and reach for their passion, their mission and the future they want for themselves and their families. Seattle Central has an open admissions policy.

There are programs for those who do not speak English, and classes for those who are not prepared for college-level work. There are departments dedicated to assisting special populations, including the disabled, veterans, former foster youth and more. Seattle Central helps to build a strong and vital city and state by giving our students the opportunity to become skilled workers, contributing taxpayers and responsible leaders.

For more information

Seattle Central Community College
Public Information Office
1701 Broadway, Room BE4180
Seattle, WA 98122