Academic Catalog

Admission Procedures

Admissions Checklist

Admitted Students Day 22-23

Delaware County Community College is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity to all who can benefit. This open-door policy allows the College to admit any high school graduate or person who has passed the GED (high school equivalency) exam. Persons who have not graduated from high school, and who are beyond their expected high school graduation date, or have not passed or obtained the GED will be considered for admission on an individual basis. All students seeking credit coursework must file an application for admission.

The College strongly recommends that students apply as early as possible. Our admission procedure helps College advisors and counselors advise incoming students on the courses they select. Early applicants benefit both from placement testing, early advising and course selection to ensure the courses they need are available and fit their schedules.

Contact Information

Admissions Office
Marple Campus
Founders Hall, Room 3500
Phone: 610-359-5050
Email: admiss@dccc.edu

Enrollment Steps

STEP 1 - Apply Online

Applying to the College is easy and free!

Visit dccc.edu/apply

What if I’m just looking for information?
Not ready to apply? No problem! Review our Academic Programs or check out our events calendar for information on upcoming tours and events.

Where can I get more information?
Visit dccc.edu/Admissions.

STEP 2 - Create a Plan to Fund Your Education

Creating your plan to pay for college now can reduce stress later.

The College offers great academic and career programs with robust student support at a great value. Additionally, most students could qualify for a form of federal financial aid if they apply. Regardless of your planned method to fund your education, including textbooks and supplies, it is best to prepare early.

How do I complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal financial aid?

  1. Go to studentaid.gov
  2. Enter Delaware County Community College’s school code on the FAFSA: 007110
  3. Pay attention and respond promptly to all communications that follow from the U.S. Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

When should I complete the FAFSA?
Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible! The sooner you complete it, the sooner you will know how much you may be eligible to receive. Once your FAFSA is complete, you will be sent an award letter (text/email) with a breakdown of your cost of attendance and award eligibility to help you plan for funding your education. The FAFSA for each academic year opens October 1 of the year prior to the upcoming academic year (e.g., the 2023-2024 FAFSA opens October 1, 2022).

What if I want financial aid but classes start soon?
The College’s Office of Financial Aid continuously processes FAFSA applications as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes delays in processing occur. As a result, it is wise to be prepared to pay your bill or enroll in a payment plan if you have completed or will complete your FAFSA within a few weeks of the start of the semester in which you plan to enroll.

Where can I get help completing my financial aid paperwork?
Contact the Office of Financial Aid by calling 610-359-5330, emailing finaid@dccc.edu or scheduling an appointment to receive assistance in our Financial Aid Computer Lab. Be sure not to pay for anyone to help you complete your FAFSA. We will help you free of charge!

How do I apply for scholarships at the College?
The College has a select number of recruitment scholarships available, including the Kelleher Connect Career Opportunity Fund for select workforce certificate programs. Students must complete the FAFSA and a few other steps to be considered for scholarships. Contact the Admissions Office (admiss@dccc.edu | 610-359-5050) or visit dccc.edu/scholarships for more information.

How do I apply for scholarships outside of the College?
External scholarships are available at websites such as fastweb.com, scholarships.com, myscholly.com, and niche.com. Please be sure to never pay to apply for a scholarship and contact the Financial Aid Office (finaid@dccc.edu| 610-359-5330) if you have any questions.

Does the College offer payment plans?
We sure do! We highly recommend you first apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA or applying for a scholarship. Visit dccc.edu/payment-plan for more information on the College’s flexible payment plans. 

STEP 3 - Have Course Placement Determined

Proper course placement helps to ensure student success.

Determining the right level of English and math courses will greatly increase your chances of success. This step is required before you can register for classes. 

How can I receive course placement based on standardized test scores?
Students may be able to receive course placement through the following standardized test scores. Students should have their score reports sent to the Assessment Services office at assess@dccc.edu.

Placement - Standardized Tests*

Test Section Score School Code
SAT EBRW 500 or higher 2125
SAT Math 530 or higher 2125
ACT Reading 18 or higher 3542
ACT Math 20 or higher 3542
PSAT English 500 N/A
PSAT Math 530 N/A
Keystone Literature/Algebra Proficient or Advanced N/A

placement - transcripts*

Transcripts Placement Requirements
College/University English or Math A college transcript indicating students have earned a U.S. college degree or have passed college-level English or math at an accredited U.S. college or university.
High School English Score of 3 on the AP English Lit/Com Exam, taken within the last 5 years.
High School English High school transcript with a GPA of 3.25 or greater for 4 years from an American high school with grades in all English classes of 'B' or hgher.
High School Math High school transcript with a GPA of 3.25 or greater for 3 years from an American high school with grades in Algebra II and all other math classes of 'B' or hgher.
*

Please note that all test scores and/or transcripts must have been within 5 years of the student starting classes.

