Grays Harbor College | Field Guide 2026

Dr. Carli Schiffner

  • Dr. Paula Akerlund, chair
  • Astrid Aveledo, vice chair
  • Dr. Harry Carthum
  • Aliza Munoz Esty
  • James R. Sayce

1930

Grays Harbor, Pacific counties

19, 24

Grays Harbor College logo

For nearly a century, Grays Harbor College has provided affordable, high-quality education to the Twin Harbors region. With campuses in Aberdeen, Raymond, and Ilwaco, plus flexible online options, GHC helps students reach their goals, whether transferring to a university, entering the workforce, or pursuing personal enrichment. In addition to a broad selection of transfer degrees, GHC offers bachelor of applied science programs in Forest Resource Management, Organizational Management, and Teacher Education, designed for recent graduates and working professionals seeking career advancement. The College also supports high school completion and English language acquisition, and extends educational access through its programs at Stafford Creek Corrections Center, where students can earn high school equivalencies, complete certificates, and pursue associate degrees.

Key Facts

  • Academic Transfer – Associate in Arts DTA*
  • Pre-Nursing/Nursing DTA/MRP**
  • Early Childhood Education – Associate of Applied Science
  • Business DTA/MRP & Associate of Applied Science
  • Human Services – Associate of Applied Science

* Direct Transfer Agreement
** Major Related Program

  • Headcount (all sources): 3,009
  • FTES (all sources): 1,733
  • Headcount (state-funded): 1,999
  • FTES (state-funded): 1,088

  • Apprentices: 21
  • Bachelor's: 49
  • Corrections: 550
  • I-BEST: 131
  • Running Start: 535
  • Worker Retraining: 189

Student Profile

  • Academic/transfer: 45%
  • Basic skills: 23%
  • Workforce education: 29%
  • Other: 4%

Students of color: 40%

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 9%
  • Asian: 4%
  • Black/African American: 7%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 22%
  • Pacific Islander: 1%
  • White: 67%

  • Full-time: 52%
  • Part-time: 48%

  • Students receiving need-based financial aid: 64%
  • Students with dependents: 34%

  • Female: 1,350
  • Male: 1,465
  • X: 20
  • Not reported: 174

28

Points of Interest

Grays Harbor College launched a new Associate of Arts in Computer Science Direct Transfer Degree in fall 2025. The program builds skills in programming, algorithms, and systems design, preparing students for careers in AI, cybersecurity, and software development. Fully transferrable to four-year colleges and universities in Washington State, GHC’s new Computer Science program offers a clear path to a bachelor’s degree. A partnership with South Puget Sound Community College’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science expands access across the Pacific Mountain Workforce region, supporting rural and underserved students.

Career Launch programs at Grays Harbor College incorporate paid, hands-on work experience with college-level coursework, equipping students with industry-recognized credentials for immediate employment. Students earn while they learn, gaining real-world skills aligned with rigorous state standards. GHC offers four Career Launch-endorsed programs: Automotive, Carpentry, Diesel, and Welding. Through the Career Launch program, GHC’s Automotive program received funding and purchased a dynamometer, while the Diesel program has received funding for a portable training simulator to enhance hands-on learning.

To address the healthcare worker shortages that are critically impacting rural communities, Grays Harbor College is expanding its healthcare programming. This year, GHC added a second cohort to the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting program. A new partnership with GHC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program and Willapa Harbor Hospital allows Pacific County CNA students to complete clinicals locally, reducing barriers and strengthening the regional healthcare workforce. Additionally, GHC’s Riverview Education Center in Raymond will be transforming space to welcome expanded healthcare pathways in Pacific County.

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.