| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Centralia College is a public community college located in Centralia, Washington, USA. Established in 1925, it is the oldest continuously operating community college in Washington state. The college offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and a few applied bachelor's degrees, serving students looking to transfer to four-year universities, gain workforce training, or enhance their skills.
Location: Centralia, Washington
Founded: 1925
Type: Public Community College
Degrees Offered:
Associate degrees (AA, AS, AAS)
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees
Certificates in various technical and vocational fields
Popular Programs:
Business
Nursing
Criminal Justice
Computer Science
Energy Technology
Early Childhood Education
Campus Life:
Student clubs and organizations
Athletics (Trailblazers teams)
On-campus housing (TransAlta Commons)
Tuition & Financial Aid: Offers affordable tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
Transfer Opportunities: Many students transfer to four-year universities like the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University.
Associate degrees are typically two-year programs that prepare students for university transfer or direct entry into the workforce.
These degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a university after completing their first two years at Centralia College.
Associate in Arts (AA) – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)
Associate in Science (AS-T) – Emphasis in:
Biological Sciences
Environmental Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Engineering
Physics
Associate in Business – DTA/MRP
Associate in Pre-Nursing – DTA/MRP
These degrees provide hands-on training for students who want to enter the workforce immediately.
Accounting
Automotive Technology
Business Management
Computer Science & Cybersecurity
Criminal Justice
Diesel Technology
Early Childhood Education
Energy Technology
Electronics, Robotics & Automation
Health & Fitness
Human & Social Services
IT - Networking & Cybersecurity
Medical Assistant
Welding Technology
These four-year degrees are designed for students who already have an associate degree and want to advance their careers.
BAS in Applied Management
BAS in Diesel Technology
BAS in Information Technology – Networking & Cybersecurity
BAS in Teacher Education (K-8 and Special Education focus)
Certificate programs are short-term training programs that prepare students for specific careers.
Accounting Technician
Automotive Technician
Criminal Justice
Customer Service Representative
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Energy Technology
IT - Cybersecurity
Medical Assistant
Welding Technology
Centralia College also offers non-credit courses and training for professional development, including:
GED Preparation & High School Completion
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Workforce Training & Apprenticeships
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
BAS in Applied Management |
2 Years |
$6,000 – $7,000 (In-State) |
|
BAS in Diesel Technology |
2 Years |
$6,000 – $7,000 (In-State) |
|
BAS in Information Technology – Networking & Cybersecurity |
2 Years |
$6,000 – $7,000 (In-State) |
|
BAS in Teacher Education (K-8 & Special Education) |
2 Years |
$6,000 – $7,000 (In-State) |
Affordable Tuition: Lower costs compared to universities.
University Transfer Pathway: Easy transfer to top universities in the U.S.
Small Class Sizes: More personal attention from instructors.
On-Campus Housing: Convenient accommodation for international students.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Support: Helps students improve their English skills.
1. Associate Degrees (for University Transfer)
Associate in Arts (AA) – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)
Associate in Science (AS-T) (Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, etc.)
Associate in Business (DTA/MRP)
Associate in Pre-Nursing (DTA/MRP)
These programs allow students to transfer to top universities such as the University of Washington (UW), Washington State University (WSU), and Western Washington University (WWU) after two years.
2. Bachelor’s Degrees (4-Year Programs)
BAS in Applied Management
BAS in Diesel Technology
BAS in IT – Networking & Cybersecurity
BAS in Teacher Education
3. Certificate Programs (Short-Term Career Training)
Cybersecurity
Early Childhood Education
Energy Technology
Medical Assistant
Welding Technology
Step 1: Choose a Program
Explore available programs:
Associate Degrees (for University Transfer)
Bachelor’s Degrees (BAS Programs)
Certificate Programs
Check program details to ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals.
Step 2: Submit an Online Application
Apply Online through the Centralia College website.
