South Seattle College | Field Guide 2026

Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap

Dr. Monica Brown

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

1969

West and South Seattle, King County

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South Seattle College logo

Founded in 1969, South Seattle College is located on an 87-acre hilltop campus in West Seattle with panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. South serves students with diverse needs to meet their educational and career goals, whether they are just starting their higher education, looking to advance their careers, or trying a new direction. We also offer apprenticeship training at our Georgetown campus. With our affordable and accessible programs, South Seattle College helps people of every age and background thrive in today’s economy.

Key Facts

  • College Transfer programs
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • Basic and Transitional Studies programs
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Automotive Technology

  • Headcount (all sources): 9,361
  • FTES (all sources): 4,380
  • Headcount (state-funded): 8,439
  • FTES (state-funded): 3,739

  • Apprentices: 3,264
  • Applied bachelor's: 68
  • I-BEST: 277
  • International: 163
  • Running Start: 617
  • Worker Retraining: 527

Student Profile

  • Academic/transfer: 26%
  • Basic skills: 19%
  • Workforce education: 46%
  • Other: 10%

Students of color: 54%

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 2%
  • Asian: 17%
  • Black/African American: 18%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 18%
  • Pacific Islander: 2%
  • White: 39%

  • Full-time: 44%
  • Part-time: 56%

  • Students receiving need-based financial aid: 34%
  • Students with dependents: 33%

  • Female: 3,228
  • Male: 5,358
  • X: 39
  • Not reported: 736

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Points of Interest

South Seattle College offers a wide range of programs that prepare students for careers or continued education at a university. Pre-college and ESL programs give students a jumpstart into college and the workforce, while skilled trades programs train students for our region’s most in-demand careers. These include careers in aviation, automotive, diesel maintenance, welding, nursing, landscape horticulture, culinary arts and wine studies. SSC also trains thousands of apprentices each year in over 40 different trades.

South Seattle College, in collaboration with the Port of Seattle, has launched a certificate program in Airport Ground Support Equipment, the first publicly offered training program of its kind in the United States. The program was created to address industry labor shortages and respond to airport workers’ requests for upskilling opportunities.  Offered through SSC’s Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology program, the curriculum trains students to maintain and repair the specialized machinery used to service aircraft on the tarmac, helping ensure smooth and efficient airport operations.

The certificate prepares students for careers such as airport ground support equipment technicians, heavy equipment technicians, high-voltage electrical technicians, and mechanical maintenance engineers. It was created through strong industry partnerships, including the Port of Seattle, Port Jobs & Airport University, Paccar, Peterbilt Motors Company, Kenworth Truck Company, Daifuku Co., Ltd., Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. 

South Seattle College students, faculty and staff are enjoying an incredible new facility on campus with the recent opening of the Wellness Center.  The space includes traditional exercise spaces like a basketball court, full gym and cardio room, and attends to broader wellness with a mothering room and reflection space. The center creates opportunity for the South community to attend to their wellness in a holistic way, adding to their educational experience. 

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.