Tuition, Financial Aid and Funding

Tuition

Tuition is subject to change by the Washington State Legislature and/or the Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees.

For academic purposes and certification for various benefits (insurance, student loans and financial aid, social security, tax credits, etc.), full-time status is defined as 12 or more credits. The tuition schedule, special fees and other class fees are listed below, on the SVC website, or you can call one of the following numbers for more information:

• 360.416.7600 (Mount Vernon)

• 360.679.5330 (Whidbey Island)

• 360.378.3220 (San Juan)

Lower Division Tuition Table

Courses below 300-level; does not apply to CCB , ELA, ESOL , or HSC  courses

Upper Division Tuition Table

300- and 400-level courses

Fees

Fees subject to change by the Washington State Legislature and/or the Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees.

Additional Fees

Student Fees

Class Fees (per quarter)

Lockers

Parking Fines

Tests

State Support of Higher Education Students

The average cost to educate a resident full-time community or technical college student for the 2025-26 academic year is $15,023. Students pay an average of $3,527 in tuition toward this cost. The remaining $11,496 is an “opportunity pathway” provided by the State and is funded by state taxes and other sources. The amounts shown are averages for a full-time, resident student. The actual tuition a student pays will vary due to credit load, residency status, and other factors.

Pursuant to RCW 28B.15.0681 the sources of all institutional revenue received during the prior academic year and the uses of tuition revenue collected during the prior academic year can be found here.

Net Price Calculator

SVC provides a tool for the purpose of assisting you in determining the estimated net price of pursuing your education at SVC. The net price is calculated as estimated cost of attendance, which includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses, and other approved related expenses, minus estimated grant and scholarship aid. All figures provided by the calculator are estimates and are subject to change. While all efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the calculator, every student’s situation is different, so the purpose of this calculator is to give a base level estimate only. You are encouraged to do additional calculations based on your specific situation. The calculator is on SVC’s Cost of Attendance webpage.

Basic Education

Tuition for the program is $25 per quarter. Students may qualify for a tuition waiver based on income. Students who want to improve English language skills, complete a Adult High School Diploma, prepare to take the GED® in English or Spanish, or improve academic math, reading, and writing skills to prepare for college-level course work may be eligible for Basic Education classes. To enroll in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), High School Completion (HSC), or College and Career Bridge (CCB), students should apply to the college. More information on this process can be found at https://www.skagit.edu/getting-started/first-time-students.

Penalties for Non-Payment

Tuition and fees are the student’s responsibility. Failure to attend a class does not constitute a course drop/withdrawal. Students who do not officially withdraw will be assessed full tuition and fees, and refunds will not be made. Requests for late drops will not be granted simply because the student was unaware of the policies, or failed to submit a drop form.

In the event of non-payment, the college may pursue the collection of amounts due as allowed by law, and will add collection costs to the amount due. Unpaid accounts may be sent to an outside collection agency and may be reported to one or more credit bureau reporting services. Collection agency fees of up to 50% will be assessed on the unpaid balance of an account, after internal collection efforts have failed to result in full payment. Students are responsible for paying all collection fees assessed. In the event of a disagreement about payments due, you may request an informal hearing with the Vice President of Student Services.

Veterans/Military-Affiliated Tuition Funding

SVC offers a variety of Veterans’ Education resources and services, including, but not limited to the administration of education benefits and tuition assistance. For more information on these services, please see the Veterans’ Education Services section located in the Student Services section of the catalog.

Eligibility for Resident Rate Tuition

ESSB 5355 modified the definition of resident student to comply with federal requirements established by the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act). The Choice Act requires states to charge in-state tuition and fees to “covered individuals” training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bill®.

Washington State residency classifications for tuition purposes are defined in RCW 28B.15.012, which outlines categories of individuals who qualify as resident students for tuition and fee purposes at Washington public institutions of higher education. ESSB 5355 amended these provisions to ensure compliance with federal law and to extend resident tuition eligibility to certain veterans and their eligible family members who meet the federal definition of a covered individual, even if they have not established formal Washington domicile. 

