- Since 1955, Columbia Basin College has helped students of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their dreams of a higher education. CBC offers bachelor and associate degrees, one-year certificates and basic skills in an effort to improve the lives of all in our community.
School Highlights
Columbia Basin College serves 7,510 students (55% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 32:1 is higher than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 60%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 7,510 students
- In-state tuition: $4,771
- Out-state tuition: $6,858
- Student-teacher ratio: 32:1
- Minority enrollment: 63%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Columbia Basin College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 232 teachers has declined by 46% over five years.
Columbia Basin College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
232 staff
156 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Columbia Basin College has declined by 11% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 32:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Columbia Basin College diversity score of 0.63 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,510 students
3,791 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
32:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
4,099 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Students
3,411 students
1,956 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
546 students
320 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,099 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,411 students
1,956 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
126 students
150 students
% Asian
2%
9%
% Hispanic
47%
19%
% Black
1%
6%
% White
37%
40%
% Two or more races
4%
8%
% Unknown races
8%
14%
Diversity Score
0.63
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years) (Year 2007)
28%
30%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
36%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,400
$35,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,771 is more than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,858 is less than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,771
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,858
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
79%
70%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,500
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,192
$6,242
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC`s mission is to inspire, educate and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare Administration, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Information Technology, Project Management and Teacher Education. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Columbia Basin College cost?
Columbia Basin College's tuition is approximately $4,771 for In-State students and $6,858 for Out-State students.
What is Columbia Basin College's ranking?
Columbia Basin College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Largest student body.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Columbia Basin College is Pacific Northwest Christian College (3.4 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Pacific Northwest Christian College
Private not-for-profit
3021 West Clearwater Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 420-4545
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 420-4545
3.4 miles
Enrollment: 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 522-2500
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 522-2500
41.9 miles
Enrollment: 2,967 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Acceptance rate: 100% In-state tuition: $4,203 Out-state tuition: $5,203 Minority enrollment: 51%
2411 NW Carden Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-1260
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-1260
42.7 miles
Enrollment: 1,407 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 In-state tuition: $6,188 Out-state tuition: $8,618 Minority enrollment: 58%
Big Bend Community College
Public
7662 Chanute St NE
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(509) 793-2222
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(509) 793-2222
65.1 miles
Enrollment: 1,857 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Acceptance rate: 75% In-state tuition: $4,150 Out-state tuition: $4,550 Minority enrollment: 62%
Yakima Valley College
Public
South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd.
Yakima, WA 98907
(509) 574-4600
Yakima, WA 98907
(509) 574-4600
70.9 miles
Enrollment: 3,809 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Acceptance rate: 75% In-state tuition: $4,278 Out-state tuition: $4,746 Minority enrollment: 74%
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