Admissions
Admissions – Welcome!
Northwest Indian College primarily focuses on recruiting Native-American, Alaska Native, and Canadian First Nations students, but follows an ‘open door’ admissions policy. Anyone who has graduated from high school or the equivalent may be accepted into Northwest Indian College. Students who are under the age of 18 without a High School Diploma or the equivalent must obtain permission from their parent or legal guardian and the school district before enrolling for college-level courses in the Running Start program. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information on the Running Start Program. Students who are not prepared to begin college-level courses are provided with a wide variety of developmental course work designed to prepare them for more advanced study and to pursue programs suited to their interests and aptitude.
Admissions Forms
Registration Information
New and Returning Students
Students who have not enrolled for classes in more than one calendar year must re-apply.
#1 ADMISSION:
Submit a completed NWIC Admission Application to the Office of Admissions, a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent, and a copy of your Tribal certification, Tribal enrollment card, or letter of documentation from your federally recognized Tribe (if applicable). Documentation is necessary to determine resident student status to be eligible for the resident student tuition rate. For residency-related questions, please contact Admissions. Students who have not enrolled for classes in more than one calendar year must re-apply.
#2 FINANCIAL AID:
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For priority deadlines, please refer to the Financial Aid section of the catalog or contact the Financial Aid Office.
Contact Financial Aid
#3 PLACEMENT:
New students and transfer students who have not taken college-level Math and/or English are required to take a placement test. Transfer students who have taken college-level Math and/or English are required to submit official transcripts and need to fill out a Transfer Evaluation Request Form.
Book Placement Test
#4 ADVISING:
Meet with your advisor to review placement results and/or transcripts and discuss educational goals to develop an educational plan.
#5 REGISTRATION:
Register for classes, pay tuition/fees, and purchase textbooks.
Registration
Once you’ve been admitted to NWIC, you are ready to register for classes. The registration process includes meeting with an advisor, enrolling in classes, paying financial obligations, and completing any other information forms as needed. Students may update their address and other contact information online through the student information system also known as JICS (Jenzabar Internet Campus Solution).
The registration calendar has three critical dates: Regular Registration, Late Registration, and Permission for Late Registration. Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to these dates, which are available online. Review the Important Dates for registration and tuition deadlines.
Center for Student Success
Contact Information:
TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY
Find out how we work with you to evaluate your incoming credits.
MATH SEQUENCING
Review the flow chart below to see the math course pathways at Northwest Indian College.
Testing
Accuplacer
All new students attending NWIC are required to complete the a placement test in order to assist in the selection of courses appropriate to the student’s academic ability. Students who have previously taken college courses in math and English do not need to complete. Northwest Indian College uses the Accuplacer test. The Accuplacer test is untimed and is not pass/fail. It is a tool to help you and your advisor select the right classes for you to be successful.
*Note: Students taking the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) are not required to take the placement test and directly contact the program advisor.
SCHEDULING
In-Person Appointment
Remote/Distance
- Access to a computer or laptop with a camera that can be on the entire time you are testing.
- Stable Wi-Fi to complete your testing
- A quiet and uninterrupted space that allows you to test for approximately 1.5-2 hours
If you are running late or need to reschedule your appointment please contact the testing center via telephone or email to inform the Testing Center Staff. Any appointments that are more than 15 minutes late are considered forfeited.
COST AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
Students wishing to take an Accuplacer test to apply for Admission at Northwest Indian College are not charged a fee.
Students wishing to take an Accuplacer test for another institution are more than welcome to do so at NWIC. Be sure to make your remote testing appointment through your host institution and contact NWIC to make your appointment. There is a $35.00 fee.
Payable in the NWIC accounting office located in building 9 with cash, check, or card. Card payments may be called in at (360) 676-2772 and asking for accounting.
Testing Center Contact Information
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Phone: (360) 392-4303
Email: Testing@nwic.edu
Lummi Campus – Building 17
Center for Student Success
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION/GED
Please note that GED testing is no longer offered through Northwest Indian College. For more GED Information please visit https://ged.com/. You can find further information through the GED portal once you create a profile. Northwest Indian College no longer has access to student GED files. Please direct questions regarding transcripts and copies of certificates to the following link. Third party inquiries please follow this link to confirm a students GED standing.
ABE/GED Information
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Phone: (360) 201-4735
Email: khumphreys@nwic.edu
Lummi Campus – Building 13
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation
Welcome new students! We’re so excited to have you joining our community. Northwest Indian College has served students since classes were first offered in 1973. 47 years later, we continue to promotes Indigenous self-determination and knowledge to our students. We’re proud of the achievements and successes of our current students and more than 1800 alumni. We look forward to supporting you as you work toward your academic and professional goals.
This orientation is designed to familiarize you with campus and prepare you for your college experience. All new students will be automatically enrolled in the Online Orientation Canvas page.
