North Seattle College | Field Guide 2022

Over its rich, 52-year history, North Seattle College has solidified itself as one of the top transfer colleges in Washington and continually evolves to meet regional industry needs — including by offering six bachelor’s degrees and 60-plus professional-technical degrees and certificates that lead to competitive careers for our graduates.

With affordable and accessible programs, North Seattle College is primed to help people of all ages and backgrounds thrive with better jobs and new opportunities. Strong academic preparation and advising services, small classes, an innovative integrated studies program, broad e-learning options, and partnerships with four-year schools contribute to our students’ success.

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Key Facts

Highest Enrolled Programs

Science
Basic and Transitional Studies
Humanities
Education
ESL
Business and Accounting

Enrollment

Headcount (all sources): 11,360
FTES (all sources): 4,005
Headcount (state-funded): 8,403
FTES (state-funded): 3,292

Students in Selected Programs

Applied bachelor's: 492
Apprentices: 16
I-BEST: 257
International: 417
Running Start: 686
Worker Retraining: 621

Student Profile

Type of Student

Academic/transfer: 39%
Basic skills: 8%
Other: 27%
Workforce education: 26%

Race/Ethnicity*

American Indian/Alaska Native: 3%
Asian: 21%
Black/African American: 15%
Hispanic/Latino: 13%
Pacific Islander: 1%
White: 59%

Attendance

Full-time: 30%
Part-time: 70%

Family and Finances

Students receiving need-based financial aid: 22%
Students with dependents: 36%

Gender

Female: 63%
Male: 37%

Median age

Points of Interest

New fire science program

In fall 2021, North Seattle College (NSC) launched a new program in Fire Science, making it the first of its kind in King County. The program was developed in close collaboration with, and support from, the Seattle Fire Department, City of Seattle, and other area fire departments. The two-year Associate of Applied Science transfer degree prepares students for a career in fire service and career advancement. Additionally, the degree will help prepare students for the pre-employment examination and screening processes they may undergo at local fire departments, such as written exams and interviews/oral boards. It will also enable current firefighters to develop a variety of profession-specific skills.

The program includes an internship component that gives graduates experience they can highlight when applying for firefighter positions. NSC is developing internship opportunities with the Seattle Fire Department and other area fire services for fire science students.

Strong transfer programs

While many graduates have continued their studies at such colleges as Dartmouth and UC Berkeley, most NSC students transfer to the University of Washington. In fact, NSC consistently ranks among the highest of all community colleges in the number of students who are accepted to the University of Washington Seattle.

The strength of NSC’s transfer programs comes from our faculty’s dedication to student learning. Small class sizes and a neighborhood campus allow students to develop individual relationships with faculty and staff.

Northgate Light Rail and Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge

The new Northgate Light Rail and John Lewis Memorial Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge will make it easier for students to get to NSC. The bridge spans from the northeast corner of NSC’s campus and connects to the Northgate Link Light Rail station. The light rail and bridge opened in fall 2021, and the college welcomes this new connection to the community and increased access for students.

Data is from the 2020-21 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted.

*May not add up to 100% because students may be counted in more than one race. Percentages calculated on reported value.