Admission to Washtenaw Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the College mission is on the academic, career, and personal goals of the student. The College maintains an admissions process which assists an applicant in learning about Washtenaw Community College programs as they relate to individual academic, career, and personal goals, thereby facilitating the best match between student and program.
Washtenaw Community College does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other protected status as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal statutes in the educational programs and related activities which it offers. Further, it is the policy of the College not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in the educational programs and related activities which it offers.
General College Admissions Criteria
Any person who has graduated from high school or has a GED certificate or is 18 years of age or older may be admitted. Students 18 years or older who are not high school graduates may be admitted to the College based on their ability to benefit from specific courses or programs offered by the College. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a counselor or advisor before enrolling. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to programs. Selected programs may choose to develop provisional admissions criteria that would ensure the student's academic preparedness for the program.
Students under 18 years of age may be admitted with the written recommendation or signature of their high school principal or counselor and the approval of a parent or guardian. Students who have graduated from high school, but are under 18 years of age must have the written approval of their parent or legal guardian unless they possess an "emancipated" legal status giving them full adult legal rights and responsibilities.
Students should not regard enrollment out of reach because of financial need. The College is committed to assist students with college expenses to the fullest possible extent consistent with Federal, State, and College financial assistance regulations.
Admission Criteria by Student Status
Admission of New Students
All new students are required to complete an admissions application. New students are required to participate in a basic skills assessment* and, depending on the results, may enroll in the regular curriculum. Under certain conditions, students may qualify for an exemption from placement testing. This policy has been developed in accordance with Federal Ability-to-Benefit regulations, which require that the College demonstrate that each student it admits has the ability to benefit from their chosen educational program.
Readmission of Former Students
Former students who have not registered for classes at the College for two academic years must apply for readmission by filling out a new admissions application. Readmitted students are encouraged to see a counselor or advisor prior to registering for classes. Individual assessment may also be recommended.
High School Students
High school students may enroll in classes for college credit. Application of college credit towards units for the high school diploma is at the discretion of the high school. Application for admission must be supported by written approval from the high school principal or counselor and be submitted to the College Admissions Office. All dually enrolled students must also be currently affiliated with or enrolled in high school or equivalent home school. Students under 18 years of age must also have the written approval of their parent or guardian unless they possess an "emancipated" legal status giving them full adult legal rights and responsibilities. Students who are currently on suspension or expulsion from their high school are not eligible for enrollment without special approval that is provided through Enrollment Services.
Admission of Guest Students from Other Colleges
Students of other colleges and universities may attend Washtenaw Community College on a Guest Student status. Students can indicate guest status at the time of application to the college. Guest students are not eligible for admission to programs.
Admission of Transfer Students
Transfer students from other colleges are to follow the same procedure as new students. Those wishing to transfer credit from an accredited college or university should request that an official transcript be sent to the Washtenaw Community College Student Records Office for evaluation. The coursework will be evaluated and students will be notified of the transfer credit that will be accepted toward their declared program requirements at WCC.
Admission of International Students
The College welcomes international students and is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant students. Certain restrictions may apply depending on the principal status students may hold in the United States. International students must submit a completed application for admission.
Admission of F-1 Visa Students
International F-1 visa students may be admitted to the College and must attend full-time (at least 12 credit hours per semester) and successfully complete all coursework to comply with Immigration requirements. These students must meet special requirements in addition to the general admissions criteria.
F-1 Guest Students (from other colleges)
International students admitted and enrolled at other U.S. colleges may take courses at Washtenaw Community College on a part-time or full-time basis. Students must submit a completed application for admission and meet special requirements in addition to the general admissions criteria.
Admission of Emeritus Students
Individuals who are at least 65 years of age prior to the semester of enrollment and who reside within the College tax district may participate in educational and cultural programs without tuition costs. However, these students must follow the general admissions criteria of the College, meet their enrolled course prerequisites, and pay all other associated fees.
Programs with Pre-Requisites
Some Washtenaw Community College programs have pre-requisite course-work that must be completed prior to program enrollment. Program pre-requisites are determined by faculty and outside accrediting agencies based on program curriculum. In most instances, these programs require a second admissions process. WCC's Office of Admissions is responsible for informing, monitoring, and processing students who are interested in enrolling in one of these programs.
Admission to High Demand Programs
The Administration will use a competitive admission process for any program that it has designated as a high demand program (one for which there are more qualified applicants than openings for an entering class). Student residency will be a weighted factor in the process considered in the following priority order:**
- Priority 1: Legal residents of the Washtenaw Community College district.
- Priority 2: Legal residents of all other counties of the State of Michigan.
- Priority 3: Persons whose legal residence is outside the State of Michigan but within the United States.
- Priority 4: Persons whose official residence is a foreign country.
All potential students, regardless of residency, may apply to the College. Admission to WCC does not guarantee admission to high demand programs. These may include programs which lead to certification or licensure, as well as other WCC certificate or degree programs.
* Refer to WCC Policy 4055 "New Student Assessment and Individualized Program Planning".
**The sufficiency and location of clinical sites for a program will be a consideration as students are admitted to available openings. In cases of high demand, post-associate certificate programs, priority admission and continued enrollment will be given to eligible WCC students currently enrolled in the final year of the prerequisite associate degree program.
Adopted: December 11, 1979
Revised: May 27, 1988
Revised: April 13,1993
Revised: February 24, 1998
Revised: June 24, 2003
Revised: March 23, 2004
Revised: March 27, 2007
Revised: October 23, 2012
Revised: November 18, 2014
Revised: December 17, 2014
Revised: October 22, 2019
(2005)