Washington's second-largest higher education system, serving 32,800 students across three urban colleges.
Seattle Colleges offers more than 130 career and technical education programs and academic transfer programs organized by eight areas of study. Programs culminate in certificates, associate degrees, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees. The district also provides college transfer options, continuing education, concurrent high school enrollment, high school completion programs, Adult Basic Education/English as a Second Language, and corporate and customized training.
The district operates three urban colleges plus five specialty centers: Georgetown Campus, Health Education Center, NewHolly Campus, Seattle Maritime Academy, and Wood Technology Center. Each college provides extensive student services including course advising, tutoring, career counseling, job placement, child care, and libraries. The median student age is 28, reflecting a diverse population of working adults and traditional students.
Seattle Colleges serves as a major transfer pathway to the University of Washington and other four-year institutions. The Seattle Promise program, launched in 2018 and renewed through 2032, removes financial barriers by covering tuition for up to two years or 90 credits for Seattle public high school graduates. Running Start allows public high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit tuition-free.
The district's origins trace to 1902 with Broadway High School on Capitol Hill. After World War II, it became Edison Technical School, offering college-level courses starting in 1966 as Seattle Community College. North and South Seattle Community Colleges opened in 1970. The district is governed by a board of trustees appointed by the governor and approved by the state Senate, with Chancellor Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap leading since 2022.