Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom, established in 1967, has developed into a highly desirable place for community college education. It has more than 1,000 high school students enrolled in the Running Start program and college class enrollment is at an all-time high. Pierce has remodeled it's facilities and features new buildings like the Health Education Center that boasts new workout equipment, gym and staff offices.
It's student programs are also some of the best in the region. The Pierce College Raiders remain a quality athletic program in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges and The Pioneer, Pierce's student newspaper, provides professional student journalism to the college campus. They have a top-notch nursing program and a new online physical therapist assistant program. Financial aid is offered to those eligible.