About Pierce College
Pierce College was founded in 1967 as Clover Park Community College. Classes were first held in an abandoned grocery store and throughout Pierce County. Later that year, Washington State Legislature passed the Community College Act, which shifted the control of the institution from the Pierce district to the state of Washington. The shift in power led to creating a new, 140-acre campus in Fort Steilacoom and a school name change to Fort Steilacoom Community College. Then in 1986, to represent a large number of students from Pierce County, the school’s name was changed to Pierce College. Pierce College operates with the mission to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.
Pierce College is a public, not-for-profit, two-year institution that offers associate’s degrees and certificates. Within the Pierce College eLearning program, students can take fully online classes, hybrid classes, flexible independent student classes, and traditional face-to-face classes. These classes combine with web-based components to assist with homework and outside-of-class communication. Pierce College online degree programs are a flexible alternative to traditional in-class programs.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Pierce College is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, primarily associate's, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Bachelor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
Not applicableFully Online Graduate Students:
Not applicableMedian Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$12,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
32%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$6,851Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesPierce College can be a strong choice for students who want to finish quickly. Its Running Start option gives some students a head start on college credits. In some cases, students finish an associate degree soon after high school. That can help them move into transfer plans faster.
Cost is another plus. Running Start can lower total college cost while students earn credits early. Pierce can work well for transfer-focused students who want a clear plan, steady pace, and good use of time.
Timelines can still vary by program. Some course sequences, including art, may not run every term. Good planning helps students stay on track and finish on time.
Pierce College feels caring in daily student life. Staff support during finals week is a clear example. During stressful times, students can find help and feel supported. Many describe the overall experience as positive and welcoming.
At the same time, day-to-day consistency can vary by class and office. At times, it has been hard to get clear timing for art classes. That can make planning tougher. Instructor reliability can also differ, though reported attendance issues in voice instruction were mostly addressed.
Pierce can work for online students with busy lives. The school feels practical and worth the effort. It also supports transfer momentum for many learners. Schedule consistency is the key watch point.
Some art classes do not run regularly. One voice instructor was not always showing up. That issue was mostly resolved. Online students who need a steady pace may prefer clear term-by-term structure.
Classes at Pierce College feel practical and engaging. Many students describe the school experience as positive and enjoyable. The college also supports students who want to keep going in their education. That gives classes a clear sense of purpose and forward progress.
Teaching can vary by course, so some classes feel stronger than others. Even so, the college puts support in place when the term gets tough. Finals-week events give students extra structure, help, and focus at a key time.
Pierce College has a positive feel overall, with a few uneven spots. Running Start is a clear strength. Students can earn college credits early and finish faster. In some cases, that means finishing an associate degree right after high school.
That pace can lower total cost and save time. The school comes across as practical and student-centered. Finals-week activities add support during a busy stretch. At the same time, class schedules can be uneven in some areas.
Some courses are not offered as often as students want. Teaching can also vary by instructor. Pierce is a strong match for students focused on transfer, cost, and steady progress. It works best for students who can plan around occasional schedule changes.
Pierce College has a positive feel overall, with a few uneven spots. Running Start is a clear strength. Students can earn college credits early and finish faster. In some cases, that means finishing an associate degree right after high school.
That pace can lower total cost and save time. The school comes across as practical and student-centered. Finals-week activities add support during a busy stretch. At the same time, class schedules can be uneven in some areas.
Some courses are not offered as often as students want. Teaching can also vary by instructor. Pierce is a strong match for students focused on transfer, cost, and steady progress. It works best for students who can plan around occasional schedule changes.
Online Programs offered by Pierce College
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierce College
Is Pierce College accredited?
Yes. Pierce College is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does Pierce College offer?
Pierce College offers 1 online program currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Pierce College offer?
Pierce College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Pierce College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Pierce College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Pierce College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Pierce College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Pierce College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Pierce College military friendly?
Pierce College shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Pierce College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Pierce College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Pierce College accept life experience credit?
Pierce College does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Pierce College programs fully online or mixed?
Pierce College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Pierce College?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Pierce College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Pierce College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Pierce College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Pierce College programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Pierce College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Pierce College is located in Washington
Washington at a Glance:
Top Majors in Washington:
Top Incentives in Washington:
- Washington College Grant: Full tuition coverage possible
Top Career Pathways in Washington:
- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($95,000)
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