Pierce College District
Lakewood, WA, USA

Reviews

Pierce College District

Joon from Lakewood, WA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is a great school for anyone wanting to broaden their education. The school provides not only provides a vast variety of classes, but also the instructors truly care that you retain the information for your future career. Resources are never a shortage because the school does a great job giving back to the students.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely consider Pierce College as a main choice. As a community college, the staff is very friendly and are always willing to help you get to the next step in your educational career. The resources available to you are vast and wide so you'll never get stuck.
Academic Rigor
The instructors all do a good job at making sure the classwork and homework are managed well. They demand the utmost attention to work and quality of work. However, the instructors are always willing to meet up and help you through those difficult problems.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is not existent. Being a community college, many of the students are commuters. There is, however, many apartments near by that are filled with Pierce College students.
Food and Dining
The Hub is a great place to not only get a great meal but also meet new friends. If you want Italian you can get Sabino's Pizza. Feeling something different? They also have a Noodle House as well,
What to do for fun
The college does a great job offering events and intramural sports available. They have weekly social gathering that is always a perfect place to mingle with the student body.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is about average for the cost. However, the perks attached to being a student at Pierce is insurmountable. Students not only have access to the remodeled Health Education Center, but the computer labs offer top of the line technology.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Pierce has great tutoring centers on their location. They do a great job at offering them at multiple locations so that you're never too far away from tutoring. Also, they have an annual pie to the face event.
Great for these types of students
Pierce is great for any level of education. They offer more specialized education for those who know what they want to be. Also, they have a more generalized branch of education for those who just aren't sure what they want to be quite yet.
Clubs and Activities
Walking down the halls, its hard not to see signs on the walls that aren't promoting new upcoming events. There are always sport events going on for athletes or sport lovers. For those more artistic souls, their choirs are awesome!
Greek Life
They an international honor society that goes by the name of Phi Theta Kappa
Campus Safety
At all times of the day and night there is a security guard available to walk you to your car or to the bus stop after those late night classes. During the day, they're constantly patrolling the campus making sure everyone is being safe.

Angela from Tacoma, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Pierce College - fort steilacoom overall is a good school. They are well priced, diverse and provide many opportunities to get involved on campus. And while the office staff left me frustrated after sending me in circles for over a month, the instructors have been absolutely amazing!
Tips for prospective students
Know what you want/need.
Find out what degree you want and what classes you need, because you will get little to no help from the office and advising staff.
Make an academic plan, and if you plan to transfer, start getting connected with any prospective schools to find out what they require of you, so you don't waist time and money.
Academic Rigor
The teachers I have had so far have been amazing. They have been passionate and more than willing to take the time to help you understand the materials.
Food and Dining
I have not experience the food and dining.
What to do for fun
With the exception of Steilacoom park (a very big park), there is little to do around campus. The school is surrounded by mostly housing developments.
Great for these types of students
Running start
Non-traditional
Exchange
Traditional
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs and activities, with new ones coming up regularly.
Greek Life
Phi Theta Kappa affiliation.
Campus Safety
Dealing with campus safety is easy and fast. However, I don't see them around campus hardly at all.

Linda from Puyallup, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I would not want to attend another college. The staff at Pierce is amazingingly helpful. The courses are taught well.
Tips for prospective students
I refer potential students to Pierce College regularly.
Academic Rigor
Five Stars
Dorm Life
5 stars
Food and Dining
5 Stars
What to do for fun
Ride Horses, Hike, Fish, spend time with the family, and learn about historical wars.
Bang for the buck
5 Stars.I am very excited about starting a career in Substance Abuse Counseling. My ultimate goal is to work with Soldiers and Vets in this field, and I would also like to add Social Work Services as another branch of my education/career options. I attend classes on JBLM, so I am not familiar with information pertaining to the regular campuses.

Sharon from Spanaway, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Brand new buildings and library. Excellent teachers and staff, small class sizes average 25. Friendly and diverse community with many groups/ clubs; always something fun to do on campus: movie night plays games and event.
Tips for prospective students
Ask questions if your unsure, they have answers for all your questions and more.
Dorm Life
No dorms.
Food and Dining
Renovated cafeteria set up with build your own and pre-made options, local ingredients all at a reasonable price. Coffee cart with Starbucks open late for students with cold snacks. Vending machines in all buildings, also microwaves for students use.
Great for these types of students
Non traditional, many online and night classes. Traditional urban and rural culture. Everyone has a place there.
Clubs and Activities
Many sports and clubs are available.
Campus Safety
Security guards are always out in the parking lots when it gets dark if you take night classes. I always feel safe on campus.

Gretchen from Lakewood, WA

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
I took a variety of classes, mostly for general higher education, and I was able to determine what I wanted to do with my life, which is psychology. I feel confident from what I learned in my classes there. My only complaint is that the work-load was only a bit more challenging then the AP classes I took in high school. I'm not sure if it was enough to prepare me for a university.
Did enjoy being here
There were plenty of extracurricular activities and all kinds of student events throughout each quarter. Plus, most students were friendly and ranged all ages (high school to retirement). I became friends with most of the teachers. Also, the administrative staff was super helpful with any problem or question.
Bang for the buck
I got a solid basic education and had great experiences here, all for an affordable price. I bought used books from the college store or rented online, so my bill was no more than $4000 per year (3 quarters, that is). If you're wanting to cut costs, however, be warned that Distance Learning (aka online classes) have additional fees.
Tips for prospective students
1) Look into the TRiO program, especially if you are a first-generation college student. They help you find funds for tuition, and can help you find job opportunities later. Also, put the career center to good use. 2) Make friends with the financial aid department. I was able to get extensions for my payments when I knew it was gonna be late, all because I was cheerful and friendly. 3) Talk with an adviser regularly. They can help you find a path and make a plan for it, even if it's not in their department.
Great for these types of students
1) If you don't know what you want to major in or are just wanting to try a few subjects out. 2) If you work part-time or full-time, or have responsibilities at home. 3) If you are an international student, or wish to study abroad.