Field Guide 2020

Better Jobs, Brighter Futures, a Stronger Washington

At a time when most well-paying jobs require education past high school, our 34 colleges have a unique ability to meet people where they are and put them on a path to a better future.

We:

• Provide students with career pathways to today’s jobs
• Serve all kinds of students. Whether a student is 16 or 60, rural or urban, their
  local community or technical college can prepare them for the next step up
• Are affordable and accessible for students and families
• Partner with local businesses, education institutions and communities to provide
  high-quality training programs

Investments in community and technical colleges help people, communities and
our economy grow. 

By the Numbers

47 percent

47 percent of community and technical college students are students of color.

39 percent

39 percent of public baccalaureate graduates in Washington state start at a community or technical college.

38 percent

38 percent of community and technical college students receive need-based financial aid in eligible programs.

30,167

Washington state community and technical college students earned 30,167 associate degrees in the 2018-19 school year.

$20.5 billion

Community and technical colleges, their current students, and former students add $20.5 billion annually to Washington state's economy.