As the largest community college district in Pierce County, with more than 14,000 students annually, Pierce College is nationally recognized for student success. Through their vision of Belong, Advance, and Thrive, Pierce College is striving to make every student successful.

According to Chancellor Julie White, Ph.D., “Our culture at Pierce College is very student-centered. Everyone from faculty and staff to student leaders are working to make all people feel welcome.”

Two separate campuses, one in Puyallup and one in Lakewood, make up the Pierce College District. Offering high school completion, certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and continuing education, Pierce College welcomes students at all stages of their educational path. “We welcome everyone. There is a place for everyone here regardless of where they are in their journey,” said White.

Pierce College Puyallup is in South Hill on 39th Avenue SE, not far from the retail hub of the city. This location allows easy access for residents in the surrounding area. The campus is filled with modern buildings that include wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances.

Featuring 140 acres, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is adjacent to the 342-acre Fort Steilacoom Park and Waughop Lake. This unique location offers views of the Puget Sound as well as walking trails and access to outdoor recreational fields. On-campus housing is available at the Fort Steilacoom campus, offering traditional, community-style living with support of resident advisers to assist with safety and community needs.

Pierce College offers 26 associate degrees, eight associate direct transfer agreement (DTA) degrees, six bachelor’s degrees, 52 certificate programs, and professional-technical degrees in a variety of areas of study including accounting, anthropology, computer science, criminal justice, geography, and writing. Classes are held on the quarter system and are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Pierce College also offers Running Start. Running Start offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credits towards an associate degree creating cost savings as well as time savings. Running Start students who graduate high school with their associate degrees may enter college as a junior.

Pierce College
pierce.ctc.edu

BY LYNN CASTLE