Clark College (CC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Founded in 1933, Clark College is a two-year community college located in Vancouver, Washington and is a member of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The campus is located in Vancouver Central Park with access to beautiful parks, trails, and a friendly local community with lots of events.

The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs, and has partnerships established with Concordia University, Marylhurst University, Portland State University, and Washington State University Vancouver to help students transition into a four-year baccalaureate degree.

Information Summary

See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	Insufficient Data
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$5,157
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	26 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	N/A / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	9,878

Academics

The college offers transfer courses and university partnerships to help students attain associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. The college also has numerous vocational and certificate programs. Some of the college’s popular programs include Nursing, Business Administration, Medical Radiography, Dental Hygiene, and vocational programs such as Welding or Auto Maintenance. Weekend classes, evening classes, Online learning, English language courses, continuing education programs, and mature learning programs for students who are over 50 years of age, are also available.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Gallery

Unique Programs

There are co-admission partnerships with universities such as Concordia University, Portland State University, Marylhurst University, and Washington State University Vancouver. Eastern Washington University (EWU) also offers bachelor’s degrees in Technology, Dental Hygiene, and Social Work as well as a 3-year, 2-night per week master’s degree program in Social Work (MSW).

Admissions

Students who are interested in applying must submit an application form, have all academic transcripts sent directly from any previous school of attendance, a nonrefundable application fee, and proof of residency (if applying for in-state tuition rates). While applications are accepted all year long, students are advised to apply early to meet Priority Admissions deadlines as registration appointments are issued based on the date the college receives students’ applications. All first-year students are also required to attend a new student orientation session and must also take placement tests before they are allowed to register for any Math or English courses. Students can contact the Placement Testing Office to schedule a testing date.

International students should contact the International Programs Office or visit the college’s website for admission requirements and application materials.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the college for information or assistance with the application process. The Welcome Center staff can answer questions, arrange a tour through the campus visits program, or provide information about the application process. The Welcome Center is located in the Penguin Union Building.

Financial Aid

Forms of aid available for students include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. A limited number of institutional scholarships and waivers are also available. The Clark College Foundation is one of the largest community college foundations in the United States, and offers several scholarships to students each year. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The priority deadline for submitting this application is in June for the fall semester, and in February for the spring semester. If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet.

The scholarship application process is separate from the FAFSA application. Deadlines for scholarship applications are generally in late winter or early spring prior to the school year in which the student plans to enroll. Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6312th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Washington.

Students

The campus hosts more than 50 chartered clubs and student organizations that offer a wide array of social, academic, and cultural opportunities for students. A student-run newspaper, The Independent, reports the latest college news. Students can join pre-professional or academic groups that include Addiction Counseling Education Students (ACES), The Writer’s Forum, Early Childhood Educators, or the AeroSpace Club. Phoenix magazine features student writing and art. There are recreational clubs such as the Bike Club, the Hip Hop Dance Club, or the Manga & Anime Club. Students can get involved with the Model United Nations or the student government. The student body is represented by the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC). Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that provides students with opportunities for the development of leadership and service. Students can also join the Science Consortium and attend fascinating science-related field trips.

There are also plenty of special events on campus. One of the most beloved events is the Annual Jazz Festival, which usually features more than 60 high school vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles.

While there are no residence halls on campus, students can visit the Housing Connections website for help with finding affordable, accessible housing that is close to the school.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The Penguins offers 11 varsity sports programs and has a long history of winning regional and state championships. The athletic program is part of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC), which governs 34 community colleges in Washington and Oregon, and is the largest single community college conference in the United States. The Penguins compete in the Western Region (except for the soccer & softball teams, which compete in the Southern Region). Sports played include men’s and women’s basketball; men’s and women’s cross country; men’s and women’s soccer; men’s and women’s track & field; men’s and women’s softball; and women’s volleyball. The Galapagon penguin named Oswald represents the school as the mascot.

A number of intramural sports are available, which are open to students, faculty, staff and their guests. Intramural sports include basketball, fencing, and tennis.

Local Community

There are plenty of fun and interesting activities for students in the local community of Vancouver. Students can catch a show at the Old Liberty Theater, go to a party or hang out with friends at Quay Bar, eat at Thai Little Home, satisfy cravings at the Village Pearl Bakeshop or Julia Bakery, play a round at Extremez Paintball, or go see Newberry Volcano. Students who are over 21 years of age can visit By the Bottle and The Tap Room.

Alumni

Some prominent graduates include:

Denis Hayes, environmental activist who organized the first Earth Day
Al Bauer, former Washington State legislator
Sam Elliott, actor
Ron Larson, mathematician and author
Jess Hartley, novelist and role playing game developer
Tim Leavitt, politician and mayor of Vancouver
Randy Myers, baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds

Accreditation

Accreditation is provided by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Clark College