Tacoma Community College: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Fees, and Scholarships
Founded on the brave notion that everyone who desires higher education should have access to college, Tacoma Community College believes in empowering and uplifting all sections of society. Based in Washington DC in the United States, the institute ensures an equitable distribution of opportunities, knowledge, and resources for all its students.
TCC offers more than 60 programs in the fields of STEM, Arts & Communication, Business, and Health. Apart from offering associate transfer degrees and professional certificate programs, TCC also has 4 applied science bachelor’s programs.
The college holds an International Student Orientation through which students are assigned, mentors. These mentors help them navigate life on campus. TCC is home to 11,000 students and celebrates the values of diversity and inclusion. This is clearly represented by the fact that 33% of the total student population consists of international students and people of color. The college ensures that its graduates master the central concepts of their areas of study, gain relevant skills and understand the value of education.
Tacoma Community College: Highlights
| University Type | Public |
| Year of Establishment | 1965 |
| Total Enrollment | 11,000 students |
| International Student Percentage | 33% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
| Application Deadline for International Students | November 15th, 2022 |
| Acceptance Rate | Admission is granted if application requirements are met |
| Estimated Cost of Attendance per year (tuition fees+living expenses) | 22,041 USD for international students |
| Scholarships for International Students | Available |
Why study at Tacoma Community College?
- The college is a flagbearer for diversity and 1/3rd of its students come from different ethnic backgrounds.
- A number of associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and professional certificate courses allow students to obtain credentials in specialized career fields.
- High-quality education is provided at an affordable rate. By the numbers, over 47% of students receive financial aid.
- International students looking to study in the USA can fund their education by working on campus. There are also a variety of employment opportunities available all year round.
- TCC’s Global Mentor Program equips new students to take on leadership roles and assist other incoming students
Tacoma Community College Rankings
According to Niche, Tacoma Community College ranks
| Most Liberal Colleges in America | #527 |
| Safest College Campuses in America | #544 |
| Best College Locations in America | #626 |
| Most Diverse College in America | #953 |
Programs and courses offered by Tacoma Community College
With over 60 associate degrees, certificate programs, and 4 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, TCC has plenty of resources to help its students succeed.
The areas of study covered by the programs are
- Arts and Communication
- Business
- Health and Wellness
- People and Community
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering and Math (STEM)
- Continuing Education (CE)
Bachelor’s Programs
The college provides 4 Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees. These include
- Applied Management
- Community Health
- Health Information Management (HIM)
- IT Networking Information Systems & Technology
Associate Degrees and professional certificates
Tacoma Community College offers a huge range of 74 associate degrees. Some of the popular degrees are
- Music
- Actuarial Sciences
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Anthropology
Moreover, the college has around 23 Professional Certificates. The most in-demand are
- Accounting office associates
- Assistant bookkeeping clerks
- Bookkeeping systems
- Chemical dependency professional education
- Certified nursing assistants
Campus and accommodation
Campus
Framed by the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, the Tacoma Community College spans an expanse of 150 acres. It is conveniently located and can be accessed by all modes of transportation.
Just northwest of Tacoma is the location of TCC’s Gig Harbor campus. The Gig Harbor campus is known for providing a small, intimate learning experience. However, the main Tacoma location consists of 28 buildings equipped with modern infrastructure. The 150-acre plot comprises computer centers, an art gallery, a gymnasium, a health science center, a learning resource center, and a student center.
Accommodation
International students enrolling at TCC can choose to live with an American homestay family, rent a place or live with local relatives or friends.
The college places students in families which gives international applicants a first-hand insight into American culture. The initial placement fee is 350 USD. Students should note that homestay placements are quarterly commitments and the prices for various rooms are given below
| Type of Room | Annual Charge in USD |
| Complete homestay, private room | 950 USD |
| Complete homestay, shared room | 850 USD |
| Partial homestay, private room | 700 USD |
| Partial homestay, shared room | 600 USD |
Admission Requirements for international students
Eligibility:
- The minimum age for application is 16 years
- High school graduation is not compulsory since the college offers High School Completion Program
Documents Required:
- Bank Statement showing at least 22,041 USD
- High School or College Transcript
- Passport
- A Consent Form if the applicant is under 18 years of age
English Proficiency is not a mandatory criterion for admission. However, the applicants are advised to submit their scores if they have taken an English Proficiency test within the last 2 years.
Undergraduate Admissions
Interested applicants should apply via Gyanberry, an official partner of Tacoma Community College. We will ensure the timely submission of all documents and guide you through the admissions process at TCC.
Application fee: 50 USD (non-refundable)
Application deadlines:
| Quarter (term) | Application Closes |
| Fall 2022 | August 15, 2022 |
| Winter 2023 | November 15, 2022 |
| Spring 2023 | February 15, 2023 |
| Summer 2023 | May 15, 2023 |
Tuition, fees, and the annual cost of attendance
Tuition costs at TCC are tabulated according to the standard course load of 15 credits. International students must take a minimum of 12 credits per quarter.
A detailed table outlining all the expenses incurred by an international student at TCC is given below
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost in USD |
| Tuition Fees | $10,206 |
| Course Fees | $300 |
| Medical Insurance | $1,485 |
| Food & Housing | $8,550 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Total | $22,041 |
Thus, the annual cost of attendance for an international student at TCC is 22,041 USD or 80,959 AED*.
*Note: Costs are converted based on the current exchange rate, i.e., 1 USD = 3.67 AED. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change.
Scholarships for international students
As mentioned earlier, 47% of the student strength at TCC avails of financial aid. The TCC Foundation Scholarship awards range from 500 USD to 5,500 USD and have minimal eligibility criteria.
Other scholarships are awarded based on the parameters of academic achievement, artistic or athletic talent, financial needs, and particular areas of study.
The different scholarships available for students at Tacoma Community College are
- Athletic Scholarships
- Discretionary Tuition and Fee Waivers
- Supplemental Assistance
- Tacoma Community Foundation Scholarships
- Third-Party Scholarships
- Tuition Waiver for High School Seniors
To explore more university-specific scholarships for new international students in the USA, click here.
Career prospects, placements, and salaries for TCC graduates
TCC provides dedicated career coaching services to its fresh graduates. Most people transfer after gaining enough credits or pursuing higher education.
To sum up, Tacoma Community College helps its students make the right career choices by
- Providing free assessments to help you identify your interests, values, and skillset.
- Finding adequate internships and workshops that develop the soft skills required to apply for a job profile.
- Discovering jobs that cater to your unique requirements.
Graduates are also encouraged to join the TCC team as faculty members or administrative staff. Based on the data collected, alumni of TCC with 6 years of working experience have an estimated median salary between 30,000-45,000 USD.
International students also have plenty of stay-back options to explore. An Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension or STEM OPT extension to your F-1 visa can allow you to stay back after graduation. This Post Study Work permit under OPT is valid for 12 months, after which you can seek permanent employment.