skip to page content • • text size: A A A

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

How do I get to Pierce College?

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is located in Lakewood, Washington, near Fort Steilacoom Park [maps & directions to FS].

Pierce College Puyallup is in the South Hill neighborhood of Puyallup, Washington [maps & directions to PY].

Some programs may be offered at other locations.

How do I register?

Visit the registration page for details on how and when to register. In some cases an admission application may be required. Most people can apply online, and current students can register online too!

How much does it cost to go to Pierce College?

There is no application fee for most programs of study.

The Dental Hygiene and Veterinary Technology programs at Fort Steilacoom both require a non-refundable application fee of $40, and the Nursing program at Puyallup requires a non-refundable application fee of $100. These programs have other special application requirements; see the Dental Hygiene Web site, the Veterinary Technology Web site, or the Nursing Web site for more information.

Tuition for a Washington state resident, costs just over $800 per full-time quarter. (As of Fall 2004; see the tuition chart for more information. Some classes may require a separate fee, as listed in the Bulletin.)

What are the residency qualifications?

In general, you must have lived in Washington state continuously for 12 months to be considered a resident for the purposes of tuition charges. Other conditions apply, particularly for active duty members of the armed forces. [Get more information about residency.]

How do I get a student ID card?

Visit the student programs office at Fort Steilacoom or Puyallup.

Specific programs

Where do I take ESL classes?

If you are an immigrant, go to the at the New Horizons Learning Center at Fort Steilacoom or the Puyallup Learning Center. ESL courses for immigrants are also offered at our Fort Lewis location: see the military programs Web site for more information. If you are in the United States on a student, visitor, or tourist visa, go to international education at Fort Steilacoom.

How do I get a GED?

You can begin by taking classes to prepare for the GED test - or to get your high school diploma - at the Puyallup Learning Center or New Horizons Learning Center. When you're ready to take the GED test, visit the testing center.

How do I get into the Dental Hygiene program?

The complete dental hygiene applicant handbook is available on the Dental Hygiene Web site. Or call the dental hygiene information line at (253) 964-6796; you'll be able to leave a message in order to receive more program information. Note that the Dental Hygiene program requires an application fee and has strict application deadlines!

How do I get into the Veterinary Technology program?

See the Veterinary Technology Web site for application procedures or to request an application packet. Note that the Veterinary Technology program requires an application fee and has strict application deadlines!

Other

Do I need a parking sticker to park at Pierce College?

Yes - but parking is free for students! (The cost of parking is included in the comprehensive fee paid with tuition.) Bring your current vehicle registration to Campus Safety to get a sticker.

Does Pierce College have a "Lost and Found"?

Visit Campus Safety at Fort Steilacoom or Puyallup for lost and found.

What are the hours for....

Most departments and instructors post their hours outside their front doors. The library and computer labs post their current schedules on their web sites.

Can I get assistance paying for books?

Yes, if you did not use a student emergency loan to pay your tuition and you do not have other outside funding. Limited loans are available the first ten days of the quarter and should be repaid in 30 days. Applications are available at the Puyallup financial aid office. At this time, emergency book loans are only available at Pierce College Puyallup.

Running Start students may be able to receive assistance with textbooks, if you qualify for the free or reduced lunch program at your high school. You'll need to bring a copy of that program form completed by your high school to the Fort Steilacoom advising center or Puyallup financial aid office.

If I start taking classes for a certain degree, am I guaranteed a spot in that degree's classes?

No. Registration times at Pierce are based on the number of credits you have and whether you are a new, current, or returning student. Each student is given a time to begin registration for the next quarter's classes (sometimes referred to as your "appointment"). Registration for classes is on a first-come, first-served basis; certain classes may already be closed by your registration time. Meet with your advisor before the registration appoinment to consider your options.

If I need help with my classes, what can I do?

You can get free assistance through the tutoring centers at Puyallup or Fort Steilacoom. Tutors help with both specific subject matter and with overall self-confidence and skill-building. Contact the tutoring center at your college for current hours.

Does Pierce College provide day care?

The student development office offers evening enrichment childcare. This programs has limited enrollment. Pierce College also offers and affiliates with a variety of early childhood programs. See the ECE Web site for more information about these programs.

If you need financial assistance for off-campus child care, limited financial assistance is also available.

How do I apply for a job?

Visit the human resources Web site for open positions and information about applying for a job at Pierce College.

Work study positions and internships are not handled through Human Resources.