Lower Columbia College is a community college.
Community colleges in the United States are public, government-supported institutions of higher education. Community colleges primarily offer affordable associate degrees. Associate degrees are often completed in two-years and may be referred to as “two-year degrees.”
Associate degrees prepare students for paths to the workforce (vocation readiness) and to transfer to university (academic readiness).
Community college is a common path in the United States. In 2025, approximately 10 million students enrolled in community college according to the American Association of Community Colleges. On average between 2022 and 2025, 41-44% of undergraduate students in the United States were enrolled in community colleges, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The majority of international students who begin at community college may choose to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree. This is known as the “2+2 model” with two years at a community college and then two years at university to complete a bachelor degree.
Why choose LCC?
The benefits for choosing LCC include:
- Accessible – Simple admissions process. No test or exams required.
- Affordable – Low tuition cost compared to big universities.
- Supportive – Small class sizes, high-touch model with faculty and staff
- Transferable – Transfer agreements with state and regional universities
- Housing – Fully furnished apartments, a 5-minute walk from campus
LCC is known for high quality Associate’s Degrees for university transfer and vocation readiness. LCC also offers English language learning, professional certificates, and bachelor degree programs.
LCC is a member of Washington state's community college system, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the United States. According to the most recent 2026 data from WalletHub, Washington's system is ranked #5 in the nation overall. (Source: States with the Best & Worst Community-College Systems in 2026).
Contact International Programs
The office is open for students and visitors Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Fridays 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Office hours during the breaks may differ, and the campus is closed on Fridays during the Summer session. We are in Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7) from March through November, and Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8) from December through February.
International Programs Office
Alan Thompson Library (LIB) 110
(360) 442-2310
international@lowercolumbia.edu