Further Education
Seattle Colleges
For over 50 years, Seattle Colleges (North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College) has been a popular destination for students from around the world looking to pursue higher education. We’ve made it our goal to help students become well-prepared members of a global society by offering innovative educational opportunities at our public community colleges. Enrolling at a community college offers many great benefits, including lower tuition and fees, smaller class sizes, dynamic and interactive teaching styles, and personal attention and support.
Whether you want to improve your English language skills, begin your bachelor’s degree, or earn your high school diploma, Seattle Colleges is a great place to start.
Price starting from
$470
Seattle Colleges
Academic Programs
At Seattle Colleges, choose from a wide variety of quality programs designed to help you achieve your individual academic goals. Whether you are looking to start a bachelor’s degree, earn a high school diploma, prepare for a technical career, improve your English language skills, or beyond, Seattle Colleges will get you where you want to go.
Programs
- University Transfer
- Career Training
- IP Short-Term Certificate
Seattle Colleges
School features
Programs for every goal
At Seattle Colleges, choose from a wide variety of quality programs designed to help you achieve your individual academic goals. Whether you are looking to start a bachelor’s degree, earn a high school diploma, prepare for a technical career, improve your English language skills, or beyond, Seattle Colleges will get you where you want to go.
Seattle Colleges
Our Courses
Seattle Colleges
University Transfer (Associate Degree)
This is the most popular program for international students. You complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree (Associate of Arts or Science) at Seattle Colleges, then transfer to a 4-year university to complete the final two years. It offers a cost-effective pathway to top US universities with small class sizes and personalized advising.
Course length
WITH STUDENT VISA: 24 months (Standard Associate Degree duration)
Available starts
Winter (January), Spring (April), Summer (June), Fall (September).
Schedule (weekdays)
Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00
Students select their own schedule from available college credit classes (typically spanning 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Other features
Higher education prep elective class
The entire program is higher education. Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG): Conditional acceptance letters available for partner universities.
3 months
9 months
Costs
Total course costs
Fees include tuition for 15 credits, access to all student centers, the library, and computer labs. Textbooks, lab fees for specific science/art classes, and personal living expenses are not included.
Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory for international students.
Tuition Note: Tuition is based on 15 credits per quarter; taking fewer or more credits will adjust the cost.
YEAR 1 (Freshman):
Focuses on General Education requirements (English Composition, Math, Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences) and pre-major prerequisites.
YEAR 2 (Sophomore):
Continues with specialized major-related courses (e.g., Engineering Physics, Business Calculus, Psychology) and remaining electives to complete the Associate degree for transfer.
Seattle Colleges
IP Short-Term Certificate
Flexible short-term study options for students who want to experience American college life or gain specific skills without committing to a full degree. Students can earn a certificate in a specific field (e.g., Business, Computer Science) in as little as 3 to 12 months.
Course length
WITH STUDENT VISA: 3, 6, 9, or 12 months
Available starts
Winter (January), Spring (April), Summer (June), Fall (September).
Schedule (weekdays)
Mon - Fri: Varies by class selection.
Course hours per week: 15-20
Other features
Business Class
This school offers Business classes among many options.
3 months
9 months
Costs
Total course costs
Includes tuition for full-time study and certificate issuance upon completion. Textbooks and specific class materials are not included.
Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory for international students.
Tuition Note: Tuition is based on 15 credits per quarter; taking fewer or more credits will adjust the cost.
Students select a specific "stream" or set of classes for one or more quarters. Credits earned are often "stackable" and can be applied toward a full Associate degree if the student decides to extend their studies.
Seattle Colleges
Career Training (Professional/Technical & BAS)
Designed for students seeking practical, hands-on training for specific career fields. Programs range from 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees to 4-year Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees in high-demand fields like IT, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Business.
Course length
WITH STUDENT VISA: 24 - 48 months (2 years for AAS, 4 years for BAS)
Available starts
Winter (January), Spring (April), Summer (June), Fall (September).
Schedule (weekdays)
Mon - Fri: Varies by class selection.
Course hours per week: 15-20
Other features
Business Class
This school offers Business classes among many options.
Internship:
Optional Practical Training - OPT is often available after completion.
3 months
9 months
Costs
Total course costs
Tuition rates differ for Upper Division (Junior/Senior year of BAS) vs Lower Division. Fees cover facility access. Material fees for technical programs (e.g., culinary, art supplies, software) may be extra.
Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory for international students.
Tuition Note: Tuition is based on 15 credits per quarter; taking fewer or more credits will adjust the cost.
Curriculum focuses heavily on industry-specific skills (e.g., coding, culinary arts, nursing skills) combined with related general education.
Hands-on: Emphasis on lab work, internships, and capstone projects.
Seattle Colleges
Campuses & Location
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, located in Washington state, sits in the beautiful Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Some of the largest companies in the world are either headquartered or have offices in the Seattle area, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Starbucks.
In addition to the area’s thriving economy, which attracts people from all over the U.S., the cultural and recreational opportunities are similarly world class. The unique, natural beauty that surrounds the city is some of the most picturesque landscape in the country. Three national parks are within driving distance, and the Puget Sound and Pacific Ocean offer the chance to explore the area by sea.
Between a vibrant arts community, restaurants serving incredible food from all over the world, and unmatched outdoor recreational possibilities, students at Seattle Colleges have plenty to discover and explore outside the classroom.
1 – 7 mins from public transport
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, located in Washington state, sits in the beautiful Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Some of the largest companies in the world are either headquartered or have offices in the Seattle area, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Starbucks.
In addition to the area’s thriving economy, which attracts people from all over the U.S., the cultural and recreational opportunities are similarly world class. The unique, natural beauty that surrounds the city is some of the most picturesque landscape in the country. Three national parks are within driving distance, and the Puget Sound and Pacific Ocean offer the chance to explore the area by sea.
Between a vibrant arts community, restaurants serving incredible food from all over the world, and unmatched outdoor recreational possibilities, students at Seattle Colleges have plenty to discover and explore outside the classroom.
1 min from the bus stop
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, located in Washington state, sits in the beautiful Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Some of the largest companies in the world are either headquartered or have offices in the Seattle area, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Starbucks.
In addition to the area’s thriving economy, which attracts people from all over the U.S., the cultural and recreational opportunities are similarly world class. The unique, natural beauty that surrounds the city is some of the most picturesque landscape in the country. Three national parks are within driving distance, and the Puget Sound and Pacific Ocean offer the chance to explore the area by sea.
Between a vibrant arts community, restaurants serving incredible food from all over the world, and unmatched outdoor recreational possibilities, students at Seattle Colleges have plenty to discover and explore outside the classroom.
1 min from the bus stop
Accommodation
Available accommodations
Homestay & On-campus housing
Homestay or on-campus housing is available.
Homestays allow students to experience local culture and practice English in a family environment. Prices range from $325 to $400/week.
In addition to homestays, on-campus housing is also available for students who prefer more independence. Prices range from $1,000 to $1,500/month.
If you’re interested in exploring other accommodation options, please feel free to take a look at our other accommodation options.
Apply now
We are now accepting applications
Seattle Colleges
Student demographics
Students come from all over the world to study at this school.