Lower Columbia College | Field Guide 2026

Dr. Kristen Finnel

  • Marc Silva, chair
  • Bogi Kim, vice chair
  • Liz Cattin
  • Alice Dietz
  • Mike Karnofski

1934

Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties

19, 20

Lower Columbia College logo

Established in 1934, Lower Columbia College (LCC) is the only college serving Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. With over 90 program options from high school to the baccalaureate level, LCC plays a critical role in the region’s economy by providing a steady supply of trained workers. LCC’s planned Vocational Building will bring countless benefits to students and industry partners across the region. By offering affordable and accessible programs, LCC helps people of every age and background 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.

Key Facts

  • Academic Transfer AA DTA*
  • Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP**
  • Nursing DTA/MRP
  • Education
  • Criminal Justice

*Direct Transfer Agreement
**Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program

  • Headcount (all sources): 4,817
  • FTES (all sources): 2,892
  • Headcount (state-funded): 3,756
  • FTES (state-funded): 2,345

  • Apprentices: 3
  • Bachelor's: 161
  • I-BEST: 520
  • International: 43
  • Running Start: 521
  • Worker Retraining: 161

Student Profile

  • Academic/transfer: 41%
  • Basic skills: 15%
  • Workforce education: 30%
  • Other: 15%

Students of color: 32%

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 5%
  • Asian: 6%
  • Black/African American: 5%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 17%
  • Pacific Islander: 2%
  • White: 76%

  • Full-time: 55%
  • Part-time: 45%

  • Students receiving need-based financial aid: 55%
  • Students with dependents: 42%

  • Female: 2,906
  • Male: 1,362
  • X: 44
  • Not reported: 505

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Points of Interest

Increasing male enrollment is a priority for Lower Columbia College. Numerous initiatives and new program options are contributing to a rebound in this critical student population.

  • LCC hired its first tenure-track engineering instructor in fall 2025, who is bringing new energy and experience to the college’s multiple engineering pathways.
  • The new Automation, Instrumentation, and Robotics (AIR) program is the culmination of a comprehensive overhaul of the college’s former manufacturing offerings. New certificate and degree options were developed in collaboration with Texas A&M’s multidisciplinary engineering program.
  • The college’s first four-year bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science launched in fall 2025.
  • An annual conference held on the LCC campus, focusing on males of color (and open to all), is reaching students who may not have otherwise considered attending college.

To increase educational opportunities and meet the growing demand for baccalaureate-level nurses in the industry, LCC recently launched a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. Students can choose to attend full- and part-time, either in-person or online, facilitating enrollment of a highly diverse population. LCC’s Associate in Pre-Nursing - Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Ready Pathway is a popular option that prepares students to enter the Registered Nursing program at LCC or other institutions.

In support of a statewide goal to increase FAFSA (and WASFA) application rates, LCC is committed to helping more students apply for financial aid and learn how to pay for their college education. Through in-class presentations and help sessions at high schools, as well as family FAFSA/WASFA nights at the college, LCC and its K-12 partners are making progress with this significant predictor of college attendance.

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.