Grays Harbor College
Out-of-state tuition
$12,553
In-state $5,593
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,577
Student-faculty ratio 14:1
Peer median 18 : 1
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Grays Harbor College, located in Aberdeen, Washington, is a community college known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a vibrant learning environment. The college serves a diverse student body and offers a wide range of programs catering to both academic and vocational aspirations. With a focus on accessibility, Grays Harbor College provides various financial aid options to support students in achieving their educational goals. The college's motto, "Learning for Life," reflects its dedication to lifelong learning and personal development, encouraging students to expand their knowledge and skills throughout their lives.
The campus is equipped with modern facilities that enhance the educational experience, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and a well-resourced library. Grays Harbor College emphasizes a student-centered approach, offering various support services such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling to help students succeed. The college also promotes a strong sense of community through various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events that foster student engagement and collaboration. With its scenic location near the Pacific coastline, students can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, making their college experience both enriching and enjoyable. Grays Harbor College continues to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to their communities.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Grays Harbor College
Grays Harbor College, a public institution, presents intriguing trends in several key metrics over the years. One notable observation is the rising cost of tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. The in-state tuition has increased from approximately $3,939 in 2014 to $4,751 in 2024, marking a notable rise of about 19.6%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition has climbed from $9,129 to $10,629, which is an increase of 16.3%. This trend reflects a broader national concern regarding the escalating costs of higher education, which can deter prospective students.
In addition to tuition trends, student enrollment numbers have shown a decline over the years. The undergraduate student population decreased from 1,966 in 2013 to just 1,475 in 2023. This drop of approximately 25% could be attributed to various factors, including demographic shifts, economic conditions, or increased competition from other institutions. The declining enrollment may pose challenges for the college, affecting its financial stability and campus vibrancy.
Gender representation among undergraduate students has also shifted, with male students decreasing from around 50.4% in 2013 to 44.5% in 2023, while female students increased correspondingly. This change highlights a growing trend of female students outnumbering their male counterparts, a pattern observed in many colleges across the nation.
Lastly, the graduation rates have shown a promising upward trend, with the on-time graduation rate increasing from 19.7% in 2013 to around 22.7% in 2016. This improvement suggests that the college may be enhancing its support services for students, which could lead to better retention and academic success.
Overall, Grays Harbor College's evolving landscape reveals critical challenges and opportunities for continued growth and improvement in the coming years.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Seattle, about 80 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about 80 mi
- Also known as
- GHC
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Carli Schiffner (President)
- Phone
- 3605329020
- City
- Aberdeen, Washington
- Address
- 1620 Edward P Smith Drive, Aberdeen, WA 98520-7599
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Grays Harbor College
The graduation data from Grays Harbor College for 2023 reveals some interesting trends across various programs. Notably, the Early Childhood Education and Teaching program stands out with a total of 18 graduates holding bachelor's degrees and 7 earning associate degrees. This suggests a strong interest and commitment to this field, which is critical in shaping future generations.
In the realm of Business Administration and Management, a total of 6 graduates obtained bachelor's degrees, alongside 24 associate degrees. This indicates that many students are entering the workforce with foundational skills, likely to pursue further education or career advancement in the business sector. However, the absence of international students among these graduates may reflect a broader trend observed across many community colleges, where local students dominate certain vocational fields.
In healthcare, the Medical/Clinical Assistant program produced 10 associate degree graduates. This aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the global pandemic, which has emphasized the need for trained healthcare workers. Yet, the lack of bachelor's or master's graduates in this field suggests that many students are entering the workforce directly with an associate degree, possibly due to the immediate job opportunities available.
The overall absence of international students in the bachelor's and master's programs indicates a potential area for growth, as attracting international talent can enrich the educational environment and contribute to program diversity. As global mobility continues to evolve, Grays Harbor College might benefit from strategies to increase international enrollment, particularly in high-demand fields.
In summary, while certain programs show promising graduation numbers, there remains an opportunity for expansion in international engagement and diversity within the student body, especially in rapidly growing sectors like healthcare and business.
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. | $23,049 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. | - | ||
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other. | - | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $81,243 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | ||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | ||
| Office Management and Supervision. | - | ||
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | ||
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $33,763 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources/Conservation, General. | - | ||
| Forestry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpentry/Carpenter. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music, General. | - |
Students
1,577 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53
- Continuing undergraduates 709
- First-year undergraduates 170
- Transfers and others 698
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,577)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Grays Harbor College in 2023
The student population at Grays Harbor College in 2023 showcases a diverse range of demographics, with a notable representation of both genders across different student classifications. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 307 students, with a slightly higher representation of female students (54.1%) compared to male students (45.9%). This trend is consistent among the undergraduate juniors, where the female population makes up 59.3% of the total 818 students, indicating a growing presence of women in higher education.
Interestingly, the undergraduate transfer students show a different gender ratio, with 64.2% being female and only 35.8% male. This may reflect broader trends in higher education, where women are increasingly pursuing transfer opportunities to complete their degrees.
In contrast, the demographic breakdown of non-degree seeking students presents a more balanced gender ratio, with 58.4% male and 41.6% female.
The distribution of ethnic backgrounds among the students also reveals significant trends, particularly among white students, who comprise a majority within the freshman and junior categories. With a backdrop of national discussions on diversity and inclusion, it is crucial for institutions like Grays Harbor College to continue fostering an environment that supports students from all backgrounds.
Overall, the data indicates a growing trend of female representation in higher education, especially in transfer pathways, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining diversity in student demographics in the years to come. The college's ongoing efforts in promoting inclusivity and addressing the needs of various student groups will be vital as they navigate these changes.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Grays Harbor College
The age distribution data from Grays Harbor College reveals interesting insights into the demographics of its student body. A significant portion of the students is under 18 years old, making up approximately 37.5% of the total student population. This suggests that the college is likely attracting a large number of first-time college students, possibly straight out of high school.