What if I don’t meet the criteria listed above?
If you are unable to have your placement determined through one of the waiver options listed above, you will need to take a placement test. This computer-based test consists of writing an essay, reading comprehension and mathematics and will help assess your skills to determine appropriate course placements. The test takes approximately two hours.

How can I schedule a placement test?
To schedule a testing session, contact the Testing Center at testingcenter@dccc.edu, call 610-325-2776 or visit dccc.edu/assessment for additional information.

Do I have to come to campus to test? 
You have two options for taking the Placement Test:

In-person: Appointments are available for in-person testing following the College’s COVID protocols, and walk-ins are on an available seat basis.

Remote: Proctoring via Zoom.

Should I prepare for the placement test? 
Yes! Students are encouraged to be prepared to do their best. Preparing can save you time and money if you are able to place directly into college-level courses. To review basic concepts in mathematics, reading and writing before taking the placement test, visit https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org for sample questions and a free study app. 

What if I have a documented disability? 
Students with documented learning, physical, and/or psychological disabilities seeking reasonable accommodations for placement testing and/or the classroom should contact the Office of Disability Services at 610-359-5229.

STEP 4 - Become acquainted with student resources and services

Become acquainted with student resources and services.

Learning how to access the College’s resources is key to success. As a result, learning to navigate delaGATE is highly recommended and completion of New Student Orientation (NSO) is required for all students who are new to college. Students must complete the NSO prior to moving to Step 5. 

What is delaGATE?
delaGATE is the College’s student portal. The portal allows students to access their student email account and allows them to view important information related to being a student, including class schedules, bills, the academic calendar, and the online orientation.
 
How can I access delaGATE?
delaGATE can be accessed at delagate.dccc.edu. First-time users can access instructions on how to log into deleGATE.

What is DUO Security and 2-Step Verification and why is it required? 
2-Step Verification helps protect your account from unauthorized access should someone manage to obtain your password and the College has partnered with Duo Security to provide this service.  This step is required to protect your data and to improve overall security at the College.

How do I sign up for DUO Security?
Visit the DUO Security FAQ page or the How to Enroll Video for more information.

How can I access my student email account?
Once logged into delaGATE, visit the Student Email link under the Apps menu. Be sure to check your student email account early and often as it is the official way in which the College communicates with students.

Who needs to complete online orientation?

The following groups of students are encouraged, but not required to participate in a mandatory orientation:

  • Readmitted students
  • Students who earned a previous college degree

The following groups of students are exempt from participating in a mandatory orientation:

  • Visiting students (with appropriate documentation)
  • International students on an F-1 Visa
  • Paramedic and Emergency Management and Planning majors

How can I access the online orientation?
Visit orientation.dccc.edu or follow the link under the Students menu on delaGATE or under Student Services > New Students on the public website.
 
What happens after I complete orientation?
Upon FULL completion of New Student Orientation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Have this ready to show an academic advisor when you move on to Step 5.

STEP 5 - Advising & Course Selection

Now comes the fun part!

Congratulations! You’re ready to receive academic advising and select your courses.

How do I register for classes? 
Academic advising and course registration is available by appointment either virtually (on Zoom) or in person at any of our campuses. To schedule an appointment with an academic advisor, contact the Career & Counseling Center at 610-359-5324. Prefer not to make an appointment? Visit dccc.edu/registration to review days, times and various ways in which you can speak with an academic advisor.

What if I am a current high school student participating in dual enrollment? 
Current high school students participating in open dual enrollment should visit dccc.edu/HighSchool/Enrollment-Process for instructions on the process to schedule classes.

STEP 6 - Pay Your Bill & Get Ready

You’re almost there!

It is important to make sure your bill is covered by the published due date! Find tips on how to pay your bill and prepare for the start of your classes below. 

Where can I access my bill?
View or pay your bill at dccc.edu/view-your-bill (delaGATE log in required).
 
When are bills due?
Tuition due dates vary by semester and are listed on the Student Bill.
 
