Public
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma Community College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$16,197Annual Cost
$47,168Grad Salary
24.3%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$9,321
Need-Based Aid
24.3% receive Pell
Tacoma Community College serves Washington's Pierce County with comprehensive academic and workforce programs. Established in 1965, the college offers over 70 degree and certificate programs with strengths in nursing, cybersecurity, and business. The campus features the 'Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning' and the 'Science and Engineering Building.'
TCC's 'Bachelor of Applied Science' degrees allow students to complete four-year programs. The college's 'Veterans Services' support military-connected students, while its 'Gig Harbor Campus' serves the Key Peninsula. TCC maintains strong transfer agreements with University of Washington campuses.
Tacoma Community College Acceptance Rate
Tacoma Community College 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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Tacoma Community College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Tacoma Community College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Tacoma Community College Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into Tacoma Community College Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Tacoma Community College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Tacoma Community College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Tacoma Community College provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Understand TCC's new holistic nursing admission process replaced pure GPA ranking
TCC's nursing program shifted to a "new, more holistic admission process" (implemented starting Winter '25), moving beyond a strict points formula. Complete all prerequisites (ENGL&101, CHEM&121/161, and others) with a B or higher - note there are no attempt or expiration date rules on these courses, so an old grade still counts, but only a B or better does.
Use the built-in essay-course fallback if your English grade dips
If you earn a B-, C+, or C in ENGL&101, TCC has a specific structural workaround: take a second designated English course and earn a B or higher there instead to still meet the requirement. Know this fallback exists rather than assuming one weak English grade disqualifies you outright.
Claim your extra ranking point if you've applied to nursing before
TCC's holistic process awards a point specifically to applicants who have previously applied to the nursing program - a genuine, documented advantage for persistence. If this is a reapplication, answer that question accurately on your application, since it's a real scoring factor, not just a formality.
If pursuing the BSN-track DTA/MRP pathway, protect your factored-course grades within the 5-year window
TCC's Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program (a 3-year pathway to a university BSN) requires a minimum B grade within two attempts in a 5-year period on specific "factored" courses (including all academic withdrawals counting against you), plus a 2.5 overall GPA across all colleges attended. Track this specific 5-year, two-attempt rule carefully if you're building toward the BSN transfer track rather than the standard AAS.
Expert Insight:
Because TCC is fully open-admission with no essay or recommendation letters required for general enrollment, students sometimes assume nursing follows the same low-friction path. It doesn't: admission is now a holistic, points-and-lottery process with strict prerequisite grade minimums (B or higher, no exceptions for C+ or below without the English fallback), and applicants who are not selected must reapply in the next full cycle - there's no partial credit for "close but not quite."
Tacoma Community College Profile
Full Name
Tacoma Community College
City
Tacoma
State
Washington
ZIP Code
98466-6100
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Tacoma Community College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Tacoma Community College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Tacoma Community College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Tacoma Community College is $58,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.37%.
How much does a degree from Tacoma Community College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Tacoma Community College is $16,197. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Tacoma Community College is $9,321.
24.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 13.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Tacoma Community College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Tacoma Community College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Tacoma Community College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Tacoma Community College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $47,168. An average Tacoma Community College 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 $40,595.
Degree Programs at Tacoma Community College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Tacoma Community College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Tacoma Community College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $47,168 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $16,197 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
24.3% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
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.
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.