Start strong in 2026: Winter quarter enrollment opens at Skagit Valley College
Enrollment for Skagit Valley College’s winter quarter classes is now open. Winter quarter begins Jan. 6, marking an excellent time for new and returning students to take the next step in their education across SVC’s four campuses and centers: Mount Vernon, Whidbey Island, San Juan Center, and the Marine Technology Center in Anacortes.
SVC offers affordable, high-quality educational opportunities for students beginning their college journey or preparing for a career change. Students can save money by studying close to home while completing prerequisites, earning transfer degrees, or training for careers in one of 22 workforce programs, including data management and analytics, culinary arts, and allied health education.
High school students can also take advantage of college opportunities through SVC’s Running Start program. Running Start pays for eligible students to earn up to 21 college credit while completing high school requirements, helping families reduce the cost of higher education and giving students a head start on academic and career pathways.
SVC will host several upcoming Running Start Information Sessions, including in-person sessions on Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the Cardinal Center, room C-172 on the Mount Vernon campus and Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in Oak Hall, room 223 on the Whidbey Island campus. A Spanish Running Start information session will be offered virtually on Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. on Zoom. The sessions include a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A. Additional session dates, including in-person and virtual options, can be found on the SVC website.
Alongside Running Start, SVC offers a variety of other dual credit programs, community education classes, and basic education for adults options, including English Language Acquisition, GED, and high school completion.
Students seeking to further their education can also pursue a bachelor’s degree at SVC. Bachelor’s programs include Advanced Manufacturing and Design, Computer Science, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Conservation, Healthcare Management, and Management, providing accessible pathways to high-demand fields across the region.
To support new students, SVC offers information and application sessions designed to simplify the enrollment process and help applicants understand their next steps. Sessions are held Mondays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. in Lewis Hall on the Mount Vernon campus and Tuesdays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Oak Hall, Room 227 on the Whidbey Island campus. No appointment is necessary, and one-on-one assistance with an outreach specialist is also available.
For more information about getting started at SVC, visit skagit.edu/future-students or contact the outreach office at outreach@skagit.edu. Prospective students may also call the Mount Vernon campus at 360.416.7700, Whidbey Island campus at 360.679.6656, San Juan Center at 360.378.3220, and the Marine Technology Center at 360.766.6282.
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Skagit Valley College is making a difference throughout Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties by providing access to higher education for all who seek a better future. Part of what makes our college special is that we are deeply committed to equity in access, achievement, and community. Whether you are training for a new job, beginning your college experience, finishing the degree you started, adding English language skills, or pursuing a high school credential, Skagit Valley College welcomes you.