• A veteran who lives in Washington (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls at SVC within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more of active duty.

• A spouse or child using transferred benefits who lives in Washington (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls at SVC within 3 years of the transferor’s discharge from active duty.

• A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in Washington (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls at SVC within 3 years of the service member’s death in the line of duty following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

• Veteran students utilizing Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits (Effective March 1, 2019).

Students who initially qualify under these provisions will maintain “covered individual” status as long as they remain continuously enrolled at SVC. Continuity of enrollment is not broken by holiday vacations, vacation periods, periods during the school year between quarters, or by non-enrollment in summer quarter.

Establishing Washington domicile is not required to qualify for resident tuitoin under these federal GI Bill® provisions, however, students who intend to remain in Washington may wish to establish residency for other purposes. 

Effective August 1, 2021, veteran students and eligible dependents who qualify as “covered individuals” under federal law may utilize VA Educational Benefits to pay resident tuition while enrolled at Skagit Valley College if they reside in Washington State during the term of enrollment. These benefits include:

• Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty (Chapter 30)
• Veteran Readiness and Employment
• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
• Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Fry Scholarship
• Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

Additionally, veteran dependents (spouses and children) actively using the Post 9/11 GI Bill® who live in Washington also qualify for resident tuition, regardless of domicile or how long they have lived in Washington.

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

Veterans Benefits and Transaction Act of 2018 VA Pending Payment Compliance

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment

• Assess a late penalty fee to

• Require student secure alternative or additional funding

• Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution

• Produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class

• Provide written request to be certified

• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies

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

Veterans Tuition Discount

A veteran who was honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces may be eligible for a 20% tuition waiver.

The veteran must meet ONE of the following criteria:

• While serving as an active or reserve member in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard, the veteran served in a war, conflict fought on foreign soil, international waters, or in another location in support of U.S. Armed Forces that were on foreign soil or international waters

OR

• The veteran served in an Active Duty component of the U.S. Armed Forces, but did not serve in a war, conflict fought on foreign soil, international waters, or in another location in support of the U.S. Armed Forces that were on foreign soil or international waters.

And must meet BOTH of the following criteria:

• A Washington Domiciliary

• Qualifying services is recorded on the veteran’s DD214 or other official documents

Tuition Waivers for Families of Fallen or 100% Disabled Veterans and National Guard Members

SVC will waive all tuition and certain fees for the children, adopted children or stepchildren, and spouses of eligible veterans or National Guard members, who died while on active duty, are permanently and totally disabled because of service connected injury or illness, are missing in action, are prisoners of war, or who are rated by the Veteran’s Administration as 100% disabled.

To be eligible, a child must be between the age of 17 and 26 and the child of a Washington State domiciliary. A surviving spouse must be a Washington domiciliary, and it must have been ten years or less since the loss. In addition, the spouse must not have remarried. Each recipient’s continued eligibility is subject to the school’s satisfactory progress policy.

Total credits earned using this waiver may not exceed two hundred quarter credits, or the equivalent semester credits. The 250 quarter credit limit applies to all combined credits earned via this waiver at state of Washington colleges and universities.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA)

Tuition Assistance (TA) offers financial support for eligible active duty military personnel, to assist with the cost of tuition. Students utilizing TA are provided with a waiver of all college fees. Active duty military personnel using TA for the first time must contact the VEC (Virtual Education Center) or ESO (Education Service Office) for their appropriate branch of service. It is recommended that you submit applications to your command a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of the quarter for which you plan to attend. TA requests must be approved by your command between 120 and 14 days prior to the start of the quarter. In addition to applying to your command, you also need to complete the admission process with SVC.

For further assistance, or general questions regarding Military Tuition Assistance, contact Enrollment Services on the Whidbey Island campus at 360.679.5329.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MYCAA)

The MyCAA Scholarship is available for eligible military spouses to pursue licenses, certificates, certifications, or certain associate degrees necessary to gain employment. To use MyCAA, you must create an account online at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/network/mycaa-scholarship/. All approvals for MyCAA must be completed 15 days prior to the start of the quarter. In addition to applying through the MyCAA portal, you also need to complete the admission process with Skagit Valley College.