Application deadlines:
Fall Quarter: August 1
Winter Quarter: November 1
Spring Quarter: February 1
Summer Quarter: May 1
Application Fee: $50 (Non-refundable)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
After completing the application, you need to provide the following:
High School Diploma/Transcripts (Translated into English)
English Proficiency Test Scores (Any one of the following):
TOEFL iBT: 61 or higher
IELTS: 5.5 or higher
Duolingo: 85 or higher
(Students who do not meet the requirement may take ESL courses at Centralia College.)
Copy of Passport (Valid for at least six months)
Financial Statement (Bank statement showing sufficient funds, approx. $22,000 for one academic year)
Send all documents via email or upload them through the online application portal.
Step 4: Receive Form I-20 (for Student Visa)
Once your application is approved, Centralia College will issue a Form I-20, which is required to apply for a U.S. F-1 student visa.
Steps to get a U.S. Student Visa (F-1):
Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350) at.
Schedule a Visa Interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
Attend the Visa Interview with required documents.
Receive Your F-1 Visa and prepare for travel.
Step 5: Register for Classes & Arrange Housing
Orientation: Attend mandatory orientation before starting classes.
Course Registration: Meet with an advisor to select courses.
Housing: Apply for on-campus housing (TransAlta Commons) or find off-campus options.
Centralia College operates on a quarter system and accepts students in the following intakes:
Quarter (Term) |
Application Deadline (International Students) |
Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Quarter |
August 1 |
Late September |
|
Winter Quarter |
November 1 |
Early January |
|
Spring Quarter |
February 1 |
Late March |
|
Summer Quarter |
May 1 |
Mid-June |
International students are encouraged to apply early to allow time for visa processing.
Some Bachelor’s Degree (BAS) programs may have limited start dates (mostly Fall intake).
High School Diploma (or equivalent)
English Proficiency Test (For international students)
TOEFL iBT: 61 or higher
IELTS: 5.5 or higher
Duolingo: 85 or higher
Proof of Financial Support (Bank statement showing at least $22,000 for one academic year)
No SAT or ACT required.
Associate Degree or Equivalent (AAS, AA, AS)
Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher
English Proficiency Test (For international students)
TOEFL iBT: 61 or higher
IELTS: 5.5 or higher
Duolingo: 85 or higher
Prerequisite Courses (Varies by program, e.g., Business, IT, Diesel Technology)
Ranking Organization |
Centralia College Ranking |
|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not Ranked (Community Colleges Not Included) |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Not Ranked (Focuses on Universities) |
|
Niche (Best Community Colleges in Washington State) |
Top 15 |
|
College Factual (Best Community Colleges in the U.S.) |
Above Average |
|
EDsmart (Best Community Colleges in Washington) |
Top 10 |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Centralia College Foundation Scholarships |
Open to all students (based on academic merit, financial need, or field of study) |
$500 – $4,000 |
March 1 |
|
International Student Scholarship |
Available for international students with strong academic performance |
$500 – $1,000 |
(Check with college) |
|
College Bound Scholarship |
For Washington state residents who meet financial need requirements |
Full Tuition Coverage |
N/A |
|
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) |
For students in STEM, healthcare, and trade programs |
Up to $22,500 |
February 28 |
|
Workforce Education Grants & Funding |
For students in career training programs (e.g., nursing, IT, welding) |
(Covers tuition & fees) |
Rolling Basis |
|
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Scholarship |
For first-generation, low-income, or disabled students |
$1,000 – $2,000 |
N/A |
|
Centralia College Presidential Scholarship |
For high-achieving students with leadership skills |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
N/A |
Facility |
Details |
Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Centralia, Washington, USA |
N/A |
|
On-Campus Housing |
TransAlta Commons (TAC) Residence Hall – Fully furnished apartments with shared & private rooms |
$700 – $1,000 per month |
|
Room Types |
Shared (Double) & Private (Single) Rooms |
- |
|
Housing Amenities |
WiFi, Laundry, Kitchen, Lounge, Study Areas |
Included in rent |
|
Meal Plans |
Not mandatory; students can cook or dine on campus |
N/A |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Apartments & shared housing options available |
$600 – $1,200 per month |
|
Student Facilities |
Library, Study Rooms, Computer Labs, Fitness Center |
Free |
|
Sports & Recreation |
Gym, Soccer, Basketball, Student Clubs |
Free |
|
Transportation |
Public buses, biking, and parking facilities |
N/A |
|
Nearby Facilities |
Grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers |
- |
Centralia College offers various student-run clubs and organizations based on interests such as:
Cultural & International Clubs (for students from different backgrounds)
STEM & Academic Clubs (Computer Science, Business, Science, etc.)
