New Student
Ready to attend class and study? Seattle Central has a spot for you. Remember, deadlines are important so use the Academic Calendar to stay on track. Students with special needs and/or disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services for assistance.
Apply & Enroll
Follow the 5 step enrollment process:
Apply
High School graduate and/or 18 or older
Anyone who is a high school graduate or anyone age 18 or older can become a Seattle Central student. To apply just fill out the online application form, it's fast and free! Two business days later, students will receive an official Student Identification Number (SID).
Under 18?
Applicants under the age of 18 or who do not have a high school diploma will need to apply to one of our High School programs. Running Start applicants may begin the process by completing the online application form and answering RUNNING START in question four, as illustrated in the following screen shot:
As well, everyone interested in Running Start should review the important documents and next steps.
Some programs have separate enrollment procedures, therefore, make sure to consult the individual Career Training program.
Contact Admissions at 206.934.JOIN (206.934.5646) or on the Broadway campus in room BE1104.
Plan Funding
Seattle Central offers an Automatic Payment Plan to spread out college costs.
Start Early
The key to successfully planning funding is to start early—at least three months!
Financial Aid Resources
There are several resources available including Financial Aid, Federal Direct Loans, Workforce Services, Veteran's Services, and various Grants. Detailed information about these and other options can be found in the comprehensive pay for college section of our website.
Tuition Deadline
Students are responsible for paying tuition by the tuition deadline.
Contact Financial Aid at 206.934.3844 or on the Broadway campus in room BE1104.
Placement for Classes
New Students
New students have several options to demonstrate their English and/or math proficiency level.
- Take the placement test for English and Math.
- Use qualifying ACT or SAT scores – testing FAQ.
- Seattle Public Schools Students: Use high school transcript for placement in intermediate algebra or college level math. Math placement request form (pdf) and chart (pdf).
- If you have already completed college-level coursework, you may provide unofficial transcripts showing successful completion of English and/or math. Learn more about incoming transcript evaluation.
Contact Placement Testing at 206.934.6344 or on the Broadway campus room BE1106.
Register
START New Student Orientation
New students must complete the New Student START orientation either in person or online.
Soon after you complete Orientation, your Personal Identification Number (PIN) will get activated, which is what you need to register for classes.
The following student groups use a separate orientation and are not required to take START New Student Orientation: Running Start, International Students, Non–credit, ABE, ESL, and GED® students.
Advising
Advisors help guide students in choosing classes based on academic goals. Once you have completed placement for classes and orientation, you are encouraged to meet with an advisor to get help with educational planning.
College transfer students will need to work with an Academic Advisor (mandatory after 45 credits).
Register for Classes
After completing steps 1–4, there are two ways to register for classes:
- Online: Register for classes using the student online services portal, MyCentral.
- In-Person: Visit the Registration office (Room BE1104). This may be required for courses that need the instructor's permission.
Note: Waitlisted students must attend first day of class with an Add/Drop form to obtain instructor permission to enroll.
Pay & Prepare
Pay Tuition
You are encouraged to pay early to secure your enrollment in classes and avoid being dropped for non-payment. Learn more about tuition payment deadlines.
Students who applied for Financial Aid can check their award status with the Financial Aid office or online.
Buy Books & Supplies
New and used paper and e–books can be purchased (or rented) from the campus bookstore. Bring your class item numbers and section numbers to the campus bookstore, and they can look up your required textbooks. Books and supplies can also be downloaded and purchased online.
Plan Parking & Transportation
For help with planning a commute to Seattle Central, learn about ORCA cards and student parking permits in the transportation section of our website.
Get a Seattle Central Photo I.D. Card
Photo identification (I.D.) cards are required for all students and can be obtained in the Enrollment Services lobby. We suggest that students obtain an I.D. card as soon as they have paid for their classes; if a student is enrolled in a payment plan, their first payment must be received by the college before they can get an I.D. card.
Congratulations! You are now enrolled at Seattle Central.