Whatcom Community College (WCC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Whatcom Community College
Between saltwater and snow-capped peaks, Whatcom Community College sits in Bellingham with a calm, get it done energy. The college is known for strong teaching in transfer studies, healthcare, technology, business, and the liberal arts. Faculty lean into hands-on learning and clear feedback. Students find a well-used library and learning commons, tutoring and advising, counseling, computer labs, and an active career center. The campus has a transfer-ready, student-centered culture.
Campus life feels welcoming and collaborative, with clubs, cultural events, and plenty of service projects. Intramurals run alongside hiking and paddling on the bay. Career prep shows up in internships, employer visits, and portfolio building. Bellingham's artsy waterfront and community minded vibe give students real chances to network, volunteer, and try on careers while staying grounded in a friendly town.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Whatcom Community College (WCC) offers 27 degree programs across 11 major academic fields, graduating approximately 928 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (1 programs, 417 graduates), Health (6 programs, 158 graduates), Business (6 programs, 142 graduates), Computer & IT (5 programs, 91 graduates) and Education (1 programs, 55 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 417 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 417 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Health (6 programs, 158 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing and Patient Care Assistant | 54 |
|
Residency
Other Award
|
51.3902 |
| Registered Nursing | 37 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 32 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0806 |
| Medical Assistant | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0801 |
| Massage Therapy | 13 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3501 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.1501 |
Business (6 programs, 142 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 53 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0101 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 43 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Business Administration and Management | 23 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Banking and Financial Services | 17 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0803 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
52.0204 |
| Hospitality Management | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0901 |
Computer & IT (5 programs, 91 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network and System Administration | 55 |
|
Bachelor's
Residency
Other Award
|
11.1001 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 24 |
|
Associate's
|
11.1003 |
| Computer Support Specialist | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
11.1006 |
| Computer Programming | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0201 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11.0901 |
Education (1 programs, 55 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 55 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
13.1210 |
Human Sciences (1 programs, 25 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development | 25 |
|
Residency
|
19.0706 |
Media Tech (1 programs, 12 graduates)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepress and Digital Imaging Design | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
10.0303 |
Engineering (3 programs, 9 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
14.1901 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
14.1001 |
| Materials Engineering | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
14.1801 |
Law (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant and Paralegal | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
22.0302 |
Physical Sciences (1 programs, 7 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
40.0101 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Whatcom Community College (WCC)
How much does it cost to attend Whatcom Community College (WCC)?
The annual tuition at Whatcom Community College (WCC) is $5,146 for in-state students and $11,096 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $29,080 for in-state students and $35,030 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,422 (on) / $17,868 (off) and books and supplies $762.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Whatcom Community College offer?
Whatcom Community College (WCC) offers 27 academic programs across 11 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (5 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Whatcom Community College?
Whatcom Community College (WCC) provides financial aid to 9% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,199 and average loans of $5,094.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,629
- State/Local grants: $3,801
- Institutional grants: $981
- Federal loans: $4,689
The university supports 173 students with grants and 23 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Whatcom Community College graduates?
Whatcom Community College (WCC) graduates earn a median salary of $38,429 after 6 years and $44,092 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $24,360 (25th percentile) to $69,902 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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