Washington's largest community college district serving Pierce County with two main campuses and comprehensive transfer and career pathways.
Pierce College offers eight associate degrees and six Bachelor of Applied Science degrees across more than 100 courses of study, including accounting, anthropology, computer science, criminal justice, geography, and writing. Classes operate on a quarter system. The college provides Running Start programs for high school students, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and GED preparation. Community and Continuing Education programs include hands-on courses in cooking, art, gardening, technology, fitness, and foreign languages.
The district operates two main campuses approximately 20 miles apart, with the Puyallup location serving a larger student population. Pierce College Raiders athletics compete in the Northwest Athletic Conference with six women's teams (basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track and field, volleyball), three men's teams (baseball, basketball, soccer), and a cheer squad. Student publications include The Pinnacle (formerly The Puyallup Post) and SLAM, a student literary and arts magazine. Campus resources include fitness centers, childcare centers, a dental hygiene clinic, and a science dome.
Pierce College continuously accepts admissions applications year-round. Applicants must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, or qualify through Running Start or similar programs. Application types include Academic (for transfer), Professional Technical (for career certificates), Baccalaureate (for bachelor's degrees), Non-Award Seeking, and Transitional Studies (for pre-college coursework). International student applications are also accepted. The admissions application is valid for one year.
Pierce College was recognized as Washington's 34th community college in 1999 and earned the #1 ranking for veterans by Military Times in 2021. The college provides comprehensive student support services including advising, tutoring, mental health counseling, disability services, and TRIO/Upward Bound programs. Work-study and student employment opportunities are available both on and off campus through partnerships with community employers.