Admissions Philosophy
CCBC offers the community accessible educational opportunities that are designed to help students:
- Prepare to enter the workforce
- Transfer to four-year educational institutions
- Improve professional or occupational skills
- Enrich themselves culturally and academically
Admission to General Credit Programs
Enrollment Credentials
- CCBC requires students to provide proof of high school completion. An official high school transcript or GED certificate needs to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
- Academic credentials (high school or college transcript), college entrance exam scores (ACT or SAT), or the CCBC placement test may be used to determine readiness for enrollment in courses and programs.
General Admissions Procedure
A new applicant to CCBC will need to complete the following steps for admission to enroll as a full or part-time student in credit or audited courses:
Community College of Baltimore County
Registrar’s Office
Student Services Center
7201 Rossville Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21237
SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission to CCBC. However, placement testing may be required for new first-time students. Scores may be used for course placement if the test was taken within two years from the date of application to CCBC. Some applicants may be exempt from placement testing with the following standardized test scores:
SAT - 550 or higher in either critical reading, writing, and math or
ACT - 21 or higher in either reading, writing, and math
Readmission
A student who withdraws from CCBC in good standing and is eligible for readmission does not need to complete a new application for admission. Submit the Change of Student Information form to the Enrollment Services Center with supporting documentation if you have changed your name, residence, email address, phone number, or program of study since the last time you attended CCBC.
Early College Access Programs for High School Students
College 4 Free Program
College 4 Free is an early college access program for eligible BCPS juniors and seniors offered by the Community College of Baltimore County and Baltimore County Public Schools. Admitted students can take up to four CCBC classes tuition and are required to pay only applicable fees, books and supplies. Students eligible for free and reduced-price meals do not pay CCBC fees.
All students are encouraged to talk with a CCBC advisor concerning enrollment in classes to earn credits that would apply to an associate degree or certificate or for transfer to another college.
Eligibility requirements
- Overall 2.50 grade point average.
- Demonstrated mature behavior.
- Enrollment in credit-bearing CCBC General Education or Career Program courses during the fall and spring semesters.
How to apply
- Complete the CCBC Application for Admission
- Submit the Early College Access form to the CCBC Admissions Office.
- Meet with a CCBC academic advisor to discuss assessment and placement testing.
- Register for credit-bearing courses.
Parallel Enrollment Program
The Parallel Enrollment Program (PEP) is an early college access program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors attending the Community College of Baltimore County. Maryland residents pay one-half of their residency tuition rate. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Admitted students pay one-half of the residency tuition rate and may enroll in classes beginning the summer session before the sophomore year.
All students are encouraged to talk with a CCBC advisor concerning enrollment in classes to earn credits toward an associate degree or certificate or for transfer to another college.
Eligibility requirements
- High school sophomore, junior or senior status
- Obtain written approval from a professional school counselor or administrator
How to apply
- Talk about PEP with a professional school counselor
- Complete the CCBC Application for Admission
- Submit the Parallel Enrollment Consent Form to the CCBC Admissions Office.
- Meet with a CCBC academic advisor to discuss assessment and placement testing.
- Register for classes.
Gifted and Talented Students
A student enrolled in the 8th or 9th grade may be considered for admission to CCBC if one of the following criteria is met and documented.
Eligibility Requirements
- Enrolled in a recognized Gifted and Talented program
- Documented academic ability or documented ability in the creative, performing or visual arts.
How to apply:
- Schedule an interview with an Assistant Director of Admissions before classes start. A parent or guardian must be present for the interview.
- Bring the following documents to the interview:
- CCBC Application for Admission
- Official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores (if available)
- CCBC Gifted and Talented Recommendation form
- Photo I.D.
A student must take the CCBC placement test and place in college-level math, reading and sentence skills, or provide SAT scores of 550 or better in critical reading, writing and math, or ACT scores of 21 or better in reading, writing, and math.
Home Schooled Students
Home schooled students should follow the enrollment procedures for the Parallel Enrollment Program or the Gifted and Talented Students.
