Chemeketa Community College, located in Salem, Oregon, was founded in 1952 when it was originally known as the Salem Technical-Vocational School. The school was founded with the intention to train unemployed individuals, resulting in an increase in trained and qualified persons in the workforce. The school was renamed in 1969 through a competition held by the recently formed community college district which resulted in the choosing of Chemeketa, which means “a peaceful gathering place.” Today the school serves over 50,000 students annually through a 2,600 square mile service area that includes the counties of Yamhill, Marion and Polk.
Academics
Chemeketa Community College offers a variety of programs that allow students to choose the one that meets their needs, be it through career training or academic transfer opportunities. Career training programs provide theoretical and practical education in the methods and techniques used in their area of study in order to become professionals. Students will learn how to apply their skills to real world settings through the use of controlled environments. Most programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency in the area studies and allows for the pursuit of job opportunities at the entry level.
Academic transfer program require the student complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a four year institution in order to complete their final two years of study and obtain a bachelor's degree. Transfer requirements are eased for students looking to transfer to a public Oregon college or university. Students who wish to enroll at an out of state or private school will encounter varying admissions requirements and as a result should meet with a counselor to discuss those schools' admissions requirements and develop a curriculum that best fulfills them.
Programs offered:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Chemeketa Community College is a public, two year, open enrollment institution. The school will admit and individual that meets the minimum requirements for admission, completes and submits an application, and the pays their tuition fees. Transcripts, if available, should be submitted and students may be required to take a placement exam though the submission of one's standardized test scores may waive that requirement. Students are also encouraged to participate in new student orientation to familiarize themselves with the campus and to meet with a counselor to discuss program enrollment and curriculum.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school's financial aid department to determine one's financial needs and aid program eligibility when forming the student's financial aid packet. Aid must be applied for prior to each academic year. Students receiving aid may be chosen at random to provide additional tax information to be compared to the information provided on one's FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy.
Athletics
Chemeketa Community College is home to a variety of clubs and organizations that are designed to meet the various interests of its large student body. Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of these clubs or organizations, as they are an excellent forum for socializing, cultural development, affecting change, and the dissemination of ideas. Clubs and organizations have their own schedules and interested students may contact the individual club or visit the student services office to obtain meeting times and lists.
Clubs and organizations include:
- Asian Club
- Beyond the Wall
- Ceramics Club
- Juntos
- Photography Club
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $6,300. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $3,600-$4,300
- Out-of-State: $11,000-$13,070
- Part-time students are charged:
- In-State: $94-$110 per unit
- Out-of-State: $260-$310 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 71% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 62% | $4,761 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 40% | $4,619 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Chemeketa Community College may provide services including:
- Distance learning
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Work study style employment
- Assisting students to find work
- Day care for children
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges offer a variety of career and transfer options for students. The following table shows the graduation and transfer-out rates for this school, versus those community colleges in Oregon, which can be valuable information for determining which school to attend.
| Chemeketa Community College | Marion County | Oregon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 12.0% | - | 19.1% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 24.8% | - | 20.4% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Assistant Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1965)
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1972)
- Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Oregon
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Chemeketa Community College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Food Science (A)
- Crop Production (A, C)
- Horticulture (A)
- Agricultural Business and Management (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Accounting (A)
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services (C)
- Business Administration (A)
- Taxation (C)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A, C)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (C)
- Administrative Assistant (A)
- Tourism and Travel Services Management (A, C)
- Retailing and Retail Operations (C)
- Purchasing and Procurement (C)
- Executive Assistant
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (A, C)
- Web Design (A)
Construction Trades
- Construction Trades (A)
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installation
- Building Inspector and Home Inspector
Education
- Education, Teaching Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments (A, C)
Engineering
Engineering Technology
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) (A, C)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (C)
- Survey Technology (C)
- Electromechanical Technology (A)
- Computer Systems Technology (A)
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Medical Laboratory Assistance (C)
- EMT & Paramedic (A)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Pharmacy Technician (A, C)
- Renal and Dialysis Technologist (C)
- Medical Office Management (A)
- Medical Executive Assistant (A)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (A, C)
- Medical Insurance Coding (C)
- Health Informatics (A)
- Community Health Services, Liaison, Counseling (C)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology
- Medical Transcription
- Medical Assistant
Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
- General Studies (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Auto Body (C)
- Engine Machinist
Precision Production
- Machine Shop Technology (A, C)
- Welding (A, C)
- Machinist (A)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (A)
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (A, C)
- Fire Science (A, C)
- Juvenile Corrections (A, C)
- Police Science (A, C)
- Fire Prevention (A)
- Corrections Officer (A)
- Security and Loss Prevention Services
Visual and Performing Arts
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Chemeketa Community College.
- Linn - Benton Community College in Albany, OR (28 miles away)
- Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, OR (31 miles away)
- Portland Community College in Portland, OR (34 miles away)
- Clark College in Vancouver, WA (48 miles away)
- Tillamook Bay Community College in Tillamook, OR (53 miles away)