Columbia Gorge Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$10,260
In-state $5,940
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
812
Student-faculty ratio 12:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
11.9%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 15.3%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a prominent institution located in the picturesque Columbia River Gorge region of Oregon, USA. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, the college offers a tranquil setting that fosters learning and personal growth. One of the defining characteristics of CGCC is its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student body. The college emphasizes community engagement and offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The institution's mission is reflected in its motto: "Empowering lives through education," which highlights its focus on student success and lifelong learning.
The campus culture at CGCC is vibrant and inclusive, promoting a strong sense of community among students and faculty. The college offers various extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports programs, encouraging students to engage in campus life and develop leadership skills. Additionally, CGCC boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs, and recreational spaces, which enhance the learning experience. The college also places a strong emphasis on workforce development, partnering with local industries to ensure that programs align with current job market needs. This connection helps to facilitate strong employment outcomes for graduates, making CGCC a valuable asset to the local community and economy. Overall, Columbia Gorge Community College stands out as a place where education and community spirit thrive harmoniously.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Columbia Gorge Community College
The data from Columbia Gorge Community College reveals several significant trends that highlight the institution's evolving academic landscape. One of the most striking trends is the increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, in-state tuition has risen from $3,636 to $5,544, while out-of-state fees have escalated from $3,636 to $10,080. This nearly 53% increase in in-state tuition and an even more substantial rise for out-of-state students could have implications for accessibility and affordability, especially considering the rising cost of living and education nationwide.
Another noteworthy aspect is the fluctuation in student enrollment numbers. The total number of undergraduate students decreased from 1,037 in 2013 to a low of 644 in 2022 before rebounding to 1,039 in 2023. This volatility may reflect broader trends in community college attendance, possibly influenced by economic conditions, job market demand, or shifts in public perception about the value of a college degree. The college might need to explore strategies to stabilize and attract students consistently.
Moreover, the retention rate has shown slight fluctuations, peaking at about 56% in 2020 and declining to 48.75% by 2023. This decline may indicate challenges in keeping students engaged and enrolled, which is crucial for institutional sustainability and student success.
Lastly, gender ratios among undergraduate students have remained relatively stable, with female students consistently making up a larger proportion of the student body, reaching around 65% in recent years. This trend aligns with national patterns in higher education, where women increasingly outnumber men in enrollment.
Overall, these data trends suggest that while Columbia Gorge Community College faces challenges related to tuition increases and student retention, it also has opportunities to adapt its strategies to better serve its diverse student population.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Remote town
- Nearest major city
- Portland, about 70 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Portland International Airport (PDX), about 70 mi
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Kenneth Lawson (President)
- Phone
- 5415066000
- City
- The Dalles, Oregon
- Address
- 400 E Scenic Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Columbia Gorge Community College
The graduation data from Columbia Gorge Community College for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into student completion rates across various programs. Notably, the Liberal Arts and Sciences program stands out with the highest number of graduates, totaling 44, which could reflect the program's broad appeal and the foundational skills it provides for diverse career paths. Additionally, General Studies follows closely with 42 graduates, indicating a significant interest in flexible educational options that cater to a variety of future endeavors.
In the realm of health and medical education, the Registered Nursing program saw 19 graduates. This number is particularly relevant given the ongoing global demand for healthcare professionals, exacerbated by recent health crises. The relatively modest figure suggests a need for increased recruitment and support for nursing students to meet workforce requirements.
Interestingly, the data shows no graduate numbers for international students across all degree levels, which raises questions regarding the college's outreach and support for this demographic. The lack of international graduates could be indicative of broader trends in higher education, where institutions are encouraged to diversify their student bodies to enhance global perspectives within the academic environment.
Overall, while some programs like Nursing and Liberal Arts are thriving, there is a clear opportunity for Columbia Gorge Community College to expand its offerings and support systems, particularly for international students, to foster a more inclusive and robust educational community.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $36,717 | |
| General Studies. | $36,717 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $86,158 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Small Business Administration/Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Fabricator. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Building Construction Technology/Technician. | - |
Students
812 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 36:64 · Freshman retention 51.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 317
- First-year undergraduates 107
- Transfers and others 388
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (812)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Columbia Gorge Community College in 2023
The data from Columbia Gorge Community College reveals significant insights into the student demographics for the year 2023. The total enrollment comprises a diverse mix of undergraduate newcomers, continuing students, transfer students, and graduate students. With 222 undergraduate freshmen, 288 continuing undergraduates, and 26 transfer students, the college exhibits a robust foundation of students pursuing their degrees.
Gender representation shows a notable trend, particularly among undergraduates. Freshmen have a female majority of 58.6%, while continuing undergraduates and transfer students also reflect a higher percentage of female students at 63.9% and 80.8%, respectively. This trend is indicative of a broader national pattern where women are increasingly outnumbering men in higher education enrollment, illustrating a shift in educational opportunities and aspirations.
When examining the ethnic breakdown, the data indicates a significant representation of White students among undergraduates, alongside other ethnicities. This demographic spread is crucial for understanding the cultural diversity within the student body. However, the absence of detailed data regarding the graduate student demographics complicates a comprehensive analysis.
