South Seattle College
Out-of-state tuition
$5,796
In-state $5,208
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
5,210
Student-faculty ratio 33:1
Peer median 18 : 1
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
South Seattle College (SSC) is a vibrant community college located in the heart of Seattle, Washington. Established in 1970, the college has a strong commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering an inclusive learning environment. With a diverse student body, SSC celebrates its multicultural setting, which contributes to a rich tapestry of campus culture. The college offers over 100 degree and certificate programs, focusing on areas such as business, health sciences, technology, and the arts. This variety allows students to pursue their passions while preparing for successful careers in a rapidly changing job market.
The college's campus is well-equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, a library, and art studios, creating an ideal environment for learning and creativity. SSC prides itself on its dedicated faculty, who are not only experienced in their respective fields but also committed to student success. The school’s motto, "Empower Yourself," embodies its mission to support students in achieving their educational and career goals. Moreover, SSC is known for its strong emphasis on student life, offering numerous clubs, organizations, and sports programs that encourage engagement and personal development. With a focus on community and academic excellence, South Seattle College continues to be a significant contributor to the local educational landscape and workforce development.
Analysis of Tuition Costs, Enrollment Trends, Gender Ratios, and Student-to-Faculty Ratios
The tuition costs at South Seattle College have shown a noteworthy upward trajectory over the years. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition rose from $3,824 in 2014 to $4,865 in 2024, marking a significant increase of approximately 27.3%. This trend is concerning as rising tuition can lead to increased financial burdens on students and their families, potentially affecting enrollment numbers in the future.
In terms of student enrollment, the total number of undergraduate students grew from 4,998 in 2013 to 6,346 in 2017, but then experienced a decline to 4,901 by 2023. This fluctuation suggests that while there was initial growth, recent years have seen a drop in enrollment, which could be attributed to the escalating costs of education, a shift in population demographics, or other external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gender ratio among undergraduates has also shifted significantly over the years. In 2013, the ratio of male to female students was approximately 57.3% to 42.7%. By 2023, this ratio changed to around 73.9% male and 26.1% female, indicating a growing male dominance in enrollment. This shift raises questions about the factors influencing male participation in higher education and the need for targeted outreach to encourage female enrollment.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has seen a sharp increase, from 16 in 2013 to 32 in 2023. This doubling of the ratio signifies that students may have less access to individualized attention from faculty, which can impact the overall educational experience. As institutions face budget constraints, maintaining a favorable student-to-faculty ratio should remain a priority to ensure quality education.
Overall, South Seattle College faces challenges related to rising tuition, fluctuating enrollment, gender disparities, and increasing student-to-faculty ratios, all of which require strategic planning and intervention to enhance student outcomes and institutional sustainability.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Seattle
- Nearest international airport
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about 7 mi
- Also known as
- Seattle South, South Seattle, SSCC, South Sea, Sea South, SSC, South CC
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Monica Brown (President)
- Phone
- 2069345300
- City
- Seattle, Washington
- Address
- 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106-1499
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at South Seattle College
The graduation data from South Seattle College reveals some intriguing insights into the trends within various programs for the year 2023. Notably, the data indicates a significant interest in the Hospitality Administration, where 12 students graduated with a bachelor's degree, despite the absence of international students in this category. This aligns with the growing demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality sector as the industry rebounds following the pandemic.
In the realm of technical education, the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program stands out, producing 55 graduates in the associate degree category, with an additional 17 international students. This suggests a robust interest in aviation-related careers, which are crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency in air travel. The investment in such programs is likely a response to the increasing need for qualified technicians in the aviation industry, particularly as air travel continues to grow.
Conversely, there are several fields, such as Computer Science and various engineering programs, that show no graduation rates, raising questions about student retention and interest in these programs. This may reflect broader trends in education where certain fields face challenges in attracting and retaining students, potentially due to the high demands of the curriculum or competition from online learning platforms.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of aligning educational offerings with industry needs, especially in high-demand sectors like aviation and hospitality, while addressing the challenges faced by other technical programs. This strategic approach can help South Seattle College enhance its educational impact and better prepare students for successful careers.
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. | $36,805 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - | ||
| Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - | ||
| Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | ||
| Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - | ||
| Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager. | - | ||
| Wine Steward/Sommelier. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Systems Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | - | ||
| Mechanical Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Teacher Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General. | - |
Students
5,210 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 69:31
- Continuing undergraduates 970
- First-year undergraduates 327
- Transfers and others 3,913
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,210)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Demographic Insights of South Seattle College Students in 2023
In 2023, South Seattle College showcased a diverse student body, with a total of 4,881 students enrolled across various categories. Among them, undergraduate freshmen represented a significant portion with 482 students, comprising 61.2% males and 38.8% females. This gender disparity is reflective of broader trends in higher education, where male enrollment often surpasses that of females, particularly in certain fields.
Undergraduate continuing students numbered 979, with a more balanced gender distribution, as 52.6% were male and 47.4% female. This indicates a gradual shift towards gender parity in ongoing education, which could be attributed to the increasing support for female students in various disciplines. Meanwhile, undergraduate transfer students totaled 199, exhibiting a slightly higher male ratio of 55.8%, echoing the trends observed in the freshmen category.
