Columbia Basin College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,668
In-state $6,555
Peer median $11,384
Undergraduates
7,510
Student-faculty ratio 20:1
Peer median 19 : 1
“Peers” are all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a community college located in Pasco, Washington. Founded in 1955, the college has established itself as a pivotal institution for higher education in the Columbia Basin region. CBC is known for its diverse academic programs and commitment to student success, offering over 100 degree and certificate programs. The college emphasizes accessibility and affordability, making education available to a wide array of students, including those pursuing vocational training, transfer degrees, and continuing education.
The college prides itself on a supportive and inclusive campus culture, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and community engagement. CBC's mission statement emphasizes the importance of education in transforming lives and communities, and this is reflected in the college's various student services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling. Additionally, CBC boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational amenities that enhance the student experience. The college also actively promotes student involvement through numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, contributing to a vibrant campus life that prepares students for future success.
Analysis of Key Trends at Columbia Basin College
Columbia Basin College has shown notable trends in tuition fees, student demographics, and student-faculty ratios over recent years. Firstly, tuition costs have consistently increased for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students, with in-state tuition climbing from $4,176 in 2014 to $6,194 in 2024, reflecting a significant rise of approximately 48%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition has risen from $6,505 to $8,239, demonstrating a 26% increase. This upward trend in tuition may impact enrollment as students weigh the cost of education against potential future earnings.
Another important area of focus is the gender ratio among undergraduate students, which has shown some fluctuation. In 2013, the male-to-female ratio was approximately 48% to 52%. However, by 2023, it had shifted slightly to about 45% male and 55% female. This indicates a growing female presence in the student body, which is a positive trend towards gender balance in higher education.
The student-faculty ratio has also seen a decline over the years, from 21 students per faculty member in 2013 to 19 students per faculty member in 2023. This decrease suggests an effort to enhance the educational experience by providing more personalized attention to students, which can lead to better academic outcomes and increased satisfaction.
In conclusion, while Columbia Basin College is facing challenges such as rising tuition costs, it is also making strides in creating a more balanced gender representation and improving the student-faculty ratio. These factors are crucial as they can significantly influence student retention and graduation rates in the long run, shaping the overall effectiveness of the institution in fulfilling its educational mission.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Spokane, about 130 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Spokane International Airport (GEG), about 120 mi
- Also known as
- CBC
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Rebekah Woods (President)
- Phone
- 5095470511
- City
- Pasco, Washington
- Address
- 2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data at Columbia Basin College
The graduation data from Columbia Basin College for 2023 reveals some significant trends in the distribution of degrees across various fields. Notably, the highest number of bachelor's degrees was awarded in Project Management and Business Administration, with 39 and 34 graduates respectively. This indicates a strong interest and demand for skills in management, which is consistent with labor market trends that emphasize leadership and organizational skills in various industries.
In the realm of health sciences, programs like Registered Nursing and Early Childhood Education also demonstrated robust graduation numbers, with 45 and 17 graduates respectively. This reflects a continuing need for healthcare professionals, especially in nursing, a field that has been under strain due to the ongoing demands of the healthcare system post-pandemic. Similarly, Early Childhood Education highlights the importance of foundational education and the increasing emphasis on early childhood development.
Interestingly, there is a notable absence of international students graduating from most programs, as indicated by zero international graduates across various fields. This suggests potential barriers for international students at Columbia Basin College, which may be worth investigating further, especially in light of the global push for diversity in educational institutions.
Moreover, the presence of a significant number of associate degrees awarded, particularly in fields like Computer and Information Systems Security, suggests a growing recognition of vocational education and its role in workforce readiness. The data reflects a broader trend where practical skills and technical expertise are increasingly prioritized in academic settings, preparing students for immediate employment in high-demand sectors.
