| 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 | |
Location:
Seattle, Washington, USA – located in the Northgate neighborhood, about 8 miles north of downtown Seattle.
Type:
Public, two-year community college
Part of the Seattle Colleges District, which also includes Seattle Central College and South Seattle College.
NSC offers:
Associate Degrees (for university transfer or direct-to-career programs)
Bachelor’s Degrees (limited fields, like BAS in International Business)
Certificate Programs
High School Completion Programs
ESL (English as a Second Language)
Continuing Education
Popular Areas of Study:
Business
Computer Science & IT
Health & Medical
Engineering
Early Childhood Education
North Seattle College has a large international student population and offers:
Conditional admission (for ESL students)
Support services like immigration advising, orientation, and tutoring
University transfer pathways (including to top schools like University of Washington)
One of NSC’s strongest features is its 2+2 transfer program:
Students can complete the first two years of their bachelor’s degree at NSC
Then transfer to a 4-year university to complete the final two years
NSC has transfer agreements with schools like:
University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
And many others
Modern science and technology buildings
Library, tutoring centers, computer labs
Fitness center and student lounges
A quiet, green campus with lots of trees and trails
International Students:
Tuition: ~$10,000 to $11,000 per year (full-time)
Living expenses: ~$10,000–$12,000 per year
In-State Students: Lower tuition with Washington residency
Let me know if you're interested in:
Specific programs
Applying as an international student
Campus life
Housing options
Scholarships
These are designed for students planning to transfer to a 4-year university.
Associate of Arts (AA) – General transfer degree
Associate of Science (AS) – Focused on STEM fields
Popular transfer focus areas:
Business
Computer Science
Psychology
Biology
Engineering
Communications
Political Science
NSC offers limited Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees:
BAS in International Business
BAS in Application Development (IT/Software Development)
BAS in Early Childhood Education
These are career-focused 4-year degrees designed for students who have completed an associate degree.
These programs prepare students to enter the workforce directly or upgrade their skills.
Areas include:
Accounting & Bookkeeping
IT / Application Development
Business Administration
Early Childhood Education
Electronics Technology
Health Information Technology
Medical Assisting
Pharmacy Technician
Degrees:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Certificates (Short- and Long-term)
University Transfer (2+2 programs)
Intensive ESL (English as a Second Language)
High School Completion (earn high school diploma & associate degree at the same time)
STEM programs (popular for transfer)
Non-credit courses and certificates for career development, hobbies, or personal growth:
Real estate
Project management
Programming
Graphic design
Languages
Creative writing
Medical Assisting
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomy
Health IT
Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
BAS in International Business |
2 years |
~$10,800 |
|
BAS in Application Development (Software Dev) |
2 years |
~$10,800 |
|
BAS in Early Childhood Education |
2 years |
~$10,800 |
North Seattle College is a popular choice for international students looking for affordable, high-quality education with strong transfer opportunities to top U.S. universities. Located in a safe, residential neighborhood just 15 minutes from downtown Seattle, it offers a great mix of academic support, vibrant campus life, and access to the tech-driven job market of the Pacific Northwest.
International students can choose from:
University Transfer Programs (2+2 Model):
Start your first 2 years at NSC, then transfer to a 4-year university (like the University of Washington) to complete your bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degrees:
If you already have an associate degree or equivalent, NSC offers bachelor’s programs in areas like International Business, Application Development, and Early Childhood Education.
Intensive English Program (IEP):
For students needing to improve their English before starting college-level classes.
High School Completion Plus Program:
A unique option where students can earn both a U.S. high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time.
Tuition: Around $10,000 to $11,000 per academic year for international students.
Living Expenses: Estimated $10,000 to $12,000 per year.
Health Insurance and Fees: Required for international students, typically a few hundred dollars per quarter.
NSC provides excellent support to help international students succeed, including:
Orientation for new students
Academic advising
Immigration advising (visa and status support)
Transfer planning assistance
English tutoring and writing centers
Cultural events and student clubs
A beautiful, green campus with walking trails, modern facilities, and study spaces.
Clubs, student government, leadership programs, and cultural activities.
Access to nearby transit and Seattle attractions.
