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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!

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.

  Apply for winter 2025

  Complete and submit the online admissions application to begin your educational journey at CBC winter quarter, which begins January 2025.

  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 winter 2025 and spring 2025.

  Apply now!

  Apply for spring 2025

  Complete and submit the online admissions application to begin your educational journey at CBC spring quarter, which begins April 2025.

  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 spring 2025.

  Apply now!

  Apply for summer 2025

  Complete and submit the online admissions application to begin your educational journey at CBC summer quarter, which begins June 2025.

  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 2025, fall 2025, winter 2026 and spring 2026.

  Apply now!

  Apply for fall 2025

  Complete and submit the online admissions application to begin your educational journey at CBC fall quarter, which begins September 2025.

  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 2025, winter 2026 and spring 2026.

  Apply now!

   

• 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.

  Apply for financial aid

  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.

  Meet with a Hawk Central Specialist

  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.

  Determine your placement

  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.

  Complete Student Orientation to Advising and Registration (SOAR)

  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.

  Schedule and attend a Post-SOAR Advising Session (PSA)

  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.

  Pay your tuition by the deadline

  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.

  Attend First Year Introduction (FYI)

  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.

  Purchase books

  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.

  Attend classes

  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.

  • Trouble in your classes? Visit the Academic Success Center.
  • Struggling with anxiety or dealing with something personal? Visit the Counseling and Advising Center.
  • Need accommodations in your classes? Visit the Disability Support Services.