Getting Started at Cascadia
Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming a Cascadia Kodiak, and we are here to help. After you determine your student pathway, you will be guided to additional steps on this page or directed to the appropriate resource area.
Connect with Us
The Outreach Team is also available to answer any questions you have along the way.
Send Us Your Info
1 - Visit Campus
It's opitional, but fun! Learn more about Cascadia by visiting campus or contacting our Outreach Team. Virtual tour available.
2 - Determine Your Student Pathway
Your student pathway can vary based on your previous college experience, age, academic interests, etc. If you are not able to identify your next steps based on the information below, please contact outreach@cascadia.edu.
New, First Year Student
Applicants 18 years or older or those with a high school diploma or equivalent that have not attended a college or university following the summer of their high school graduation (includes those Running Start, IB, AP, and College in the High School credit earned while in high school).
- Connect with an outreach team member
- Learn the differences between High School and College
College and Career Foundations
College and Career Foundations, which includes English Foundations, Math Foundations, GED® prep, and HS+, is designed to help move students forward on pathways to high school diplomas, GED®, college coursework, and/or employment.
Bachelor Degree
Applicants that have completed an associate degree or meet the prerequisites can apply for one of the following Bachelor of Applied Science degrees:
International Student
Applicants who need a student visa to study in the U.S.
- Learn more about International Programs
Non-matriculated, Non-degree Seeking
Applicants not pursuing a degree or certificate.
* Indicate "Non-Degree Seeking" when asked intended major area of study on application
** To submit unofficial copies of college transcripts
Returning Cascadia Student
Applicants that have previously attended Cascadia, but have not completed their degree program.
Running Start (Prospective Student)
Applicants seeking admission into the Running Start program and will have 11th or 12th grade status.
- Running Start Information Sessions
Transfer Student
Applicants seeking a degree, that have attended another college or university.Note: Students that have Running Start, AP/IB credit, and College in the High School credit should apply under New, First Year Students.
Underage Student
Applicants that are 16-17 years old, and not enrolling in the Running Start program.
Veteran
Applicants that are veterans of the United States military services and working with a G.I. Bill®.
3 - Apply for Admission
All students must fill out the free admission application. If you have graduated from high school, or have a GED equivalent, you will be admitted to Cascadia. If you have previously applied to Cascadia and have a Cascadia student ID number, you do not need to re-apply. You will need to activate your student self-service portal account, if you don’t already have one.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to allow new students enough time to complete the application and registration process we recommend that students apply at least one week before the quarter starts. Check the enrollment dates and deadlines on our enrollment calendar.
4 - Financing Your Education
Learn more about paying for college and resources available to cover tuition, fees, and other emergency expenses.
- Financial Aid
- Types of Funding
- Eligibility
- Financial Aid Forms
- Scholarship Resources
- Benefits Hub Emergency Grant
Contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@cascadia.edu with any questions.
5 - Placement & Register for Classes
PLACEMENT
The goal of placement is to ensure that you start in college English and Math courses that match your skills, needs, and goals. It’s important to start the first phase of your college pathway with classes that contribute to your degree or certificate program and are the best next step based on your current English and math skills. There are several ways you can demonstrate your skills and get your English and Math placement. See the table below for more information.
Need help with the placement process?
- If you are a first-time college student and new to Cascadia, please contact admissions@cascadia.edu.
- If you are a transfer student or continuing student, please contact advising@cascadia.edu.
Once you have completed English and Math placement, an advisor will help you plan your classes. (New college students will work with an advisor in CORE. Students transferring to Cascadia from another college should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.)
PLACEMENT OPTIONS
Your individual situation determines which option is best for you. Choose the description that best applies to you from the table below. (You may use different options for your English and Math placements.)
Which Best Describes Your Situation?
Ways to Determine Placement
How to Register
I Attended High School within the last 2 years
- Smarter Balanced Assessment
- English Placement via High School Transcript
- Math Placement via High School Transcript
- Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)
- ACCUPLACER Placement (recommended only if the above methods do not apply)
Attend CORE
I Completed Courses at another College
- College Transcripts
- ACCUPLACER Placement (recommended only if the above method does not apply)
Meet with an Academic Advisor by scheduling an advising appointment.
IMPORTANT: In order for previous college courses to apply towards a Cascadia degree or certificate you must submit official transcripts to and complete the Transcript Evaluation Request form.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve registered for classes, or are at least on your way, you can start considering other tasks to complete or be aware of for the first (of hopefully many) quarters. If you have any questions regarding the information below or above, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Cascadia Outreach or Enrollment Services Teams.
Pay Tuition
The quarterly tuition deadline is posted in the enrollment calendar. Tuition must be paid in full by the tuition deadline to avoid being dropped from classes.
- What to know about Paying for College: tuition prices, estimated college costs, fees, refunds, tax credits, and waivers.
- Pay tuition here
Attend JumpStart Orientation!
An online opportunity where you will work through your own pace and have opportunities to talk live with current students, faculty, and administrators!
Next orientation date: TBD
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please email admissions.
Getting Books
Book information is available after you have registered for your class. Students may:
- Purchase books from the Campus Bookstore
- Borrow books from the Campus Library
- Purchase books from any online sites selling textbooks using the textbook’s ISBN number
Commuting to Campus
If you plan to come to campus, it is important to know about parking, bus routes, and bike racks!
- Parking Information: Cascadia students, staff, and faculty pay to park on campus. You can purchase quarterly and annual permits, or pay to park daily.
- Bus Transportation: Prefer the bus? We have that, too!
COVID-19 & Classes on Campus
If you have a class on campus, you’ll want to know how to prepare so that when you arrive, you can focus on being a student.