Study abroad at Portland Community College

Learn more about studying at Portland Community College as an international student.

Portland Community College campus view
Portland Community College logo

Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    400
  • Nationalities
    65
  • Total programs
    105
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Study abroad at Portland Community College

Portland Community College (PCC) is an innovative two-year transfer college headquartered in Portland, a vibrant city in the US state of Oregon. It has four other campuses in Oregon called Cascade, Sylviana, Rock Creek, and Southeast.

PCC is the largest higher education institution in Oregon. It serves over 26,000 students each year, many of which go on to achieving great things in their careers thanks to the skills and knowledge they gain from the College.

The College offers a wide variety of dynamic courses at various levels. There are over 90 programs available across numerous disciplines including business, healthcare, engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, and so much more.

PCC is home to a host of excellent campus facilities. International students enrolled at the College have open access to a handy bookstore, extensive library, modern fitness centers, tutoring services, and fabulous study areas.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Portland Community College

  • University partnerships

    PCC has links with excellent institutions

  • Small classes

    Gain invaluable, individual support from talented academics

  • Great location

    Portland is an exciting city with a lovely community spirit

  • Diverse atmosphere

    The College’s student body is very multicultural

  • Low cost

    PCC's tuition is under $10,000 USD, making it affordable for many students

Location

Portland Community College

Portland is a vibrant and safe city, with independent shops, a great selection of entertainment venues, friendly communities, and trendy neighborhoods - it’s the perfect place to live and study.

Illustration of famous landmarks like a tower, a classical building, and a modern skyscraper; a location marker, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Fees and funding

Funding

PCC Foundation Scholarships

- PCC offers some scholarships for current students, ranging from $500-$2500. The application process is once per year. - **Requirements:** Any student who plans to attend PCC can apply. Applicants are required to write 2 essays, each essay can be up to 350 words. You can provide an optional reference for bonus points.

Fee information

Undergraduate tuition: $11,000 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Portland Community College?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect Portland, Oregon-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,082Range: $1,500 to $2,800
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,633Range: $1,350 to $2,000
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$309Range: $106 to $572
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$71Range: $55 to $95
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$67Range: $30 to $145
Monthly public transport pass$100Range: $100 to $100
Monthly grocery basket$256Range: $131 to $417
Coffee shop drink$6Range: $5 to $8
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15Range: $12 to $20
Gym membership$51Range: $25 to $100

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Portland Community College

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Life at Portland Community College

PCC is an amazing melting pot - international students from all over the world choose to study here each year, and its popularity is rising. Over 60 nationalities are currently represented at the College’s campus.

There are many extracurricular activities to get involved in at PCC. International students have the opportunity to make lots of friends thanks to the diverse range of clubs and events available at the College. In addition to studying, students can take advantage of what Portland is known for - being America's best food city! The diverse city offers many options for international cuisine and culture.

The Office of International Student Services is always on hand to help international students with anything they need. They’re dedicated to helping overseas students find their path to success, academically, personally, and professionally.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

  • Fitness Centre
    • Personal Trainers
    • Machines
    • Free Weights
    • Fitness Classes
    • Swimming Pool
    • Dance Studio
  • Library
    • Quiet Areas
    • Computer labs
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Individual Study Rooms
  • Food & Restaurants
    • Restaurants
    • Cafe’s
  • Sports Facilities
    • Sport facilities
    • 2 Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
  • Transport
    • On-Campus Shuttle
    • Campus Bus Service
    • Campus parking
  • Tutoring Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
    • Peer & Buddy Program
    • Student Tutoring & Support
  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • 3 Basketball Courts
    • 8 Tennis Courts
  • IT Support
    • Loan Laptops
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • Clubs & Organizations
  • Praying Rooms
    • Individual Praying Rooms

Student reviews for Portland Community College

Overall rating

4.8
4 reviews
  • Overall experience
    5
  • Academic
    4.8
  • University social
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    4.5
  • University facilities
    5
Valentina Castellanos Ramirez
co flag
Studied Civil Engineering at Portland Community College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Portland Community College

Portland Community College (PCC) has been working for many years to be inclusive in all manners possible. I feel welcomed and protected studying in this college as I have found the opportunity to receive help from the community when I needed it the most. PCC has allowed me to be part of the community by working with students and some faculties. In addition, it provides social resources such as joining a club, online events, becoming one of the members of the student government, creating activities of participation with prizes and outcomes. Furthermore, PCC has shuttles that are used to transport students and staff members for free to different campuses. Lastly, PCC has a well-known social media community on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter where students can find information and events.

Diana Petrmichlova
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Studied Environmental Studies at Portland Community College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Portland Community College

PCC is one of the biggest community colleges in the US and it offers a huge scale of majors and fields of industries. I joined during the pandemic times, so I haven't had a chance to explore the campuses, but I know there are 4 main campuses and from what I've heard, they are very nice and provide all facility equipment needed. As far as communication goes, zoom meetings for classes are well organized and I've met a lot of new people just from them being my classmates. I enjoy being a part of this organization.

Wilson Cumbi
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Studied Mechanical Engineering at Portland Community College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Portland Community College

I have visited Sylvania campus few times and the facilities are really nice. I have not explored all parts of the campus because all my classes have either remote or online since Spring term 2020.

Cuong Nguyen
vn flag
Studied Multimedia at Portland Community College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Portland Community College

Portland Community College is kind of a big college within Oregon, or in Portland specifically. They have 4 different campuses spread around the Portland city, which makes it easy for students to access to the school facilities and services wherever they live. They work actively through social medias such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Therefore, students can get up-to-date information right right away. They have their own bus system called shuttle, which can transfer students among campuses without stops like usual in town public transport system. Their campus life is gorgeous with a lot of events and workshops such as free food, free resources, health insurance workshops, etc. Lastly, all of the school staff are nice and friendly.