ADMISSIONS

Foreign students with F-1 or M-1 visas will be considered for admission. The first priority of the college is to provide educational services for students in the OWCC District. Upon fulfillment of this priority, eligible out-of-state and foreign students are welcome to attend OWCC.

At Okaloosa-Walton Community College, admission of foreign students is a selective process. All required documents are to be completed and on file with the Admissions Office four (4) months before the first day of the semester in which the student hopes to enter the college. Okaloosa-Walton Community College will NOT accept transfer credit from foreign colleges or universities UNLESS THEY ARE ACCREDITED BY A REGIONAL UNITED STATES ACCREDITING AGENCY.

The application process includes the following:

1. High school transcripts, college or training records, and/or evidence of academic achievement equivalent to a U.S. high school education.
2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results are required of applicants for whom English is not the primary language. The minimum required score is 525. This college DOES NOT give the TOEFL test. TOEFL scores must be sent to the college from the testing agent. Scores will not be accepted directly from the applicant.
3. A complete certification of finances form. Students are required to provide proof of finances that would cover the expense of two years in college. Fees are subject to change but the current estimated yearly costs are:
   • Tuition and fees $4,178
   • Books and supplies 655
   • Housing 5,780
   • Transportation 1,392
   • Personal and medical 1,838
   • Total cost per year $13,843

   Foreign students are classified as non-Florida residents, pay out-of-state fees and may not be reclassified during their enrollment at the college while in an F-1 status.

4. Prospective students must submit evidence of good health as described in the admissions package.
5. Applicants must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen residing in Okaloosa or Walton County. The sponsor must provide a letter stating the extent of responsibility he/she will assume for the applicant including arrangements for housing and health insurance. The college does not provide housing.
6. A non refundable application fee of $15.00 MUST be submitted (in U.S. dollars) in order to process the application.
7. The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) regulations require that foreign students enroll in a full-time course of study during two of the yearly semesters. INS regulations also restrict work opportunities for such students.

Conditional Enrollment

A student may apply for Conditional Enrollment when the admissions forms have been completed but other documents are yet to come. This is at the discretion of the Registrar.

One of the opportunities available to high school seniors about to graduate is concurrent enrollment at OWCC for the Summer Semester/Term 1. Under this specialized conditional enrollment program graduating high school seniors may enroll in courses at the college during May of the year they are to graduate.

An applicant who is permitted to attend in a "Conditional Enrollment" status will be entitled to register for a maximum of one (1) semester or term to allow for the receipt and acceptance of all required admission forms and related documents. During this time, any course credit "earned" will not be recorded or released until all outstanding forms and documents have been received and the applicant is fully admitted to the college. Registration normally will be permitted only on the last day of regular registration on a space available basis.

Conditions attached to any enrollment must be satisfied before the end of the semester in order for the conditional enrollee to become fully admitted to the college. No grades or transcripts will be released for any courses in which the applicant is enrolled. The applicant will not be permitted to register for any subsequent semesters or terms until all admission requirements are met. Should data received cause the applicant to be inadmissible, actions taken will be based on that data and not the student's performance while on conditional enrollment.

Controlled Admissions*

The college reserves the right to deny admission for the lack of classroom space and facilities or such other conditions as may limit enrollment. The following applicants are denied routine admission to the college:

1. With the exception of a violation of a noncriminal traffic infraction or misdemeanor, anyone who has been in violation of any federal or state law within the twelve-months preceding application must petition the Admissions Office relative to admissions to OWCC.
2. Anyone under separation from OWCC or any other educational institution for nonacademic reasons.
3. Anyone who does not meet the requirements for entry into a specific program.

   Such students shall be considered for admission only upon a written petition to the Admissions Committee. Applications should be submitted no later than two (2) weeks prior to the start of any given semester. Admissions Committee recommendations for favorable action on such petitions are subject to approval by the president or his designee.

*Applicable to all enrollees (college credit, noncollege credit, full-time, part-time, new and returning).