Seattle Colleges and Western Washington University Establish Guaranteed Transfer Admission Agreement

January 30, 2026

Students at Seattle Colleges now have a streamlined and guaranteed route to a bachelor’s degree at Western Washington University through a new transfer pathway partnership announced today by both institutions. 

The agreement guarantees admission to Western for Seattle Colleges transfer students who complete a transfer degree, providing a clear and dependable path to continue their education at one of the state’s top public universities.

“This collaboration creates new momentum for student success and takes the guesswork out of transfer” said Seattle Colleges Chancellor Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap. “By simplifying the process, we are ensuring our students have every opportunity to complete their four-year degrees.”

Seattle Colleges Chancellor Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap and Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa shaking hands at agreement signing

Above: Seattle Colleges Chancellor Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap and Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa shake hands on the new transfer agreement between their institutions.

Under the agreement, Seattle Colleges students qualify for guaranteed admission to Western if they:

  • Complete either an Associate in Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) or Associate in Science – Transfer (AS-T) degree
  • Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in the last quarter before applying for admission and the final quarter before transferring

Students admitted through this program will enter Western as juniors, ready to progress toward a bachelor’s degree. 

In addition to general admission, eligible Seattle Colleges students may receive direct admission into nearly 30 academic majors at Western. Some majors may require additional admissions steps or prerequisites.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding access and removing barriers for transfer students,” said President Sabah Randhawa, Western Washington University. “Western is proud to partner with Seattle Colleges to create a reliable, student-centered pathway to a four-year degree.” In support of expanding educational access in the region, the $70 application fee for Seattle Colleges students will be waived, allowing them to apply at no cost.

The program will link students early with academic advisors at both institutions to help them select courses aligned with their intended majors. Seattle Colleges and Western will also collaborate on outreach, advising, and annual evaluations to ensure a smooth transfer process.

For more information about transferring from Seattle Colleges to Western Washington University, visit:


About Seattle Colleges

Seattle Colleges is the largest and most diverse community college district in Washington State, serving approximately 35,000 students annually. Our district comprises three distinctive colleges - North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle 
College - along with five specialty training centers and a district office. Together, we offer a wide range of programs, including college transfer, career preparation, technical education, basic studies, and continuing education.

Guided by a chancellor in collaboration with three college presidents and governed by a board of trustees appointed by the governor, Seattle Colleges is proud to be part of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) system. We are committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students, strengthens communities, and fuels economic growth across the region.

About Western Washington University

Western Washington University offers more than 200 academic programs on its main campus in Bellingham and at additional locations in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo. Nationally recognized for academic excellence, sustainability, 
undergraduate research, and student success – including First-Gen Forward and Military Friendly designations, Western consistently ranks among the top public master’s-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest.