Green River College
Green River College is a welcoming public college offering many paths to success. We help students transfer to universities, earn bachelor’s degrees in specific fields, and gain skills for great careers. Our diverse community includes over 11,500 students annually, with more than 1,100 international students from over 60 countries, creating a truly global classroom. The college believes everyone deserves a chance to learn, with a student body about 52% female and 43% male. While around 40% of our students graduate within six years, many others successfully transfer to four-year universities across the US. Green River College is known for its supportive environment, dedicated faculty, and commitment to helping students achieve their goals, whether that’s further education or a rewarding career. We offer small class sizes and personalized attention to ensure you thrive.
Established | 1963 |
University Type | Public Community College |
Student-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
Campus Size | 180 acres |
Contact Details | (253) 288-3300 |
Location | Auburn, Washington, United States |
Green River College Admissions
Green River College has an open admissions policy, meaning that most students who apply are accepted. Applicants typically need a high school diploma, GED, or be at least 18 years old. The college welcomes people of all income levels, backgrounds, and previous educational experience. The following section will discuss the admission requirements and top programs at Green River College.
Green River College Admissions: PG
The minimum admission requirement for a master’s at Green River College is to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in a related subject with a TOEFL iBT score of 61 or above. The following are the detailed admission requirements for a master’s at Green River College:
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Category |
Admission Requirements |
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Application Fee |
50 USD |
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Academic Requirements |
School Transcripts |
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GPA or Aggregate |
3.0 out of 4.0 (85%) |
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English Proficiency Requirements |
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Additional Requirements |
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Green River College Campus
Green River College’s main campus is situated on 180 acres of forested land in Auburn, Washington, about 45 minutes south of Seattle. It offers a picturesque and conducive environment for learning. In addition to the main campus, Green River College has satellite campuses in downtown Auburn, Kent, and Enumclaw, bringing educational opportunities to these local communities.
The main campus features modern facilities, including:
- Classrooms and laboratories are equipped for various academic programs.
- Holman Library, a comprehensive resource center with books, digital resources, and study spaces.
- Student Union, a central hub for social interaction, relaxation, and student activities.
- Recreation and Athletic Center (RAC) offers fitness facilities and a large indoor rock climbing wall.
- Campus Corner Apartments (CCA) provides on-campus housing options.
- Various dining options, including a cafeteria and cafes.
- The new Trades Building features modern learning spaces and student lounges.
- Outdoor spaces include walking trails in the surrounding forests.
The campus aims to provide a supportive and engaging atmosphere for a diverse student body, including many international students. Its location offers a blend of a natural setting with convenient access to the amenities of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.
Campus Safety
Green River College prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Here’s a summary of their campus safety measures:
- Campus Safety Department: Professionally trained, non-sworn safety officers contracted through Pierce County Security and licensed by the State of Washington are on duty 24/7. Their primary mission is to protect and assist the campus community.
- Emergency and Non-Emergency Contacts:
- Emergency: Dial 911 for immediate threats or crimes in progress (on or off campus).
- Non-Emergency: Call Campus Safety at 253-288-3350 (or extension 3350 from a campus phone) for non-emergency assistance, information, and to report incidents.
- Reporting Mechanisms:
- Phone: Call the emergency or non-emergency numbers.
- In Person: Visit the Dispatch Center in SA-156 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). After hours, call the non-emergency number, and an officer will meet you.
- Online: Use the “Report an Incident or Concern” form on the Campus Safety website.
- Gator Safe Walk/Safety Escort: Students, faculty, and staff can request a safety escort to and from campus locations, bus stops, and Campus Corner Apartments by calling 253-288-3350.
- Campus Safety Rides: Students can take rides to and from CCA, nearby apartments, home shares, the library, and local stores (Sunday through Thursday & Friday through Saturday, 3 pm—11 pm; check the Campus Safety website for specific lines and numbers). Student ID is required.
- Emergency Alerts: Students can sign up for safety, crime, traffic, training, and weather alerts on the Emergency & Safety Alerts page. Notifications are also sent via Green River Alert, phone announcements, text messages, email, the official website, and local media.
- Security Measures: These include well-lit walkways, functioning door locks, pruned landscaping, and surveillance cameras in various locations. Campus Corner Apartments have secured entrances.
- Assistance and Care Team (ACT): This team addresses student concerns and provides support.
Green River College emphasizes a community-wide approach to safety, encouraging everyone to be aware of their surroundings and report concerns.
Green River College Student Life
Green River College offers a vibrant student life with various opportunities for engagement:
- Clubs and Organizations: A diverse range of student-led clubs cater to academic, cultural, social, and recreational interests. Joining these is a great way to connect with peers.
- Student Government: The Associated Students of Green River College (ASGRC) represents student interests and organizes events.