Admission to Selective Health Professions Programs
All of the programs in the School of Health Professions have competitive, selective admissions. Applicants must meet specific admission criteria for each program. Please refer to the individual program catalog pages or visit the School of Health Professions for more information. Applicants must first be admitted to CCBC and then apply online for admission to these programs. Admission to CCBC does not guarantee acceptance into selective programs. For more information, refer to the identified program:
- Dental Hygiene
- Emergency Medical Technology
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Mental Health
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Certificate
- Mortuary Science
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physician Assistant*
- Practical Nursing
- Radiation Therapy
- Radiography (X-Ray Technology)
- CT Certificate
- MRI Certificate
- Respiratory Care Therapy
- Veterinary Technology
* For this program only, apply to CASPA before applying to CCBC.
International Student Services
The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) welcomes international, immigrant and non-U.S. citizens and offers programs and services to assist students throughout their college experience.
CCBC grants admission to all students regardless of immigration status. Further, a combination of recent Federal legislation, Maryland legislation and Presidential Executive Orders provide some opportunities for eligible non-U.S. citizens to pay in-state tuition rates at CCBC.
Although SAT or ACT scores are not required for international student admission to CCBC, scores may be used for course placement if the test was taken within two years from the date of application to CCBC. Some applicants may be exempt from placement testing with the following scores:
SAT - 550 or higher in either critical reading, writing, and math or
ACT - 21 or higher in either reading, writing, and math
Placement testing may be required for first-time CCBC applicants.
Students are encouraged to participate in educational and social activities sponsored by the International Student Services office and student groups - International Club (IC) at CCBC Catonsville and International Student Association (ISA) at CCBC Essex. Many CCBC students seek out the International Student Services office to enjoy cross-cultural and intercultural programs and activities that foster interaction and appreciation for different cultures.
Admission of International Students Applying for an F-1 Visa
A new international student applicant must complete and submit the following documents to the International Student Services office to obtain an I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status):
Application for Admission
- Certified copy of high school transcripts in English, that verifies completion of secondary school
- Proof of English Language Proficiency with one of the following:
- Official TOEFL score report with a minimum score of 450 paper-based test or 133 computerized test or 45 iBT internet based test. (Send TOEFL codes to CCBC code # 5137)
- IELTS score report with a 5.0 or higher
Students from English speaking countries are not required to take the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Declaration of Financial Support form
- Original financial statements to verify sufficient funds. These statements must:
a. Be written in English on bank letterhead
b. Display the sponsor’s name as the owner of the account
c. Be less than 6 months old
d. Show a minimum of $25,358 in U.S. dollars
- Personal Data sheet
- A copy of student’s passport
Application Deadline Dates for New F-1 Students
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Fall Semester |
June 1 |
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Spring Semester |
November 1 |
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Summer Admission |
May 1 |
After all documents are received, an International Student Services counselor will determine admission and eligibility for the I-20. Applicants who meet all requirements for admission will receive an acceptance letter and the I-20 form.
Admission of International Transfer Students with F-1 Visas
An F-1 student who plans to transfer from another U.S. institution to CCBC must submit the following documents to the International Student Services office before the deadline dates below:
- Application for Admission
- Certified copy of high school transcripts in English, that verifies completion of secondary school
- Copies of all I-20’s, passport ID, the I-94, and the visa pages in your passport
- Official transcripts from all previously attended U.S. institutions
- Transfer eligibility certificate from most recently attended U.S. institution
- Declaration of financial support form
- Original financial statements to verify sufficient funds. These statements must:
- Be written in English on bank letterhead
- Show the sponsor as the owner of the account
- Be less than 6 months old
- Show an ending balance of at least $25,358 in U.S. dollars.
- Personal Data sheet
An applicant who meets all CCBC admission requirements for transfer from another college or university within the U.S. will receive an acceptance letter and the I-20 form. To complete the transfer process, an applicant will need to meet with an International Student Services counselor on the campus they plan to attend.