The largest segment of the student population was the non-degree seeking group, which accounted for 3,241 students, predominantly male at 83.3%. This noteworthy figure suggests that many individuals may be engaging in further education for personal or professional development without the immediate goal of obtaining a degree.
Furthermore, the racial composition of the student body reveals a rich tapestry of backgrounds, though specific figures for the continuing and transfer students remain unavailable. The presence of underrepresented groups highlights the college’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, aligning with national educational goals to foster an equitable learning environment. Overall, the demographic trends at South Seattle College reflect ongoing changes in higher education, with implications for future recruitment, retention, and support strategies.
Age Composition of South Seattle College Students in 2023
The age distribution of students at South Seattle College in 2023 reveals a predominantly younger demographic, with a significant concentration of students in the 25-29 age group, which accounts for approximately 30% of the total male student population. Additionally, the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets also show a healthy representation, highlighting the college's appeal to traditional-age students.
Interestingly, there is a stark absence of graduate male students, indicating that the institution may primarily cater to undergraduate programs. This could reflect broader trends in higher education where many individuals seek immediate job opportunities after completing their undergraduate degrees, particularly in a rapidly evolving job market.
Another notable observation is the gender distribution among students. The male student population is larger across all age categories, although the female representation remains substantial, especially in the younger age brackets. The total number of female students in the under 18 age group is nearly equal to that of their male counterparts, suggesting a strong interest in higher education among young women.
The figures for older demographics, particularly those aged 50 and above, are strikingly low, which may suggest that the college predominantly serves a younger audience, possibly due to the nature of its programs or the local community's demographics.
Overall, these statistics reflect significant trends in education, gender representation, and the age demographics of students at South Seattle College, highlighting the institution's role in shaping the educational landscape for younger individuals in the region.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
93 in 2025 · 7.2% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at South Seattle College
The data on international student enrollment at South Seattle College reveals a significant trend over the years. Starting from 2004, the number of undergraduate students has fluctuated, but the proportion of international students has generally increased until around 2016, when it peaked at 7.19%. This indicates a growing interest in international education at South Seattle College, reflecting broader national trends where U.S. colleges and universities have increasingly attracted students from abroad.
However, the numbers show a concerning decline in international enrollment after 2016, with the percentage dropping to just 1.53% in 2023. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including changing immigration policies, the global pandemic's impact on travel and education, and increased competition from institutions in other countries that may offer more favorable conditions for international students.
The decline is particularly pronounced in recent years, where the total number of undergraduate students also decreased. This trend warrants attention, as international students contribute significantly to the diversity and cultural richness of the campus, as well as to the local economy.
As South Seattle College looks to the future, strategies to attract and retain international students will be crucial. This could involve enhancing support services, marketing to potential students abroad, and creating partnerships with international institutions. The changing landscape of global education requires adaptability and proactive measures to ensure that institutions remain competitive and appealing to international students.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$24,837
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $5,796
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,208
- Room and board
- $19,041
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose -36% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 95%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$70.7M
Expenses$73.7M
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 NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Seattle UniversitySeattle · 4.5 mi
U.S. News #179
-
Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle · 7.1 mi
U.S. News #262
-
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle · 7.8 mi
U.S. News #49
-
University of Puget SoundTacoma · 20.5 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
Portland State UniversityPortland · 141.6 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Reed CollegePortland · 143.4 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Pacific UniversityForest Grove · 144.5 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Lewis & Clark CollegePortland · 145.6 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
George Fox UniversityNewberg · 157.8 mi
U.S. News #262
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near South Seattle College:
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Ranked 40th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its research and academic programs.
-
Seattle University - With a rank of 163, Seattle University is a comprehensive institution that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on social justice.
-
Seattle Pacific University - This comprehensive university ranks 269th and is known for its commitment to liberal arts education and Christian values.
-
Reed College - A highly respected liberal arts college, Reed is ranked 67th and is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on independent study.
-
University of Oregon - Ranked 98th, this comprehensive university is recognized for its strong programs in various fields, including environmental science and architecture.
These institutions offer a diverse range of educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic community in the Seattle area.
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 Rates at South Seattle College
The crime data from South Seattle College over the years reveals some concerning trends. Notably, the average crime rate per 1,000 students peaked in 2017 at 2.68, which translates to approximately 0.268% of the student body experiencing a crime-related incident. This spike may be indicative of broader social issues or campus-specific challenges that need to be addressed.
In 2018, there was a significant drop in the crime rate to 1.49, suggesting effective safety measures may have been implemented. However, the data indicates fluctuations in crime rates in subsequent years, with noticeable increases in 2021 at 2.07 and in 2022 at 1.84. These fluctuations highlight the unpredictability of crime in educational settings and the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive safety measures.
The types of crimes reported include gun arrests, drug-related offenses, and domestic violence, which are sensitive issues that can impact students' safety and well-being. The presence of these incidents on campus raises concerns about the overall security environment and suggests that students may be facing risks beyond the academic realm.
As college campuses continue to evolve, it is crucial for institutions like South Seattle College to prioritize student safety and mental health. Regular assessments of crime data, alongside implementing community outreach and support programs, can foster a safer and more nurturing environment for students. Addressing these issues proactively can help mitigate risks and enhance the overall college experience for everyone. For further understanding of crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
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.