Whatcom Community College - A Diverse and Supportive Learning Community

Whatcom Community College is located in the northwest corner of Washington State in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Whatcom hosts a very diverse international student population with an average of 300 international students from 30 different countries. The experienced staff in International Programs provides support to international students through all the stages of their education in the U.S., from admission to graduation. At Whatcom each international receives individualized advising in our diverse and supportive learning community. We invite you to come see the difference.

What Makes Whatcom Community College Different?

Excellent Location

• Located in beautiful Bellingham - 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, Canada
• Safe, friendly college town (pop. 80,000) with all the conveniences of a big city
• Year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, shopping, Seattle/Vancouver daytrips, concerts and more
• Mild and comfortable climate

Outstanding Student Services

• Helpful, friendly and supportive International Programs staff
• Admission and student visa application advising
• Small class sizes - approximately 25 students/class
• Homestay and college-leased apartments
• Airport welcome and pickup
• International student orientation
• Exciting and low-cost activities program for students
• International Friendship Club - international students meet U.S. students

Variety of Academic Programs

• University Transfer Degree - highly successful transfer program to 4-year universities (Western Washington University, University of Washington, University California Los Angeles, University of California Berkeley, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, University of Michigan, University of British Columbia, and many more)
• Associate in Arts and Science Degree (AAS) - 2-year, non-transfer associate degree
• Technical/Professional Degree - nursing, graphic design, physical therapist assistant, medical assisting, business information systems, computer information systems, and others
• High School Completion - complete a Washington State High School Diploma and earn college credit at the same time

High Quality English Language Program

• Intensive English courses - five levels with eight start dates throughout the year
• College Transition courses - earn college credit while studying English
• Customized short-term English and culture programs available year-round

Convenient Start Dates

• Academic programs start September, January, April and June
• Intensive English Language program starts September, November, January, February, April, May, June, and July

Affordable Tuition

• Tuition is affordable - approximately $9,700/year compared to $20,000/year or more at many universities