Seattle Central College | Field Guide 2026

Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap

Dr. Chantae Recasner

  • Louise Chernin, chair
  • Colleen Echohawk, vice chair
  • Teresita Batayola
  • Rose Peralta

1966

Central, east and downtown Seattle, King County

11, 32, 34, 36, 37, 43, 46

Seattle Central College logo

Since 1966, Seattle Central College has served students from Seattle and greater King County. As Seattle’s first community college, Seattle Central grew into a thriving center for higher education in the heart of Washington’s largest city. Since its founding, this college has been the epicenter of social activism, when Seattle’s African and Asian American communities fought for a comprehensive college. Seattle Central is an equity-focused college that makes higher education possible for underrepresented and underserved communities and actively works to close achievement gaps. Our perspective is global, international programs teaching about 1,100 students from around the world.

Key Facts

  • Academic transfer
  • Nursing
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Surgical Technology 

  • Headcount (all sources): 12,378
  • FTES (all sources): 5,425
  • Headcount (state-funded): 7,438
  • FTES (state-funded): 3,734

  • Bachelor's: 185
  • I-BEST: 52
  • International: 1,132
  • Running Start: 824
  • Worker Retraining: 237

Student Profile

  • Academic/transfer: 40%
  • Basic skills: 10%
  • Workforce education: 21%
  • Other: 29%

Students of color: 51%

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 2%
  • Asian: 19%
  • Black/African American: 20%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 13%
  • Pacific Islander: 1%
  • White: 32%

  • Full-time: 45%
  • Part-time: 55%

  • Students receiving need-based financial aid: 34%
  • Students with dependents: 19%

  • Female: 6,405
  • Male: 4,627
  • X: 176
  • Not reported: 1,170

25

Points of Interest

Seattle Central plays a vital role in region’s job market through workforce training and strong industry partnerships. Many programs are designed with employers, ensuring students get the in-demand skills that directly translate into jobs. Seattle Central continues to strengthen the local economy by preparing a diverse, skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of the top industries in the Puget Sound region.

Seattle Central has a long and deeply rooted history in equity and social justice, shaped by decades of activism, community partnership, and a commitment to expanding access to education for all. As Seattle’s first community college that serves the city’s most diverse neighborhoods, Seattle Central has centered inclusion, opportunity, and student voice as core values. That legacy continues to guide our work today, how we design programs, support students, engage with community, and confront systemic barriers. 

The University of Washington has long been a top destination for Seattle Central College students looking to continue their education. In fact, more transfer students to UW start at Seattle Central than any other community college. This strong partnership highlights the shared commitment between UW and Seattle Central to making higher education accessible and seamless. By starting their college journey at Seattle Central, students can save on tuition, build confidence in a supportive environment, and carry that momentum directly into UW.

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.