Program overview
ESOL levels 1-3 are non-credit classes. Levels 4-6 can be taken as non-credit or credit classes. Levels 7-8 are credit classes. You can apply 24 credits of ESOL classes to an associate degree.
The cost of ESOL classes ranges from a moderate fee to full credit tuition. If you need help paying, see the non-credit waivers at the bottom of this page.
See costs, credit hours, and class locations in the ESOL class schedule.
| Description and ESOL level | Classes | Credit hours and cost per class | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic ESOL for daily living | 1 | ESOL 10 | 6, 7, 8, or 9 non-credit hours: $84.80, $98.10, $111.40 or $124.70 |
||
| 2 | ESOL 20 | ||||
| 3 | ESOL 30 | ||||
| Transitional ESOL | 4 | Writing 42N | Reading 40N | Communication 44N | 4 non-credit hours: $162.10 |
| Writing 42 | Reading 40 | Communication 44 | 4 credits: tuition (international students only) | ||
| 5 | Writing 152N | Reading 150N | Communication 154N | 4 non-credit hours: $162.10 | |
| Writing 152 | Reading 150 | Communication 154 | 4 credits: tuition | ||
| Academic ESOL | 6 | Writing 162N | Reading 160N | Communication 164N | 5 non-credit hours: $202 |
| Writing 162 | Reading 160 | Communication 164 | 5 credits: tuition | ||
| 7 | Writing 252 | Reading 250 | Communication 254 | 5 credits: tuition | |
| 8 | Writing 262 | Reading 260 | Communication 264 | 5 credits: tuition | |
Estimated time to complete the program
Each class in Levels 1-3 is designed to be completed in two to three terms. Each class in Levels 4-8 is designed to be completed in one term. A student’s rate of progress through the program is affected by a number of factors, such as native language, educational background, living situation, work schedule, and time available to study and practice.
Non-credit fee waivers
ESOL students in Levels 1-6 who cannot pay the class fee can ask their instructor for a Class Fee Waiver form. To qualify, a student must show proof of participation in Food Stamp Benefits, Oregon Health Plan, or Dislocated Workers Program. All class and tech fees can be waived for Level 1-3 students. Students who are in Levels 4-6 can only waive the class and tech fees for one class each term.
Applying for financial aid
Do you already have a 4-year college degree from your country? Please talk to a financial aid advisor before submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Grading for non-credit ESOL classes
In general, students who complete a class have earned passing grades on homework, quizzes, and tests, and have not had unusual attendance problems.
- CM = Completed (student is ready to advance to the next level)
- PR = Progressing (student is not ready to go to the next level and must stay at the current level)
- L = Left (student left the class)
- UP = Unsatisfactory Progress. (This mark exits the student from the PCC ESOL program. Students are advised to enroll in a community-sponsored English language course and then re-take the placement test when they are ready to come back to PCC.)