Eligibility
Admission to Sierra College is open to any person who:
- Has a high school diploma, GED, or passed the high school proficiency examination, or
- Is over 18 years of age and capable of profiting from instruction.
Admission Procedures
All new students and students returning to Sierra College after an absence of one or more semesters must submit an application for admission prior to registering for classes. Electronic applications are available online at www.sierracollege.edu. Paper applications, also available in Spanish and Russian, may be obtained at a campus Admissions and Records office. Additional admission information in Spanish and Russian is also available online. Students are encouraged to submit official high school and college transcripts to Admissions and Records.
Each semester the college offers registration opportunities to those who file an application for admission. For more information regarding registration steps, please visit the Admissions and Records website.
Residency Requirements
For the purpose of determining tuition and enrollment fees, Sierra College students are subject to the legal residence restrictions established by the California legislature. Residency is determined at the time of admission and requires a statement of legal residence. Supporting documentation may also be required.
Any student who has not established California residency will be classified a nonresident. Regulations allow certain students to apply for nonresident tuition waivers. Nonresident students who wish to request a residency status change must submit a Residency Reclassification Petition and required documentation by the end of the semester in question to Admissions and Records. Additional residency documentation options are available for active and discharged members of the military.
For further information on how California residency may be established, or how to apply for a nonresident tuition waiver, please visit the Residency Requirements website or contact Admissions and Records.
International Students
International students attend Sierra College from around the world. Each semester more than 47 different countries are represented at the college. Based on assessment scores, students will be placed in appropriate coursework. Assistance with the application and registration process is provided by Enrollment Services. Students can access international student information and application forms on the college website.
International students wishing to apply for study to the college on an F-1 visa must submit the following to the International Students Office:
- A completed Sierra College International Student Application.
- Meet at least one of the following English Language Requirements:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 133 CBT (computer-based test), 450 PBT (paper-based test), 45 iBT (internet-based test), or 5.0 IELTS (International English Language Testing System). This requirement is waived for students from countries that use English as the primary language in their educational systems. - An official bank statement (in English) dated within three months indicating that there are sufficient funds available to cover tuition expenses (minimum $18,500.00 U.S. dollars).
- Official transcripts translated into English indicating successful completion at a secondary school equivalent to completion of an American high school and transcripts from any colleges or universities attended.
- A copy of valid passport (photo page).
- A non-refundable application processing fee of $100.00 payable to Sierra College in the form of a MasterCard or Visa credit card, wire transfer, cashier’s check, or check drawn on a U.S. bank (do not send cash). The $100.00 will be credited toward tuition at the time of registration.
International Student Priority Application Deadlines
(for students transferring from another U.S. college):
Fall semester | July 1 |
Spring semester | December 1 |
Summer session | May 1 |
NOTE: Prior to arriving in the United States, prospective students shall submit to Sierra College proof of freedom from tuberculosis dated no more than 90 days before the start of classes. This report must be professionally translated to English.
Mandatory Sierra College Health Insurance
All international students attending Sierra College must purchase mandatory health insurance. There are no exceptions, even for students who have health insurance through their home countries.
Other Important Health Information
When traveling from country to country, a student may be exposed to different diseases. Sierra College strongly encourages the following immunizations: Tetanus, Measles and Rubella.
Academic Enrichment Program
Sierra College provides special part-time admission to students who:
- have completed the tenth grade;
- are at least 15 years of age;
- have a GPA of 3.0 or above; and
- assessed into the appropriate transfer level courses.
Students must attend a high school which has a current Academic Enrichment Compliance form on file in the Admissions and Records office. Home schooled students or those attending a charter school must have an affidavit indicating they are legally home schooled or attending a charter school.
Students must submit a Sierra College application for admission, an Academic Enrichment Permission form, and an official high school transcript each semester. Enrollment must be recommended by the school principal or counselor, and have the consent of a parent or guardian. Students should be counseled by the high school staff to determine the courses in which they should enroll. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 7 units per semester; specific courses in which students may not enroll are published online on the Academic Enrichment Restricted Course List. Students admitted under these provisions are subject to all college rules and regulations and are not eligible for student employment. Contact a campus Admissions and Records office for more information.
Reference: Sierra College Board Policies/Administrative Procedures Chapter 5.