Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take just a few classes or short-term training to upgrade my skills?

Yes. Lake Washington Technical College offers a full range of technical higher education options, including individual classes, special short-term training programs, professional certification preparation and adult continuing education options.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. The college participates in many forms of financial aid, including scholarships, loans and work study opportunities. More financial aid information is available in the Financial Aid section of this catalog.

Will I receive personal attention from my instructors?

A commitment to individualized instruction is one of the aspects that sets Lake Washington Technical College apart from others. Our college features small class sizes and personalized, one-one-one instruction from teachers who truly care about your success.

What other educational options do you offer?

We offer online distance learning classes, adult basic education, English as a Second Language courses and adult high school completion courses. A technical high school, Lake Washington Technical Academy, is also located on the college campus. For the latest information on the college’s educational offerings, visit our Class Schedule section on the college Web site at www.lwtc.edu or call (425) 739-8100 to obtain a printed Class Schedule.

How much will my education cost?

The answer depends upon the program you select, and whether you’re working toward a certificate, an AAS degree or just want to take a few skill-building classes. One thing is certain–you’ll find the best education value at Lake Washington Technical College, where costs are among the lowest in the state’s higher education system. For more information on program costs, see the Tuition Rates page.

What credentials will I receive at the end of my program?

Lake Washington Technical College offers programs of study that will lead to Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T), and Certificates of Completion and Proficiency. The length of time to completion varies depending on the program you choose and the number of classes you would take each quarter.

How can I be sure I’ll be able to find a job in the career area I select?

The college has among the highest job placement rates of any college in the area, in part because of its strong links with business and industry. While we cannot guarantee a job for every graduate, we make every effort to provide relevant training in areas with employment demand.

Will my degree or certificate be recognized among potential employers?

Graduates of Lake Washington Technical College have a high job placement rate because employers recognize their training and skills as valuable. Business and industry leaders serve on the college’s advisory committees to assure the training students receive is of the highest quality.

Can I get started at any time?

Some programs permit students to enroll any quarter. Others enroll at the beginning of each quarter while still others admit students once a year. To learn more about when a particular program is open for enrollment, please make an appointment with a Student Development adviser by calling (425) 739-8300.

Also, placement testing is required for all students who are seeking degrees and certificates, and for students enrolling in English, math, and many technical classes. For more information, please contact the assessment center at (425) 739-8115 or at www.lwtc.edu/assessment.

How do I find updated information?

The material in this catalog has been compiled and organized to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of the programs and courses at Lake Washington Technical College. It includes academic requirements and procedures necessary for admission and graduation. Information on programs and courses is arranged in alphabetical order. A listing by division is also available.

Because curriculum revisions and program changes usually occur during the period the catalog is in circulation, students should contact the college for specific information. The quarterly Class Schedule gives information on courses offered, class hours, and class locations and has the latest calendar dates, fees and details on registration.

Both the Lake Washington Technical College Catalog and the Class Schedule are regularly updated online at www.lwtc.edu, or you may obtain a copy by phoning the college at (425) 739-8100. All announcements in the college catalog are subject to change without notice and do not constitute an agreeement between Lake Washington Technical College and the student.

Is Lake Washington Technical College an accredited college?

Lake Washington Technical College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), 8060 165th. Avenue NE, Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981.

What are global outcomes?

All programs at LWTC provide students with workplace skills that include communication, critical thinking, global and cultural awareness, teamwork, and technical and information literacy. Each program will include coursework used to assess student performance in these global outcomes.

Communication

The ability to understand, interpret and respond to information conveyed in verbal, non-verbal, written and symbolic ways using a variety of formats.

Critical Thinking

The ability to address problems using factual information to formulate related, new information.

Global and Cultural Awareness

The ability to connect to the world via the people in it through their traditions, ways of life, mores, ethnicities, behaviors, and beliefs.

Teamwork

The ability to work cooperatively in a group to advance a common goal.

Technical and Information Literacy

The ability to understand and use computers, software, and other equipment to perform job tasks and to search for, gather, evaluate, and use information resources that may come in a variety of formats.