Enrollment Services

Admissions

Skagit Valley College (SVC) admits students on a quarterly first-come, first-served basis. If you are a high school graduate and you apply to SVC, you are eligible for admission.

If you are not a high school graduate, and you are 18 years of age or older, you may be admitted if:

• Your high school class has graduated; or

• Your high school district has released you; or

• You have successfully completed the General Educational Development (GED®) or other high school equivalency test.

If you are under the age of 18 and a high school junior or senior, you may apply to participate in the Running Start Program. Students younger than high school age and are not enrolled in a dual credit program may seek to be conditionally admitted after receiving permission to enroll from the high school district in which you reside and the Skagit Valley College Dean of Enrollment Services and Veterans Services.

Admissions forms can be found on SVC’s website here.

Students are admitted to SVC in the order applications are received and in the quarter in which they want to begin. During registration, if a course fills, students who could not enroll in the course may place themselves on a course waitlist. As vacancies occur, students on the course waitlist will be enrolled in the order in which they appear on the waitlist. See additional information about waitlist procedures on the SVC website.

ADMISSION TO BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Students applying for admission to SVC’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs must meet the entrance requirements to be considered. Acceptance into a Bachelor of Applied Science degree program requires prior completion of a two-year Associate degree (90 college-level credits) with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Please consult with an SVC Advisor to schedule courses and develop your personal Educational Plan.

ADMISSION TO BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE or BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM

SVC’s Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science - Computer Science degrees admission criteria, and application steps for specific degrees, are noted in the Bachelor’s Program website.

SELECTIVE ENTRY ADMISSIONS PROGRAMS

As per Policy 5110, SVC is an open access institution. In some cases, entry into a specific certificate or degree program may be restricted due to limited space or specialized admissions criteria.

How to Apply

Submit an SVC Application, available online through the SVC website. Learn more about your steps to becoming a Cardinal here: www.skagit.edu/getstarted.

Nuestros empleados que hablan en español están disponibles para responder tus preguntas acerca de Skagit Valley College. Por favor llama a la línea directa en español al 360.416.7740. También puedes llamar al 360.416.7600 y marcar 8.

Running Start

To become a Running Start student, students should speak with their high school counselor and review the www.skagit.edu/runningstart website. Students must submit an admissions application and a current high school transcript as part of the enrollment process. A signed Running Start Enrollment Verification Form is required each quarter at the time a Running Start student registers.

How to Apply as a Drop-in Student

If you would like to attend SVC but are not seeking a degree or certificate, you may register as a “drop-in” student. Go to www.skagit.edu/drop-in-students for more information and current registration dates.

Veterans and Dependents of Veterans

Mount Vernon Campus: 360.416.7610
Whidbey Island Campus: 360.679.5389

SVC is proud to support the educational pursuits and career goals of veterans. As acknowledgment for their service, SVC offers priority enrollment to veterans and eligible dependents. Please check the Enrollment Services important dates and deadlines for registration dates.

Students must contact the Veterans Office within the first few weeks of the academic quarter to enroll and request certification for benefits. Failure to submit the required certification within 30 days from the first day of the academic quarter will result in your classes not being certified for VA benefits, and you will be held financially responsible for any tuition and fees associated with those classes and training.

If you are a veteran, or a dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible to utilize Veterans Education benefits. For more information on Veterans benefits opportunities, see the Veterans Education Services section located in the Support Services section of this catalog, or contact one of our Veterans Education Offices.

Skagit Valley College complies with the Department of Veterans Affairs 85/15 rule for benefit enrollment purposes.

POLICY STATEMENT

SVC is committed to maintaining a fair and transparent recruitment process that respects the rights of all service members. We strictly prohibit the use of high-pressure recruitment tactics for securing enrollment of service members. Additionally, SVC does not offer any commission, bonus, or other incentives based on enrollment or financial aid success to individuals or entities involved in student recruiting or admissions activities.

SVC complies with the Department of Veterans Affairs 85/15 rule.

Selected programs of study at Skagit Valley College are approved by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board’s State Approving Agency (WTECB/SAA) for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, USC.

If you are a veteran or a dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible to utilize Veterans Education benefits. For more information on veterans benefits opportunities, see the Veterans Education Services section located in the Support Services section of this catalog, or contact one of our Veterans Education Offices above.

“GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”

International Students

International Programs Coordinator: 360.416.7620
Email: international.admissions@skagit.edu

Here’s Why Students Choose SVC

At SVC you will not only get a top-notch education but also experience a vibrant and supportive community, all in one of the most beautiful areas of the Pacific Northwest.

International Programs Office

SVC’s International Programs Office provides services to international students attending SVC.