As we examine the age brackets of 18-19 years, we see another substantial group, which accounts for about 30.8% of the overall enrollment. This trend continues with students aged 20-21, who represent around 16.4%. The data indicates a clear focus on younger students, with those aged 22 and above showing a gradual decline in numbers. For instance, the 22-24 age group comprises only 9.2% of the total, while the 25-29 range accounts for 10.5%.
Interestingly, the college shows almost no enrollment in graduate programs, as no graduate students are reported in the data. This lack of graduate enrollment may reflect a broader trend in community colleges, which are often more focused on undergraduate education and vocational training rather than advanced degrees.
Moreover, the gender distribution is noteworthy, with female students consistently outnumbering male students across all age groups. This trend aligns with national statistics that show women increasingly pursuing higher education. Overall, Grays Harbor College's age composition highlights its role in serving a younger demographic while also presenting opportunities for future engagement with older students seeking further education or career advancement.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Grays Harbor College
The data on international student enrollment at Grays Harbor College over the years reveals notable trends and fluctuations. From 2004 to 2020, the total number of undergraduate students has varied, peaking at 2,526 in 2011. However, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population has shown significant changes, particularly between 2013 and 2019.
In 2013, the percentage of international students surged to 20%, indicating a growing interest in the college among non-domestic students. This trend peaked further in 2019, with international students constituting approximately 37% of the undergraduate population. Such a high representation suggests that Grays Harbor College has become an increasingly attractive option for international students, possibly due to its academic offerings or supportive environment.
However, the figures also point to instability, as the number of international students dropped back down to 6 in 2020, representing 32% of the undergraduate population. This decline may reflect broader trends affecting international education, particularly the impact of global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted student mobility worldwide.
In summary, while Grays Harbor College experienced a remarkable increase in its international student enrollment during certain years, recent trends indicate challenges that may need to be addressed to maintain and enhance international student participation in the future. The college could focus on outreach and support strategies to foster a more stable and diverse international student body moving forward.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$25,519
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $12,553
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,593
- Room and board
- $12,966
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 39% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 33%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$51.6M
Expenses$47.1M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes Other
| NWAC | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 35 | - |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Basketball | 13 | - |
| NWAC | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | 14 | 17 |
| Baseball | 25 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | - |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| Golf | 5 | - |
| NWAC | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | 27 | 18 |
| Baseball | 27 | - |
| Basketball | 10 | 10 |
| Soccer | - | 13 |
| Softball | - | 12 |
| Golf | 6 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Puget SoundTacoma · 65.8 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle · 82.9 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Seattle UniversitySeattle · 83.0 mi
U.S. News #179
-
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle · 85.3 mi
U.S. News #49
-
Pacific UniversityForest Grove · 104.4 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Portland State UniversityPortland · 113.0 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Reed CollegePortland · 116.2 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Lewis & Clark CollegePortland · 117.2 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
George Fox UniversityNewberg · 120.8 mi
U.S. News #262
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Grays Harbor College:
-
University of Puget Sound - Ranked 89th in the 2024 US News rankings, this liberal arts college is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a diverse array of programs.
-
Seattle Pacific University - With a rank of 269, this comprehensive university offers a blend of liberal arts and professional programs, fostering a supportive and community-oriented environment.
-
Seattle University - Ranked 163rd, this comprehensive institution is recognized for its commitment to social justice and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - As a prestigious research university with a rank of 40, it is known for its strong programs in various fields, including engineering, business, and medicine.
-
Reed College - This highly regarded liberal arts college ranks 67th and is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual independence.
-
Lewis & Clark College - With a rank of 93, this liberal arts college is recognized for its scenic campus and strong programs in the humanities and environmental studies.
-
Whitman College - Ranking 46th, this liberal arts college is known for its strong academic rigor and vibrant campus life, fostering close relationships between students and faculty.
These institutions offer a range of programs and experiences for students seeking higher education opportunities in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public 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 Grays Harbor College
The crime data at Grays Harbor College reveals significant fluctuations in the crime rates over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the average number of incidents per 1000 students increased from 0.51 in 2013 to a peak of 3.04 in 2018, reflecting a concerning rise in criminal activities. This spike may correlate with broader societal issues, such as increased substance abuse or a rise in domestic violence, which have been prevalent across college campuses nationwide in recent years.
The year 2017 marked a particularly troubling increase, with the average crime rate surpassing 2.00 for the first time, suggesting a need for heightened security measures and awareness programs within the campus community. Interestingly, the data shows a decline in incidents in 2022, dropping back to 0.68, which could indicate effective interventions or a shift in student behavior. However, the subsequent year saw a rise again to 2.03, highlighting the ongoing challenges that colleges face in maintaining safety.
The types of crimes reported, including firearms-related arrests, drug offenses, and domestic violence, underscore the necessity for institutions to adopt comprehensive strategies to combat these issues. The relationship between campus safety and student well-being is critical, as higher crime rates can negatively impact mental health and academic performance.
Overall, the trends in this data emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. For more insight on calculating crime rates, visit: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Grays Harbor College include John Madden (Former Oakland Raiders coach and sports commentator), Robert Rozier (Former professional football player and murderer) and John Workman (Comic book artist, editor and letterer).
-
John Madden 1936–2021
Former Oakland Raiders coach and sports commentator
-
Robert Rozier 1955–
Former professional football player and murderer
-
John Workman 1950–
Comic book artist, editor and letterer
-
Brian Blake 1960–
Former Washington State House member
-
Allan Phillip Mustard
Former US Ambassador to Turkmenistan
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.