
Pierce College Puyallup | Field Guide 2022
Pierce College Puyallup is part of the Pierce College District, a community college
district serving more than 13,000 students annually. Founded in 1967, the college
now offers 26 associate degrees, 52 professional certificates and six applied bachelor's
degrees designed to prepare students for academic transfer and career success.
By offering affordable and accessible programs, Pierce College Puyallup helps people
of every age and background to learn and thrive in today’s economy. Whether students
are 16 or 60, just out of high school or working adults, our college prepares them
for the next step up in life. As a community college that serves a large number of
lower-income students and students of color, our college is key to creating a stronger
and more inclusive economy.
Key Facts
Highest Enrolled Programs
- Academic Transfer AA
- Biology DTA/MRP*
- Business DTA/MRP
- Nursing AAS and
Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP - Science Transfer AS
*Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program
Enrollment
- Headcount (all sources): 13,520
- FTES (all sources): 7,502
- Headcount (state-funded): 8,991
- FTES (state-funded): 3,982
Students in Selected Programs
- Applied bachelor's: 252
- I-BEST: 112
- International: 227
- Running Start: 2,268
- Worker Retraining: 194
Student Profile
Type of Student
- Academic/transfer: 58%
- Basic skills: 6%
- Other: 12%
- Workforce education: 23%
Race/Ethnicity*
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 4%
- Asian: 15%
- Black/African American: 15%
- Hispanic/Latino: 20%
- Pacific Islander: 4%
- White: 67%
Attendance
- Full-time: 57%
- Part-time: 43%
Family and Finances
- Students receiving need-based financial aid: 37%
- Students with dependents: 39%
Gender
- Female: 65%
- Male: 35%
Median age
21
Points of Interest
Expanding access to STEM education
Pierce College is expanding access to STEM education in Puyallup, with a special focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, to address the growing demands of these industries. Our new STEM-focused academic building is slated to begin construction in May 2022, featuring interactive lab space with viewing areas designed to allow audiences to view projects and experiments in action, sparking curiosity and interest in high-demand STEM professions.
Nursing students well prepared for demanding careers
Pierce College Puyallup’s nursing program provides equitable opportunities for students to respond to the racial diversity needs of the healthcare sector. The program has been ranked as one of the top nursing programs in the state, ranked No. 1 by RNCareers.org, and No. 2 by RegisteredNursing.org. In 2020, the college also launched a new part-time LPN to RN program, allowing working LPNs to earn their registered nursing credentials on a part-time basis over five quarters. This is one of the few programs of its kind in the state, allowing busy, working LPNs to continue their nursing education on a part-time basis in the evenings and on weekends.
Top 10 community college in the nation since 2017
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program has once again named Pierce College one of the 10 best community colleges in the nation as part of the 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Pierce College has earned this recognition in large part due to our commitment to mission fulfillment and dismantling barriers to student achievement. As we continue our work in closing equity gaps, we are proud to share that we are now eligible to compete for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
Data is from the 2020-21 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted. Data is for the Pierce College District.
*May not add up to 100% because students may be counted in more than one race. Percentages calculated on reported value.
Chancellor
Michele L. Johnson, PhD
Interim President
Matthew A. Campbell, EdD
Trustees
- Brett Willis, chair
- Kristin Ray, vice chair
- Clemencia Castro-Woolery
- Therese Ngo Pasquier
- Steve Smith
Year Founded
1971
Service Area
Pierce County
Legislative Districts
2, 25, 27, 30, 31
Page Manager:
shagreen@sbctc.edu
Last Modified: 12/20/22, 2:55 PM