- Online Orientation Canvas page, which is an interactive page with information designed into modules, and each student will be required to work through and complete the survey at the end of the course. All new students will be automatically added to this course. You can return to the course anytime in your Canvas dashboard or by clicking the link below. If you would like to be added to this course, please email advisors@nwic.edu.
New Student Orientation
on Zoom Fri. April 4, 2025 at 1-3 pm PT
Tuition and Fees
2024-2025 Tuition Rates
Tuition Rates 2024-2025
| Credits | Resident 2024-2025 | Non-Resident 2024-2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $110 | $220 |
| 2 | $220 | $440 |
| 3 | $330 | $660 |
| 4 | $440 | $880 |
| 5 | $550 | $1,110 |
| 6 | $660 | $1,320 |
| 7 | $770 | $1,540 |
| 8 | $880 | $1,760 |
| 9 | $990 | $1,980 |
| 10 | $1,100 | $2,200 |
| 11 | $1,210 | $2,420 |
| 12 | $1,320 | $2,640 |
| 13+ | $110 per cr. | $220 per cr. |
2024-2025 Fees
Effective July 1, 2024 a $25 fee will be applied to distance learning courses.
Laboratory or materials fees: Certain courses carry laboratory or materials fees. All students are required to pay an enrollment fee and technology fee, and activity fee depending on the number of enrolled credits.
1-5 credit hours:
$35 non-refundable enrollment fee, $50 technology fee. Total fees = $85/qtr
6-11 credit hours:
$35 non-refundable enrollment fee, $50 technology fee, and a $20 student activity fee. Total fees for part-time enrollment = $105/qtr
12-18 credit hours:
$35 non-refundable enrollment fee, $50 technology fee and a $50 student activity fee. Total fees for full-time enrollment = $135/qtr
* An additional $35 non-refundable late enrollment fee may apply
Student Accounts & Billing
Student Accounts & Billing
Accessing your Student Account
You may access your student account in JICS under the “Finance” Tab.
When you register for classes or make changes to your registration, you are making a financial commitment to NWIC. Failure to view your account does not negate your responsibility to pay by the due date.
Account Holds
TR Hold (Transcript Request Hold)
Your current balance is somewhere between $0.01 and $499.99. This balance will still allow you to register for courses, however you will not be able to access your unofficial transcripts or even order official transcripts
AR Hold (Accounts Receivable Hold)
Your current balance exceeds $500, and you will not be able to register until your balance is below this amount. Common reasons this happens include not having submitted a copy of your tribal ID or CDIB information when you submitted your application, or not completing verification for financial aid.
Making Payments
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Go to CASHNet
You can make a payment against your balance using a credit card, electronic check, or international funds transfer. You can also invite someone else to make a payment on your behalf.
Payments are typically processed the following business day.
If you need an account hold removed immediately, please email StudentAccounts@nwic.edu or call (360) 392-4222.
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Call the Student Accounts office M-F 8am-5pm:
Direct Line (360) 392-4222
Student Accounts Cell Phone (360) 927-4771
Main: (360) 676-2772 | (866) 676-2772 -
Payments are accepted in-person at the Cashier’s Office, Building 23, Lummi Main Campus M-F 9am-5pm.
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Email studentaccounts@nwic.edu with your phone number and a staff member will contact you when in office to process your credit card over the phone.
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Check or Money Order payments can be made by mail to:
Northwest Indian College
Attn: Accounting
2522 Kwina Road
Bellingham, WA
98226Please be sure to include your student ID or full name along with the payment. Do not mail cash.
3rd Party Payments
If some or all of your tuition and fees will be paid by a qualified 3rd Party, the authorization guaranteeing payment of a specified amount of your tuition and fees must be received in the Accounts Receivable Office.
Mail 3rd Party Authorizations to:
Northwest Indian College
Attn: Accounting
2522 Kwina Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Having a 3rd Party Authorization on file does not remove your responsibility to assure that all tuition and fees are paid. Should your 3rd Party not send a timely payment, the debt will remain on your student account and you will be responsible for any charges.
In addition, if you will be receiving Financial Aid, you should notify the Financial Aid Department (financialaid@nwic.edu) regarding your eligibility for aid.
Accounting Department Contact Information:
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Phone: (360) 392-4222
Email: StudentAccounts@nwic.edu
Running Start
Running Start
What is Running Start?
The Running Start Program is a partnership between NWIC and Washington state public high schools. The program offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take NWIC classes that satisfy both high school and college credit requirements simultaneously, tuition free. Running Start allows a student to get a head start on earning college credits, seek a greater academic challenge, or take courses that are not offered in their high school. Students may enroll concurrently in high school and college classes, or solely in college classes. While tuition for college-level classes is paid by the Running Start Programs, the cost of fees, books and supplies are paid by the students.