CCBC Catonsville CCBC Essex/CCBC Dundalk
Student Services Center Student Services Center
443-840-5055 443-840-1005
Application Deadline Dates for F-1 Transfer Students
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Fall Semester |
August 10 |
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Spring Semester |
January 10 |
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Summer Session |
May 10 |
Admission of F-1 and J-1 Visiting Students
Students with an I-20 from another institution who enroll concurrently at CCBC are charged international student rates. The following documents must be submitted to the International Student Services office to be admitted to CCBC:
- Application for Admission
- Valid passport
- Copy of I-20 from current university
- Official transcripts from all previously attended U.S. institutions
Approval statement from an international student counselor indicating how many credits the student is permitted to take at CCBC
Admission of Individuals Seeking to Change their Immigration Status to Become an F-1 Visa Student
A non-immigrant who wants to become a full-time student at CCBC must apply to change his or her immigration status. There are two steps involved in this process. The first step is to complete the CCBC admission process. The following documents must be submitted to the International Student Services office to be admitted to CCBC:
- Application for Admission
- Certified copy of high school transcript(s) in English, verifying completion of secondary school
- Declaration of Financial Support form and financial statements to verify sufficient funds. These financial statements must:
- Be written in English on bank letterhead
- Show the sponsor as the owner of the account
- Be less than 6 months old
- Show an ending balance of at least $25,358 in U.S. dollars.
- Passport with original visa page
- I-94 (original card or on-line print out)
- CCBC placement testing results
- Personal Data Sheet
After submitting the above documents to International Student Services, students must complete a change of status application with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). An International Student Services counselor can help to determine what is needed for the application packet. Minimally, the packet will require the following:
- A letter detailing your reasons for the change of status
- A check or money order payable to the “Department of Homeland Security.” To determine the fee amount, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, select on “Forms” at the top and then select “Filing Fees”.
- I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
- An individual with a current B1/B2 visa cannot enroll in CCBC credit classes until the change of status has been approved.
Current or prospective F-1 Visa students are encouraged to seek advice from International Students Services (ISS) concerning their visa or immigration status, health insurance, employment, tax questions, CCBC policies and procedures, and academic requirements to maintain their student status. Information about housing, transportation, banking, legal, and other services in the community is also available.
CCBC is required by U.S. federal regulations to report changes to an F-1 student’s registration, address, and other events through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Admission of Individuals with Other Non-immigrant Visas
Many non-immigrants can take courses without changing their status. Some examples include F2, H4, H1A, H1B, J2, R2, TN, and TPS. In addition to the standard application procedures, all international applicants are required to submit proof of their immigration status at the time of application. Tuition rates are based on immigration and residency status, and enrollment in credit courses may be limited according to federal, state and college regulations. For additional information, contact an International Student Services staff member.
Students without appropriate documentation of immigration status or who have expired documents and are not eligible for Maryland Dream Act (Senate Bill 167) may be admitted and allowed to take credit courses at international tuition rates. Students must submit the following documents to the International Student Service office at the campus they choose to attend:
- Application for Admission
- A birth certificate in English or a passport
Visitors for Business or Tourism with B-1, B-2, WB, or WT visas can only enroll in non-credit courses offered through the Continuing Education division. For credit classes, refer to the section related to “Changes in Immigration Status.”
Official USCIS documentation should be submitted to International Student Services if a student’s visa status changes for any reason during any period of enrollment. In some cases, a change in visa status may affect the tuition rate.
Contact International Student Services for additional information.
Admission of Permanent Residents, Asylees and Refugees (Immigrant Students)
An applicant is considered an immigrant if he or she holds an Alien Registration Card (“green card”), refugee, or asylum documents from the U.S. Government. A permanent resident or an immigrant applicant will pay tuition rates based on their residence in the U.S.
To apply for admission, applicants must submit the following documents to the Admissions office:
- Application for Admission
- Valid permanent residency document (green card, form I-551 or I-151), refugee or asylum documents (I- 94, passport, or official letter from the U.S. Government)
- Official transcript(s) from high school or GED scores and transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities.
Pending Permanent Residents who have submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and are waiting for approval for permanent residency must submit the following documents to the Admissions office:
- Application for Admission
- Notice of Action statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or an Employment Authorization Document
- Official transcript(s) from high school or GED scores and transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities.
Applicants with Pending Asylee status who have submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Justice and are waiting for approval for asylum must provide:
- CCBC Application for Admission
- I-94
- A Letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that verifies approval of the asylum application.
- Official transcripts from high school or GED scores and transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities.