- Campus Events: Throughout the year, the college hosts various events, including cultural festivals, workshops, guest speakers, and social gatherings.
- Recreational Activities: Students can participate in intramural sports, use the fitness center, and enjoy outdoor spaces on and around campus.
- International Student Support: The International Programs office organizes orientation and cultural events and provides resources specifically for international students to help them adjust and connect.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Students can get involved in campus and community service projects.
- Learning Beyond the Classroom: Many programs offer opportunities for internships, study abroad, and service learning, enriching the student experience.
Overall, Green River College aims to provide a supportive and engaging environment where students can learn, grow, and connect inside and outside the classroom.
Accommodation at the Green River College
Green River College offers several accommodation options for students, including international students:
- On-Campus Housing: Campus Corner Apartments (CCA) provides apartment-style living with furnished bedrooms, shared living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. It offers a convenient, community-focused experience within walking distance to classes.
- Homestay: Students can live with an American family to experience US culture and practice English. This option typically includes a furnished private room and meals. Transportation to and from campus varies. A special homestay program is available for 16-year-old students.
- Off-Campus Housing: Students can find their housing in the Auburn area. Green River College provides some resources, but students are responsible for arranging their leases and dealing with landlords.
International students applying for on-campus housing or homestay must fill out the International Application and pay a housing fee. On-campus housing at Campus Corner Apartments requires students to be 17+ years old at the time of move-in. 16-year-old international students have a live-in requirement and typically stay with vetted host families for at least their first academic term.
Green River College Scholarships
Green River College offers several scholarship opportunities for international students to help fund their education. These scholarships are typically competitive and have specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
Here’s a table highlighting some of the scholarships available for international students at Green River College:
Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award Value |
Achievement, Merit & Leadership Scholarships (New Students) | New international students applying for the first time. Must meet admission requirements. | $200 – $500 (Partial Funding) |
Achievement Scholarship (Current Students) | Current full-time (12+ credits) F-1 international students who have attended Green River. | $500 (Many awards available) |
International Student Ambassadors (ISA) Leadership Work Grant (Current Students) | Current full-time (12+ credits) F-1 international students. Requires application to the ISA program. | Approximately $5,500 per academic year (paid work grant) |
Campus Community Service: Peer Volunteers (Current Students) | Current full-time (12+ credits) F-1 international students are interested in volunteering during orientation and other events. | Varies (Volunteer opportunity, potential for small stipends or benefits) |
Green River College Foundation Scholarships (General) | All students, including international students (new and current), are eligible to apply. | The average award is $2,000 (Can vary) |
Mark and DeLaine Emmert Transfer Scholarship | Any Green River College student (including international students) transferring to the University of Washington. | Varies |
Green River College Alumni
Green River College values its alumni and has a network designed to keep former students connected with the college and each other. While there isn’t a highly structured, formal “alumni association” with paid memberships in the traditional sense, Green River College actively engages with its alumni through various initiatives and the Green River College Foundation.
Here are some notable alumni of Green River College in a table format, along with their professions:
Name | Profession |
Tony Barron | Former MLB Player |
Jessica Bateman | Member of the Washington House of Representatives |
Mark Emmert | President of the National Collegiate 1 Athletic Association 2 (former) |
David Riske | Former MLB Player |
Tre Simmons | Professional Basketball Player and Coach |
Doug Sisk | Former MLB Player |
Tony Tost | Poet, Critic, and Screenwriter |
Brad Worthley | Business Consultant, Author, Speaker |
Michael Han (Bing) | Venture Capitalist |
Location of Green River College
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the academic programs popular among international students at Green River College?
Green River College is known for its strong transfer programs to four-year universities. Popular programs among international students often include Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering (various disciplines), Information Technology, and Aviation (specifically the Bachelor of Applied Science in Aviation Technology).
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Green River College?
For the 2025-2026 academic year, international student tuition at Green River College is approximately 10,800 USD per year for full-time study (around 15 credits per quarter). This figure does not include living expenses, books, and other fees.
What kind of on-campus housing options are available at Green River College?
Green River College offers on-campus apartment-style housing at Campus Corner Apartments. These apartments typically include furnished bedrooms, a shared living area, a kitchen, and bathrooms. Availability can be limited, so international students are encouraged to apply for housing as early as possible after admission to Green River College.
What are the English language requirements for Green River College?
Green River College requires a minimum TOEFL score of around 61 iBT or an IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band below 5.0. Other equivalent English proficiency tests might also be accepted.
Are there opportunities to work part-time while studying at Green River College?
F-1 visa regulations allow international students to work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Off-campus work is generally not permitted during the first academic year unless under specific circumstances, like severe economic hardship, which requires special authorization from USCIS.
