Become a Student
(206) 546-4611 • enrollmentservices@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5200
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid
Students can start their education at Shoreline Community College in the Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer Quarters. They can apply online or submit a paper application by mail, fax, or in person to our Enrollment Services Department. We recommend applying as early as possible before the quarter begins.
We will send information about acceptance and enrollment by email.
Eligibility for Admission
Admission to Shoreline Community College requires students to be graduates from an accredited high school, have a General Education Development (GED) Certificate, or be at least 18 years old. Applicants for programs that are targeted to specific populations under the age of 18 may be admitted under the specific guidelines established for each program. Students under 16 are generally not admitted, but may be eligible for Underage Admissions and can contact our Enrollment Services Department for more information.
Students may also need to submit college or high school transcripts to our Enrollment Services Department after admission.
College Transcripts
- Students who have attended other colleges are required to provide official transcripts from all the colleges from which they want to transfer credits to Shoreline Community College. We accept credits from colleges and universities accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) or other regionally accredited agencies. Transcripts or coursework from other colleges might also be needed to determine a student’s placement level before they can enroll in English, Math, or other courses that have prerequisites.
- Students who receive federal financial aid or those who receive educational benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges they have previously attended. This includes transcripts from colleges attended before, during, or after active duty for veterans. These transcripts become the property of Shoreline Community College after submission.
High School Transcripts
- Students are encouraged to submit final, official high school transcripts to our Enrollment Services Department. These transcripts can be used to determine placement level and help advisors guide students who want to transfer to other colleges or universities to meet those admissions and graduation requirements.
Non-Graduates of High School
Students who did not graduate from high school may need to verify their placement level before enrolling in courses. We encourage these students to consider the High School Completion Program or to obtain a GED Certificate to guide them as they plan their degree or program pathway.
Students who currently attend high school either full-time or part-time can enroll in high school completion courses or college credit courses to meet graduation requirements. They must submit an authorization letter from their counselor or vice principal which confirms that the high school will allow the student to attend these courses at Shoreline Community College and will accept the credits earned.
Additionally, Shoreline Community College’s Running Start Program allows juniors and seniors in high school to enroll in college courses.
International Students
(206) 546-4697 • international@shoreline.edu • 9000 Building (PUB), Room 9302
shoreline.edu/international
International Students will complete the following steps to apply for admission at Shoreline Community College.
- submit an application
- pay the $50 application fee
- provide complete and official high school records (all years), and any college or university transcripts
- provide evidence of financial responsibility
International Students admitted to Shoreline Community College will receive an email about their application status update and their Form I-20 which they will use to apply for a student visa at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
We do not require International Students to submit results from an English Language Proficiency Exam with their application. However, International Students may take an English Language Proficiency Exam during International Student Orientation to determine their starting point. International Students who have already demonstrated proficiency in the English Language may be eligible to enroll directly in college-level English or advanced courses.
Programs with Special Admission Requirements
Admission to Shoreline Community College does not guarantee acceptance into certain programs with special admission requirements. Our Biotechnology, Dental Hygiene, Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), Nursing, and The Honors College programs fall into this category.
Some programs have waiting lists because of high demand. Our Automotive program falls into this category.
Auditing Courses
Students who audit courses are generally allowed to attend the course and access course materials as permitted by the instructor. However, they are not required to participate in discussions, submit papers, or take exams. Audited classes do not count towards a degree or affect a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). They will appear on a student’s transcript as an N Grade (no credit).
Students must register and pay the required tuition and fees to audit a class. They can change between audit and credit status until the first day of the seventh week of the quarter.
Determine Placement
shoreline.edu/placement
Certain courses at Shoreline Community College, such as English, Math, and Science, require students to demonstrate prior knowledge and abilities before registering. This can be done by completing prerequisite courses at the College or through different placement methods. Placement is a process that helps students find the appropriate level of courses to support their educational success.
We use multiple methods to determine appropriate placement into courses.
Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor or visit the webpage linked above for more information.
Provide Previous Credits
Transfer Credits
(206) 546-4559 • advising@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5229
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/transfer-credits
Shoreline Community College accepts credits earned at colleges or universities that are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) or other regional accrediting agencies. Students will need to request official transcripts from their previous college(s) and submit them to our Enrollment Services Department to ensure these credits count toward a degree at Shoreline Community College.
