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New Student

New Student

Are you a new student interested in pursuing an education at Columbia Basin College? CBC offers over 100 certificate and degree options, so no matter your path, we're confident that if you start here, you can soar anywhere!

Students in the B Building

 

Follow these simple steps to get started!

  • 1. Apply for admission

    We're happy you're interested in CBC! Our admission application is free and applying is easy. Application processing times vary based on the quarter you are applying for. To see when application processing begins, check the table at the bottom of this page.

    You'll also get familiar with CBC by going through Getting Started. Getting Started is a web-based program that helps you check everything off of your list to get started at CBC.

    The new student application deadline for spring quarter was March 17. We would still love to have you as a CBC student, and recommend applying for summer quarter, which begins June 24.

    Still interested in attending spring quarter? Complete and submit the Exception to Application Deadline form to request an exception. A decision will be issued within 1 to 3 business days.

    Request an Exception

    Complete and submit the online admissions application to begin your educational journey at CBC summer quarter, which begins June 2024.

    Once your application has been processed, you will receive an acceptance letter to the email address listed in your application. The email will contain your unique student ID number and next steps.

    After completing Getting Started, you will be eligible to enroll in classes summer 2024, fall 2024, winter 2025 spring 2025.

    Apply now!

    Complete and submit the online admissions application to begin your educational journey at CBC fall quarter, which begins September 2024.

    Once your application has been processed, you will receive an acceptance letter to the email address listed in your application. The email will contain your unique student ID number and next steps.

    After completing Getting Started, you will be eligible to enroll in classes fall 2024, winter 2025 spring 2025.

    Apply now!

    Our online admissions application is currently closed for winter quarter, which begins January 2025.

    But we’d still love to have you at CBC! Please complete the admissions interest form below. We will email you an invitation to complete the admissions application when it's available.

    Admissions Interest Form

     

  • 2. Plan your funding

    There are many ways to fund your education, and CBC can help you navigate your options. We encourage you to plan ahead! You'll want to be sure to apply for financial aid early and start thinking in advance about paying for college.

    Did you know that you may be eligible to receive financial aid to attend CBC? Apply as soon as possible--you never know what you might be eligible for!

    Visit the Financial Aid page for more information on how to apply.

    You can also check out our Paying for College page to see what other options might be available to you as well.

    We know college can be confusing, so our team of friendly, knowledgeable Customer Service Specialists are here for you! Visit Hawk Central to learn how to meet with a specialist.
  • 3. Register for classes

    At CBC, we have multiple measures in place to be sure you start in the right classes. Once you've been placed in math and English, you'll complete Student Orientation to Advising and Registration (SOAR) to learn more about life as a CBC student. Then, you'll schedule a Post-SOAR advising session (PSA) where our advisors will help you build a unique class schedule tailored for you and your educational goals.

    In order to ensure that you are in the best possible classes, we'll need to assess where your skills are in reading, writing and math. There are many different ways that we can determine your placement like Smarter Balanced scores, SAT/ACT scores or our placement assessment. For a complete list of options, visit our Assessment page. You'll also see a list of options when you reach the "Placement" step in Getting Started.

    After you've taken your placement assessment or submitted alternate placement documentation, it'll be time for you to complete Student Orientation to Advising and Registration, or SOAR. SOAR is an online presentation that walks you through important information about being a student at CBC and all of the amazing resources that are available to help you be successful. SOAR is an a 30 minute presentation with video and audio, so be sure to have headphones or speakers available.

    We know that coming to college for the first time can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when it comes to choosing what classes to take. We've got you covered! All of our new students get registered for their first quarter of classes during a Post-SOAR Advising appointment with a completion coach. They will make sure you choose the best possible classes for your first quarter.


  • 4. Get ready for school

    Once you've registered for classes, make sure you're prepared for school to begin. You'll want to be sure your classes are paid for before the tuition deadline, and plan to buy textbooks. Don't forget to attend FYI before the quarter starts! If you have questions or need help, we're here every step of the way.

    Once you've registered for classes, you'll see charges on your student account for the tuition and fees associated with your classes. In order to keep your seat in the classes you registered for, it's important to pay your tuition by the tuition deadline. You can always find the tuition deadline on our Academic Deadlines calendar.

    For information on paying for college, including payment options and financial aid, visit our Paying for College page.

    Learn everything you need to know to be successful as a student at CBC, from where to park to how to find your classes, textbooks and so much more. FYI will introduce you to academic culture and student success strategies as well as expectations in higher education, campus resources and the College's procedures and policies.

    Now that you've registered for classes and paid your tuition, you're ready to buy your textbooks! To find out what books you'll need for your classes, stop by the CBC Bookstore or visit the Bookstore website.

    It's official: you're ready to attend classes as a CBC student! We're so glad you've chosen to pursue your education at CBC and we're here to help you every step of the way.
     
    If you're struggling or need assistance, don't be afraid to reach out.

Apply early to save your spot!

Spring 2024
  • Processing Begins: November 1
  • Priority Deadline to Apply: March 17
Summer 2024
  • Processing Begins: January 1
  • Priority Deadline to Apply: June 2
Fall 2024
  • Processing Begins: January 1
  • Priority Deadline to Apply: August 18
Winter 2025
  • Processing Begins: September 1
  • Priority Deadline to Apply: December 8

Exception to Application Deadline

Were you hoping to start next quarter but missed the application deadline? Complete and submit the Exception to Application Deadline form to request an exception. A decision will be issued within 1 to 3 business days.

Request an Exception

contact

  • Email:records@columbiabasin.edu

  • Phone:509-547-0511

  • Address:2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301

  • Office Hours:Monday to Wednesday: 7 am to 4:30 pmThursday: 9 am to 4:30 pmFriday: 7 am to noon

Students walking around CBC's Pasco campus