Washington's innovative community college built for sustainability, equity, and active learning.
Cascadia offers two-year associate degrees, three bachelor's degree programs, continuing education, and professional/technical training across seven areas of interest: Business; College and Career Foundations; Communication, Creative Arts and Design; Earth Sciences, Sustainability and Environmental Studies; Health and Wellness; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and Social Sciences, Human Services and Education. Notable programs include a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Practices (BASSP) and an Associate in Water Resource Management, both emphasizing environmental stewardship and real-world project experience. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Cascadia's 128-acre campus is a model for environmental responsibility. The college has been pesticide-free since 2006 and features three LEED-certified buildings: the Global Learning and the Arts Building (Mobius Hall, LEED Platinum), Discovery Hall (LEED Gold), and Innovation Hall (LEED Gold, opened 2024). The campus includes a Food Forest, campus farm, rain gardens, and a 58-acre restored wetland (North Creek Wetland). In 2018–2024, Cascadia's grounds ranked #1 nationally by the AASHE STARS Sustainable Campus Index, and the Permaculture Cornucopia Food Forest won a national AASHE Campus Achievement Award in 2021.
Cascadia fosters an inclusive, equity-centered community through student clubs, leadership programs (including Phi Theta Kappa), and the Center for Inclusion, Advocacy, and Community. The college provides comprehensive support services: academic advising, tutoring (STEM and writing), counseling, health and wellness resources, food security (Kodiak Cave), and accessibility services. Campus housing is available, and the college emphasizes active learning and diverse, complex environments to prepare students for meaningful careers.
Cascadia maintains an open admissions policy with placement testing in English and Math to ensure students start in courses matching their skills and goals. The college serves high school students through Running Start and offers information sessions for prospective students. Outcomes are strong: 89% of Cascadia students transfer to universities, and graduates earn 9% higher annual wages than the state average for community college graduates; business graduates earn $16,000 more annually than peers at other Washington community colleges.