Portland Community College
Portland, OR, USA

Reviews

Portland Community College

Jakob from Portland, OR

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am definitely learning all I need and it is great. I was at first hesitant about going to a community college for the first year but I soon found out that that is not at all a problem. I thought classes at a University would be more informative and a better experience. Starting at a community college, especially PCC, is a great idea.
Am enjoying being here
I don't have a computer so I do believe I am here a bit too much, but at the same time I am very happy that they have a computer center I can go to to get my work done.
Bang for the buck
This is effeminately a great way to save so much money. Portland Community College is a low spending college that still offers good schooling.
Tips for prospective students
If you do plan on attending PCC, try to do everything as soon as you can. The earlier you get things in the better. You will have less stress about those things and you will quickly be ready for the next. Also, if you are not computer savvy get use to one. They do a lot of things online, which in the long run is good.
Great for these types of students
Portland Community College is really good for all students. If you have a schedule to work around, they can work with it; if you don't have a computer, they can help; if you plan to transfer to a University, they can easily help you transfer and still save you tons of money. You can range from any age too, high school (duel-in-roll), fresh out of high school, working man/woman, mother, father, etc.

Kathy from Portland, OR

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here at PCC are very knowledgeable about the subject at hand. They are always there for their students with helpful answers and want each student to succeed.
Am enjoying being here
I love each campus at PCC. They are four main campuses serving the metro area, along with several other centers, so it is easy to for anyone living in and around Portland. They are tons of clubs and activities you can join - something for everyone.
Bang for the buck
Most of the teachers teach at Portland State University as well, so we have the same instructors teaching our classes at a much lower cost. Any science instructor I've had, has their PhD and has done a lot of research on their field of study - so they know a lot!
Tips for prospective students
Put your admissions application in early, always check on financial aide. They are a lot of students who attend PCC and admissions rate goes up every year. If there is ever something you are unsure of, don't hesitate to ask, any staff member would be gladly to assist - they always have a smile on their face whenever I ask questions.
Great for these types of students
Students who are unsure about what major they want to focus on, Students looking to obtain an associates degree, Students looking to transfer to a 4-year college.

Paul from Beaverton, OR

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My major is Mechanical Engineering so i need hands on classes and so far the school has provided me with that.
Am enjoying being here
I like the atmosphere of the school. It's like highschool without restrictions and the people that are there actually want to learn so i feel more like i can do what i need to do to be successful in my classes without someone making fun of me because i actually care about my education.
Bang for the buck
For how low the price is of community college compared to a university, i feel like i get the right amount of attention because the classes are small just like in highschool and i ask questions a lot so that's good for me to still be able to.
Tips for prospective students
if you are wanting to do a bachelors or higher in a study of your choice best way to do it is transfer credits over after you've been at pcc. The counselors will help you with your term schedule so you can make sure your taking classes that are going to transfer to you university of choice... USE YOUR RESOURCES THE SCHOOL GIVES YOU! you save money in the end. University for 13 credits= approx 5,000... pcc for 13= approx 2.000. it's also smart if your coming from highschool straight into college because if you go to a university first you most likely won't be ready because they teach at 300 level...aka HARD... pcc you can start in the 10's then go up from there. They're super flexible.

Samantha from Beaverton, OR

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at PCC are just as qualified to teach at a community college as they are at a university. A lot of them simply choose to be in a less restricted work environment than a university. PCC also offers a fantastic variety of classes so you will not be stuck in a class you do not like.
Am enjoying being here
PCC has made it so easy to attend. The campuses are lovely. They are also pretty clean and have all the resources a student will need. You also get $10 every term to use in the computer labs for printing materials (it's like 5 cents a page).
Bang for the buck
If you are looking to go to college in a 100 mile radius of Portland,OR, go to PCC. It costs almost half of what Portland State University costs. The universities also have hidden fees and if you are living in a dorm, forget about it. You will be paying a year's tuition at the university just to live at the university.
Tips for prospective students
Know your options. Apply for as many scholarships as possible and start early. Start when you are a sophomore in high school. Decide how you will get to school (ie: public transit, bike, car, PCC shuttle). Get your textbooks before the term starts so you can get used ones.
Great for these types of students
PCC does have a lot of returning students who were in the workforce for 3, 5, 10 years, and are now going back to school. But you'd be surprised by how many recent high school graduates attend PCC as well! PCC has a mixture of people of different ethnicity's, ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Charmain from Vancouver, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Portland Community College is an amazing school! From the professors to the administration I have furthered my education with confidence and guidance. I am almost done with my AAOT degree and on to nursing school. Thanks PCC I give you an A+.
Tips for prospective students
Get a grad plan right away so you don't end up with a lot of credits that don't count on a degree. Utilize all the great services that PCC has to offer such as the Career Counseling Center, academic adviser and the ASPCC.
Academic Rigor
The work load can be heavy but we have tutors and library help plus your professors are happy to help.
Dorm Life
There are no dorms available at PCC.
Food and Dining
We have great cafeterias with many healthy options. Free coffee and popcorn in the underground (ASPCC).
What to do for fun
I'm in Portland so there is a lot to do for fun. Museums, live entertainment, parks, and the zoo.
Bang for the buck
I feel that I really get my moneys worth at PCC. Computer labs are always available if you need a computer, scanner, or copier.
Great for these types of students
All types. We are a very diversified group here.
Campus Safety
There is a lot of patrols around the campus to ensure our safety.