To participate in NWIC’s Running Start program, students must take the NWIC placement tests and place at college-level English (English 100 or above). Other criteria and specific procedures for enrolling in courses as a Running Start student are available from the NWIC Office of Admissions.
Students continuing in the Running Start Program are required to submit paperwork quarterly. Students are not charged tuition if they stay within the Running Start eligibility criteria. Students are responsible for all fees.
General Information
runningstart@nwic.edu
Running Start Advising/Registration
Justin Aceveda
Phone: 360.392.4243
Email: jaaceveda@nwic.edu
Academic Calendars
Academic Year
AT-A-GLANCE CALENDAR
| Spring Quarter 2025 | Summer Quarter 25 | Fall Quarter 2025 | Winter Quarter 2026 | Spring Quarter 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration - Feb. 18 to Apr. 4, 2025 | Registration - May 12 to July 3, 2025 | Registration - May 12 to Sept. 19 | Registration - Nov. 12, 2025 to Jan. 2, 2026 | Registration - Feb. 17 to April 6, 2026 |
| Quarter Begins - Apr. 7, 2025 | Quarter Begins - July 7, 2025 | Quarter Begins - Sept. 22, 2025 | Quarter Begins - Jan. 5, 2026 | Quarter Begins - April 7, 2026 |
| Quarter Ends - June 13, 2025 | Quarter Ends - Aug. 29, 2025 | Quarter Ends - Dec. 5, 2025 | Quarter Ends - March 20, 2026 | Quarter Ends - June 17, 2026 |
| Commencement - June 13, 2025 | Commencement - June 17, 2026 |
Important Dates 2024-2025
| Important Dates | Spring 2025 (2025-40) | Summer 2025 (2026-10) | Fall 2025 (2026-20) | Winter 2026 (2026-30) | Spring 2026 (2026-40) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration | Feb. 18 - Apr. 4 | May 12 - July 7 | May 12 - Sept. 19 | Nov. 12 - Jan. 2 | Feb. 17 - April 6 |
| Admissions App/Financial Aid - Priority Deadline | Feb. 1 | - | June 15 | Oct. 15 | Feb. 1 |
| Graduation App Due | Feb 1 | - | July 1 | Oct. 15 | Feb. 1 |
| Quarter classes begin | Apr. 7 | July 7 | Sept. 22 | Jan. 5 | April 7 |
| Late Registration | Apr. 7 - 11 | July 7 - July 11 | Sept. 22 - 26 | Jan. 5 - 9 | April 7-10 |
| Permission for Late Registration | Apr 14 - 18 | - | - | - | - |
| Administrative Drop for Prerequisites and Requirements (Ad/Pr drop) | Apr. 9 | - | Sept. 24 | Jan. 7 | April 9 |
| Faculty Discretionary Drops Due (FDD) | Apr. 18 | - | Sept. 26 | Jan. 16 | April 17 |
| Last day to register for IL/LC or ABE/GED | Apr. 22 | July 15 | Sept. 30 | Jan. 13 | April 14 |
| Last day for 100% refund for official drop from courses without 'W' on record (Census date) | Apr. 24 | July 17 | Oct. 9 | Jan. 21 | April 23 |
| Midterm Grading in JICS | May 3 - 11 | - | Oct. 20 - 24 | Feb. 2 - 6 | May 4 - 8 |
| Midterm Week | May 5 - 9 | - | Oct. 17 - Oct. 27 | Jan. 30 - Feb. 9 | May 1 - 11 |
| Last day for official withdrawl (No refund after census date) | May 23 | - | Nov. 7 | Feb. 19 | May 22 |
| Final Grading in JICS | June 2 - June 16 | Aug. 18 - Sept. 2 | Nov. 24 - Dec. 9 | March 10 - 24 | June 3 - 23 |
| Last day of the quarter | June 13 | Aug. 29 | Dec. 5 | Feb. 19 | June 17 |
| Graduation Commencement Ceremony | June 13, 2025 | - | - | - | June 17, 2026 |
| Incomplete Agreements Due (5pm) | June 13 | Sept. 2 | Dec. 9 | March 24 | June 23 |
| - | - | ||||
| Holidays - College Closed | |||||
| Veterans Day | Nov. 11 | ||||
| Indigenous Peoples Day | Oct. 13 | ||||
| Thanksgiving Holiday | Nov. 25 @ Noon | ||||
| Thanksgiving Holiday | Nov. 27 | ||||
| Thanksgiving Holiday | Nov. 26 | ||||
| Martin Luther King Day | Jan. 19 | ||||
| Treaty Day Recognized | Jan. 22 | ||||
| Presidents' Day | Feb. 16 | ||||
| Billy Frank Jr Day | March 9 | ||||
| Memorial Day | May 26 | May 25 | |||
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
Quarterly Calendar
Access our Spring Quarterly Calendar here!
