Seattle Central College is a public community college on Capitol Hill in central Seattle. It is best known for associate degrees that transfer to the University of Washington and other four-year universities, plus applied bachelor's degrees in IT and business. Choose it for a low-cost start to a US degree in a major tech city.
Seattle, United States
Official website: seattlecentral.edu
Public community college in Washington State
Associate degrees designed to transfer to four-year universities
Capitol Hill, central Seattle
$10,000 – $14,000
International students, associate and applied bachelor's programmes
$18,000 – $23,000
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 seattlecentral.edu before you apply.
Associate of Arts (University Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr, Jun
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Associate of Science (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr, Jun
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BAS Application Development
Bachelors DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BAS Business Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
University transfer pathways to the University of Washington and others.
Four intakes a year on the quarter system.
Central Seattle location near downtown tech employers.
Many students transfer to four-year universities after two years.
Applied bachelor's graduates move into IT and business roles in Seattle.
Bachelor's graduates may qualify for OPT work authorisation.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus sits on Broadway in Capitol Hill, one of Seattle's liveliest neighbourhoods, with a light rail station next door.
Seattle is a major technology hub with mountains and water on every side. Rent is high, and many students live in homestays or shared apartments.
Form I-20 issued by Seattle Central
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 Central accepts international applications on a rolling basis for each quarter. Apply about three months before the start date to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
The college runs on quarters, with starts in fall, winter, spring and summer. Applied bachelor's programmes start in the fall.
You need an F-1 student visa. The college issues your Form I-20 after you are admitted and show funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend a visa interview.
Transfer associate degrees in arts and science and applied bachelor's degrees in application development and business are popular. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 6.0 or an English placement test.
The college offers some scholarships for continuing international students. Check its international programmes pages for current awards.
