Frequently Asked Questions

Community colleges are a major sector of the U.S. education system. More than 11 million students, about 46 percent of all undergraduate students, attend community colleges throughout the United States.

Community colleges provide the first two years of university education, called "lower division courses" preparing students to transfer to a university for two years to complete their bachelor's degree. This system is called "two years at a community college plus two years at a university equals a bachelor degree."

The community college also offers two-year associate degrees in many fields; one and two year certificates for shorter courses focusing on career training as well as short term non credit programs.

Close to 100,000 international students attend community colleges, about 39% of all international undergraduate students in the United States. Green River Community College has been serving international students since 1985 and currently has over 1,000 students from over thirty-two countries.

The curriculum at a community college and a university are the same. Both the community college and the university are accredited by the same agency. However, the community college costs less money, classes are smaller and you receive more attention from your instructors and advisors.

It is easy to transfer from GRCC to a university. Green River students are admitted to top universities all over the US, including University of Washington, UC Berkeley, Indiana, Michigan and hundreds of other excellent schools. Six universities, including University of Oregon and San Francisco State, also offer conditional guaranteed admission to GRCC international students.

You may apply online or by mailing or faxing your application.

You may start any quarter. Fall quarter begins in September; winter quarter begins in January; spring quarter begins in April; and summer quarter begins in June.

Students must be 16 years of age.

Upon acceptance to Green River Community College you will be sent an I-20. You then need to bring the I-20, your passport, and a bank statement to a United States Embassy to apply for a student visa. It is best to check the Web site of the Embassy in your country for up-to-date information.

No, you don't have to take the TOFEL; you may take our English Placement Assessment when you arrive. However, if you have a TOFEL score of 173/500 you are immediately eligible for academic classes. In the event you do not qualify there is an English as a Second Program available to assist you in preparing for the college program.

Auburn is a suburb of Seattle, approximately 35 miles south of the city-center. It is about 20 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Auburn has a population of 45,000 and is located on the Green River.

You can live on campus. Campus Corner Apartments is a wonderful place to live and make friends with Americans and others from all over the world. You may also choose to live with a host family or in a nearby apartment. Our housing department will work with you to find the type of accommodations you desire.

Green River Community College serves a total of 10,000 students of which 1,000 are international students from over 40 countries.

There are both intramural and varsity sports at the college. In addition, there is a full-time activities coordinator for international students. Trips, clubs, sports, cultural activities are arranged on a continual basis for international students.

Yes and no. You can work on campus at any time. There are more students wanting jobs than there are jobs; however, so you have to compete for them. There are special circumstances which allow you to work off campus after attending for a number of quarters. Ask an advisor when you get to the College.

Please let us know if you have more questions by
e-mailing us directly. We will get right back to you with the answers.