The CBC High School Completion program helps students complete their high school education, is offered for people 18 years or older, and whose high school class has graduated. The purpose is re-entry into the educational system for individuals who desire a high school diploma.
The program is designed to help you:
- Earn your high school diploma through credit classes;
- Prepare you for entry into a vocational/technical program;
- Provide college preparation for entry into a two- or four-year college.
Application Process
The application process must be completed 30 days prior to the first day of the quarter in which you plan to attend. The following steps must be completed:
- Submit a completed CBC application to the Admissions/Registration department and pay a nonrefundable processing fee of $28.30. Applications are available in the Admissions/Registration office or online.
- Official copies of all previous high school/college transcripts must be submitted with your admissions application:
Columbia Basin College
Attn: Admissions
2600 North 20th Avenue MS-H4
Pasco, Washington 99301
Transcripts submitted in person to the Admissions/Registration office must be received in an unopened envelope sealed by the school where credit was earned. You will be contacted when the evaluation has been completed to schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor.
Complete CBC's assessment (COMPASS) test. Call 509-542-4860 to schedule a COMPASS test appointment. There is a fee of $21.50 to take the COMPASS. Your Student Identification Number (issued at the time of application) is required to schedule the appointment.
When you attend your counseling appointment with your Academic Advisor to review your high school transcript evaluation and to determine the credits needed to earn a high school diploma, bring your COMPASS scores to the meeting.
Students who are under 19 years of age are required to pay full tuition and fees. Students who are 19 or older and a Washington state resident will pay $14 per credit up to 10 credits for those classes pertaining to their high school diploma. Normal fees and book costs apply. Financial Aid will not cover the cost of the High School Completion program.
Special Circumstances
A student between 16 and 18 years of age who is unable to complete a high school diploma through the high school system (their high school class HAS NOT graduated) must submit a special request letter to the Admissions/Graduation Committee. The request letter must address three specific areas: the student's academic ability to function in the collegiate environment; the student's social and emotional ability to function within the collegiate environment; and the specific extenuating circumstances in which the student cannot complete the diploma through the high school.
Out-of-State
If you are an out-of-state resident and are 19 years or older, the non-resident part of your tuition is waived and you will pay full resident tuition for courses which apply to your high school program. You will pay out-of-state tuition if you are a nonresident and under the age of 19.
Commonly Asked Questions
When should I apply?
An application must be received, assessment completed, official transcripts evaluated, and a meeting scheduled with a High School Completion Advisor prior to registration. Therefore, we must receive your application and transcript(s) no less than 30 days in advance of the quarter you plan to enroll. If you apply less than 30 days in advance of the quarter you plan to enroll, you may need to delay your start until the next quarter.
How much will it cost?
If you are 19 years of age or older, your original class has graduated, and you are a resident of Washington state, you will pay $14 per credit up to 10 credits for those classes pertaining to the high school diploma. If you choose to take more credits. View the current tuition schedule for costs. You will be responsible for any class supplies and books. Books can be priced at Columbia Basin College's Bookstore in the H building.
Can my high school completion classes at Columbia Basin College count towards college or professional/technical degree credit?
If your English, reading, and math skills are at a high enough level, you may take 100 level (college level) courses. College or vocational credit classes may be used to meet high school requirements and may count for both your high school diploma and college transfer or professional/technical degree requirements.
What is the difference between a GED and a high school diploma?
The GED exam is a series of five tests in the following subjects: writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature, and mathematics.
A high school diploma is granted only after high school course work has been completed and the required credits earned. You may talk with a High School Completion Advisor about the best decision for you.
If I have a GED, can I still obtain a high school diploma?
Yes. Contact a High School Completion Advisor.
If I have a high school diploma, may I take the GED?
No.
What if I was home-schooled?
Work completed through home-schooling does not meet high school diploma requirements. All credits applied toward a diploma must be earned from a recognized high school or other accredited institution.
How does my age affect my participation?
If you are 19 years of age or older, there are no restrictions on your participation. If you are 16, 17, or 18 years of age, and your class has not graduated, note that you will not receive the reduced tuition cost until you have reached 19 years of age. Columbia Basin College does not admit students under the age of 16.
If you are not enrolled in a high school and are at least 16, 17, or 18 years of age, complete the following steps 30 days prior to the first day of the quarter in which you plan to attend:
1. Submit a special request letter to the Admission/Graduation Committee at Columbia Basin College completed by the high school you would normally be attending.
2. Complete a Columbia Basin College Application for Admission.
3. Submit official copies of all high school transcripts in an envelope sealed by the high school.
4. Complete the COMPASS assessment.
5. Schedule an appointment with a CBC High School Completion Advisor.
Please note that all students (including High School Completion students) at Columbia Basin College are expected to comply with college policies, procedures, and regulations. Students are also provided with certain rights, including due process. These rights and responsibilities are fully outlined in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Please contact us for further questions about High School Completion.