Spokane Community College

Overall, I am pretty satisfied with my experiences at SCC. I was not ready for a four-year university, and going to a community college was a good stepping stone for me. I know a lot of people see a community college as something not so great (like it's for a lesser education or something), but it really isn't! I was able to save a lot of money getting my general education requirements out of the way, and get more confident in my abilities.

The campus is straight out of the '70s and some of the classrooms are a bit old, but there are some newer ones (the whole math/sciences building is brand new and really nice). I wasn't expecting a 2-year facility to be state-of-the-art, but the overgrown bushes and sprawling parking lots and low, outdated buildings are pretty tiresome to look at.

Here's some scholastic tips:

I started out in the Science Transfer program (for students planning on transferring to a four year college and pursuing some kind of science major). I was going to do this transfer program (90 credits worth, mostly of science, math, not so much english, etc.) and then transfer to a four-year university. I really didn't mesh well with this program, although some students did well with it (nobody I knew actually followed the outlined courses, they did what they felt they needed). I was busting my butt, stressing about requirements, doing courses that were recommended, and it seemed like I was spinning my wheels. I was getting frustrated and wasn't excited about school anymore. Then I ran into one of my brother's childhood friends who had gone to a 2-year, had gotten all of his English and most of his Math done with, and then transferred to EWU for his last 3 years. I really liked this idea and that is what I am going to be doing. Get all of my English and Math out of the way, then when I go to Eastern (most likely Eastern) all my sciences and other requirements are taught by the same teachers and all have the same teaching "style". That's what I would recommend to anyone wanting to do the transfer route.

Anyway, the teachers at SCC are very good. They explain things step by step and actually care about the successes of their students. If you need help, they are fairly approachable, and are always willing to help. I felt like I got a really good education for really cheap. As always, some teachers are better than others, but that's something you kind of have to learn for yourself. SCC wasn't really like other colleges: they didn't have many clubs or extracurriculars, although we do have sports. There's not a whole lot of places to hang out around campus, and nobody really wants to anyway. This school is bare-bones education. Not much to do, not much to see, but it is a really good option. And for not a lot of money!

2nd Year Female -- Class 2009

Friendliness: A, Campus Aesthetics: D

The Biomedical Equipment Repair Technician Course at SCC was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Do not enroll in this class unless you are going to work hard and complete the course. My class had 24 students to start only 10 made it. Working in this field is better than any other place you can think of. This school has a very positve reputation not only in Biomed but just about any other course they offer.The instructors are people that actually have worked in the field they teach, as opposed to someone that has never been outside of a class room. I had already completed an AA in electronics but I didn't have an AA from SCC. Once I earned, and I must say I earned it, the AA in Biomed fromm SCC I have never had to look for a job. The average wage this year for 5 years of exp is $65K. What other two year degree can do that for you. A lot of community colleges pass any one that can write their name. Not SCC you know what your doing when you get done.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000