Admissions Requirements

Spokane Community College (SCC)  has an "open door" admission policy admitting any high school graduate. SCC also accepts anyone who is at least 18 years old and holds a certificate of educational competence like a GED (General Educational Development)  or who is eligible through the Ability to Benefit program.

Ability to Benefit

Ability to Benefit (ATB) allows you to earn a degree without your high school diploma or GED.

All incoming SCC students who do not have a high school diploma or GED* will start in our HS+ program. When you attend an orientation, you will learn more about Ability to Benefit which will help you begin to decide if this is the right option for you.

What is Ability to Benefit?

It’s a way for students to access financial aid without a high school diploma or GED.

How do I become eligible?

Once you start HS+, you will meet with a counselor to develop an academic plan that earns credits towards your diploma and helps you prepare to be eligible for ATB.

All ATB students must earn a 3.0 or higher or a P in each of the 3 qualifying course categories.

1. Career Exploration and College Readiness
   1. AE 80 BEdA and Beyond (is Pass/Fail)
2. College Prep English
   1. AE 57 Pre-College English I; or
   2. AE 67 Pre-College English II; or
   3. ESL 61 ESL Writing/Listening and ESL 62 Reading/Speaking
3. College Prep Math
   1. AE 48 Math Fundamentals; or
   2. AE 68 Algebra Foundations

Could I enroll in any program at SCC through ATB?

No. Not every certificate or degree offered at SCC is open to students without their high school diploma. Some have clinical or other external reasons students must have their diploma or GED. Your counselor will be able to help you identify programs.

How will I be able to pay for school?

• HS+ classes, including the courses you are required to take to become ATB eligible have quarterly tuition of $25, which can be waived.
• All HS+ students are eligible for a tuition waiver to cover up to 10 college credits including all books, supplies and other fees.
• Once you have successfully completed a minimum of 6 college credits funded by the HS+ tuition waiver, you will be eligible for federal financial aid each quarter you remain in the ATB program and follow all the requirements.

To learn more about your possibilities please contact us at SCC Admissions Office, email scc.admissions@scc.spokane.edu or call 509-533-8020 and say you are interested in ATB.

*Does not apply to Running Start or other dual enrollment programs.

Admissions Policies

• SCC operates several programs at many locations. Admission is first-come, first-served, so the number of students admitted depends on the number of people programs can accommodate.

• Some programs require satisfactory completion of certain prerequisites prior to admission or have special selection procedures, so admission to the college does not guarantee acceptance in every program. Take a look at each program for specific application details on our What to Study page.

• You may enter college at the beginning of any quarter; however, you should be aware that some programs of study may be started only certain quarters.

• International students should apply through our international students application process.

• High school students enrolling in a Running Start program should use the Running Start application process.

• Applications are accepted before the application deadline for every quarter.
  

Residency Status for Admissions

Your residency status (Washington state resident vs. non-resident) determines your tuition and fees. Visit our tuition and fees page to see costs associated with your residency status.

Criteria for Washington State Residents

In order to enroll as a Washington state resident, you must be financially independent and have established a real home in Washington state (for other than primarily educational purposes) for one year immediately prior to the first day of the academic quarter.

Another option is to be financially dependent and one or both parents have a permanent home in Washington state for a period of one year immediately prior to the first day of the academic quarter.

Are you a Washington resident who has been out of Washington state for educational purposes only? You may qualify for a Change of Residency Status.