Most international students at Tacoma Community College are planning two moves: two years here, then a transfer to a university to finish a bachelor's degree. TCC's campus is in west Tacoma. Its international programme arranges homestays, advising and English classes for students who need them first. The college also runs health, business and a few applied bachelor's programmes.
Tacoma, Washington, United States
Official website: tacomacc.edu
Public community college
West Tacoma, Washington
Associate and applied bachelor's
$10,000 – $12,500
International students, full-time tuition over three quarters
$15,000 – $20,000
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 tacomacc.edu before you apply.
Associate of Arts (DTA)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Business (DTA)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Biology (DTA)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate of Science (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Transfer degrees built around Washington university entry requirements.
Homestay placements and English classes for new international students.
Tuition far below four-year university rates.
Most international students transfer to universities such as UW Tacoma, UW Seattle or Washington State.
Health and business graduates find work in the South Sound region.
F-1 students can use OPT after completing an associate degree.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
TCC's campus is in a residential part of west Tacoma, next to a transit centre named after the college. There are no dorms, so international students live in homestays or shared apartments.
Tacoma is a port city on Puget Sound, cheaper than Seattle, with Point Defiance Park, the Museum of Glass and views of Mount Rainier. Seattle is about 45 minutes north.
Form I-20 issued by Tacoma Community 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
TCC takes international applications year-round. Apply about two to three months before the quarter you want, or earlier if visa interviews in your country book up quickly.
The year runs in quarters: fall (September), winter (January), spring (April) and a shorter summer term. Most new students start in fall or winter.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Tacoma Community 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 in arts, business, biology and science are the usual choices. You need secondary school completion, and English at about IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 61; students below that level can start with English classes.
Scholarships for new international students are limited. Continuing students can apply for TCC Foundation scholarships, so ask the international office once you are enrolled.