If you choose to study at SVC, you are sure to have the opportunity to receive an excellent education. You will find many qualities that may meet your needs: a family-like atmosphere where everyone is welcome, an appreciation of diversity and a desire to enrich the education we provide with a global perspective.

Students from throughout the world choose SVC for many reasons including:

• Safer, smaller town environment

• Family-like atmosphere

• No TOEFL or IEFL scores are required for admission

• Peer Mentor Program

• Small classes, personal attention

• One-to-one attention through an International Student Office with staff members to help you with all your needs

• Excellent transfer record to 4-year institutions

• Academic English as a Second Language Program, if needed

• SVC International Homestay program

• Convenient on-campus student housing (dormitories)

• Access to personal academic and transfer advisors

• English tutoring services through the Tutoring Center

• Excellent technical programs for career training

• Active clubs and student organizations

• Close to Seattle and Vancouver, Canada

• Conveniently located to year-round recreation (skiing, hiking, scuba diving, golfing, and kayaking)

• Free public transportation and airport pickup upon arrival

English Language Requirements

NO TOEFL Policy

SVC does not require student applications to have a TOEFL score. Effective August 2015, student applications taking advantage of our NO TOEFL policy will be issued an I-20 for Language Training until proficiency has been met.

If you do not have an English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) you will be given an English Placement Test (CAMLA) before registering for classes. Students whose test results show skills adequate for college work will be excused from English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Others will be required to take EAP classes until the language requirements are met.

The results of the English Placement Test will determine your placement in any one of the following areas of study: Intensive English, Bridge 1, Bridge 2, or Regular (College Level).

If you have a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score, the charts below show your placement.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Duolingo

Intensive English

You may be placed in one of three levels. Each level takes three months (one quarter) to complete.

Bridge 1

Students in Bridge 1 are considered matriculated college students. Classes at the Bridge 1 level consist of a combination of academic and English preparatory classes. These classes are pre-selected and some count toward your graduation requirement for your degree.

Bridge 2

Like Bridge 1, these classes are a combination of academic and English preparatory.

Regular (College Level)

Students will be allowed to take regular SVC courses.

TRANSFER CREDITS

Many students receive transfer credits from their previous institutions which are located overseas. In some cases, students have received between 50 and 60 transfer credits. Students will need to go through a two-step process of having foreign transcripts evaluated. First, submit transcripts for initial evaluation by one of the member organizations from the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (www.naces.org). Second, after receiving the official evaluation from the NACES member organization, submit official evaluation results along with original transcripts and the SVC transcript request form to Enrollment Services for an official credit evaluation (Please note that all transcripts should be in English or accompanied by an official English translation). It is recommended that students start this process as soon as possible.

Application Process

All documents should be written in English or accompanied by an official English translation. Original documents are required with all applications. It is your responsibility to make copies before submitting. We will not make copies for you. An admission decision will be made after all documents have been submitted and evaluated.

New International Students Admissions Process

Complete and submit the SVC International Student Admissions Application form to international.admissions@skagit.edu. Required documents to include with your application:

• International Programs Application form

• Official bank statement and complete Certificate of Financial Responsibility (sponsor letter), located at the back of the application. (See www.skagit.edu/international for current costs.)

• Official transcripts from high school and any previous colleges, including any ESL training.

• Copy of picture page in passport.

• If applicable, include a TOEFL score. The SVC code for your TOEFL score is 4699.

• $50 (USD) application fee.

• If you are already an F-1 student in the U.S., submit a copy of your I-94, copies of previously issued I-20s along with a Transfer Students Information Sheet completed by your current International Student Advisor, and a copy of passport pages that contain your student photograph and VISA information. This is not a request to transfer your SEVIS record.

SEVIS Fee Information

This is a fee that F-1 students who have received an I-20 need to pay before they can apply for a visa. Consulates need to confirm that applicants have paid this fee before they can issue a visa. If you are paying electronically, be sure to print out a receipt. Take this with you to your visa interview as proof of payment.

The SEVIS fee is paid to the U.S. government, not to SVC, and is separate from visa fees.

You can pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online by credit card at fmjfee.com or by check, money order, or bank draft. Please visit the official SEVIS fee website for more details.

A third party, such as a family member or friend, can pay the SEVIS fee for you. Make sure that you ask them to give you the receipt and proof of payment.

For additional details about the SEVIS fee, including information in languages other than English, please visit the official Department of Homeland Security SEVIS fee website.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Determination of Residence

Residency status is determined at the time your application for admission is processed.

Please refer to the information on the Residency Requirements website to navigate SVC’s residency process. If you need help at any time, please email our residency coordinator at residency@skagit.edu.