Meagan from Eugene, OR

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
PCC offers a diverse and welcoming community.
PCC has excellent course selections!
PCC campuses are beautiful and the shuttle is a terrific resource for students!
Tips for prospective students
Buy extra locks for your bike.
Dorm Life
I have not lived in the dorms at this college
What to do for fun
There is always great, live, free music
Bang for the buck
The professors are well educated and I feel I am getting a great education.

Walker from Newberg, OR

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Child that once was bullied!
Wow, flying higher then Funky Chicken.
Whom Am I ? Eagle
Tips for prospective students
Never let no one say you can't do anything. Haters going to hate, and snakes going to hiss. Step over them and Soar :)
Academic Rigor
Smile only the strong survive.
Dorm Life
Get your own place & don't trust anyone that's into everyone else business, and that's a follower
Food and Dining
Learn to cook ,cheaper.
What to do for fun
Focus, keep you eyes on the prize.
Bang for the buck
Goodwill not Macy's
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Wow is they from Earth?
Great for these types of students
Be careful whom you trust.
Campus Safety
Always watch for anything that's not normal

Kyle from Portland, OR

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
PCC is a great place for students to develop. Between the various campuses, there is a wide variety of programs of study, including skilled trades. A high level of instructional quality is expected from professors at PCC, and typical instructors are helpful to students.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the student center to learn about ASPCC programs and events for students.
Also inquire about clubs at the student center. Clubs help enhance your experience, and they are easy to charter.
Academic Rigor
The professors who last here keep students challenged here and also grade fairly.
Food and Dining
Standards of cleanliness are maintained. Rock Creek and Cascade locations do not offer as much variety as Sylvania. Food service is also working on making more vegan options available.
What to do for fun
ASPCC hosts a variety of social and recreational events througout the fall, winter, and spring terms.
Bang for the buck
In my academic program, the instructional quality prepares students well for four-year colleges and universities. Tuition costs are also low at PCC.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Environmental Studies Center at Rock Creek: 110 acres including forest, grassland, and wetland environments. The west-side forest trail is typically open to all students throughout the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Great for these types of students
students looking to transfer to four-year institutions, those looking to take courses for self-development, high school students looking to earn college credits in the early college program, post-baccalaureate students pursuing a new academic field, those aspiring to learn skilled trades
Clubs and Activities
Clubs are easy to charter. Funding is approved by ASPCC, the student government body. Being a two-year college, however, club leaders depart the school frequently, making club momentum difficult to maintain.
Campus Safety
Excellent: high traffic areas are well-maintained. The public safety office is located in an easy-to-find location, and the officers are helpful.

Angie from Portland, OR

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This institution is packed wit excellent educators and a strong curriculum. I've always felt like my tuition money was well spent at Portland Community College and I recommend them to everyone that is ready to get going for college.
Tips for prospective students
I used a professor rating website to pick and choose my instructors but PCC has so many great ones that it wasn't really necessary.
Academic Rigor
The health and medicine geared classes really are intense but worth it, they are setting their students up for success.
Food and Dining
just fine
What to do for fun
Hike, bike, intramural leagues, yoga, dance
Bang for the buck
Extremely well worth the money spent, the instructors are excellent.
Campus Safety
Sylvania campus is the best and it is beautiful as well

Melissa from Portland, OR

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
portland community college has wonderful atmosphere, free shuttles to all campus locations and teachers who care about education.
Tips for prospective students
register early so you can have all of your classes located on one campus.
Academic Rigor
everything is laid out for your success.
Dorm Life
none.
Food and Dining
none.