Seattle Central Community College is a public institution. It is part of the Seattle Colleges District, which operates under the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. Public colleges are funded by state and local governments, offering affordable tuition rates, particularly for in-state residents.
As a community college, it focuses on two-year associate degrees, vocational training, and transfer programs to four-year universities. Unlike private institutions, public colleges like Seattle Central prioritize accessibility and serve a broader demographic, often with open admission policies.