Who can I contact with questions related to payment?
Our cashiers are ready to answer any questions you may have related to your bill. Feel free to contact the Office of Student Accounts at 610-359-5118 or studentaccounts@dccc.edu.

What if my plans change and I choose not to attend?
It is critical to ensure that you withdraw from classes you do not plan to attend. Do not assume your classes will be dropped or that you will not be charged.

Where can I purchase textbooks?
The College’s bookstore is a great place to purchase your textbooks. Visit dccc.edu/bookstore for more information.

How can I get a student ID?
Get a Student ID card at Enrollment Central (located on the Marple Campus in Founders Hall) or the Learning Commons at branch campuses. Be sure to bring proof of your class registration and a current photo ID with you.

How can I check my class schedule to make sure I registered for classes for the right days, times and locations?
You don’t want to be that person who shows up to the wrong campus or to class on the wrong day. Confirm your class schedule in delaGATE for course start dates, times and locations. 

How do I access and start my online or hybrid course?
The College uses Canvas to deliver online, hybrid and classroom courses. To access your courses, log in to delagate.dccc.edu and then click Apps, then Canvas from the upper right part of the screen. Students are encouraged to log in to their online course(s) on the first day of the semester. A welcome letter will be emailed to your student email account within minutes of registering for an online course. Please make sure you read this information. 

What else can I do to prepare for the semester?
Remember, you can go back into the Online Orientation to help you prepare for your first semester. Also, asking questions is a sign of strength! Be strong and ask any questions you may have along the way! We are here to help!

I have an online class but no laptop. Can the College help?
The College offers a laptop loan program for students. 

Visiting Students

Delaware County Community College defines "visiting students" as individuals who are matriculated (enrolled) at another college or university and who wish to enroll at our College for course work that will transfer back to their home institution.

STEP 1- Gather Documentation & Class Information 

As a visiting student, you are required to submit two pieces of information prior to receiving permission to register:

  1. A letter from an advisor at your home institution, on institutional letterhead, indicating that your home institution supports your registration and that the course(s) will transfer back to that institution.
    1. This document must include the name(s) of the course(s) in which you intend to enroll. 
    2. If unable to obtain the letter stated above, you can submit an unofficial copy of your transcript to demonstrate that you meet the prerequisite(s) for the course(s) in which you intend to enroll.
      • By submitting a transcripts instead of the letter stated above, the student understands that confirming transferability of courses is their responsibility.  Delaware County Community College cannot approve courses to transfer back to a student's home institution.
  2. Detailed course information for the class(es) in which you intend to enroll, including Subject Code/Description (e.g., [ACC] Accounting), Course Number (e.g., 111) and Course Title (e.g., Financial Accounting). This information can be found using our Class Search Tool.

STEP 2A- Apply Online (New & Readmit Students Only) 

As a new or readmit student (i.e., individual who has not attended DCCC in the past calendar year), you must complete an Application for Admission and:

  • indicate that you are a visiting student by selecting “Application Type” then “Visiting Student;”
  • upload the documentation gathered in Step 1, including detailed course information for the class(es) in which you intend to enroll;
  • sign and submit your application; 
  • log back into the application portal after 72 hours to retrieve an electronic copy of your welcome letter.  

Please note: Registration requests may take up to 7 business days to be processed and incomplete submissions may cause further delays. 

What major should I choose on my application?

If you are pursuing a major at your home institution that does not align with a major at DCCC, we suggest you select Liberal Arts or General Studies.
 

STEP 2B - Submit Course Info (Continuing Students Only)

As a continuing student (i.e., individual who has attended DCCC in the past calendar year), you do not need to reapply. Instead, you may submit the documents gathered in Step 1 to records@dccc.edu.
Please note: Registration requests may take up to seven (7) business days to be processed and incomplete submissions may cause further delays.  

STEP 3 - Create a Plan to Fund Your Class(es)

It is important to make sure your bill is covered by the published due date.  As a result, we suggest you visit dccc.edu/tuition to view tuition and fee rates and ways in which to make payment, including payment plans. 

Please note: Students cannot have financial aid disbursed at two or more institutions. It is recommended that you consult your home institution’s Financial Aid Office if receiving financial aid. It may be helpful to discuss the potential for a Consortium Agreement with your home institution in case you can be considered for financial aid for courses taken at Delaware County Community College. 

