Columbia Basin College serves Washington's Tri-Cities region with comprehensive academic and workforce programs. Established in 1955, the college offers over 100 degree and certificate programs with strengths in agriculture, nursing, and advanced manufacturing. The 159-acre Pasco campus features the 'Gjerde Center' and the 'Health Science Center.'
CBC's 'Honors Program' provides enhanced academic opportunities, while its 'Workforce Education' services support career training. The college's 'Veterans Center' serves military-connected students, and its 'Early Learning Center' provides childcare. CBC plays a key role in regional workforce development.
Columbia Basin College Acceptance Rate
Columbia Basin College (CBC) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Columbia Basin College Admission Requirements
CBC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at CBC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 0, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| -0.20 – -0.01 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| -0.40 – -0.21 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below -0.41 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At CBC, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Columbia Basin College (CBC) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
CBC Profile
Name: Columbia Basin College (CBC)
Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
How much does a degree from CBC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Columbia Basin College is USD: 16341. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Columbia Basin College is USD: 8820
How can I get a scholarship?
25.37% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 3.86 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CBC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Columbia Basin College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CBC as your choice in the form.
How much a CBC Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 46680. An average CBC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Registered Nursing
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia Basin College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46680 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $16341 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Columbia Basin College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.