For further assistance, or for general questions regarding MyCAA, contact Enrollment Services on the Whidbey Island campus at 360.679.5329.

Financial Aid

The financial aid office at SVC is here to help make education more affordable and within reach for all SVC students. We know that paying for college can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way and help you find the best way to fund your education.

Financial aid comes in many different forms, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. The first step to finding out what you may qualify for is completing either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) for students HB 1079 and DACA students. If you are unsure which application to complete, you can complete the WASFA Questionnaire. Filling out one of these applications opens the door to many types of funding opportunities.

Need help getting started? We’ve got you covered. The Financial Aid office offers workshops to help you complete the financial aid application and take the first step in funding your educational journey. Regardless of where you are in the financial aid process, we are here to help you determine the best way to fund your education.

The financial aid application typically opens October 1 for the following academic year. Priority funding dates are established on an annual basis and are published on the SVC Financial Aid web page. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to make the most of any available funding and ensure you receive your award letter well in advance of the tuition deadlines.

Too often students don’t apply because they think they won’t qualify, but that can mean leaving money on the table. Washington State has one of the most generous state aid programs in the country, so we strongly encourage every student to apply even if you are unsure about your eligibility.

Have questions about your next steps? Visit the SVC Financial Aid web page to learn more about funding options, deadlines, and available resources. We are here to help you take the next step toward achieving your educational goals.

Eligibility Determinations

When you complete the FAFSA or WASFA, the information you provide is used to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI). Here is how it works in simple terms: 

1. We start with SVC’s estimated Cost of Attendance
2. We subtract your SAI
3. The difference is your financial need

Need-based aid is awarded based on unmet financial need and other eligibility factors we determine by the information on your application. After your FAFSA or WASFA application has been received, we may request additional information. This is a normal part of the process. It helps ensure that the information on your application is accurate and that financial aid funds are distributed equitably.

Students who are not awarded financial aid, or whose financial aid does not fully cover tuition and fees, are responsible for paying any remaining balance. Students who do not submit a completed application and any additional requested information by SVC’s priority deadlines are not guaranteed to have financial aid in place by the tuition deadlines. We strongly encourage you to review the priority filing deadlines on the SVC Financial Aid web page and submit all required documents as early as possible.

All students awarded any type of financial aid must familiarize themselves with these two important policies:

1. Conditions of Award
2. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

These policies explain what you must do to continue receiving financial aid. Not meeting these requirements could result in your financial aid being suspended.

Financial Aid Refunds

If you are awarded financial aid in excess of your tuition and fees, you may be eligible for a financial aid refund. Refunds are processed on the first day of the quarter and then every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the quarter. We use a third-party service provider called BankMobile. When you are initially awarded financial aid for the first time you will receive an email instructing you to set up your refund preference. If you’ve been a student with us in the past, you likely already have a BankMobile account set up and will not receive this email. Ensuring you have your refund preference selected and up to date is critical for receiving any potential financial aid refund. If you are unsure about your BankMobile status or need assistance setting up your refund preference, we are here to help!  

Repayment Policy

Grants, loans, and some scholarships require you to attend your classes. Do not drop or stop attending any class without first consulting the Financial Aid Office. Changes in your enrollment level after financial aid funds have been disbursed, or failure to attend classes resulting in failing grades, may require you to repay financial aid funds.

Types of Grants

• Federal Pell Grant

A federal grant program, based on significant financial need, for students enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

​A federal grant program for students with exceptional financial need, who are enrolled at least half-time (6+ credits). This funding is limited and preference is given to out-of-state residents, and then students with -$1,500 to $0 SAI who are receiving Pell Grants. It is common for students to receive this one year and not the following year since funding is awarded in the order applications are received until funding is exhausted.

• Washington College Grant

An income-based state grant program for low-income Washington state residents based on family size and income. Students must be enrolled in at least 3 aid-eligible credits to be eligible for Washington College Grant.

