Admissions & Registration

Getting Started at RTC

1. Connect with an Entry Advisor
   Students interested in career training and direct transfer programs must meet with an Entry Advisor in Student Success.
   Explore career pathways, college services, and discuss entry requirements.
   If you are a Veteran or a military affiliated individual, please see Veterans Department (J-218 B or C).
2. Apply for Admission & Financial Aid
   Apply for admission in person or online.
   Complete your FAFSA online at fafsa.gov and visit the Financial Aid Department to submit necessary documents (I-205).
   If you have questions or need assistance with your FAFSA, visit the Learning Resource & Career Center (C-102).
   If you are a Veteran or using VA benefits call (425) 235-2352 ext. 5805 for an appointment.
3. Assess and Review Your Skills
   Prep for the ACCUPLACER test by visiting the Learning Resource & Career Center (C-102).
   Complete the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) and ACCUPLACER test in Testing Services (J-218) if necessary.
   Review your assessments with an Entry Advisor and select a program of study (I-218).

Admissions/Registration Office

Robert C. Roberts Campus Center, Building I

(Note: Admission/Registration Office hours will vary during summer months).

Counseling and Advising/Student Success Center

Robert C. Roberts Campus Center, Building I

(Note: Counseling and Advising Office hours will vary during summer months).

Entrance Requirements

Students must possess the vocational interest and goals related to their chosen program of study, and are able to benefit from instruction. Individual programs may have additional entrance requirements related to licensure or require specific educational credentials. Admission to the college may be initiated through online web admissions, in person, or by mail. Some programs require students to be 18 years of age or older; however, in some programs and evening classes, students can be 16 years of age.

Pre-Registration List

If a student applies for entry into a program in which there is not a current opening, the student must complete an admissions application, pay a $30 non-refundable admissions fee when registering for classes, take the required placement assessment, and fulfill any program specific entrance requirements in order to be placed on a pre-registration list. The applicant will be notified by telephone, mail or email when an opening becomes available.

Withdrawal

A student withdrawing from a program must submit an Add/Drop form to the Enrollment Services Office. Tuition will be refunded if the withdrawal is within the refund period. A student who has withdrawn may re-enroll in the program if an immediate opening is available, or be placed on the pre-registration list.

Tuition Payment (Career Training Programs)

A $75 late fee will be charged to students currently enrolled in a program at RTC who have not registered before the first day of the quarter. This does not apply to new students registering for the first time.

2019-2020 Tuition & Fees

Tuition Schedule for Lower Division Courses in Certificate and Associate Degree Programs, Effective Fall 2019. The Upper Division Tuition Schedule is on the RTC website.

The following established rates were used to calculate the Tuition Schedule above:

Additional Fees by Program

Additional Program Fees (not included in the Tuition Schedule, max 15 credits per quarter):

Additional Fees by Course

The following courses charge a $25 fee per course:

• BIOL 105 
• BIOL& 100
• BIOL& 160
• BIOL& 241
• BIOL& 242 
• BIOL& 260 
• CHEM& 121 
• CHEM& 131
• Computer Science - 100 and 200 level courses
• Computer Network Technology - 100 and 200 level courses
• BAS Application Development - 300 and 400 level courses
• BAS Computer Network Architecture - 300 and 400 level courses

Other Fees 

*Clinical Placement Fees per Course:

Notice: This is not a complete list of fees. Self-supporting classes are not subject to this fee schedule. Please note that all tuition and fee rates are set by the Washington State Legislature, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Board of Trustees at Renton Technical College (RTC). RTC reserves the right to change the fees without notice and change tuition rates, to comply with the State regulations.

Student Tuition Easy Payment Plan (STEPP)

The Student Tuition Easy Payment Plan (STEPP) program allows you to pay your tuition on an installment plan.

