Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I come to a community college instead of going to a four year college or university?
   The two year community offers more individualized attention, smaller classes led by highly-qualified instructors, and you can complete the general studies requirements before transferring to a university. Also, the cost of community college tuition is usually considerably less than university tuition.
    
2. What programs do you offer?
   At SCC many students are enrolled in associate degree programs in areas such as business, applied sciences, languages and fine arts. Click here for a list of majors.
   SCC has also broadened opportunities to students to prepare for careers that do not require four-year degrees. Applied Sciences offers over 23 different career or occupational programs including nursing, drafting, fashion merchandising, interior design, hospitality, culinary arts, and computer information programs. A post associate degree program is also offered through the SCC based Maricopa Institute for Arts & Entertainment Technology (MIAET). These programs are styled in accordance with the needs of students, the community, business, and industry. College personnel work closely with community employers to assess current educational and training needs. Also, SCC offers an intensive English as a second language program.
   
3. Will my community college credits transfer to a four-year college or university?
   Yes, transferring to a university from SCC is very common. Be sure to meet with an academic advisor each semester because with good advising and grades of C or better, approximately 60 credit hours of similar coursework will transfer to your bachelor degree program at a university.
    
4. Will the classes I took in my home country transfer to SCC?
   Maybe. You will first have to have your transcripts evaluated by an approved professional credential evaluator such as ECE or AACRAO. Please have the evaluation report sent to SCC Admissions and Records, where transfer credit will be determined.
    
5. How many other international students attend Scottsdale Community College?
   There are approximately 140 F-1 students, from about 50 countries. If we include all immigrants and other visa holders, there are nearly 1,000 students representing 90 countries.
    
6. How many students are in a class?
   Classes usually have between 20-35 students, depending on the subject, which allows for more one-on-one interaction between faculty and students.
    
7. How many classes do I have to take?
   Students on F-1 visas must maintain enrollment in at least 12 credit hours each semester. This is usually equivalent to four or five classes. After you arrive on campus and take the placement tests, we will help you to choose and register for your classes.
    
8. I?m not good in Math or English. Can I get help?
   Yes, we have free tutoring services available in our Math/Science Tutoring Lab and Writing Center. You will find help for your ESL, foreign language, math and science classwork.
    
9. I want to attend classes at night. How safe is the campus?
   We feel the campus is a safe place all the time. The College Safety office is open 24 hours a day, and has security cameras and emergency phones in the parking lots. They will gladly escort students to their cars if requested.
    
10. What kind of financial aid or scholarships are available for international students?
    Unfortunately, there is neither financial aid nor scholarships available for incoming international students. You should be prepared to finance your entire period of study at SCC from personal funds or from other sources, such as your sponsor. Also, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) strictly regulates off-campus employment.
     
11. Can I work in the United States?
    F-1 students who maintain status are permitted to work part-time on-campus only, up to twenty hours per week during the spring and fall semesters, and up to forty hours per week during vacations. Please see "About Employment."
     
    An F-1 student may not accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study.
    After you have been in-status for one academic year, speak with the International Student Advisor to see if you are eligible for any-time of off-campus employment or internship.
     
    Under certain circumstances, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year, in the case of severe economic hardship.
     
    Please note that the U.S. government is very strict about working without authorization. Working illegally may subject you to deportation.