Did you know…?

• There are 1,200 community colleges in the United States (U.S.).
• Seattle Central is ranked No. 12 in "International Student Enrollment" among all U.S. community colleges, according to the Institute of International Education's 2019 Open Doors® Report.

Why do so many international students choose Seattle Central?

WIDE VARIETY OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

• University Transfer (Associate Transfer Degree): Complete a two-year Associate degree (i.e., the first two years of a traditional Bachelor’s degree) in almost any major subject.
• High School Completion Plus (High School Diploma + Associate Transfer Degree): Earn both a Washington State high school diploma and a two-year Associate degree in just two years. 
• Career Training (Certificate, Associate of Applied Science Degree, BAS, Etc.): Get hands-on, skills-based training in preparation for more than 20 high-demand technical fields, including graphic design, web programming, nursing, and culinary arts, among many others.
• English as a Second Language (ESL): Improve your basic English language skills (i.e., listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in our popular and results-oriented ESL program. Earn up to 21 college credits toward your Associate degree while you learn English!
• Short-Term Certificates
• Internships

Location

Seattle Central is located in the energy-filled Capitol Hill neighborhood of downtown Seattle. Shops, restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, museums, libraries, movie theaters, and city parks are all within walking distance. The subway line connects Seattle Central to the heart of downtown in two minutes, to the University of Washington in three minutes, and to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in just 30 minutes. Students who choose Seattle Central are oftentimes looking for a fast pace, as well as the sights and sounds of a diverse city environment. Seattle Central’s main classroom building is a focal point in the neighborhood and the rest of the campus buildings surround it, extending across several city blocks. Students who attend Seattle Central enjoy the trendy, "anything-goes" ambiance of Capitol Hill, and appreciate an environment where campus and city meld into one. Students are activist in nature, and take advantage of opportunities to get involved in political movements and discussions. Off campus, they find themselves volunteering in the many, nearby non-profit organizations, and develop a close connection to and affinity for Seattle as a city and a home.

National awards and recognition

Seattle Central was named “College of the Year” in a one-time study by TIME Magazine and recognized by the New York Times as one of 11 U.S. community colleges noted for transfer success in the article, “For Achievers, A New Destination.”

Transfer Success

Seattle Central students have been admitted to Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Cornell University, and the University of Washington, among hundreds of others.

Transfer Admission Guarantees

Transfer admission guarantees (a.k.a. "TAGs") provide pathways to competitive, four-year universities. Partners include the University of Washington, Bothell; San Francisco State University; California State University, Northridge; Seattle University; Washington State University and many more.

Three different housing options

Live in Seattle Central’s beautiful on-campus apartments, off-campus apartments, or with an American family in a nearby homestay.

Services, facilities, and activities

Seattle Central offers academic advising, personal counseling, university transfer fairs, workshops, activities and free tutoring. Facilities include a full research library, computer labs, restaurants, cafes, and an on-campus gymnasium. With 60+ clubs and hundreds of activities every year, it is easy to develop new skills, get involved, volunteer, and have fun!

Four start dates and an easy application process

Students can begin their studies in Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. And, whether you plan to study for three months or two years, your admission application will be processed quickly!

No TOEFL? No Problem!

Seattle Central accepts TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, and ACT scores as proof of English proficiency. However, students without scores can take a placement test upon arrival at Seattle Central.