Discover Your Future: Top Public Community Colleges in Portland, OR

Portland Community College Cascade, situated in North Portland’s vibrant Humboldt neighborhood, serves as a crucial educational hub for the local community. This campus is known for its diverse academic programs, vocational training, and supportive learning environment. Students benefit from accessible public transportation options and available parking. The Cascade campus is committed to fostering student success through comprehensive resources, including its library and various academic support services. It plays a significant role in empowering individuals to achieve their educational and career goals, making higher education accessible and impactful for a wide range of learners in the urban core of Portland. Its central location also allows for strong community engagement and partnerships, enriching the student experience.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Campus Amenities

• ✅ Paid parking lot
• ✅ Free street parking
• ✅ PCC Library: Cascade Campus

Nestled in the scenic Bethany area on the western edge of Portland, the Portland Community College Rock Creek campus offers a comprehensive educational experience with a focus on a more spacious, suburban setting. Known for its strong programs in areas like veterinary technology, horticulture, and general studies, Rock Creek provides a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce. The campus features extensive grounds, a well-equipped library, and dedicated facilities like Building 6 for aviation. It emphasizes a supportive community atmosphere, boasting excellent accessibility features for all students, making it a key educational resource in the greater Portland metropolitan area.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Campus Amenities

• ✅ PCC Library: Rock Creek Campus
• ✅ PCC Rock Creek, Building 6 (Aviation)

Portland Community College Sylvania, located in Southwest Portland, stands as the largest of the PCC campuses, offering an expansive range of academic and career-technical programs. This campus is renowned for its comprehensive offerings, including arts, sciences, business, and health professions. With its significant student population, Sylvania provides a vibrant campus life and extensive support services, including a robust library, a child development center, and a performing arts center. It is a cornerstone for higher education in the region, providing accessible and affordable pathways to degrees, certificates, and workforce development. The campus prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring a welcoming environment for its diverse student body.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible seating

Campus Amenities

• ✅ Paid parking lot
• ✅ PCC Library: Sylvania Campus
• ✅ Child Development Center
• ✅ Performing Arts Center
• ✅ PCC Makerspace

Situated in Gresham, just east of Portland, Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is a prominent institution offering a wide array of educational opportunities. MHCC is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible higher education, including associate degrees, transfer programs, and career-technical certificates. The college prides itself on its strong ties to local industries, ensuring that its curriculum is relevant and prepares students for successful careers. Campus facilities include an academic center, library, and visual arts gallery, fostering a well-rounded learning environment. With a commitment to student support and community engagement, MHCC serves as a vital resource for lifelong learning and economic development in the greater Portland area.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Campus Amenities

• ✅ Academic Center
• ✅ Visual Arts Gallery
• ✅ Library
• ✅ Eastern Oregon University – Elementary Teachers Education Program

The Portland Community College Southeast campus is a dynamic and culturally rich educational hub located in the diverse Montavilla neighborhood. This campus is celebrated for its commitment to serving a wide array of students, offering a broad spectrum of courses for academic transfer, career training, and personal enrichment. PCC Southeast is known for its strong community partnerships and a welcoming atmosphere that supports student success from all backgrounds. The campus features modern facilities, including a dedicated library and various academic support centers. It plays an integral role in the economic and social fabric of Southeast Portland, providing accessible education and empowering students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations close to home.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Campus Amenities

• ✅ Paid parking lot
• ✅ PCC Library: Southeast Campus
• ✅ Mt. Tabor Hall

The CLIMB Center, an extension of Portland Community College, is strategically located on SE Water Ave, offering specialized professional development and non-credit training programs. This center is distinctively focused on workforce development, providing accessible and relevant education to enhance career skills and foster economic growth within the community. It serves a diverse clientele, from individuals seeking to upskill or reskill to businesses looking for customized training solutions. The CLIMB Center embodies PCC’s commitment to lifelong learning, delivering flexible programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the job market. Its urban location provides easy access for professionals and community members in the Central Eastside.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible seating

Focus

• ✅ Professional Development
• ✅ Non-credit Training

The PCC Swan Island Trades Center is a vital component of Portland Community College, dedicated to providing hands-on, high-quality technical education and training. Located in the industrial heart of North Portland’s Swan Island, this center specializes in a range of skilled trades, preparing students for well-paying careers in fields crucial to the local economy. It offers practical learning experiences with state-of-the-art equipment, fostering a direct path from education to employment. The center’s focus on trades addresses a significant workforce demand, making it an indispensable resource for individuals seeking specialized skills and industries requiring a skilled labor force. Its accessibility features further ensure broad participation in these essential programs.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Focus

• ✅ Skilled Trades Education

The Portland Community College Downtown Center offers convenient and accessible educational opportunities in the heart of urban Portland. This center is tailored to meet the needs of students who live or work downtown, providing a variety of credit and non-credit courses. It serves as an ideal location for individuals looking to enhance their professional skills, pursue general education requirements, or engage in personal enrichment close to major business and cultural hubs. The Downtown Center reflects PCC’s commitment to making education accessible across the city, integrating learning into the bustling urban landscape. Its central location, combined with accessible facilities, makes it a valuable asset for downtown professionals and residents.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Focus

• ✅ Downtown Education
• ✅ Credit and Non-Credit Courses

Clackamas Community College’s Harmony Community Campus, located in Milwaukie, serves as a dynamic extension of its main offerings, providing accessible education to the communities south of Portland. This campus is designed to bring a comprehensive range of academic and workforce development programs closer to students in the area. It focuses on delivering high-quality education and training that meets both individual career goals and regional employer needs. Harmony Campus is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment with modern facilities and dedicated faculty, offering a pathway to associate degrees, professional certificates, and transfer opportunities. Its strong rating reflects its positive impact on student outcomes and community engagement.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance

The Mt. Hood Community College Maywood Park Center, conveniently situated in Northeast Portland, extends MHCC’s reach directly into the city, offering a focused selection of educational programs. This center is particularly valuable for students seeking local access to general education courses, adult basic education, and career development opportunities without commuting to the main Gresham campus. It plays a crucial role in providing flexible learning options that cater to the needs of the diverse communities in Northeast Portland. The Maywood Park Center emphasizes a supportive and accessible educational environment, making higher education and skill enhancement readily available to urban residents, fostering individual growth and community advancement.

Accessibility

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance