International enrollment puts Central at #6 in U.S.
Seattle Central enrolled more international students than any other community college in the state in 2012 according to a national educational and cultural exchange organization. Central ranks number six among the approximately 1,200 community colleges in the United States.
According to fall 2012 data, the college enrolled 1,718 international students. Green River Community College was next with 1,559. “The excellence of our programs is recognized within the U.S. and abroad,” said Paul Killpatrick, President of Seattle Central. “Our ESL and transfer programs are well-known overseas as the best stepping stone to graduation from prestigious universities.”
Seattle Central is the top provider of international students to the University of Washington. The community college also has transfer agreements with other institutions like the John Hopkins Carey Business School, Indiana University, Purdue University and several California colleges.
A majority of Central’s international students’ expenses are funded by personal means, although some receive foreign government aid. Most of the students coming to Washington State are from China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
“International students on campus are strong achievers and highly valued,” according to Andrea Insley, Executive Dean for International Education Programs. “We are a global college and are proud that American students have opportunities to meet and study with students from around the world.”
Washington State ranks number 11 overall with 22,887 international students, a 13 per cent increase over the previous year. The UW and WSU are the top two enrolling institutions, followed by Seattle Central, who enrolled 1,920 international students this fall. It is estimated the economic contribution to the state from international students is $643 million.
The annual statistical survey of international students studying in the United States was done by the non-profit Institute of International Education. Full report here: http://www.iie.org/en/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors