Student Enrollment

Understand who studies at Portland Community College — from total enrollment and demographics to attendance status.

Portland, OR

What Are the Enrollment Numbers at Portland Community College?

Total Enrollment

20,861

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

133

133 career programs

Full-Time Students

8,138

12,723 part-time

Total FTE

13,332

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

18:1

Students per faculty member

How Portland Community College Compares

Enrollment of 20,861 places Portland Community College on the larger end of trade-college scale. 39% full-time mix indicates flexibility for working students. Larger schools often translate to wider trade specializations and more robust placement support.

What Is the Student Body Size at Portland Community College?

Training Program Focus

1787
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
4538
Total Recent Graduates

With 20,861 students, Portland Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 133 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend Portland Community College?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 8,138 (39.0%)
39.0%
Part-Time Students 12,723 (61.0%)
61.0%
Total Students 20,861

Majority part-time students (61.0%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (39.0%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students at Portland Community College?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
56.2%
11,715 students
Men
43.8%
9,146 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
49.9%
10,406 students
White
49.9% (10,406)
Hispanic/Latino
22.9% (4,770)
Asian
8.1% (1,693)
Two or More Races
7.0% (1,459)
Black/African American
5.4% (1,136)
International Students
0.8% (166)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.6% (130)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.6% (123)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 20,861 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 50% of the student body (10,406 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 at Portland Community College?

Undergraduate students

20,861 students

44% Men, 56% Women
8,138 Full-time 12,723 Part-time
Diversity Index: 68% • Minority Students: 38%

What Are the Attendance Patterns at Portland Community College?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

8,138
All full-time students
3,812 men, 4,326 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Undergraduate

Subtotal
8,138
Full-time undergraduate
= 7,973 Degree-Seeking + 165 Non-Degree
3,812 men, 4,326 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Degree-Seeking

Subtotal
7,973
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
= 2,251 First-Time + 5,722 Other Degree-Seeking
3,737 men, 4,236 women
Diversity: 70%

FT First-Time

2,251
Full-time first-time students
1,109 men, 1,142 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Other Degree-Seeking

Subtotal
5,722
Full-time transfers-in plus continuing
= 780 Transfer + 4,942 Continuing
2,628 men, 3,094 women
Diversity: 69%

FT Transfer

780
Full-time transfer-in students
367 men, 413 women
Diversity: 66%

FT Continuing

4,942
Full-time continuing students
2,261 men, 2,681 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Non-Degree

165
Full-time non-degree seeking
75 men, 90 women
Diversity: 75%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

12,723
All part-time students
5,334 men, 7,389 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Undergraduate

Subtotal
12,723
Part-time undergraduate
= 11,558 Degree-Seeking + 1,165 Non-Degree
5,334 men, 7,389 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Degree-Seeking

Subtotal
11,558
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
= 2,421 First-Time + 9,137 Other Degree-Seeking
4,817 men, 6,741 women
Diversity: 67%

PT First-Time

2,421
Part-time first-time students
1,094 men, 1,327 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Other Degree-Seeking

Subtotal
9,137
Part-time transfers-in plus continuing
= 864 Transfer + 8,273 Continuing
3,723 men, 5,414 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Transfer

864
Part-time transfer-in students
311 men, 553 women
Diversity: 63%

PT Continuing

8,273
Part-time continuing students
3,412 men, 4,861 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Non-Degree

1,165
Part-time non-degree seeking
517 men, 648 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 at Portland Community College?

Undergraduate students

10,406
White
1,136
Black/African American
4,770
Hispanic/Latino
1,693
Asian
166
International
Diversity Index: 68% Minority Students: 38%

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 20,861 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
Academic Intensity: 13,332 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (18:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
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
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