Advisors at Shoreline Community College can review students’ transcripts to help them understand how their credits will transfer. They can also give information about different degree and certificate options. Students do not need to wait for the transcript evaluation to be finished before signing up for classes.
Academic Credit by Prior Learning Assessment
(206) 546-4559 • advising@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5229
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/registration/credit-for-prior-learning
There are restrictions on how and when Credit by Prior Learning Assessment can be awarded. Shoreline Community College awards credits to students who can demonstrate their prior learning in four general categories.
- Prior Experiential Learning (PEL): knowledge and skills gained through experience, assessed by faculty through an evaluation of compiled work. Credits awarded via PEL cannot exceed 25% of the total credits required for any program, certificate, or degree, and may not be available for all classes.
- Extra-Institutional Learning (EIL): knowledge and skills gained outside of the college and that are verified through third-party certifications or industry-recognized tests or training. Shoreline Community College has evaluated certain professional programs that are regionally or nationally recognized and has set clear criteria for awarding credits for these programs.
- Credit by Testing: students who complete college-level coursework in high school can receive appropriate credit and/or placement based on their performance on the Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.
- Course Challenge: students currently enrolled at Shoreline Community College can earn credit for certain classes by successfully passing Course Challenge exams. These exams are thorough and ensure that students have the same knowledge and skills as those who successfully complete the course. Students should have prior training, private study, work experience, or other relevant qualifications demonstrating equivalent knowledge or ability equivalent to the course completers.
Apply for Financial Aid
(206) 546-4762 • financialaid@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5220
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/financial-aid
Shoreline Community College’s Financial Aid Department provides financial assistance to students who complete the financial aid process and are eligible based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Sources of aid include federal, state, and institutional grants, loans, and work-study jobs.
Students are also encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Department for a re-evaluation or to review the 2024-2025 Requests for Reevaluation Forms if their family’s circumstances have changed significantly in 2024 (e.g., job loss, death, marital separation) and they have already completed the FAFSA and/or WAFSA.
The 2024-2025 Financial Aid Guide provides more information about eligibility requirements.
Application Process
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/funding-and-aid/financial-aid/apply.aspx
Shoreline Community College processes financial aid applications based on the date students submit their final required documents. Applications are not considered complete until all required documents are submitted. Students asked to provide additional documentation will keep their original submission date as long as they submit the additional documents within two weeks.
Students should apply for aid as early as possible and complete the application by the deadline of the quarter for which they plan to enroll in courses. Those who miss the deadline should plan to pay tuition, fees, and book costs out of pocket but may be reimbursed later if we determine they are eligible for aid.
Cost of Attendance
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/cashiering/tuition-fees.aspx
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a key part of determining a student’s financial need. The COA covers the nine-month school year (October to June) and only includes part of the living expenses a student or their family might have while in college. It is not meant to cover all possible expenses a student or their family might have.
The COA is annually set by the Washington Financial Aid Association (WFAA) while tuition costs are set by the Washington State Legislature (Revised Code of Washington 28B.15.067).
Family Contribution & Family Need
Shoreline Community College’s Financial Aid Department uses the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA Submission Summary on FAFSA or WASFA forms to calculate financial aid offers. The SAI outlines how much money students and their families are expected to contribute to their education.
A student’s financial need is determined using the following equation: the Cost of Attendance minus the SAI equals the unmet need.
Notification of Aid Offer
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/funding-and-aid/financial-aid/conditions-of-award.aspx
Students awarded aid will receive a Notification of Aid Offer by email which will tell them to check the type and amount of aid for each quarter in ctcLink. Students should inform the Financial Aid Department if they decide not to attend Shoreline Community College, plan to enroll less than full-time, or want to reject or cancel part of their aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/funding-and-aid/financial-aid/sap-current-students.aspx
Students who apply for and receive financial aid need to maintain good academic progress in their studies and complete their program within the credit limits.
Repayment of Aid
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/funding-and-aid/financial-aid/withdrawals-refunds-repayments.aspx
Students must attend more than 60% of the quarter to keep all their federal grants or loans. Instructors must report the Last Date of Attendance (LDA) for students who fail or stop attending class. Shoreline Community College uses this date to determine if repayment is required and the amount owed. This repayment requirement applies to all federal and state financial aid, except for Direct Student Loans, according to federal and state regulations and the College’s refund policy.
