Columbia Basin College | Field Guide 2026

Rebekah S. Woods, JD, PhD

  • Ofelia Rivas de Bredt, chair
  • Kimberly Harper, vice chair
  • Dr. Michelle Smith
  • Edison Valerio
  • Kedrich Jackson

1955

Benton and Franklin counties

8, 9, 15, 16

Columbia Basin logo

Columbia Basin College (CBC) serves the residents of Benton and Franklin counties through a comprehensive offering of programs from welding to nursing to STEM. Students gain skills for the workforce, obtain associate degrees to transfer to four-year university, enroll in one of nine applied bachelor programs, and take classes to learn English, and prepare for college-level work.

Key Facts

  • Associate in Arts–Transfer
  • Health Science AS
  • Business DTA*/MRP**
  • Science Transfer AS
  • Cyber Security AAS

*DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
**MRP = Major Related Program

  • Headcount (all sources): 12,266
  • FTES (all sources): 6,747
  • Headcount (state-funded): 9,872
  • FTES (state-funded): 4,917

  • Apprentices: 906
  • Bachelor's: 676
  • I-BEST: 287
  • International: 12
  • Running Start: 2,101
  • Worker Retraining: 908

Student Profile

  • Academic/transfer: 50%
  • Basic skills: 17%
  • Workforce education: 27%
  • Other: 6%

Students of color: 61%

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 2%
  • Asian: 4%
  • Black/African American: 4%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 53%
  • Pacific Islander: 1%
  • White: 52%

  • Full-time: 49%
  • Part-time: 51%

  • Students receiving need-based financial aid: 53%
  • Students with dependents: 37%

  • Female: 6,720
  • Male: 4,836
  • X: 43
  • Not reported: 667

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Points of Interest

Columbia Basin College (CBC) launched several new programs in 2024-2025 including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelors in Respiratory Therapy, Associate in Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering AS-T, Associate in Civil and Mechanical Engineering AS-T, Associate in Arts & Sciences in Biology AA/DTA/MRP, and Associates in Logistics and Supply Chain Resilience to provide additional educational pathways for in-demand fields. We are also partnering with Energy Northwest on a grant from the Department of Energy to build awareness around careers in nuclear technology and Clean Energy including hands-on experiences and internships for students. We listen to the industry needs and respond with programs that help to support a homegrown workforce.

CBC was awarded a NSF HSI Research Grant to support faculty development of research experiences that move students from subject observer to participant. Faculty are developing meaningful research projects, fostering intellectual growth and mentorship. Over 400 students are benefiting from hands-on research that connects learning to real-world applications, builds community partnerships, and provides platforms to showcase students’ work at a campus-wide research symposium. Overall, the grant strengthens the college’s ability to provide research-driven educational opportunities.

CBC was honored to receive a $3.25 million donation from Battelle to establish a community STEM learning center on our Pasco campus. The Center will be designed to create opportunities for students, families, educators, and the community to engage in hands-on STEM experiences and encourage students to pursue essential STEM careers of tomorrow. 

Data is from the 2024-25 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

*Students of color percent based on unduplicated headcount. Students may be counted in more than one race, so race/ethnicity percentages may not total 100%. Percentages calculated on reported value.

**Excluding Running Start.