Shoreline Community College

Founded in 1964 with land acquired with help from the Boeing family, Shoreline Community College offers more than a hundred excellent academic, professional/technical and workforce training programs to meet the lifelong learning needs of its community. Dedicated faculty and staff are committed to the educational success of all students. 

Would Ray W. Howard recognize the Shoreline Community College that he helped found in 1964? Dr. Howard, one of Shoreline's greatest education leaders, was the Superintendent of the Shoreline School District at the time the College opened its doors. The Shoreline School District had already begun to develop a strong reputation for excellence in the K-12 system, thanks in part to the work of Dr. Howard. At the same time, he was also looking beyond K-12 and knew that higher education should be available to anyone who desired it and was willing to work for it.

In 1948, the Washington State Legislature passed a law that prevented community colleges from establishing their operations any place where a state four-year institution existed. This measure was intended to restrain institutions from competing with one another or from duplicating their efforts. As a result, community colleges in the Puget Sound region did not come into existence until around the mid '60s when that law was repealed. Dr. Howard was a key proponent of such a measure and actively worked with other school districts in the area to convince legislators of the needs of "non-traditional" students who could not attend the University of Washington or other four-year institutions.

 Photos from the SCC 40th Anniversary Celebration - January 2004

These non-traditional students, many of whom were working adults, were part of a growing population of those who desired a college degree, but because of economic circumstances, were forced to work and support families. Many of these students also could not afford the tuition and room and board of a four-year university.

The mission of community colleges in this state has always been to provide access to higher education to students such as these and to offer them the chance to build skills to take them to higher wage levels.

Dr. Howard and many other community college advocates saw this need and the long term benefits to our state economy. With the repeal of the law, the door was opened to found Shoreline Community College.

Applicants to Shoreline Community College must meet certain admission requirements to be considered for enrollment. Firstly, prospective students are generally required to complete the college's admission application form available on the official website. International students must provide proof of English language proficiency through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless they have completed certain coursework or qualifications that demonstrate sufficient English skills. Domestic students need to submit high school transcripts or equivalent diplomas to verify their educational background.

The college encourages prospective students to review program-specific requirements, as some majors may have additional prerequisites or guidelines. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from previous institutions, and international students may need to provide financial documentation to demonstrate the ability to cover tuition and living expenses. The application deadline varies by quarter, but it is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended start date to ensure sufficient processing time.

After submitting the application and supporting documents, applicants may be required to participate in an interview or provide additional information based on their program of interest. Once admitted, students receive an official acceptance letter and are instructed on next steps, including registration and orientation processes. Shoreline Community College also offers resources and advisement to assist students through the application and enrollment journey. It is important for applicants to regularly check their email and the college’s admissions webpage for updates and specific instructions related to their application status. The college values diversity and encourages applicants from various backgrounds to apply, promoting an inclusive academic environment. For comprehensive admission guidelines and to begin the application process, prospective students should consult the official Shoreline Community College website or contact the admissions office directly.

Shoreline Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

More than 300 students and 50 family members arrived to take part in the fall quarter International Student Orientation Program (ISOP). This is Shoreline’s largest incoming international-student class with students coming from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Thailand, Russia, Burma and many other countries being welcomed.

For many international students, this is the first time they have left home.  Leaving friends and family behind to embark on such a journey can leave many students feeling scared and nervous.  Many have limited English skills and find themselves thrown into a new culture with different rules, regulations and traditions.

Students who seek services at the Counseling Center will initially meet with a counselor for an intake appointment. Depending on the student's needs, services rendered may include:

• individual counseling
• educational counseling
• career counseling and/or career assessment
• crisis intervention
• referral for assessment and treatment for alcohol or other drug abuse
• referral to other campus or community resources for consul

Shoreline Community College offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that caters to a wide range of student needs and interests. The college is known for its comprehensive academic programs, including transfer degrees, technical training, and workforce development courses, providing students with flexible pathways to further education or employment. Its dedicated faculty and staff are committed to supporting student success through personalized advising, tutoring, and support services. Shoreline’s location near Seattle provides students with access to numerous cultural, technological, and internship opportunities in one of the most vibrant metropolitan areas in the United States. The college features a robust international student program, welcoming students from around the world and offering specialized support to help them succeed academically and socially. Shoreline Community College emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment where students of all backgrounds can thrive. The campus boasts modern facilities, state-of-the-art labs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletic programs that contribute to a well-rounded college experience. Additionally, Shoreline maintains strong partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders, ensuring that its programs are aligned with current workforce needs and trends. Its affordable tuition rates and scholarship opportunities make higher education accessible to a broad spectrum of students. Overall, Shoreline Community College stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, student support, community engagement, and preparing students for successful careers or transfer to four-year universities.