Tacoma Community College vs Green River College

Tacoma Community College and Green River College, both esteemed institutions in the Pacific Northwest, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking higher education. Tacoma Community College, located in the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington, boasts an acceptance rate of 100%, welcoming students from all backgrounds. Green River College, situated in the scenic city of Auburn, Washington, has a slightly more selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 98%. While both colleges offer a wide range of academic programs, Tacoma Community College is renowned for its strong programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, while Green River College excels in STEM fields, business, and healthcare. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions between these two exceptional institutions, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and popular majors, to determine the ideal fit for your educational aspirations.

	Green River College	Tacoma Community College
Overview
Location	Auburn, Washington	Tacoma, Washington
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate
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: $20,094 Out of state: $20,556	In state: $20,046 Out of state: $25,508
Average net price	$9,324	$8,606
Tuition	In state: $3,826 Out of state: $4,288	In state: $4,486 Out of state: $9,948
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	35.0% Average amount $6,502	37.0% Average amount $5,638
Students receiving federal student loan	6.0% Average amount $3,832	11.0% Average amount $5,782
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $9,104	0.0% Average amount $14,105

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	6,559 Men 48.3% Women 51.7%	5,359 Men 35.1% Women 64.9%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	3.6%	4.8%
International students	10.4%	2.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
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	Washington California Oregon Idaho Texas	Washington Alaska California Oregon Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Computer and Information Science Health Professions Transportation and Logistics	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Agriculture
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	38.0%	37.3%
Dropout rate	34.8%	35.0%
Transferred out	18.1%	21.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: N/A	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $65,226 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $68,559 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $64,968 Year 2: $48,823 Year 3: $58,024 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $66,538 Year 2: $61,814 Year 3: $57,956 Legal Support Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $37,932 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $36,924 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $36,155 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,824 Year 3: $30,765 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $28,998 Year 2: $24,615 Year 3: $30,603 Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $32,954 Year 2: $31,848 Year 3: $29,660 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $34,003 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Human Services, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $28,611 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Tacoma Community College (TCC) and Green River College (GRC)?

Tacoma Community College (TCC) is located in Tacoma, Washington, offering a more urban environment, while Green River College (GRC) is situated in Auburn, Washington, providing a more suburban setting. TCC is known for its strong transfer programs and diverse student body. GRC is recognized for its aviation programs, outdoor recreation opportunities, and international student programs. Consider your preferred learning environment and program interests when deciding.
Which college, TCC or GRC, is better for transfer programs to four-year universities?

Both Tacoma Community College (TCC) and Green River College (GRC) have well-established transfer programs. TCC has strong articulation agreements with many Washington state universities, particularly the University of Washington Tacoma. GRC also has transfer agreements, and its location allows for easy access to universities in the Seattle area. The 'better' choice depends on your intended transfer university and program; research which college has stronger ties or specific transfer pathways to your desired institution.
Does either TCC or GRC specialize in specific academic programs?

Yes. While both offer a wide range of programs, Green River College (GRC) is particularly known for its aviation programs, including flight technology and air traffic control. Tacoma Community College (TCC) has a strong reputation for its nursing and healthcare programs, as well as its visual and performing arts programs. If you're interested in these specific fields, consider the college with the stronger reputation and resources in that area.
How do the campus environments of TCC and GRC compare?

Tacoma Community College (TCC) offers a more urban campus experience, being located in the city of Tacoma. This provides easy access to city amenities, cultural events, and public transportation. Green River College (GRC), located in Auburn, offers a more suburban and spacious campus with a greater emphasis on outdoor recreation. If you prefer a bustling city environment, TCC might be a better fit. If you prefer a quieter, more nature-oriented setting, GRC could be a better choice.
What are the tuition costs like at TCC and GRC?

Tuition costs at Tacoma Community College (TCC) and Green River College (GRC) are generally comparable, as they are both Washington state community colleges. However, it's always best to check the most current tuition rates on each college's official website, as they can change. Also, consider additional fees, such as technology or activity fees, which may vary slightly between the two institutions.
Which college has better resources for international students, TCC or GRC?

Green River College (GRC) has a particularly strong and well-established international student program. They offer extensive support services, including dedicated advisors, cultural events, and housing assistance specifically tailored for international students. While Tacoma Community College (TCC) also welcomes international students, GRC's program is often cited as being more comprehensive.
What student support services are available at both TCC and GRC?

Both Tacoma Community College (TCC) and Green River College (GRC) offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability support services, and financial aid assistance. They also provide resources like libraries, computer labs, and student clubs and organizations. Check each college's website for a complete list of services and how to access them.
How do the class sizes typically compare between TCC and GRC?

Generally, class sizes at both Tacoma Community College (TCC) and Green River College (GRC) are relatively small compared to larger universities. This allows for more personalized attention from instructors. While specific class sizes can vary depending on the program and course, you can expect a similar student-to-faculty ratio at both institutions.
Which college is easier to commute to if I live in Seattle?

Green River College (GRC) is generally easier to commute to from Seattle, as it's located closer to the city in Auburn. Tacoma Community College (TCC) is further south, in Tacoma, which can make for a longer commute, especially during peak traffic hours. Consider your specific location in Seattle and traffic patterns when making your decision.
Do TCC and GRC offer online learning options?

Yes, both Tacoma Community College (TCC) and Green River College (GRC) offer a variety of online courses and programs. The availability of specific programs online may vary, so it's best to check each college's website to see which courses are offered in an online format. This provides flexibility for students who prefer to learn remotely.

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