Overall, the data from Columbia Basin College illustrates a commitment to providing relevant education in high-demand fields, reflecting both current labor market needs and the institution's potential areas for growth in attracting a diverse student body.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $32,832 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | ||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $66,371 | ||
| Project Management. | $66,371 | ||
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | ||
| Digital Marketing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $88,015 | ||
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | - | ||
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $62,411 | ||
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $62,411 | ||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $62,411 | ||
| Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician. | $62,411 | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $85,773-$94,239 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - | ||
| Mathematics Teacher Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - | ||
| Fire Services Administration. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General. | - | ||
| Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. | - | ||
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Production Operations, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
Students
7,510 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57
- Continuing undergraduates 2,987
- First-year undergraduates 987
- Transfers and others 3,536
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (7,510)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Columbia Basin College Student Demographics in 2023
The student demographics at Columbia Basin College for 2023 reveal noteworthy trends in gender representation and racial diversity among different categories of students. The data indicates that the total number of undergraduate freshmen is 1,355, with a gender ratio of approximately 40.5% male and 59.5% female. This pattern of a higher female representation is consistent across other groups as well, with undergraduate juniors showing a similar trend of 38.2% male and 61.8% female. Such figures may reflect broader societal trends where females are increasingly pursuing higher education, positioning themselves for future opportunities in the workforce.
In contrast, the data for undergraduate transfer students presents a stark difference, with only 33.1% male representation, suggesting a significant gender imbalance. This might indicate that male students are less likely to transfer or that females are more motivated to seek educational advancement through transfer opportunities.
The data on racial diversity also presents an opportunity for reflection. The breakdown for freshmen shows that among the total student body, white students represent a substantial portion, with 483 individuals. The presence of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Asian, Latinx, and African American students, is critical for enriching the educational environment and fostering inclusivity.
As educational institutions continue to evolve, understanding these demographics can help Columbia Basin College tailor its programs and support services to better meet the needs of its diverse student population. Such initiatives are crucial for promoting equity and ensuring that all students thrive academically.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Columbia Basin College
The student age composition at Columbia Basin College in 2023 reveals a predominantly young demographic, with the largest group being students under 18 years old, accounting for 39.6% of the total population. This trend aligns with the national shift towards higher enrollment rates among younger students, reflecting a growing emphasis on early college readiness programs.
The age group of 18-19 also shows significant representation, constituting 30.3% of the total student body. This is a critical age range as it often encompasses first-time college attendees who are transitioning from high school. Interestingly, the number of students aged 20-21 drops to 17.4%, indicating a potential trend where students are either moving through their undergraduate studies more quickly or facing challenges that delay their progress.
The data shows a steady decline in student numbers across older age categories, with those aged 22-24 comprising just 10.5% of the total. Enrollment further decreases in subsequent age brackets, with only 2.6% of students being aged 50-64 and a mere 1.3% over 65. This stark decline raises questions about accessibility and support for non-traditional students in higher education.
Moreover, there is a notable absence of graduate male students across all age categories, which may signal a need for targeted recruitment and retention strategies for graduate programs. By analyzing these demographic trends, Columbia Basin College can better tailor its resources and support systems to enhance student engagement and success across all age groups.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
9 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Columbia Basin College
The data regarding international students at Columbia Basin College over the years reveals some intriguing trends. Starting with a mere 0.02% of the undergraduate population in 2004, the percentage of international students gradually increased, peaking at 0.19% in 2008. This early growth phase indicates a growing interest from international students in pursuing education at this institution.
However, the numbers fluctuated in the following years, with the representation of international students remaining relatively low, oscillating between 0.11% and 0.15% from 2014 to 2023. This fluctuation may reflect broader trends in higher education, particularly the impact of economic conditions, changes in immigration policies, and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly affected international student mobility worldwide.
The decrease to 0.04% in 2021 could be attributed to the pandemic's effects, which led to travel restrictions and heightened uncertainty regarding international education. Nevertheless, the rebound to 0.15% in 2023 suggests a potential recovery in interest and enrollment in the wake of these challenges.
