Student Demographics

These numbers are also available for 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, and 2006-2007.

More than 25,000 individuals find the education they need at Pierce College each year. Our students are diverse in many ways.

pie chart showing percentages of students at each site.
FS: 32% - PY: 22% - Fort Lewis: 15%. all others account for less than 10% each.

Number of Students, Fall 2005:

4,021 at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
2,753 at Pierce College Puyallup
489 Distance Learning
1,886 at Fort Lewis
540 at Mc Chord Air Force Base
1,028 Earmy-U
880 at Other Contracted Sites
1,062 Continuing Education/Student Supported

12,659 Total Headcount

7,258.62 District-Wide FTES (full-time equivalent)

25,456 Students served during the 2005-06 Year

Who was the average Pierce College student for Fall 2005?

Average age is 28.4 years
41.7% are 18-24 years old
15.2% are 40-59 years old
53.0% are women, (19.6% of female students are 30 years or older)
30.3% are from minority groups
3.7% are disabled
1.5% are international students
43.5% are enrolled in college transfer programs
30.0% are in vocational education/workforce training programs
8.6% are learning basic skills or working toward high school diplomas
7.0% are Running Start students
8.4% enroll in continuing education offerings
64.5% attend part-time based upon 11 credits or less.

Degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas Awarded through Pierce College

Associate Degrees Awarded - 2005-2006

996 - Associate in Arts & Sciences: With this transferable degree, graduates can attend four-year colleges and universities with full junior standing. The wide range of courses also provides a broad general education for those who do not plan to earn four-year degrees.
408 - Associate in Technology: This degree prepares graduates for immediate employment in business or industry.

Certificates/Diplomas Awarded - 2005-2006

336 - Vocational Certificates
78 - High School Diplomas