STEP 4 - Check Your Email

You will receive an email at the email address provided on your application for admission (new and readmit students), the email from which you submitted documentation to the Records Office (continuing students), and your DCCC student email (all students) once your registration request is approved.

Please note:  It will be important to follow the steps in this email to register yourself for the approved class(es).

STEP 5 - Log into delaGATE and Register 

delaGATE is the College’s student portal. This portal allows you access to your student email account and view important information related to being a student, including registering for classes.

  • Log into delaGATEIf logging in for the first time, review the login instructions found at the top of the delaGATE page.
  • If registration is open and you received confirmation to proceed with registration, please complete the steps as indicated in the email received in Step 4.  
  • Access your DCCC student email account under the Apps Menu. Be sure to check your student email account early and often as it is the official way in which the College communicates with students.

Please note: It is important to verify registration dates prior to accessing the registration tool.  If you receive a confirmation email that you may enroll, but are unable to register for the class(es) in which you received permission, please resubmit your letter or form along with the course details to records@dccc.edu

STEP 6 - Pay Your Bill & Get Ready

Make sure your bill is paid by the published tuition due date. Visit dccc.edu/view-your-bill (delaGATE login required) for more information.

Delaware County Community College uses Canvas to deliver online, hybrid, and classroom courses. To access your courses, log into delaGATE and then click Apps, then Canvas, from the upper right part of the screen. Online courses will be visible on day one of each semester in Canvas; however, some faculty will open their courses earlier.  As a result, please check your student email and Canvas a few days prior to the start of the semester to get acquainted with your courses.  A welcome letter will be emailed to your student email account within minutes of registering for an online class.

No High School Diploma or GED

If if you have not graduated from high school, and you are beyond your expected high school graduation date, or have not passed or obtained the GED, and wish to enroll in credit courses part time, you must:

  1. Make an appointment to meet with a member of the admissions staff.  Contact the Admissions Office at admiss@dccc.edu or 610-359-5050
  2. After speaking with the Admissions Office, you will complete a “non-high school graduate petition” and submit to the Admissions Office.
  3. After submitting the above petition, complete the Enrollment Steps

Academic Advisement for New Students

An important aspect of the admission process is the mandatory orientation and academic advising. Following completion of the mandatory orientation each new student is encouraged to meet with an academic advisor (Career and Counseling Center) to discuss their personal goals and educational plans so they may gain the most from College programs. The College is committed to providing students with the information needed for them to take responsibility for making good decisions to reach their life and educational goals.

After enrolling for the first semester, each student is assigned to an academic advisor. Advisors help students evaluate their progress at the College and provide information to help students make appropriate course choices. For students with disabilities, early advisement is particularly important. Helpful hints, campus orientation and supplemental assistance are provided where appropriate for students with documented learning, physical and/or psychological disabilities. Contact the Office of Disability Services at 610-359-5229.

Transferring to Delaware County Community College

When transferring to Delaware County Community College from another college, you must first submit an application to the College. You must also request that an official transcript from each institution where you have received college credits be sent to Enrollment Central at Delaware County Community College. Current and former students may transfer to the College a maximum of 36 credits from a regionally accredited institution towards an associate degree and half of the total credits required towards a certificate.

If you transfer in English Composition and/or college-level mathematics courses with grades of “C” or better from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, you may waive the requirement for placement testing.

If you graduated from high school within three years of the date you plan to attend, an official high school transcript must also be submitted. Students seeking financial aid or those applying for admission to Nursing, Surgical Technology or Municipal Police Academy are also required to submit an official high school transcript.

Residency Requirements

For purposes of enrollment at Delaware County Community College, a resident is defined as a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Residents of sponsoring school districts in Delaware County are eligible for the lower sponsoring tuition rate. Residency must be established at least three months prior to registration. If residency within the sponsoring district is for less than three months, the applicant will still be eligible for the lower tuition if it can be proven that residency was established for a reason other than attending the College.

Applicants residing in a non-sponsoring district in Delaware County must pay the non-sponsoring tuition rate. Residents of other Pennsylvania counties also pay the non-sponsoring tuition rate. Out-of-state residents must pay the out-of-state tuition rate. Students enrolling at the College on an immigrant visa  pay the out-of-state tuition rate and a per credit international student fee. Students who do not have a valid immigration status and have not graduated from a high school in the United States also pay a per credit international student fee. Current tuition and fee information is available at www.dccc.edu/tuition.

