UNITED STATES · PASCO
Columbia Basin College
public · Founded 1955 · Languages: en, es
In short
Columbia Basin College is a public community college in Pasco, Washington, offering over 100 accessible degree and certificate programs. It provides a personalized learning environment with campuses in Pasco and Richland, and significant annual financial aid.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1955
- Students
- 8,500
- International students
- 200
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–10k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Location
- Pasco, United States
Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college in Pasco, Washington, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Established in 1955, CBC offers over 100 degree and certificate programs in fields ranging from health sciences and nuclear technology to business and the liberal arts. With open enrollment, a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and over $18 million in annual financial aid, CBC makes higher education accessible and career-ready for students across the Tri-Cities region.
Why study here
- Over 100 diverse programs including specialized tracks in Nuclear Technology, Welding, and Health Sciences.
- Open enrollment and affordable tuition make higher education accessible to all students.
- Personalized learning environment with a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- More than $18 million in financial aid awarded annually.
- Dual-campus facilities in Pasco and Richland with specialized health science infrastructure.
Student life
CBC students enjoy a range of clubs, athletics, and student services on the Pasco campus. Career Services provides resume reviews, interview coaching, and job placement support. The campus serves a diverse student population with strong bilingual (English/Spanish) support programs.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay approximately $8,000–$10,000 per academic year in tuition and fees. Additional costs for books and supplies are estimated at $1,200 annually.
HomeAverage annual tuition is $4200. Specific course fees apply for some programs, e.g., Welding Technology includes a $37.50 per credit welding course fee, $11.40 lab fee, and $12.50 per credit welding equipment fee. Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant programs include a $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. ELA classes cost $25 per quarter.
LivingEstimated living costs in the Pasco/Tri-Cities area are approximately $12,000–$15,000 per year, including housing, food, and transportation.
Tuition and fees are subject to change and are set regardless of instructional method (in-person or remote).
Admissions
General AdmissionOpen enrollment; new and transfer students can register online.
Selective ProgramsPrograms like Nursing, Nuclear Technology, and Welding require prior program acceptance.
Placement ExamRequired for ELA course placement
Rankings
Washington State Community CollegesRegionally accredited
University scholarships
CBC Foundation ScholarshipsVaries
Consejo Latino ScholarshipVaries
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionColumbia Basin College · United States
Nuclear Technology
The Nuclear Technology program at Columbia Basin College (CBC) offers Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees and one-year certificate options. This STEM-focused program prepares students for careers in nuclear and energy generation facilities. You will gain knowledge in radiation safety, nuclear power plant operations, and nuclear waste management. CBC is one of about 12 Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Programs (NUCP) in the U.S., ensuring its curriculum aligns with industry needs and established standards for training. The program offers three specialized tracks for the A.A.S. degree, each taking 7 quarters (approximately 21 months): Radiation Protection Technician, Non-Licensed Operator, and Instrumentation & Control Technician. The Radiation Protection Technician AAS also prepares students for the Health Physics BAS degree. The Non-Licensed Operator and Instrumentation & Control Technology tracks develop skills applicable to other vital industries like energy generation, process operations, and manufacturing. Additionally, three one-year certificate options (3 quarters each) are available in Radiation Protection Technician, Non-Licensed Operator, and Instrumentation & Control Technician. All AAS degrees require general education courses in Math, English, Social & Behavior Sciences, and Communication, along with specific science courses. Certificate programs require Math and English courses. Students must achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 in major courses to continue enrollment.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Columbia Basin College · United States
Nursing Assistant
The Nursing Assistant (NAC or CNA) program at Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a short-term certificate designed to prepare you for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings. In just one quarter (approximately 3 months), you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Washington State Nursing Assistant Certification exam, which complies with the Nursing Home Reform Act. This program also prepares you for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination, a comprehensive test of your understanding and ability to safely perform the duties of a nursing assistant. Upon successful completion of coursework, lab, and mandatory clinical hours, you will receive a Certification of Completion from DSHS, making you eligible to take the NNAAP exam. This program serves as an excellent first step into the healthcare field, offering a pathway to further nursing education or other allied health careers such as Registered Nursing, Radiologic Technology, or Surgical Technology. The training emphasizes communication, client rights, basic nursing skills, personal care, and rehabilitation, preparing you to work effectively in hospitals, nursing care facilities, extended care, home care, and assisted living facilities.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
3 mo
Duration
Columbia Basin College · United States
Respiratory Therapy
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Respiratory Therapy program at Columbia Basin College is designed to equip graduates with essential knowledge and skills in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains for respiratory care practice. The curriculum combines rigorous academic study with practical, hands-on clinical training. Instruction takes place at the CBC Health Science Center and regional clinical facilities. Graduates will be prepared to assess, manage, and treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, operate specialized equipment, and provide emergency care. The program aims to develop future leaders in respiratory care by incorporating content on management, education, research, and advanced clinical practice.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Columbia Basin College · United States
Welding Technology AAS
The Welding Technology program at Columbia Basin College (CBC) offers a comprehensive two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in welding. This program focuses on essential welding techniques, preparing graduates for in-demand careers in construction and fabrication industries. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in various welding processes, ensuring students develop the manipulative abilities and technical understanding required for success.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated costs for international students at Columbia Basin College?
+
International students can expect to pay approximately $8,000–$10,000 per academic year for tuition and fees. Additionally, books and supplies are estimated to cost around $1,200 annually.
What are the living costs for students in Pasco, Washington?
+
The estimated living costs in the Pasco/Tri-Cities area, including housing, food, and transportation, are approximately $12,000–$15,000 per year.
What types of programs does Columbia Basin College offer?
+
Columbia Basin College offers over 100 degree and certificate programs. These range from health sciences and nuclear technology to business and liberal arts, with specialized tracks available.
How accessible is admission to Columbia Basin College?
+
Columbia Basin College has open enrollment for most programs, making higher education accessible. However, selective health and technical programs do require separate program acceptance before enrollment.
What support services are available for international students?
+
CBC serves a diverse student population and offers strong bilingual (English/Spanish) support programs. Career Services also provides assistance with resume reviews, interview coaching, and job placement.
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