NSC has strong transfer agreements and a great track record of sending students to top universities, including:
University of Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, Bothell)
Washington State University
Seattle University
UC schools (like UC Davis, UC Irvine)
Purdue University and more
Must be 16 or older
Proof of high school completion
English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or completion of IEP)
Passport and financial documents
Online application and $50 application fee
Before applying, decide which program you’re interested in:
University Transfer (Associate degree)
High School Completion Plus
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
Intensive English Program (ESL)
Professional/Technical Certificate
You’ll need the following:
Completed online application
Copy of passport photo page
Proof of high school graduation (translated into English if needed)
English proficiency test scores
Accepted tests include:
TOEFL iBT (61 or higher)
IELTS (5.5 overall)
Duolingo (85 or higher)
Or attend NSC’s Intensive English Program if you don’t meet the English requirement
Bank statement or financial guarantee
(Showing at least $22,000 USD to cover one year of tuition and living expenses)
Affidavit of support (if someone else is sponsoring you)
Apply online through the North Seattle College International Programs website.
Pay a $50 non-refundable application fee.
Application portal:
https://intl.seattlecolleges.edu
If your application is complete, you’ll receive an admission letter and Form I-20 (needed to apply for an F-1 visa).
This usually takes 1–2 weeks after submission.
Schedule a visa interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Bring your I-20 form, admission letter, passport, financial documents, and DS-160 confirmation.
Once your visa is approved:
Book your flight to Seattle
Arrange housing (on-campus or off-campus)
Attend the mandatory international student orientation
Take the placement test (if required)
Register for classes with help from an academic advisor
NSC offers admission every quarter:
Fall (September)
Winter (January)
Spring (March/April)
Summer (June)
Apply at least 2–3 months before your intended start date to allow time for visa processing.
North Seattle College offers four intakes per year, giving students flexibility to begin their studies in any season:
Fall Quarter – Starts late September (most popular intake)
Winter Quarter – Starts early January
Spring Quarter – Starts late March or early April
Summer Quarter – Starts late June
Tip: Fall and Winter are the best options for first-time students, with full course availability and orientation programs.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
Academic Requirement:
High school completion or equivalent (official transcripts with English translation)
Passport: Copy of valid passport
Financial Proof: Bank statement showing ability to cover tuition & living expenses (approx. $22,000 USD/year)
Application Form & Fee: Online application + $50 fee
If applying for academic programs (Associate/Bachelor’s degrees):
You need to meet one of these scores:
TOEFL iBT: 61 or higher
IELTS: 5.5 overall
Duolingo English Test: 85 or higher
iTEP: Level 4
Or, complete NSC’s Intensive English Program (IEP) first
If you don’t meet the English requirement, you can start in the IEP and then move to academic classes later.
High School Completion Plus Program:
Must be at least 16 years old
Must submit both high school transcripts and a copy of your most recent report card
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Programs:
Must have completed an associate degree or equivalent
Higher English requirements may apply (e.g., TOEFL 76+ for some BAS programs)
Additional documents like a résumé or statement of purpose may be required
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Award Amount |
Application Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New Student Scholarship |
First-time international students at NSC |
Up to $500 (one-time) |
After receiving admission |
|
Merit Scholarship |
Current international students with good GPA (3.5+) |
Up to $500 |
Once per quarter |
|
Need-Based Scholarship |
Current international students with financial need |
(typically $250–$500) |
Once per quarter |
|
High School Completion Scholarship |
Students in the High School Completion Plus Program |
Up to $500 |
Quarterly |
|
Foundation Scholarships (Limited) |
Offered through Seattle Colleges Foundation |
N/A |
Typically in Spring/Fall |
Facility/Option |
Description |
Estimated Cost (USD/Month) |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
On-Campus Housing (Limited) |
NSC currently does not have its own on-campus dorms, but partners with providers. |
N/A |
Not directly on-campus |
|
Shared Student Apartments |
Off-campus student apartments near NSC (2–4 students per unit) |
$700–$1,000 |
Common & Affordable |
|
Homestay (with local family) |
Private room, meals included, good for cultural immersion |
$900–$1,200 |
Available via partners |
|
Private Apartment/Studio |
Independent housing; more privacy, higher cost |
$1,200–$1,800+ |
For older/independent students |
|
Temporary Housing (Short-term) |
Hotels, Airbnb, or short-term rentals (for initial stay) |
$50–$100 per night |
Recommended for first arrival |
Student life at North Seattle College is vibrant, supportive, and diverse. With students from more than 50 countries, NSC has a strong international community, which makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home. The campus is inclusive and friendly, with lots of opportunities to meet people, get involved, and grow personally and academically.
