Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Portland Community College

Portland, OR

Total Enrollment

35,947

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

82

82 career programs

Full-Time Students

32,114

35,947 part-time

Total FTE

12,777

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
35,947
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 82
High diversity
~438 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Portland Community College operates as a large trade college with 35,947 students across 82 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 35,947 students, Portland Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 82 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 32,114 (47.2%)
47.2%
Part-Time Students 35,947 (52.8%)
52.8%
Total Students 68,061

Majority part-time students (52.8%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (89.3%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
56.7%
20,390 students
Men
43.3%
15,557 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
51.2%
18,397 students
White
51.2% (18,397)
Hispanic/Latino
20.8% (7,482)
Asian
8.0% (2,893)
Two or More Races
6.7% (2,426)
Black/African American
5.5% (1,986)
International Students
0.8% (291)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.7% (253)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.7% (238)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 35,947 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 51% of the student body (18,397 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

68,061 students

44% Men, 56% Women
32,114 Full-time
Diversity Index: 69% • Minority Students: 37%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

8,116
All full-time students
3,706 men, 4,410 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Undergraduate

8,116
Full-time undergraduate
3,706 men, 4,410 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Degree-Seeking

7,941
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
3,630 men, 4,311 women
Diversity: 69%

FT First-Time

2,134
Full-time first-time students
1,054 men, 1,080 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Continuing

5,807
Full-time continuing students
2,576 men, 3,231 women
Diversity: 69%

Part-Time Students

All Students

20,033
All students total
8,752 men, 11,281 women
Diversity: 68%

Transfer

1,141
Transfer-in students
474 men, 667 women
Diversity: 65%

Continuing

13,105
Continuing students
5,623 men, 7,482 women
Diversity: 68%

Non-Degree

1,668
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
708 men, 960 women
Diversity: 65%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

33,993
White
3,818
Black/African American
14,934
Hispanic/Latino
5,345
Asian
721
International
Diversity Index: 69% Minority Students: 37%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Portland Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 35,947 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (89.3%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 12,777 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

12000 SW 49th Avenue

Portland, OR 97219-7132

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials