Lower Columbia College (LCC) is an open admissions college. That means there are no minimum academic standards required to become an LCC student. We don't charge a fee, or require standardized test scores or essays for admission. You can apply anytime, year round, although we recommend applying at least six weeks before you're ready to start. Depending on where you are in your academic journey, you can start off in college level classes, or prepare for college level studies through our College and Career Preparation program. You can start taking College and Career Preparation classes anytime. Other programs start at the beginning of each academic quarter.
Plan to submit your application at least six weeks before the quarter starts, especially if you are applying for financial aid.
See our financial aid webpage for dates and deadlines.
Apply if you are a new student or returning to LCC after two or more years away.
Apply online through the ctcLink Online Admissions Application Portal. There are three steps.
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- Create an Online Admissions Application Portal Account
- Complete the Online Admissions Application
- Submit Your Application
Review Washington's Community and Technical College Online Admissions Application Portal instructions for guidance.
After you apply, you will receive an email containing your LCC Student ID number and additional information about what to do next.
Connect with our Outreach Team at outreach@lowercolumbia.edu or (360) 442-2495 if you have questions, need assistance, or would like to schedule a campus tour.
Please see our future students homepage for more information and a link to the scholarship application to cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for College 101 (College Success), a required course for entering degree and certificate students. Please note that this scholarship is only available in the summer.
Some LCC programs have their own admissions requirements and entry procedures. Those programs are nursing, medical assisting, and the college's Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs. While you still need to fill out LCC's general online admissions application to get started, you also need to apply to the specific programs and follow their instructions before you can enroll.
Have questions?
Contact our Outreach Team at outreach@lowercolumbia.edu or call (360) 442-2495.
You can also get help in-person in our Admissions Center, or via Zoom at our One-Stop Center
Campus Hours
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Not applying as a new or transfer student?
Select an option below if you are a running start or international student, or want to enroll in College and Career Preparation. If you are taking classes with us to supplement coursework at your home college or university, please take a moment to complete the Visiting Student Form, below, after submitting your LCC admissions application.
Waiting for your admissions letter? Here's what you can do next.
Apply for Financial Aid
Applying for Financial Aid is not required to attend LCC, however, it is strongly recommended. There is no fee to apply. Submitting your FAFSA or WASFA is the first step in applying for financial aid and scholarships. It is highly recommended that you submit your FAFSA or WASFA as soon as possible after October 1 and no later than 6 weeks before you plan to begin at LCC. LCC's school code is 003782.
Learn more about who to contact at LCC, and policies and practices that protect LCC students at Undocumented Students/DREAMers.
Need access to a computer to work through these steps?
Stop by the Admissions Building, One-Stop Center, where you can drop in and use a computer.