Performing Arts & Music Groups
Volunteer & Leadership Organizations
Students are encouraged to join or start their own club based on their interests.
Centralia College has competitive sports teams that participate in regional leagues, including:
Basketball (Men’s & Women’s)
Soccer (Men’s & Women’s)
Baseball & Softball
Volleyball
For students who enjoy non-competitive activities, the college also provides gym facilities and recreational sports.
Library & Study Spaces – Quiet areas for learning and group projects.
Fitness Center & Gym – Free access for students.
Computer Labs & Tech Support – Available for academic work.
Student Support Services – Counseling, academic advising, and career guidance.
Centralia College hosts year-round events, including:
Cultural Festivals (International Day, Heritage Celebrations)
Career Fairs & Networking Events
Music Concerts & Theater Performances
Workshops & Guest Lectures
On-campus housing (TransAlta Commons) provides a community feel, where students live, study, and socialize together.
Students living off-campus also engage in social activities through nearby cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Students can work part-time on campus (library, bookstore, cafeteria, etc.).
Volunteering opportunities help students build experience and contribute to the community.
Overall, student life at Centralia College is dynamic and engaging, offering students opportunities for both personal and academic development.
The Career Services Center at Centralia College assists students with:
Resume Writing & Cover Letter Assistance
Interview Preparation & Career Counseling
Internship & Job Search Support
Career Fairs & Employer Networking Events
Students can access one-on-one coaching and workshops to improve their job prospects.
Centralia College partners with local businesses, industries, and government agencies to offer internships and hands-on training in fields such as:
Business & Management
Healthcare & Nursing
Information Technology (Cybersecurity, Networking)
Diesel & Automotive Technology
Education & Early Childhood Development
Internships help students gain real-world experience and increase their chances of securing a full-time job after graduation.
Graduates from Centralia College find employment in industries such as:
Technology & IT (Cybersecurity firms, Network Administration)
Healthcare & Nursing (Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Centers)
Manufacturing & Engineering (Energy & Automation, Diesel Mechanics)
Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice (Police Departments, Security Agencies)
Education & Teaching (Elementary & Special Education Schools)
Some of the top employers hiring Centralia College graduates include:
Amazon, Microsoft, and IT Firms
Providence Health & Services (Healthcare sector)
Local & State Government Agencies
Energy & Power Companies (TransAlta, Puget Sound Energy)
The salary depends on the field of study, location, and level of experience. Here are some estimated starting salaries for Centralia College graduates:
Field of Study |
Average Starting Salary (USD per Year) |
|---|---|
|
Business & Management |
$40,000 – $55,000 |
|
Information Technology (IT) |
$50,000 – $70,000 |
|
Healthcare & Nursing |
$45,000 – $65,000 |
|
Diesel & Automotive Technology |
$45,000 – $60,000 |
|
Education & Teaching |
$40,000 – $50,000 |
Many students at Centralia College choose to transfer to four-year universities to complete their bachelor's or master’s degrees. Popular transfer destinations include:
University of Washington (UW)
Washington State University (WSU)
Western Washington University (WWU)
Centralia College has an open admissions policy, meaning it accepts 100% of applicants who meet the basic eligibility requirements. This makes it an accessible option for both domestic and international students.
Open Enrollment: No competitive admission process.
No SAT/ACT Required: Standardized test scores are not necessary.
Basic Requirements:
High school diploma (or equivalent)
English proficiency for international students (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
Since Centralia College is a community college, most students are admitted and can later transfer to top universities like the University of Washington (UW) or Washington State University (WSU) after completing their associate degree.
Full Address:
Centralia College
600 Centralia College Blvd,
Centralia, WA 98531,
United States