Maryland Dream Act
In order to qualify for the Non-Resident Tuition Exemption, known as the Maryland Dream Act, a student must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Beginning in the 2005 – 2006 school year, attended a public or private high school in Maryland for at least 3 academic years.
2. Beginning in the 2007 – 2008 school year, graduated from a public or private high school in Baltimore County, Maryland or earned a Maryland GED or equivalent.
3. Enroll at CCBC which serves the same jurisdiction as the high school from which the student graduated or last attended;
4. Register for CCBC classes within four years after graduating from a public or private Baltimore County high school or earning a Maryland GED and entering as a CCBC student no earlier than Fall 2011.
5. Provide documentation that the student, student’s parent(s) or legal guardian has filed Maryland income tax returns:
I. Annually for the 3 years that coincide with the student’s attendance at a public or non-public high school in Maryland (home-schooled students are subject to this requirement);
II. Annually during the period, if any, between the student’s graduation from high school and enrolling at CCBC.
6. Provide a Maryland income tax return or transcript for each year of enrollment at CCBC if the student is eligible for the non-resident tuition exception.
7. Submit an official Maryland high school transcript, copy of the Maryland high school diploma or GED certificate, and a photo ID.
8. File an application for permanent residence status within 30 days after becoming eligible to do so.
9. Present the Selective Service System registration acknowledgment card to prove registration with the Selective Service System (all males 18 – 25 years old). For information, visit www.sss.gov or call 1-888-655-1825.
To qualify, submit the Application for Non-Resident Tuition Exemption for Undocumented Students and the following required documentation before the first day of session or semester classes:
- Official Maryland High School Transcript
- Copy of Original High School Diploma or Maryland GED Certificate
- Proof of Submitted Maryland Income Tax Returns
- Copy of Selective Service Registration Acknowledgement Card
- Copy of Photo ID
- Application for Admission (new student only)
The Dream Act application package must be submitted to the International Student Services office and will be reviewed within 14 days of receipt by CCBC. If the student is determined to be eligible, a notification letter will be mailed. The tuition exemption will be granted for as long as the requirements are fulfilled or until the college no longer offers this benefit.
Applying for this exemption does not change the student’s responsibility to pay the tuition and fees billed before the exemption eligibility is determined. The Maryland Dream Act is different from Deferred Action from the U.S. government.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
As an open door admission institution, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) grants admission to all students regardless of immigration status. In conjunction with the June 15, 2012 announcement by the Department of Homeland Security and the February 25, 2013 policy statement issued by the Maryland Attorney General’s office, President’s Council of CCBC has made the following provisions for some qualified non-U.S. citizens to pay in-state tuition rates.
In order to qualify for in-state tuition rates, a student must meet the identity and residency requirements as stipulated by the United States Custom and Immigration Services for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Visit www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals for more information. DACA eligibility must be renewed with USCIS.
To apply for the DACA tuition benefit bring your original Form I-797, which verifies your receipt of DACA status, to the International Student Services office. The International Student Services office will ask you to complete a DACA Acknowledgment Form and a DACA Adjustment form and will review the documentation within 14 days of receipt. If you are determined to be eligible for the DACA benefit, a notification letter will be mailed.
Applying for this benefit does not change the student’s responsibility to pay the tuition and fees billed before the eligibility is determined. The eligibility requirements, standards and processes for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are different from those of the Dream Act.
Contact International Student Services for all questions pertaining to international and immigrant admission and enrollment.
Transferring to CCBC
Admission with transfer credit
It is preferred that the sending institution be a regionally accredited college or university for a student to be admitted to CCBC with transfer credit. CCBC recognizes the following regional accrediting associations:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Association of Accredited Schools
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
A student who transfers from an institution that is not regionally accredited has the opportunity to receive credit by petitioning the department from which they would like to receive credit.
As part of CCBC’s general admissions procedures, a student will need to submit official transcripts of all previous college course work. Transcripts from other institutions should be current and submitted to CCBC within one year of the date they are issued. CCBC reserves the right to verify any questionable grades or credits. Transcripts submitted to CCBC are the property of CCBC and become part of the student’s file. Transcripts will not be re-issued by CCBC to another institution or returned to the student.
