Frequently Asked Questions

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Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the international student process in the United States, and more specifically at Scottsdale Community College. To read an answer, click the plus (+) button next to the question. If you have a specific question that is not asked, please email [email protected] to receive an answer to your question.

Questions and Answers

The community college offers more individualized attention, smaller classes led by highly-qualified instructors, and you can complete the general studies requirements before transferring to a university. At the community college, many students complete the equivalent of the first and second years of a bachelor's degree program, and then transfer directly to a university to complete the third and fourth year. Also, the cost of community college tuition is usually much less than university tuition.

At SCC many students are enrolled in Associate Degree programs in areas such as business, applied sciences, languages, and fine arts. 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, architecture, motion picture and television production, interior design, hospitality, culinary arts, business, and computer information systems. 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.

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 a minimum Grade Point Average ("GPA") of 2.5, approximately 60 credit hours of similar coursework will transfer to your bachelor degree program at a university.

Maybe. You will first need to have your transcripts evaluated by an approved professional credential evaluator. Please have the evaluation report sent directly to SCC Admissions and Records, along with your official or certified copies of the official native language transcripts and (if those aren't issued in English) a certified English word-for-word translation, so that transfer credit will be determined.

There are approximately 40-50 F-1 students, from about 35 countries. If we include all immigrants and other visa holders, there are over 500 students representing 70 countries. The total student population at SCC is approximately 7,600.

Classes usually have between 20-35 students, depending on the subject, which allows for more one-on-one interaction between faculty and students.

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.

Yes, we have free tutoring services available in our Math/Science Tutoring Lab and Writing Center. You will find help for your foreign language, math, and science class work.

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.

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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security strictly regulates off-campus employment.

You can look online for sources of international student loans and other financial aid, but beware of scholarship scams! You should not have to pay for information on scholarships. Below are a couple of websites that may be helpful, but please note that these sites are not affiliated with Scottsdale Community College.

F-1 students who maintain legal 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 the section Employment Options for F-1 Visa Students.

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 limited circumstances, the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year, in the case of severe, unforeseen economic hardship.

Please note that the U.S. government is very strict about working without authorization. Working illegally may subject you to deportation.