Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at South Puget Sound Community College

Olympia, WA

Total Enrollment

7,703

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

48

48 career programs

Full-Time Students

8,340

7,703 part-time

Total FTE

3,359

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
7,703
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 48
High diversity
~160 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

South Puget Sound Community College operates as a large trade college with 7,703 students across 48 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 7,703 students, South Puget Sound Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 48 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 8,340 (52.0%)
52.0%
Part-Time Students 7,703 (48.0%)
48.0%
Total Students 16,043

Balanced mix of full-time (52.0%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (108.3%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
60.1%
4,630 students
Men
39.9%
3,073 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
50.3%
3,872 students
White
50.3% (3,872)
Hispanic/Latino
14.9% (1,147)
Two or More Races
10.5% (807)
Asian
7.3% (566)
Black/African American
3.6% (277)
International Students
1.4% (108)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.6% (49)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.5% (40)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (60%) across 7,703 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 50% of the student body (3,872 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 60% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

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

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

16,043 students

42% Men, 58% Women
8,340 Full-time
Diversity Index: 71% • Minority Students: 28%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

2,628
All full-time students
1,146 men, 1,482 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Undergraduate

2,628
Full-time undergraduate
1,146 men, 1,482 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,542
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
708 men, 834 women
Diversity: 73%

FT First-Time

550
Full-time first-time students
275 men, 275 women
Diversity: 73%

FT Continuing

992
Full-time continuing students
433 men, 559 women
Diversity: 72%

Part-Time Students

All Students

4,252
All students total
1,732 men, 2,520 women
Diversity: 70%

Transfer

278
Transfer-in students
97 men, 181 women
Diversity: 70%

Continuing

1,613
Continuing students
630 men, 983 women
Diversity: 71%

Non-Degree

1,560
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
614 men, 946 women
Diversity: 67%

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

7,812
White
597
Black/African American
2,551
Hispanic/Latino
1,204
Asian
350
International
Diversity Index: 71% Minority Students: 28%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

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

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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 South Puget Sound Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 7,703 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (108.3%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 3,359 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 43% taking some online courses.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
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

2011 Mottman Rd SW

Olympia, WA 98512-6292

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