In a time where discussions on equity and inclusion in education are prevalent, it is essential for institutions like Columbia Gorge Community College to continue fostering a diverse and supportive environment for all students. This diversity not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students for a global workforce, reflecting the changing demographics of the American population.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Columbia Gorge Community College
The age distribution of students at Columbia Gorge Community College reveals a notable trend towards younger demographics, with the majority of students being under 24 years old. Specifically, students under the age of 18 account for approximately 31% of the total student population, while those in the 18-19 age bracket make up around 22%. This suggests that the institution is primarily serving a traditional college-age demographic, which is consistent with many community colleges across the United States.
Interestingly, as the age increases, the number of students decreases significantly. For instance, the proportion of students aged 30 and above is minimal, with only 7% of students falling within the 30-34 age range and even fewer in older brackets. This sharp decline in enrollment among older students may reflect broader trends in higher education, where younger individuals are more likely to pursue immediate post-secondary education, whereas older adults may be entering the workforce or pursuing education later in life.
The data also indicates a predominance of female students across all age categories. This trend mirrors national statistics where female enrollment in higher education has been steadily increasing. The absence of graduate male students suggests that the college may have a limited number of advanced degree programs, which could be an area for future development.
Overall, the age composition data highlights the importance of tailoring educational offerings to meet the needs of its primary student demographic while considering strategies to engage older students who may be seeking opportunities for career advancement or skill development.
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 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Trends at Columbia Gorge Community College
The data from Columbia Gorge Community College reveals some interesting trends regarding international students over the years. In 2009, the total undergraduate student population was 931, with 11 international students, accounting for 1.18% of the undergraduate body. This indicates a modest presence of international students at that time. However, the data shows a significant decline in the number of international students by 2011, where only 1 out of 1167 undergraduates were international, reducing the percentage to a mere 0.09%. This drop could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, global economic conditions, or even shifts in the college's recruitment strategies.
In 2014, there was a slight recovery with the total undergraduate enrollment at 974 and 13 international students, raising the percentage to 1.33%. While this is an improvement, it still reflects a low representation of international students compared to the overall student population.
The fluctuations in the number of international students at Columbia Gorge Community College echo broader trends in the U.S. higher education landscape, where many institutions are experiencing challenges in attracting and retaining international students, particularly post-pandemic. Given the importance of diverse perspectives and cultural exchange in education, it is crucial for colleges to develop strategies to enhance their appeal to international students and support their integration into campus life.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$17,601
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,260
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,940
- Room and board
- $7,341
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 19% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -19%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$22.9M
Expenses$18.1M
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 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
-
Reed CollegePortland · 70.1 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Lewis & Clark CollegePortland · 72.2 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
Portland State UniversityPortland · 72.6 mi
U.S. News #236
-
George Fox UniversityNewberg · 88.4 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Pacific UniversityForest Grove · 92.9 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Willamette UniversitySalem · 100.3 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Oregon State UniversityCorvallis · 124.0 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of Puget SoundTacoma · 130.8 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
University of OregonEugene · 141.2 mi
U.S. News #116
Data insights
Here are some notable schools around Columbia Gorge Community College:
-
Reed College - Ranked 67th in the 2024 US News, Reed College is a liberal arts college known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on critical thinking and creativity.
-
Lewis & Clark College - Holding the 93rd rank, Lewis & Clark College offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on experiential learning and community engagement.
-
Portland State University - Ranked 280th, Portland State University is a comprehensive public university that emphasizes urban engagement and sustainability.
-
George Fox University - With a ranking of 269, George Fox University is a Christian university known for its strong programs in education, business, and health sciences.
-
Pacific University - Ranked 209th, Pacific University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on health professions.
-
Willamette University - At rank 75, Willamette University is one of the oldest universities in the West, known for its liberal arts curriculum and law school.
-
Oregon State University - Ranked 142nd, Oregon State University is a comprehensive research university with a strong emphasis on the sciences and engineering.
-
University of Oregon - With a ranking of 98, the University of Oregon is recognized for its research programs and vibrant campus life.
These institutions provide a variety of academic programs and opportunities for students 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 Columbia Gorge Community College
The crime statistics at Columbia Gorge Community College over the past decade reveal a fluctuating landscape of safety on campus. Notably, the data indicates a significant decrease in reported incidents from 2014 to 2019, with several years recording zero incidents per 1,000 students. This trend suggests an overall improvement in campus safety during these years, potentially reflecting effective safety measures and community engagement initiatives.
However, the years 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2018 saw isolated incidents, with the highest average rate recorded in 2018 at 1.77 incidents per 1,000 students, which emphasizes the importance of continuous vigilance and proactive measures. The type of incidents reported, particularly firearm-related arrests, highlights the critical need for comprehensive policies addressing firearm safety and violence prevention on college campuses.
The return to a single incident reported in 2023, mirroring the patterns of previous years, underscores the necessity for sustained efforts in crime prevention and community awareness. It is vital for educational institutions to foster an environment where students feel secure and supported, which can influence their overall academic experience.
As we continue to monitor these statistics, it’s essential to remember that crime rates can be influenced by various external factors, including societal trends and legislative changes regarding public safety. For more information on how these crime rates are calculated, 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.