Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college located in Pasco, Washington, near the confluence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers in the southeastern part of the state. Established in 1955, CBC has grown to serve students in a broad region of the Pacific Northwest, offering a diverse array of academic programs, including popular majors in health sciences, engineering, and business. The college provides a mix of vocational training, transfer degree programs, and continuing education. With an inclusive approach to admissions, Columbia Basin College generally has a non-selective application process, aiming to accommodate a wide range of educational needs within the community and beyond.
The campus setting is suburban, providing a quiet, focused learning environment. CBC does not traditionally offer on-campus housing, which encourages a commuter college atmosphere, with many students living in the surrounding areas. While not primarily known for its athletic programs, CBC does field teams in several sports, including baseball and softball, and competes as the Hawks. The academic profile of the school is supported by skilled faculty and modern facilities designed to enhance the educational experience, with a particular emphasis on meeting regional workforce demands.
Columbia Basin College has an open admission policy which permits enrollment by any high school graduate or GED holding student. 3,424 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 2,768 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $5,319 plus fees of $640.