Overall, while the percentage of international students at Columbia Basin College remains modest, the data highlights the institution's ongoing efforts to attract a diverse student body. Continued monitoring of these trends is essential, especially as global conditions evolve and as policies regarding international education are reassessed.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$19,890
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,668
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $6,555
- Room and board
- $11,222
Peer median tuition + room and board $23,440 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 41% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 15%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$115M
Expenses$103M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes Other
| NWAC | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 32 | 24 |
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 12 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Golf | 8 | 6 |
| NWAC | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 27 | 31 |
| Baseball | 33 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | 11 |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Golf | 8 | 2 |
| NWAC | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 26 | 22 |
| Baseball | 40 | - |
| Softball | - | 24 |
| Basketball | 13 | 10 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Golf | 8 | 4 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Whitman CollegeWalla Walla · 39.8 mi
Liberal Arts #78
-
Washington State UniversityPullman · 99.0 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of IdahoMoscow · 105.5 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Gonzaga UniversitySpokane · 127.0 mi
U.S. News #90
-
University of Puget SoundTacoma · 173.6 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
Reed CollegePortland · 177.0 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Seattle UniversitySeattle · 177.6 mi
U.S. News #179
-
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle · 178.7 mi
U.S. News #49
-
Portland State UniversityPortland · 178.9 mi
U.S. News #236
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Columbia Basin College:
-
Whitman College - Ranked 46th in the 2024 US News rankings, Whitman College is a liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and beautiful campus in Walla Walla, Washington.
-
Washington State University - With a rank of 178, Washington State University offers a comprehensive education with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, located in Pullman, Washington.
-
University of Idaho - Ranked 185th, the University of Idaho is known for its research initiatives and strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and law, situated in Moscow, Idaho.
-
Gonzaga University - Gonzaga University ranks 93rd and is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community service, located in Spokane, Washington.
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - A highly prestigious institution ranked 40th, the University of Washington is a major research university located in Seattle, offering a wide range of programs and known for its vibrant campus life.
These institutions provide a diverse array of educational opportunities and contribute significantly to the academic landscape in the Columbia Basin region.
Peer median 0.7 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Columbia Basin College
The crime statistics from Columbia Basin College over the years reveal noticeable fluctuations in the average crime rate per 1,000 students. In 2013, the college reported a low crime rate of 0.16, which gradually increased to a peak of 2.45 in 2019. This represents a substantial rise in crime incidents, raising concerns about campus safety during that period.
In particular, the data shows a significant uptick in arrests related to gun possession, which peaked in 2017 with an incident rate of 1.66 per 1,000 students. Such incidents can contribute to a heightened sense of insecurity among students and faculty, potentially affecting the overall campus environment and student enrollment.
Interestingly, while the years 2019 and 2021 also saw elevated crime rates, the subsequent years demonstrated a decline, with the crime rate dropping to 0.32 in 2023. This decline could suggest successful interventions and improved safety measures implemented by the college, which may have positively impacted the campus climate.
However, the periodic spikes in crime rates indicate that continuous attention to campus safety is necessary. Colleges must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to these fluctuations, including the implementation of educational programs, counseling services, and community engagement initiatives.
The data highlights the importance of maintaining a safe environment for educational pursuits, as safety is a critical factor for students’ well-being and academic performance. For further insights on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Columbia Basin College include Byron Beck (Former ABA and NBA player for the Nuggets), Doc Hastings (Former U.S. representative from Washington state) and Clint Didier (Former NFL tight end and politician, two-time Super Bowl winner).
-
Byron Beck 1945–
Former ABA and NBA player for the Nuggets
-
Doc Hastings 1941–
Former U.S. representative from Washington state
-
Clint Didier 1959–
Former NFL tight end and politician, two-time Super Bowl winner
-
Darrell Ceciliani 1990–
Former professional baseball left fielder
-
Dave McKay 1950–
Canadian MLB player and coach
-
Chad Orvella 1980–
Former MLB relief pitcher for the Rays
-
Ray Washburn 1938–
Former MLB pitcher
-
Ron East 1943–2023
NFL defensive tackle
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.