• To enroll, complete a STEPP enrollment form at the Cashier’s office before the tuition due date, or at the time of registration (if later).
• Each quarter you must enroll with the Cashier before making your first payment.
• Payments are made in three installments (two for summer).
• There is a quarterly $25 nonrefundable enrollment fee.
• Any partial payment made toward tuition without enrolling in STEPP could result in administrative withdrawal from classes.
• Admission fees are not eligible to be carried through STEPP.
• More information about our Student Tuition Easy Payment Plan can be found on our website or by calling the cashier’s office at 425-235-2352 ext. 5910.

Refund Policy

Tuition will be refunded as follows:

• From before the start of the quarter through calendar day five of the quarter: 100%*
• From calendar day six through calendar day 20 of the quarter: 50%*
• From calendar day 21 on: No refund

*Once an online class begins the $40 Online Fee is non-refundable.

If the duration of a class is other than ten weeks, the refund is calculated based on the equivalent percentage of time.

The general refund policy applies to all students in state-supported programs. It is the student’s responsibility to complete a change of schedule form and submit it to the Enrollment Services office. Refunds are calculated based on the date the form is received.

• Refunds will not be granted for students withdrawn for disciplinary reasons.
• Students called for military active duty will be granted a refund of tuition and fees paid for the current payment period, subject to the rules and regulations of their respective funding sources. Presentation of written confirmation is required.
• The general refund policy applies to all Renton Technical College students, regardless of financial aid status.
• Refunds for special programs will be made directly to the funding agency administrator.
• Tuition and fees that are paid in cash will be refunded by check.

Renton Technical College’s Veterans Refund Policy complies with CFR 21.4255. In the event the veteran or eligible person fails to enter the course, withdraws, or is dismissed at any time prior to completion, any unused portion of tuition, fees, and other charges is refunded. Any amount in excess of $10 of the Admissions fee is subject to proration. The amount charged will not exceed the exact prorated portion of total charges. The length of the completed portion of the course will be prorated over its total length, and the exact proration will be determined by the ratio of the number of days of instruction completed by the student, to the total number of instructional days in the course. Refunds are made within 40 days of the last date of the student’s attendance.

All tuition and fees will be refunded if the class is canceled by the college. Admissions and STEPP fees are non-refundable.

2018-2019 State Support and Student Costs for Washington State Community and Technical Colleges

Through Opportunity Pathways, Washington State provides a variety of financial aid programs to help students and their families pay for college. Pursuant to RCW 28B.15.0681, the approximate level of state support received by students is being provided to the colleges for your use.

The average cost to educate a resident full-time community or technical college student for the 2018-19 academic year is $8,640. Students pay an average of $3,192 in tuition toward this cost. The remaining $5,448 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.

Amounts in the table below represent an average for a full-time equivalent, lower division resident student attending community and technical colleges for the academic year 2018-19.

 *The Tuition Operating Fee is equal to the operating fee for a full-time student in lower division classes.

**Net State Support is the amount paid by the state from various sources including taxes and other funds.

Running Start

The Running Start program provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to attend college-level classes, tuition-free, and earn both college and high school credits. However, Running Start students are responsible for textbooks, supplies, transportation, and any class fees.

Running Start students are treated as college students and are subject to the standards, rules and regulations of the college. To participate in Running Start students must demonstrate college-level skills. Students may demonstrate their readiness for college-level courses by taking the English and/or math placement test at RTC, or by providing another placement document (see Running Start application for more information).

For Running Start information call (425) 235-2352, ext. 5714 or (425) 235-5840.

Tech Prep

Renton Technical College encourages early pre-registration by high school students for their college program of choice, to assure timely entry. In some cases advanced placement may be granted to students with Tech Prep credits. Through the Puget Sound Dual Credit Career Consortium, Renton Technical College has developed agreements with Auburn, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Highline, Issaquah, Kent, Puyallup, Renton, Sumner, Tahoma, and Tukwila school districts, and the Puget Sound Skills Center.

RTC currently has articulation agreements in the following program areas:

Find out more about becoming a Tech Prep student. Contact your high school counselor or vocational teacher, or Renton Technical College’s Student Services office at (425) 235-5840.