Tuition and Fees

Paying for Tuition 

Students enrolled in career education and general education courses may pay tuition using the following methods: 

• In person at the Cashier’s Office 
• Online through ctcLink using a credit card 
• By phone 
• By check, credit card, or cash 

Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. 

For help exploring funding and payment options, visit Ways to Pay for College.

Students must either pay tuition in full or set up a payment plan by the published tuition due date each quarter.  

If payment is not received: 

• Your classes may be dropped 
• You may need to reenroll if space is available 

Students who officially withdraw may be eligible for a tuition refund based on timing. 

Refunds are issued as follows: 

• 100% if the college cancels the class 
• 100% if withdrawn by the close of the 5th instructional day 
• 50% if withdrawn by the close of the 20th instructional day 
• 0% after the 20th instructional day 

Important notes: 

• The student is responsible for submitting an official withdrawal form 
• Refunds are calculated based on the date the withdrawal is received 
• Certain consumable and pass‑through fees are non‑refundable 

Continuing education classes are self‑supported and follow a different refund policy. 

Refunds for self‑support courses: 

• 100% if the college cancels the class 
• 100% if the student withdraws on or before one business day prior to the first class 
• No refund if the student registers but does not attend 

Classes may be canceled if enrollment is too low to cover costs.

The average cost to educate a resident, full‑time community or technical college student exceeds the amount students pay in tuition. 

For example:  

• Students pay a portion of the total cost through tuition 
• The remaining cost is supported by the State of Washington through public funding 

Actual tuition paid varies based on: 

• Residency status 
• Credit load 
• Program type 

The average cost to educate a resident full-time community or technical college student for the 2015-16 academic year is $7,126. Students pay an average of $3,056 in tuition toward this cost. The remaining $4,070 is an “opportunity pathway” provided by the State and is funded by state taxes and other sources. The amounts shown are averages for a full-time, resident student. The actual tuition a student pays will vary due to credit load, residency status and other factors. 

The college’s total liability for claims arising from a contractual relationship with the student in any way related to classes or programs shall be limited to the tuition and expenses paid by the student to the college for those classes or programs. In no event shall the college be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to, loss or earnings or profits. 

By registering for classes, students agree to the terms outlined in the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFRA), including responsibility for tuition, fees, and related charges. 

Students are encouraged to review the SFRA carefully before registering. 

Please see our Student Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFRA) webpage for more information.