Grade Level Requirements
To earn transfer credit, courses will need to fit the applicant’s proposed curriculum. After the award of general education credit, courses in which the applicant earned a “D” will be accepted for transfer only if the overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of the remaining transferred courses is 2.0 or above. Science courses completed with online labs may not transfer to CCBC.
General Education courses taken at a Maryland public college or university will be accepted with an earned grade of “D” or better. Grades for courses taken at colleges or universities other than CCBC will not be computed in the GPA but may be used for selective admission requirements.
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted
CCBC has direct transfer agreements with other Maryland community colleges and four-year institutions. CCBC will accept a maximum of 75% of the credits required for a certificate or degree, through a combination of transfer and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). In order to receive an associate degree from CCBC, the transfer applicant must fulfill the credit and curriculum requirements of the major. Students must complete a minimum of 25% of their credits through CCBC coursework to satisfy residency requirements at CCBC. (Most degrees are 60 credits, so 75% is 45 credits and 25% is 15 credits.)
Transfer of General Education Requirements
A student who successfully completed an AA, AS or a higher degree at another regionally accredited institution of higher education meets the General Education requirements for a degree at CCBC. A student who transfers into CCBC and holds an AAS degree will be evaluated on a course by course basis and may be required to complete any General Education courses that they are lacking from the AAS degree. Transfer credits may not be granted if the credits were earned at a time when the sending institution was not accredited by an appropriate agency.
A student who earned a degree from an accredited institution outside of the U.S. will be evaluated on an individual basis. CCBC will make any decision regarding General Education requirements based on the results of the transcript evaluation, particularly relating to English requirements.
Transfer Credits for Certificate Programs
A student who applies to CCBC as a transfer student with the intention of earning a certificate in a designated occupational area must complete the admission criteria and also complete at least 25% of the courses required for the certificate through CCBC coursework. No more than 75%of the courses may be accepted in transfer from another institution, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), or a combination.
Permission to Enroll in Courses at Another Institution
To enroll in a course at another institution to earn credits toward completion of CCBC graduation requirements, a student should obtain permission from CCBC to confirm that the course credits earned will be accepted for transfer by CCBC.
- Obtain the Permission to Enroll form in the Registrar’s office or any Enrollment Services Center.
- Complete the form and submit it to the transcript evaluator in the Registrar’s office for approval.
Credit from Other Sources
Admission with articulated credit
CCBC has associations with secondary schools and other organizations offering instruction. The college matches the instructional program of these institutions with its own curricula and, when appropriate, enters into a formal articulation agreement.
Military Training and Education
Many military training and educational programs have been evaluated and recommended for college-level credit by the American Council on Education, the National College Credit Recommendation Service and CCBC faculty. These recommendations may be acceptable for credit, when the courses are applicable to the student’s program of study.
Prior Learning Assessment
Earn credit for what you know
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) provides college students with the potential to earn credit for college level learning acquired outside a traditional academic environment. In other words, it is an evaluation of a person’s life learning for college credit.
CCBC values the diversity of its students and understands that they come to the college with a diverse assortment of unique experiences, interests, and intellectual pursuits that may translate into college level learning. That learning could have been acquired through:
- Work experience
- Participating in an employer’s training programs
- Serving in the military
- Performing volunteer/community service
- Independently studying areas of self-interest
- Studying open source courseware
Students must earn at least 25% of the credits required for a certificate or degree, directly through CCBC coursework. They may earn up to 75% of the credits required for a certificate or degree, through a combination of transfer and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
Prior Learning Assessments are conducted through a variety of evaluation processes, including:
- Credit by Portfolio Assessment
- Qualified students may choose to develop a portfolio of their college-level learning. Portfolios are presented to appropriate faculty for evaluation and possible award of credit. **Fees apply.
- Credit by Exam
- Scores from Departmental Challenge Exams, the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement Testing Program (AP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), and International Baccalaureate (IB) are reviewed for possible award of credit. **Fees may apply and vary by exam type.
- Non-traditional Training
- Many training programs offered through businesses, industries and government agencies have been evaluated and recommended for college-level credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) and may be acceptable for credit.
- Apprenticeship Training
- A student may qualify for up to 30 college credits for the satisfactory completion of an apprenticeship training program registered with and recognized by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council.
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