Green River College is a public college in Auburn, about 45 minutes south of Seattle, with one of the largest international student programmes of any US community college. Students take transfer degrees and move on to the University of Washington and other universities, or complete applied bachelor's degrees in IT and business. It also runs high school completion programmes for younger students.
Auburn, Washington, United States
Official website: greenriver.edu
Public college in Washington State
One of the largest international programmes at a US community college
Auburn, south of Seattle
$10,000 – $14,000
International students, associate, bachelor's and high school programmes
$14,000 – $18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on greenriver.edu before you apply.
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
Associate in Science (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
BAS Software Development
Bachelors DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
High School Completion
High SchoolDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
A huge international student community.
Transfer routes to the University of Washington.
Forested campus with mountain views.
Most students transfer to four-year universities in Washington and beyond.
Software development graduates join Seattle-area tech firms.
Applied bachelor's graduates may qualify for OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The main campus sits in forest on a hill above Auburn, with a student residence and homestay network.
Auburn is a suburb with lower rent than Seattle, which is about 45 minutes away by car or train.
Form I-20 issued by Green River College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Green River accepts international applications on a rolling basis for each quarter. Apply about three months ahead.
Classes start in fall, winter and spring quarters.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Green River College issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Transfer associate degrees, software development and high school completion are popular. Entry needs IELTS 6.0, or you can start with English classes.
The college has some scholarships for continuing international students. Ask the international office.