Graduation & Commencement
NWIC Graduation and Honors
NWIC GRADUATION
Graduation is the official awarding of degrees earned while Commencement is the event which celebrates the completion of degree programs.
Students must complete an application for graduation no later than the first three weeks of the quarter before the student plans to graduate. Degrees are not automatically granted upon completion of requirements. The application must be completed through JICs. A $10 fee applies.
NWIC HONORS
President’s List
Students completing 12 or more credits with a GPA of 4.00 will be included on the quarterly President’s List.
Dean’s List
Students completing 12 or more credits with a GPA of 3.50 or higher, will be included on the quarterly Dean’s List.
NWIC Commencement
2025 Commencement Ceremony
Friday, June 13, 2025 at 1 pm in the NWIC Health & Wellness Center
The Commencement Committee would like to welcome NWIC graduates, families, staff and faculty to the 2025 Commencement. Event details will be posted here as they become available.
Graduation and Commencement are Separate
Graduation is the process you go through to have your degree posted to your transcript. Commencement is an annual ceremony (held in June) where we honor your academic accomplishments. If you are completing Northwest Indian College degrees and/or certificates, you may participate in the commencement ceremony.
Participation in Commencement
Early April-May 19: Apply for Commencement now! Use the link to the right
Graduates Meeting
Are you planning to graduate this year? If so, make sure you add this event to your calendar.
The 2025 NWIC Graduates Meeting will be held Friday, May 16, 2025 at 12:00PM PST.
If you are planning to graduate and walk in the commencement event, you MUST ATTEND THIS MANDATORY MEETING. If you cannot attend, please notify this committee in advance and we will make arrangements. This meeting will share VERY important information about the ceremony as well as other requirements for your day of celebration!
Gown Order Deadline is May 22!
Guidelines to Purchase Cap and Gowns
Cap and gown orders for the NWIC 2025 Commencement are available until May 22, 2025 online at Jostens.
- Cap and gowns can be ordered even if graduates are not participating in the commencement ceremony.
- Cap and gown orders can be paid by check, Visa, or Mastercard.
- Honor Cords and Program Stoles are distributed by the Commencement Committee. Questions regarding honor cords should be directed to graduationcommittee@nwic.edu.
- Cap and gown packages will be shipped directly to you.
- Graduates should confirm they meet all graduation requirements before purchasing cap and gowns. There are no refunds on cap and gowns.
- Students earning an Award of Completion should order the Associates cap, gown, and tassel.
- Honors Cords and Bachelors stoles will be provided separately by the Commencement Committee
- Caps & Gowns do not need to be returned after the event.
- A limited number of Caps & Gowns will be available to those who may need to borrow. Please contact the committee for more information.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Associate's Grad Package: Cap, Gown, Tassel w/ Yeardate Charm | $29.35 |
| Bachelors Package: Cap, Gown Tassel w/ Yeardate Charm | $29.35 |
| Standard Shipping | $14.95 |
Board of Trustees’ Honors Graduate Brunch
This invite-only event celebrates Honors Graduates — those who graduate with a GPA of 3.5 or higher — with a brunch for them and up to two guests. This event is held the day-of Commencement at the Lummi main campus in the morning. Invites are sent via email by the Office of the President. For questions, contact president@nwic.edu
Program Colors (Tassels & Stoles)
BSNES – Forrest Green
TGBM – Purple
NSL – Turquoise
CARE – Royal Blue
2 Year Programs – Red & Black
Photography & Livestream
A photographer will be at Commencement, so we kindly ask no family approach the stage. Photos of individual participants will be available shortly following the ceremony. A photo booth will be available to graduates and their families before and after the ceremony for group photos.
The goal of the committee is to have the ceremony streamed live for those who are not able to attend in person. Please check the event page for updates.
Travel Information
There are two hotel blocks; one for Site-based/distance students and one for Lummi campus students. Please make sure to book for yourself or families using the appropriate code so Site students and their families have room. The room rates are the same. Group rate is $111 per night. Group rate is for single/double occupancy. Additional rate of $15 per person will apply for third/fourth person.
To Book:
Book before May 13th, 2025!
If the Silver Reef Casino is booked or you are looking for a different hotel, we recommend the Holiday Inn! There is not an NWIC room block at that hotel.
Questions
Email: GraduationCommittee@nwic.edu
Financial Aid
Northwest Indian College administers a broad range of financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs for students who can demonstrate financial need.
Student Life
NWIC students are encouraged to engage and integrate into the life of the institution. Students are offered opportunities to participate in enrichment activities through Student Affairs, student government, and residence life.
NWIC Extended Campus Locations
Northwest Indian College‘s main campus is located at the Lummi Nation. The College also has six full service extended campus sites located at Muckleshoot, Nez Perce, Nisqually, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Swinomish, and Tulalip. Please use the location links to view details for each extended campus site.
