Washtenaw Community College (WCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Washtenaw Community College is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and offers numerous educational advancement opportunities including GED preparedness courses, various certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degree transfer programs. The school does not participate in intercollegiate sports but does offer several club sports opportunities and a fitness complex capable of meeting the needs of the most avid enthusiast.

The school offers financial aid in a variety of forms and has students from all walks of life. Washtenaw has its own radio station and newspaper, as well as numerous student organizations that are both academic and social. There are also numerous non-credit courses available for students to take either just for the enjoyment of learning a new skill or to improve professional positions. The college offers an opportunity for students of all ages and educational levels and prides itself on the quality education that it provides.

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Information Summary

Ranks 51st in Michigan and 2329th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	59.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$3,528
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	70% / 50%
Enrollment Total (all students)	12,264

Academics

Washtenaw Community College offers a wide array of programs for students at all levels, from high school students that want to get a jump start on their college careers to professionals or adults that want to take classes to enrich their lives or careers. The college strives to meet the needs of a growing community. Below are just a few of the programs offered.

Degree and Certificate Programs

Washtenaw offers numerous degree and professional certificate programs. Students wishing to start a new career may earn several different associate’s degrees, certificates, advanced certificates and post-associate’s certificates. Areas of study include such subjects as computer programming, construction, child development and automotive repair. The school also offers a police training criminal justice program and a culinary arts program.

Other certificates are useful if the adult already has a career but would like to specialize in an area. For example, a mechanic may choose to earn a certificate as an automotive service technician in order to qualify for a better job and higher pay. Other times, students wishing to earn a bachelor’s degree will finish the first two years of their degree at Washtenaw in order to stay closer to home and save the money that it would cost to go to a four-year institution.

LifeLong Learning

The LifeLong Learning program at Washtenaw offers adult students the opportunity to take classes that will help in careers, improve quality of life, or simply learn something that they may be interested in. Some of these classes include motorcycle licensing, social worker training, nurse’s aid training, cooking, gardening and a plethora of other single classes that teach new skills.

Other Programs

Washtenaw offers several different paths to education. Students may choose to attend all of their classes in the traditional manner, or they may choose to take blended classes which are a combination of online and classroom learning. There are also satellite campuses located throughout the area so that if one location is difficult for a student to get to, they may still have an opportunity to pursue educational goals. For students that work through the week or have other obligations that prevent them from coming to traditional classes, there are weekend and evening classes. Finally, there are classes and programs that can be completed entirely online.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Admission to Washtenaw Community College is extremely simple. In order to provide educational services that meet the needs of their community, the college has an open admissions policy. The only requirements for admission are that students be eighteen years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED and be able to benefit from instruction. Students who only wish to take non-credit courses do not need to apply; simply register for the class that is desired. High school students that would like to dual enroll may do so as well but must be at least fifteen years old and in the 10th grade.

For traditional students wishing to take credit courses, the first step is to complete the application found on the school’s website. There is no application fee. The college will usually notify the applicant within two business days. After the student has been notified that the application was received, they may then attend an orientation. Students will need to log in to MyWCC to view the application checklist and finish the registration process. New students are required to take a placement test in order to be placed in appropriate classes. If there are specific additional registration requirements, the student will need to complete them prior to registering for classes. There are several different starting periods for classes. In order to get the best selection of courses, Washtenaw recommends registering for classes early. Applicants should refer to the school or the website for recommended deadlines.

Financial Aid

Washtenaw Community College offers a variety of financial aid options. Students may receive school, local, state and federal scholarships, grants and loans. The first step to getting assistance paying for an education is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that is available online beginning in January. The school has recommended deadlines so students should be aware of these and submit financial aid forms in a timely manner. Financial information for both the applicant and family will be required, so the student should have that information available prior to completing the application.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5709th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Michigan.

Athletics

Though the college doesn’t offer intercollegiate sports, there are several different club sports that offer students an opportunity to compete free of charge. Some of these sports include softball, baseball, soccer, basketball, indoor volleyball, sand volleyball and running.

Washtenaw also features the Heath & Fitness Center. The facility is environmentally friendly and is LEED gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. The center offers numerous fitness classes and all of the equipment necessary to get a good workout including weight training and cardio equipment, tennis courts, hot tubs, a full-sized gym and a lap pool.

Bibliography

Washtenaw Community College. Washtenaw Community College. 2011. Web. 7 June 2011.

The Health & Wellness Center at Washtenaw College. The Health & Wellness Center at Washtenaw College. 2011. Web. 7 June 2011.

Washtenaw Community College