As an international student, you’ll receive personalized support through the International Programs Office, which offers immigration advising, academic help, and cultural activities. They host orientation sessions, social events, and workshops throughout the year to help students adjust to life in the U.S.
NSC has a variety of student-run clubs and organizations. Whether you're into business, art, gaming, culture, or volunteering, there's likely a group for you — and if not, you can even start your own club! There are also leadership programs like Student Government, which allow students to have a say in campus activities.
Student life is supported by excellent academic services like:
Free tutoring (in writing, math, science, etc.)
Academic advising and transfer counseling
Library and computer labs
Study lounges and quiet areas
The NSC campus is located in a peaceful, green neighborhood and includes modern buildings, walking trails, a fitness center, and study spaces. While it’s not a large campus, it has everything you need — and it’s just a quick ride to downtown Seattle, where students can enjoy museums, shopping, cafes, tech meetups, and more.
There’s a small cafeteria on campus and lots of nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores. NSC is easily accessible by public transit, and students can get discounted bus passes for getting around the city.
The school hosts regular events like:
International student mixers
Cultural celebrations (Lunar New Year, Diwali, etc.)
Movie nights, game tournaments, and open mics
Field trips to places like Mt. Rainier, museums, or the Space Needle
These events are a great way to experience American culture and share your own.
North Seattle College is primarily a two-year community college, so its main academic goal is to prepare students for:
Transfer to 4-year universities (2+2 pathway), or
Direct entry into the workforce through professional/technical programs.
Because of this, NSC doesn’t offer “campus placements” in the same way some universities or colleges in other countries (like India) might. However, it does provide strong career services and job support for students.
The Career Services Center at NSC offers the following:
Resume and cover letter assistance
Job search guidance
Interview preparation
Career exploration and planning
Internship and job fairs
Connections with local employers
Help with Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students (after graduation)
Students in career-focused programs like:
IT & Application Development
Accounting
Health Information Technology
Medical Assisting
Early Childhood Education Often find jobs soon after completing their associate or bachelor (BAS) degrees, especially in the Seattle area, which has a strong job market in tech, healthcare, and business.
NSC students (especially international students on F-1 visas) can apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) during their studies, and OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation.
Many students gain valuable work experience in Seattle’s thriving industries — especially in tech, business, and healthcare.
Many NSC students use the 2+2 transfer pathway:
They start at NSC and transfer to a top university (like the University of Washington)
After finishing their bachelor’s degree at a 4-year school, they qualify for higher-paying and more specialized jobs
No direct job placements, but strong career support
Excellent outcomes for students in BAS and technical programs
High transfer rates to top U.S. universities = better long-term job prospects
Internship and OPT/CPT options for F-1 international students
Location in Seattle offers great access to tech, business, and healthcare sectors
The acceptance rate of North Seattle College (NSC), USA is very high — close to 100% for most programs, especially for international and transfer students.
North Seattle College is an open-admission community college, which means:
It accepts all students who meet the basic eligibility requirements (like age and proof of high school completion).
There is no SAT/ACT requirement, and many programs do not require prior academic achievements beyond high school.
This open-access model is designed to make higher education more affordable and accessible to a wide range of students — both domestic and international.
A complete application form
Proof of high school graduation
English proficiency (or enroll in the Intensive English Program)
Valid passport and financial documents (for international students)
Application fee ($50)
While general admission is easy, some Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs or technical/healthcare programs may have:
Additional requirements (like an associate degree or résumé)
Limited seats
GPA minimums (for competitive entry)
So, acceptance into the college is easy, but specific programs may have selective entry.
Address:
North Seattle College
9600 College Way North
Seattle, Washington 98103
United States
NSC is located in the Northgate neighborhood of Seattle, a safe and residential area just about 8 miles (13 km) north of downtown Seattle.
The campus is surrounded by green spaces, parks, and quiet neighborhoods — ideal for focused study and a calm living environment.
It’s well connected to public transit, including buses and the light rail, which makes commuting around Seattle easy and affordable.