Shoreline Community College calculates repayments throughout the quarter as notified of withdrawals, and again at the end of the quarter after grades are posted. Notification is then sent to students about any financial aid funds they need to repay and any money owed to the U.S. Department of Education, Washington State, or Shoreline Community College.
Workforce Education Program
(206) 546-5882 • workforce@shoreline.edu • FOSS Building (5000), Room 5101
shoreline.edu/workforce
Shoreline Community College’s Workforce Education Program helps students pay for the costs of education. Eligibility varies by funding source and is typically awarded to students enrolled in the following programs.
Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET)
(206) 546-7843 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5101
shoreline.edu/workforce/funding/bfet.aspx
Type of Assistance
Eligibility Requirements
Opportunity Grant
(206) 546-6961 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5101
shoreline.edu/workforce/funding/opportunity-grant.aspx
Type of Assistance
- tuition, fees, books, and required supplies
Eligibility Requirements (meets one of the following criteria)
Worker Retraining
(206) 546-6957 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5101
shoreline.edu/workforce/funding/retraining.aspx
Type of Assistance
Eligibility Requirements (meets one of the following criteria)
- displaced homemakers
- formerly self-employed and business is no longer viable
- has received a layoff notice
- impacted by a disaster and lost job and/or hours of work reduced
- lost job and is engaged in a temporary, part-time or full-time job while training for permanent employment
- military personnel who have been honorably discharged within the past 48 months or have received a separation order
- receiving unemployment benefits or has exhausted unemployment benefits in the past 48 months.
WorkFirst
(206) 546-4570 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5101
shoreline.edu/workforce/funding/workfirst.aspx
The WorkFirst program helps parents receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)/Cash Assistance to achieve their educational and employment goals.
Type of Assistance
Eligibility Requirements
Other Types of Aid
Shoreline Community College Foundation
(206) 546-4755 • sccfoundation@shoreline.edu • 1000 Building (ADMIN), Room 1005
shoreline.edu/foundation
Shoreline Community College’s Foundation is dedicated to increasing student access and success at the College through raising funds, building partnerships, and advocating for students and the College. The Foundation offers scholarships and provides emergency financial assistance to eligible students with pressing needs. It currently manages multiple accounts and endowments on behalf of generous donors and departments for the benefit of students.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes alumni, business and industry representatives, community leaders, and educators.
High School Programs
shoreline.edu/high-school-programs/high-school-completion
Shoreline Community College’s High School Completion Program can help students who are 18 or older earn a high school diploma. Additionally, students who are enrolled at a high school full-time may also be eligible to earn a high school diploma from their high school by attending courses at Shoreline Community College and transferring the credits to their high school.
Students who are 19 or older pay a reduced fee per credit for their high school completion courses. They must complete a Tuition Waiver Form to receive this reduced tuition.
Choose Courses
(206) 546-4559 • advising@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5229
shoreline.edu/advising
Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to plan their courses for the next quarter before enrolling. They can determine which courses they need by reviewing their planning guides, degree progress, and specific educational goals.
Students should make sure they have completed prerequisites, choose instructors that fit their learning style, and schedule courses to accommodate their work and personal needs. They should also confirm that the courses they plan to take align with funding guidelines.
Enroll in Courses
(206) 546-4611 • enrollmentservices@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5200
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid
How to Enroll in Courses
Students accepted into the college can enroll in courses online from the start of the open enrollment period through the first week of each quarter. Continuing students are given the first opportunity to register, prioritized for students who have completed the most credits, which allows students to move up in priority each quarter they attend.
Advisor Approval
We encourage all students to meet with an advisor before enrolling in courses at Shoreline Community College.
However, students in the following categories will need approval from an advisor to enroll in courses:
Priority Enrollment Status
Veterans, qualified military-connected students, and students with disabilities receive priority enrollment status. These students should contact Veteran & Military Student Services or Student Accessibility Services to make sure they receive this priority status.
Course Waitlists
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/registration/waitlist-procedure.aspx
If a course is fully enrolled, students who try to enroll in the class from the fill date through the third day of the quarter may be able to join the course waitlist. If spots open in the class, ctcLink will automatically notify students who are removed from the waitlist to be enrolled in the class. This update occurs daily.