Shared Programs with Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia County Community Colleges

A shared program allows students from sponsoring school districts or counties to take courses that are not offered at their home institution but available at another local community college. Students who elect to enroll at participating community colleges must be authorized by the director of admissions and pay the host college’s sponsored student rate for courses taken at the host college. Delaware County Community College students residing in sponsoring school districts may participate in the following shared program opportunities1:

Offered at Bucks County Community College

Fine Woodworking
Furniture and Cabinetmaking
Historic Preservation Certificate
Meeting, Convention and Event Planning
Sports Management

Offered at Community College of Philadelphia

Chemical Technology
Dental Hygiene
Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Interpreter Education
Photographic Imaging

Offered at Montgomery County Community College

Addictions
Biotechnology
Dental Hygiene
Engineering Technology
Health and Fitness Professional
Medical Laboratory Technology
Radiography
Sound Recording and Music Technology

For further information, contact Admissions at 610-359-5333. Individuals from Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties should consult their home institution’s catalog for eligible programs offered by Delaware County Community College.

1

Programs listed are subject to change.

Admissions Checklist

High School Dual Enrollment

The College’s High School Dual Enrollment Program offers students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school at a fraction of the College’s standard tuition rates. Interested high school students in grades 10 through 12 are invited to apply and complete course placement to determine course eligibility. For further information and application materials, visit dccc.edu/dualenrollment or email admiss@dccc.edu.

Admissions Checklist

International Applicants

Non-immigrant students who require a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) in order to obtain a student visa, must complete the College’s International Student Application. The admission process requires students to submit additional academic and financial documentation which is outlined on the International Student Application. The application can be completed online at www.dccc.edu/apply

Non-immigrant students who require a student visa may apply to the College for admission to the fall and spring semesters, as well as for the summer English as a Second Language (ESL) semester. Due to the time needed to process applications for students requiring a Form I-20, the Admissions Office must receive application materials by the following deadlines: July 1st, for the fall semester; November 1st, for the spring semester; April 1st, for summer ESL semester. Students should also consider the time required to obtain their academic and financial documentation and begin the application process as early as possible.

All students entering Delaware County Community College on a student visa must purchase health insurance through the College.

Current immigration regulations prohibit B-visa holders from enrolling in credit courses; however, they may enroll in up to two non-credit classes each semester.

Students in other non-immigrant statuses, immigrants, refugees, asylees and legal Permanent Residents should follow the regular admission process. Please contact the Admissions Office for application materials and information:

Delaware County Community College
901 South Media Line Road
Media, PA 19063-1094 USA
610-359-5050
international@dccc.edu

Follow DCCC International on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcccintl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccc_intl/#YouAreWelcomeHere

Admissions Checklist

Special Admissions Programs

There is a special international student application for individuals who wish to attend on a student visa.

  • Nursing and surgical technology programs have special admission procedures. Please contact the Admissions Office (610-359-5050) for a copy of the procedures and guidelines for these programs.
  • Students interested in Municipal Police Training should contact the Municipal Police Academy (610-359-7386) for admission procedures.
  • Students interested in the Plumbing Apprenticeship should call 610-356-4800 for admission procedures.
  • Paramedic-Advance Life Support applicants must contact the Program Manager (610-723-6315) for special procedures.
  • Perioperative Nursing applicants should call the Allied Health and Nursing Department (610-359-5353).
  • Technical Studies applicants must contact Assessment Services (610-359-5322).

Admissions Checklist

Readmission

Students who have not been enrolled for a year or more or previously applied but did not take classes must reapply to the College. You must follow these steps:

  1. Submit an online application for admission and select, "Returning Student."
  2. Create a plan to fund your education, including applying for financial aid (see the Enrollment Steps for more information.)
  3. Complete course placement if you did not do so when you previously applied to the College.
  4. If you attended another college since leaving Delaware County Community College and you want to transfer the credits here, you must submit an official transcript. See “Transferring to Delaware County Community College.”
  5. If you have not done so previously, complete the College's mandatory orientation at www.dccc.edu/orientation to learn more about Delaware County Community College.

  6. Academic advising and course registration are available by appointment either virtually (on Zoom) or in person at our branch locations. To schedule an appointment with an academic advisor once you have completed Enrollment Steps 1-4 , contact Career & Counseling Services at 610-359-5324 or schedule an appointment at dccc.edu/DropIn. Although appointments are highly recommended, you can visit dccc.edu/registration to review days and times in which you can speak with an academic advisor without an appointment).