What Is It Known For?
Portland Community College (PCC) began in 1961 as an adult education program within Portland Public Schools before becoming independent in 1968. Since then, the institution has grown into Oregon’s largest post-secondary school, now serving more than 50,000 students each year across the Portland metro area.
The college operates four main campuses, ten centers, and numerous community locations that bring courses and student services directly to neighborhoods throughout the region. This growth reflects PCC’s commitment to making education accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or what schedule they keep.
Degrees & Certifications
PCC offers associate degrees, certificates, and career pathway programs across hundreds of fields. Some of the programs you will find here include:
- Dental Assisting
- Building Construction
- Auto Collision Repair
- Journalism
- Multimedia
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
Portland Community College offers online, in-person, and hybrid courses to provide flexibility for students with varying schedules. Hybrid classes combine classroom instruction with online learning, allowing students to balance coursework with other commitments.
Health programs, like Medical Assisting, include clinical practicums or externships, giving students hands-on experience. Classes are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and online options further expand scheduling flexibility, making it easier to complete programs on a personal timetable.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Portland Community College is a legitimate institution. The school is regionally accredited through theNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Acceptance Rate
PCC maintains an open-enrollment policy with a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Oregon residents pay $138 per credit hour at PCC, while non-residents pay $288 per credit. A full-time course load of 12 credits costs approximately $2,400 per term for in-state students. However, these figures cover tuition only, and additional expenses like college service fees, books, and supplies will increase the total.
To understand the complete financial picture, use the PCC net price calculator before making your decision.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Management
- Marketing
- Communication
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Professional Services
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
Healthcare
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Exercise Science
- Health Information Management
- Medical Assisting
- Radiograph
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Nursing
- Veterinary Technology
Skilled Trades
- Construction Trades
- Electrician Apprenticeship Technology
- Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship
- Pre-Trades for Advanced Manufacturing
- Auto Collision Repair Technology
- Automotive Service Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Diesel Service Technology
- Facilities Maintenance Technology
- HVAC/R Installation
- Fire Protection Technology
- Landscape Technology
- CNC Milling
- Machine Manufacturing Technology
- Mechatronics
- Welding
Technology
- Computer Aided Design and Drafting
- Computer Information Systems
- Advanced Windows Network Security
- Cybersecurity
- Database Design and SQL
- Web Development and Design
- Computer Science
Campus Locations
Portland 705 N. Killingsworth St. Portland, OR 97217
Portland 17705 NW Springville Rd. Portland, OR 97229
Portland 2305 SE 82nd and Division, Portland, OR 97216
Portland 12000 SW 49th Ave. Portland, OR 97219
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Portland Community College (PCC) Cascade Campus is lauded for its high-quality instruction and specialized programs, but its overall rating is consistently dragged down by significant administrative failures, poor communication, and logistical issues like parking.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Instructors and Education Quality: The professors are widely praised for being “great,” caring, involved, and easy to talk to. Many students believe the quality of instruction is “equal or better than PSU” (Portland State University). The school is called “the place to go for a good education.”
Highly Praised Programs: The Music and Sonic Arts program is described as “life-changing” with “excellent” teachers. The EMT Program is commended for being “super affordable” with “super cool” instructors and a highly collaborative class environment.
Strong Support Systems (When Accessible): The school is noted for caring about student success and providing resources. The Resource Centers are described as “amazing,” and staff have been instrumental in helping students with serious matters, such as getting a record expunged.
Positive Campus Environment: The campus is generally described as “nice and clean,” with good security and an overall “close knit feeling.” Many students feel a strong sense of community and support.
Common Criticisms
Severe Administrative and Communication Failures: This is the most consistent and detailed criticism. Multiple reviewers (including very recent ones) state the advising staff is “terrible,” “difficult to deal with,” and “doesn’t return your calls.” Reviewers reported a lack of support for international students and that mental health support is “virtually non-existent.” One student reported being “mocked” by a staff member who was “very rude.”
Parking Fees and Difficulty: Parking is a major logistical pain point, described as “terrible” and “pooey.” The campus charges students for parking, and a reviewer complained the payment machine “screws you out of change.”
Inconsistent Instructor Quality: While most professors are praised, the quality is not universal. One student noted a math teacher who was an English teacher and “didn’t know the material,” suggesting a problem with some academic placements.
Perceived Political/Ideological Push: One reviewer commented on being “unsettled” by “forced ideologies” pushed upon students while attending.
Issues with Online Learning and Pandemic Response: Some students complained that the school was slow to return to in-person classes during the pandemic, which caused some students to fall behind.
Momentum
The momentum for PCC Cascade is split, reflecting its polarized rating. The most recent reviews (within the last 4 months) include enthusiastic praise for the excellent Music and Sonic Arts program and the clean campus. However, the severe administrative and support staff issues—specifically poor communication, lack of support, and rudeness—are also highlighted in reviews from the last month, a year ago, and three years ago. This indicates that while the quality of instruction in specialized programs remains excellent, the underlying problem of administrative dysfunction is a long-standing, unresolved issue that continues to frustrate students.