Big Bend Community College: A Comprehensive Overview

Big Bend Community College (BBCC) stands as a public community college in Moses Lake, Washington, playing a vital role in the educational landscape of the Columbia Basin. Authorized by the Washington State Board of Education in 1961, BBCC has a rich history and a commitment to providing accessible and diverse educational opportunities.

Historical Development

The journey of Big Bend Community College began on September 12, 1962, with its first regular classes held at night in Moses Lake High School. The opening of a permanent facility faced delays due to a steelworkers' strike. However, in late 1963, the college inaugurated classes in a new facility located southeast of Moses Lake. A significant milestone was achieved in 1966 when BBCC acquired a 159-acre (0.64 km2) tract of land on the former Larson Air Force Base from the federal government at no cost. The Washington State Legislature's Community College Act of 1967 formally designated BBCC as District 18 of the state community college system, solidifying its place in the state's higher education network. As college turns 50, Big Bend figures reminisce.

Campus and Location

Big Bend Community College's main campus is centrally located in the Columbia Basin of Washington state. The campus is located in a town with a total enrollment of 1,892. This strategic location allows the college to serve a diverse population from the surrounding communities.

Accreditation and Academic Calendar

Big Bend Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of academic quality and institutional effectiveness. The school utilizes a quarter-based academic year.

Academics and Programs

The highest degree offered at Big Bend Community College is an associate degree. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 28 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Electrician. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. The student-faculty ratio is 13-to-1.

Admissions and Enrollment

Applying (Fall 2023) Total Entering Students438 Student Life (Fall 2022). Full-time enrollment1,359. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences.

Demographics

Ethnicity Distribution:

Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Gender Distribution

Age Distribution:

Under 18: 26%
18-24: 49%
25-64: 25%
Over 65: 0%

Athletics

Big Bend Community College competes in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) as the Vikings, fielding men's teams for baseball, basketball, and wrestling. Big Bend Community College - Viking Athletics.

Read also: Education in the Coastal Bend

Tuition and Financial Aid

Paying for School (2022 - 2023). In-state tuition and fees $4,629. Out-of-state tuition and fees $5,098. At Big Bend Community College, 46 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $6,456. There is no application fee.

Campus Services and Resources

Campus Info and Services (Fall 2022):

Employment services for students: Yes
Credit for life experiences: Yes
Academic/career counseling service: Yes
Placement services for completers: Yes
On-campus day care for students' children: Yes

Notable People

Tom Dent: Washington State Representative for the 13th legislative district.
Nilsa Cruz-Perez: American Democratic Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2000.

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