However, students who try to enroll in full courses from the fourth day onward will need their instructor’s approval and to submit a Schedule Change Form to ‘overload’ into the course.
Students on course waitlists should plan to attend the first day of class and inform the instructor of their interest in enrolling.
Students may be unable to join a course waitlist if any of the following situations apply.
- a hold is on their account
- the waitlist deadline has passed
- they have reached the 8-credit waitlist limit
- the waitlist is full
- they are already enrolled in the course section
- they attempt to enroll before their enrollment period
- the course is Open-Ended Enrollment (OEE)
Adding or Dropping Courses
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/registration/add-drop.aspx
Add/Drop Dates, Tuition Refund Dates, and more can be found on the Academic Calendar.
Adding Courses
Students can add open courses online through ctcLink but will need instructor approval to add full courses during the first five days of the quarter. Students can submit a Petition for Late Enrollment Form, which requires approval from both the instructor and the dean, to add classes from days six to ten. This option is only available in special and unusual circumstances.
Dropping Courses
Students can drop courses online through ctcLink before the tenth day of the quarter. Dropping a course after the tenth day of the quarter requires the instructor’s approval, incurs a $15 add/drop fee, and results in a “W” Grade recorded on the transcript. Dropping courses can impact a student’s financial aid status and progress toward their degree, so it is important to review potential impacts before doing so.
Getting Dropped from Courses
Students dropped from courses can re-enroll but may be placed on a waitlist if the courses are full. Students dropped from courses after the fifth day will need their instructor’s approval to re-enroll and must submit a Schedule Change Form to the Enrollment Services Department.
Tuition and Fees
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/cashiering/tuition-fees.aspx
Shoreline Community College offers tuition rates for residents of Washington State, non-residents who are citizens of the U.S., and international students. Payment for tuition and fees is due two weeks before the first day of each quarter. Students who submit their application for Financial Aid by the deadline and are offered financial aid are exempt from the tuition payment due dates.
Pay Tuition
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/cashiering/payment-methods.aspx
Students are not officially enrolled in classes until tuition and fees have been paid in full to Shoreline Community College or if contracted for full payment through a deferred payment plan. Payments must be received before the posted tuition deadline.
Students can first confirm how much they owe in tuition and fees by viewing their account balance in ctcLink. They can then pay tuition and fees using the following methods.
- online (with a credit card)
- a payment plan
- a check or direct deposit
- Flywire (for international students)
Drop for Non-Payment of Tuition
Students who do not pay their tuition by the deadline may be administratively dropped from their course(s) for which no payment was made. Shoreline Community College will notify students of this action via their preferred email address.
Students can re-enroll in courses in ctcLink if they are not full and can re-enroll without instructor permission by contacting our Enrollment Services Department on the day they were dropped if the courses are full. Students who contact the Enrollment Services Department more than one day after they were dropped will be added to the course waitlist instead.
Residency Status
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/cashiering/residency-policy.aspx
Students are initially classified as “resident” or “non-resident” based on their application for admission to Shoreline Community College and in compliance with state residency laws in Washington State.
Changes to Residency Classification
Students can submit a Residency Questionnaire with supporting documentation to residency@shoreline.edu before registration or within 30 days of the quarter’s start to apply for a change in their residency classification.
Requirements for Residency Status
Students must provide documentation that shows they meet the following guidelines to establish residency in Washington State.
- they did not come to Washington State primarily for educational purposes.
- they have lived in Washington State for at least 12 consecutive months as legal residents.
- they have established legal ties such as bank accounts, a driver’s license/State ID, or employment.
- they are financially independent for both the current and the previous calendar years. However, their residency status is based on whether their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) meet all residency requirements if they are not financially independent.
Other Conditions for Residency Status
Students can also qualify for residency status under the following conditions.
Holds on Student Accounts
Students who have holds placed on their accounts are prevented from enrolling in courses or paying for tuition. It may take up to 24 hours for the Enrollment Services Department to process the release of a hold on a student’s account.
Shoreline Community College may place holds on students’ accounts for the following reasons:
- students under 16 will have a hold on their account until they meet with our Enrollment Services Department.
- students with unpaid debts to the College, such as parking or library fines, will have a hold on their account until their debt is paid.
- students placed on academic intervention or restriction will have a hold on their account until they meet with an advisor and meet requirements for the expected quarterly Grade Point Average (GPA) and earned credits.
