Light rail changed the commute here. North Seattle College sits beside Northgate, where Link trains now run straight to downtown and the University of Washington. It's one of the three Seattle Colleges, a public community college where many international students do two years before transferring to a university. It also offers applied bachelor's degrees in areas such as software development.
Seattle, Washington, United States
Official website: northseattle.edu
Public community college
Seattle Colleges
Northgate, north Seattle
$10,000 – $13,000
International students, three quarters, approximate
$18,000 – $24,000
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 northseattle.edu before you apply.
Associate of Arts (DTA transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
Associate of Science Transfer
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
BAS Application Development
Bachelors DegreeDuration
24 Months after associate
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
AAS Accounting
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
A two-year route to the University of Washington and other universities.
A Link light rail station a short walk away.
Applied bachelor's degrees in software and business.
Most transfer students continue to universities in Washington State and beyond.
Applied bachelor's graduates join Seattle's software and business employers.
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 campus sits beside the Northgate shopping area. A pedestrian bridge over I-5 links it to the light rail station.
Seattle is green, wet in winter and pricey, especially rent. Many international students live with host families or share apartments along the light rail line.
Form I-20 issued by North Seattle 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
Seattle Colleges accept international applications for each quarter on a rolling basis. Apply about two to three months before term to allow time for the I-20 and visa appointment.
You can start in fall, winter or spring quarter, and some programmes also in summer.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from North Seattle College first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
The transfer associate degrees are the most popular route, alongside the applied bachelor's in application development and accounting. Entry needs a completed secondary school education and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 68, or you can start with English classes on campus.
Scholarships for new international students are limited. Some foundation awards open up after your first quarter, based on grades.
