Portland CC vs Clackamas Community College

Portland Community College (PCC) and Clackamas Community College (CCC) stand as two prominent educational institutions in Oregon, each offering a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities. While both colleges share a commitment to providing accessible and affordable education, they also possess distinct characteristics that cater to different student needs and preferences. PCC boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with varying academic backgrounds. In contrast, CCC maintains a slightly lower acceptance rate, ensuring a more selective and competitive admissions process. When it comes to popular majors, PCC excels in liberal arts and sciences, while CCC specializes in career-oriented programs such as nursing, business, and engineering. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, graduation rates, student body demographics, and popular majors offered by both PCC and CCC. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal goals.

	Clackamas Community College	Portland Community College
Overview
Location	Oregon City, Oregon	Portland, Oregon
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	59.0%	61.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $20,280 Out of state: $27,705	In state: $22,399 Out of state: $27,259
Average net price	$5,174	$9,922
Tuition	In state: $5,040 Out of state: $12,465	In state: $4,428 Out of state: $9,288
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	74.0% Average amount $4,894	71.0% Average amount $4,852
Students receiving federal student loan	61.0% Average amount $5,649	19.0% Average amount $4,643
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $2,500	0.0% Average amount $9,043

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,206 Men 50.2% Women 49.8%	21,029 Men 42.2% Women 57.8%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	5.2%	N/A
International students	0.4%	0.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Oregon Washington California Idaho Georgia	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Engineering Technologies Public Administration and Social Service	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	24.2%	17.8%
Dropout rate	38.9%	61.9%
Transferred out	28.6%	17.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $31,314 Year 3: $39,921 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $27,295 Year 3: $36,042 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,141 Year 3: $31,649 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,084 Year 3: $30,312 Social Work (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,774 Year 3: $26,954 Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: N/A Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,416 Year 3: N/A Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $28,469 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $31,596 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $33,871 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $63,563 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $80,297 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $61,693 Year 2: $59,253 Year 3: $70,372 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $58,748 Year 2: $59,950 Year 3: $68,990 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $57,302 Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $66,206 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $67,691 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $62,015 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $45,851 Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: $52,238 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $52,580 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $51,288 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $46,384 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $50,966 Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $51,482 Year 3: $49,064 Legal Support Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $43,544 Year 2: $38,072 Year 3: $45,373

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Portland Community College (PCC) and Clackamas Community College (CCC)?

PCC is a larger, multi-campus institution serving a wider geographic area within Portland, while CCC is a single-campus college located in Oregon City. PCC generally offers a broader range of programs and services due to its size, whereas CCC provides a more close-knit, community-focused environment. Consider your preferred learning environment and program availability when deciding.
Which college, PCC or CCC, is more affordable?

Tuition rates at both PCC and CCC are generally comparable for in-state students. However, it's best to check their respective websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules. Also, explore financial aid options, scholarships, and payment plans offered by each college, as these can significantly impact the overall cost.
Which college has a better selection of academic programs?

PCC, being a larger institution, typically offers a wider variety of academic programs, including more specialized degrees and certificates. CCC has a strong reputation for specific programs like automotive technology, welding, and nursing. Research the specific programs you're interested in at both colleges to see which aligns best with your academic goals.
How do the campus environments compare between PCC and CCC?

PCC has multiple campuses spread throughout the Portland metro area, each with its own unique atmosphere. This allows you to choose a campus that's convenient and suits your learning style. CCC has a single, main campus in Oregon City, offering a more centralized and community-oriented experience. Consider whether you prefer a larger, more diverse environment or a smaller, more intimate setting.
What student support services are available at PCC and CCC?

Both PCC and CCC offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability services, and student life activities. PCC, due to its size, may have a larger and more specialized support staff. Check each college's website for a comprehensive list of services and resources available to students.
How do PCC and CCC handle transfer credits to four-year universities?

Both PCC and CCC are designed to facilitate transfer to four-year universities in Oregon and beyond. They have articulation agreements with many institutions, ensuring that your credits will transfer smoothly. It's crucial to work closely with an academic advisor at either college to plan your coursework and ensure that you meet the transfer requirements of your desired university.
What are the class sizes like at PCC and CCC?

Generally, class sizes at both PCC and CCC are smaller than those at four-year universities, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors. CCC may have slightly smaller class sizes on average due to its smaller overall size. However, class sizes can vary depending on the specific course and program.
Which college is better for online learning?

Both PCC and CCC offer a variety of online courses and programs. PCC, with its larger infrastructure, may have a more extensive selection of online options. However, CCC is also committed to providing quality online learning experiences. Explore the online course catalogs of both colleges to see which offers the courses you need in a format that suits your learning style.
What kind of extracurricular activities and student clubs are available at PCC and CCC?

Both PCC and CCC offer a range of extracurricular activities and student clubs to enhance your college experience. PCC, with its larger student body, may have a wider variety of clubs and organizations. CCC also offers a vibrant student life with opportunities to get involved in clubs, sports, and other activities. Check each college's website or student life office for a current list of offerings.
How do I decide which college, PCC or CCC, is the right fit for me?

The best way to decide is to visit both campuses (if possible), talk to current students and faculty, and research the specific programs you're interested in. Consider your academic goals, learning style, preferred campus environment, and financial situation. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

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