- students involved in conduct or disciplinary issues will have a hold on their account per the guidelines set by the Conduct Officer.
Tuition Refund Policies
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/cashiering/refunds.aspx
Students who have paid tuition and withdraw from all or some of their courses during the first three weeks of the quarter (or summer equivalent) may be owed a refund. However, students who withdraw without complying with the official withdrawal process, and students who are asked to withdraw by the College, do not receive a refund of fees. Additionally, recipients of financial aid may be required to repay some or all financial aid after withdrawal depending on the type of aid received, the documented last day of attendance, and applicable rules and regulations governing financial aid.
- payments made in full with a credit card will be refunded to the card that was originally used (unless paid with a payment plan).
- payments made with a payment plan will be refunded by check payable to the student.
- payments by cash or check will be refunded in the form of a check payable to the student.
Tuition Refund Schedule
- Through the First Week of the Quarter: 100% refund except for fees listed as non-refundable; there will be no record of the course on the student’s transcript.
- Second Week of the Quarter: 50% refund except for fees listed as non-refundable; there will be no record of the course on the student’s transcript.
- Third Week of the Quarter: 50% refund except for fees listed as non-refundable; the instructor’s approval is required to withdraw and the course will appear on the student’s transcript as a ‘W’ Grade.
- After the Third Week of the Quarter: no refund will be issued.
Student Records
(206) 546-4611 • enrollmentservices@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5200
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid
Confidentiality
Shoreline Community College protects student privacy as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. Students can request that all personal information be kept confidential by contacting our Enrollment Services Department.
Name Changes
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/name-change.aspx
Students are required to submit legal documentation for a change of name on their official record at Shoreline Community College. Acceptable documentation includes a marriage certificate, court order, divorce decree with name change, or legal photo ID. Students can submit the Student Information Update Form to our Enrollment Services Department to complete a legal name change.
Shoreline Community College also recognizes that students may want to use a preferred name. Students can set a preferred name in ctcLink which will also be automatically updated in Canvas. They can also contact our Enrollment Services Department to have their preferred name changed across all systems at Shoreline Community College.
Student ctcLink Identification Number
shoreline.edu/ctclink/ctclink-students.aspx
Students receive a randomly assigned student identification number (called a “ctcLink ID”) after they are admitted to a member college of the State Board for Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC). If the student applies to another member college, the same ctcLink ID will be used at the new college. Students can use their ctcLink ID to manage admissions, enrollment in courses, financial aid, personal information, academic records, and more.
Note: Shoreline Community College does not require students to disclose their Social Security Number. However, some students may be asked to provide their Social Security Number for financial aid, the Federal American Opportunity Tax Credit, employment in any position at Shoreline Community College including work-study, and workforce and employment security reporting. Social Security Numbers are kept confidential and protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.
Student Identification Cards
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/registration/sid-pin.aspx
Student ID Cards are important because they prove a student is enrolled at Shoreline Community College. They can also give students discounts at many businesses and organizations. Student ID Cards are required for current students who attend class on campus but are optional for online students.
Students can get a Student ID Card at the Enrollment Services Department in the 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5200, Monday - Thursday from 9:00 - 11:00am and 2:00 - 4:00pm. They will need their ctcLink ID, a copy of their current class schedule, and a valid, government-issued photo ID.
A student’s first Student ID Card is free and will work as long as they are enrolled at Shoreline Community College. Replacement cards can be purchased for $10.
Transcript Requests
(206) 546-4614 • transcripts@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5200
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/transcript-requests.aspx
Transcripts list a student’s coursework and grades to date.
Unofficial Transcripts
Unofficial Transcripts allow students to view their current academic progress. Students can view their Unofficial Transcripts in ctcLink at no cost.
Official Transcripts
Official Transcripts may be needed to support an application to another college or university; they include the signature of Shoreline Community College’s Registrar and the College’s official seal. Students can request Official Transcripts online through Parchment or submit a Transcript Request Form in person or by mail at no cost.
Requests for transcripts are typically processed within 3-5 business days. Same-day transcripts can be requested by mail, email, or in person for an additional fee of $20.00.
GED Transcripts & Exam Results
Students can review their General Educational Development (GED) transcripts and exam results at ged.com.
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