• College Bound Scholarship (CBS)

​The College Bound Scholarship program provides financial assistance to low-income Washington state residents who meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Attended a Washington state public school and were income eligible for free and reduced lunch in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade.
2. In state foster care or a dependent of the state between 7th grade and high school graduation.

Students who do not meet one of the above requirements may be eligible via other criteria established by the Washington Student Achievement Council. For more information visit the College Bound Scholarship web page.

• Work-Study and Student Employment

SVC offers on-campus student employment through a variety of programs, including Federal and State Work-study programs, as well as options for students without Work-study eligibility. Work-study positions provide our students with opportunities to work part-time while attending school to gain valuable work experience while earning money for college. Often students enhance their course work by integrating what they learn in class with real-world work experience. Eligibility for funding work-study funding is based on information provided on the FAFSA or WASFA. While most of our student employment positions require Work-study eligibility, there are some departments that have additional funding for student employment. For more information, or to view available jobs, visit our Work-Study web page.

Student Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans are long-term, low-interest and low fee loans available through the school, backed by the U.S. Department of Education. Interest rates and fees change on July 1 each year. Current interest rates and fees are updated on the SVC Financial Aid web page. A FAFSA, as well as a separate SVC Loan Application, is required to determine eligibility for Federal Direct Loans. For more information, visit our Loans web page.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are educational loans offered by banks, credit unions, and other private lenders to help cover college costs that are not paid by financial aid. These loans are separate from federal student loans and typically require a credit check. Many students will need a creditworthy co-signer to qualify. 

Students who choose to pursue a private loan must research lenders, select a lender, and complete the application process directly with that lender. The Financial Aid Office does not recommend specific lenders and does not assist with choosing or applying for private loans. 

Loan terms, interest rates, and repayment options vary by lender. Interest rates may be fixed or variable and are often based on the borrower’s (and co-signer’s, if applicable) credit history. Some lenders require payments while you are in school, while others may allow you to postpone payments until after you graduate. 

Because private loans often have fewer flexible repayment and forgiveness options than federal student loans, we strongly encourage students to explore all federal and state financial aid options first. A private loan can be a helpful resource if additional funding is needed, but it is important to carefully review and compare lender terms before borrowing. 

Scholarships

The SVC Foundation awards more than $1 million in scholarships to SVC students each year. The scholarship application opens annually on November 5 for the upcoming academic year, with a submission deadline of February 5. All prospective, current, and graduating SVC students are eligible and invited to apply. For more information about SVC Foundation scholarships, visit the SVC Foundation website. Other departmental and outside agency scholarships may also be available throughout the year. For more information, visit our scholarship page.

Other Financial Assistance Programs

These financial assistance programs are managed outside of the financial aid office but are valuable resources we encourage students to explore.  

Tuition Payment Plans (TPP)

TPPs allow students to make payments on their tuition. For more information, or to sign up, go to the Tuition Payment Plans website.

Student Emergency Assistance

SVC offers several funding resources available to students who are facing unexpected expenses that could impact their ability to be successful or continue their education. We can assist with things like rent, auto repairs, gas, childcare, health care, food, and other related costs. Each resource has a different application, and you may be able to apply for more than one resource. To view different types of funding resources and to apply, visit the Emergency Assistance web page.

Workforce Grant Funding

Workforce Grants offers scholarships, resources, and support for your training and education, including Professional Technical training and Pre-College Skills (High School Diploma, GED®, Basic Skills or ESL). Each funding program has different criteria to qualify, so we encourage you to complete eligibility questionnaire to further evaluate your eligibility.  

Veteran Education and Military Funding

The Veteran’s Education Office assists students in accessing all potential veteran and military education benefits for which they may be eligible, including federal VA programs and applicable state funding. Skagit Valley College certifies enrollment and benefits in accordance with VA regulations, only courses required for an approved program of study will be certified for VA education benefits and benefits are reported consistent with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requirements. For more information, visit https://www.skagit.edu/student-resources/veterans-outreach/using-veterans-education-benefits.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com.