After you have established domicile in the state of Washington for the required period, it is your responsibility to request a change in residency status. Applications for a change in classification will be accepted up to the thirtieth calendar day following the first day of the quarter for which application is made.

For additional information, contact residency@skagit.edu.

After you have established domicile in the State of Washington for the required period of time, it is your responsibility to request a change in residency status. Applications for a change in classification will be accepted up to the thirtieth (30th) calendar day following the first day of the quarter for which the application is made. If non-resident tuition was paid, and the request is approved, the difference in tuition will be refunded. Applications made after that date in any quarter shall be considered for the following quarter.

For more information, or to request residency forms, email residency@skagit.edu.

WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY FOR TUITION PURPOSES

SVC determines the applicant’s residency at the time they apply for admission. Non-resident students pay a higher tuition rate than do resident students. Special regulations may apply to some eligible non-citizens. In July 2021, a new law (SB 5194) replaced 2003’s HB 1079, making it easier for all Washingtonians, including undocumented people, to get resident tuition and State financial aid.

Non-resident students may apply for residency once they make the State of Washington their permanent residence for at least twelve (12) months and by meeting one of the following conditions at least twelve (12) months before submitting a residency application:

• U.S. citizen

• Hold a permanent resident card

• Hold an A, E, G, H, I, K, or L visa

• Hold refugee or asylum status

RESIDENCY FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL

If you are active duty military, stationed in the state of Washington, you, your spouse, and dependents qualify for in-state resident tuition. To receive the resident tuition rate, you, your spouse, or dependent family members must provide documentation such as a copy of your military ID card or other appropriate documents, at the time of application for admission to SVC.

RESIDENCY FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL - LIVING OUTSIDE THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

Members of the military whose home of record is Washington State, and who are serving active duty in another state or overseas may be eligible to pay resident tuition. Eligible dependents of active duty service members whose home record is the State of Washington, who maintain State of Washington residency, and remain continuously enrolled in a degree program, may also be eligible to pay resident tuition even though the service member is serving out of state.

• Documentation that the State of Washington is the service member’s home of record (LES - Leave and Earnings Statement)

• A copy of your current military orders

• A copy of your military ID card (front only)

• Provide at least two of the following:
  • Current Washington driver’s license
  • Washington voter’s registration
  • Current Washington vehicle registration
  • Ownership of Washington property
  • Storage of property in Washington

Application deadline is the thirtieth (30th) calendar day of the quarter of the quarter you plan to obtain resident status. By regulation, we process applications and documents received after this date for the next quarter. No exceptions!

Please review the Enrollment Services Important Dates and Deadlines website for specific dates.

TUITION REDUCTION - VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE SPOUSE/CHILD

Effective July 24, 2015, ESSB 5355 was signed into law, modifying the definition of “resident student” to comply with federal requirements established by the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2015 (Choice Act). The Choice Act requires states to charge in-state tuition and fees to “covered individuals” for the Department of Veterans Affairs to approve programs of education for everyone training under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bill®.

Effective July 1, 2017, the definition of a “covered individual” in the Choice Act has been modified to the following:

• A veteran who enrolls in the institution of higher education within three (3) years of discharge from a period of active duty service of ninety (90) days or more.

• A spouse or child who is entitled to transferred VA educational benefits based on their relationship to an individual who has separated from the uniformed services and enrolls in the institution of higher education within three (3) years of the transferror’s discharge from a period of active duty service of ninety (90) days or more.

Veterans and their qualified dependents pay resident tuition under the following conditions:

• At least ninety (90) days of active duty

• Honorable discharge

• Enrolled in a Washington State college or university within three (3) years of separation

The following documents must be submitted to the Veterans Education Office locations:

• DD214

• Letter of Certification of eligibility

For Veteran’s Education Forms, see SVC’s Veterans Education Forms and Resources website or visit the Veterans Education Office at one of our campus locations listed below.

Mount Vernon: Lewis Hall, Room L-115 (located within Counseling and Advising)
Whidbey Island: Oak Hall, Room A-203

Student Eligibility to Pay In-State Tuition

The State Legislature adopted RCW 28B.15.011 through RCW 28B.15.15, which sets forth the requirements related to establishing residency in the State of Washington. On May 12, 2021, Governor Inslee signed S.B. 5194, which updates the residency requirements under the Affidavit of Residency.

Students wanting to establish in-state residency must fill out a residency questionnaire, provide documentation, and consult with the college residency officer.

Students must apply for residency by the 30th calendar day during the current quarter in which they seek reclassification. Students submitting documentation after the deadline may be eligible for residency by the first day of the next quarter.

For more information, please contact Enrollment Services at residency@skagit.edu or call 360.416.7700.