What Is It Known For?
Skagit Valley College started in 1926 as Mount Vernon Junior College on the top floor of Union High School. The school adopted its current name in 1958 and stands as Washington State’s second-oldest community college.
The campus moved to its own site in 1955 and now spans more than 110 acres in Mount Vernon. About 6,500 students attend each year across the different campuses: Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor, the San Juan Center (Friday Harbor), and South Whidbey Center (Clinton).
Degrees & Certifications
At Skagit Valley College, you have a variety of options depending on your preference. Certificates usually take less than a year. Associate degrees run about two years, while bachelor’s programs need four.
You can choose from:
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Associate Degrees: Transfer
- Associate Degrees: Workforce
- Associate Degree: General Studies
- High School Diploma or Equivalency
- Certificates
- Micro-Certificates
- Basic Education for Adults Programming
Check the complete degrees and certificates list to see all your options.
Class Schedules
On-campus, virtual, and hybrid formats give you different ways to learn at Skagit Valley College. Evening classes help if you work during the day. Some programs include clinical practicums or externships, depending on your field of study.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits Skagit Valley College. The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges also governs the school.
Acceptance Rate
100% acceptance rate. The college accepts nearly everyone who meets basic requirements through its open admissions approach. Students from Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties can access programs easily.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
Here are the tuition costs at Skagit Valley College:
- Tuition – Lower Division (courses below 300-level – associates or certificate):
- Washington State Resident: $158.96/credit
- Out of State U.S. Resident: $225.03/credit
- International Students: $366.30/credit
- Upper Division (courses above the 300-level – bachelor’s degree):
- Washington State Resident: $282.94/credit
- Out of State U.S. Resident: $412.91/credit
- International Students: $745.88/credit
Get specific estimates from Skagit Valley College’s net price calculator or contact the school for detailed fee information.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
Healthcare
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Pharmacy Technician
- Dental Therapy
- Nursing
- Registered Nursing
- Nursing Assistant
- EMT: Enhanced Emergency Medical Technician
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
- Baking & Pastry
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Power Technology
- Advanced Manufacturing and Design
- Welding Technology
- Marine Electrical Technician
- Marine Maintenance Technology
- Fire Protection Technology
Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Management and Analytics
Campus Locations
Mount Vernon 2405 East College Way Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Oak Harbor 1900 SE Pioneer Way Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Skagit Valley College (SVC) is generally viewed as a welcoming, supportive community college with highly dedicated staff and affordable, flexible programs. The few criticisms center on a perceived lack of non-academic student life and inconsistent professor expectations.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Support Services: This is a major highlight. Students consistently praise the college’s dedication to student success, specifically mentioning that advisors and staff are “incredibly helpful” and “always there helping student[s] with they’re academics.” The Trio program is called out as a particularly helpful resource.
Affordability and Flexibility: Students appreciate the “reasonable cost” of the college. The flexibility of course options, especially the availability of online classes and a strong Running Start program for high school students, is highly valued as it saves money and accommodates full-time workers.
Dedicated and Engaging Instructors: The majority of reviewers describe the faculty as “generally amazing” and dedicated. Students appreciate the personal attention in small class sizes, and one alum specifically praised a Pharmacy Technician professor for doing an “amazing job at teaching.”
Strong Technical Programs: Specific career programs, such as the Automotive program, are highlighted as being nationally accredited and attracting major companies (like the railroad and refinery) to look for job candidates.
Positive and Inclusive Environment: Reviewers describe the campus as a “welcoming and supportive community” that is “very open to people from different backgrounds and minority groups,” fostering a cultural environment that includes beautiful murals.
Common Criticisms
Inconsistent Professor Expectations: A common frustration is that some professors “teach as if the student is already an expert on the subject,” making courses difficult for beginners. There are also isolated complaints that some instructors “need to be less judgmental” and that the quality and justice of grading rubrics are questionable in certain courses.
Lack of Student Life and Activities: Several students feel that the “student life and activities” are not a priority. One reviewer stated there is “not much going on on the campus unless you’re in a small club,” suggesting the community is less integrated outside of academic settings.
Safety/Security Concerns (Isolated): One alum expressed a wish for “more security,” noting that there had been “multiple lockdowns” during their in-person attendance.
Administrative Bureaucracy: Students who have to navigate administrative processes report some issues, stating that bureaucracy in financial aid and class sign-ups could be “streamlined.”
Momentum
The recent reviews (from the last month to a year) remain strongly positive, consistently emphasizing the helpful staff, excellent resources, and a strong sense of community. The recent criticisms (e.g., security concerns and professor styles) are isolated and do not suggest a broad decline in the core academic offerings. The college appears to maintain a solid and stable reputation as a high-value community institution.