Admission Policies

This is a draft edition of the 2024-2025 catalog. Information is subject to change.

Location: Red Mountain Building 319
Phone: 775-673-7042
Fax: 775-673-7028
Website: http://admissions.tmcc.edu

Community College Admission-General Policy

Board of Regents Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 16, Section 18

  1. In the admission of students, community colleges shall not discriminate on the basis of a person’s age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. As used in this section:
    1. "Race" includes traits associated with race, including without limitation, hair texture and protective hairstyles.
    2. "Protective hairstyle" includes, without limitation, hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists.
  2. All applicants must qualify for admission by satisfying at least one of the following:
    1. A graduate of a high school or its equivalent; or
    2. A qualified international student.
  3. An applicant who is seeking to attain a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and a degree or certificate simultaneously may be admitted. An applicant who is subject to compulsory high school attendance under NRS Chapter 392 is not eligible for admission under this Subsection.
  4. A student who does not meet the community college requirements for admission established in subsection 2 may apply to be admitted under alternate criteria or test scores that demonstrate college readiness. Each college shall establish procedures and requirements for such alternate admission.
  5. When admitting a student, the institution may consider the student’s standing at a previously attended institution, including, but not limited to, records of disciplinary action.
  6. All applicants for admission shall complete such tests, furnish such information, and meet such deadlines as required by the regulations published in the admissions sections of the catalog governing the semester of initial enrollment. The initial semester of enrollment shall be considered the date of matriculation except where otherwise defined by the institution.
  7. Admission to an NSHE community college implies general admission to the College only and does not constitute admission to a specific curriculum or courses that may require additional admission criteria, as published in the College catalog governing the semester of initial enrollment.
  8. Programs designed as limited entry require fulfillment of selective admissions criteria as contained in the institutional catalog and other appropriate college documents. Continuation in selective admissions programs is likewise contingent upon fulfillment of conditions specified by the institution and contained in official institutional documents.

Admission to TMCC implies general admission to the College only and does not constitute admission to a specific curriculum or courses which may require additional admission criteria.

Community College Admission - Advanced Standing

Board of Regents Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 16, Section 20

  1. Community colleges shall accept a maximum of 45 semester credits of 75 percent of the total credits required for a degree, whichever is greater, of previous training, education or credit by examination toward an Associate degree, with the following limitations:

    1. not more than 75 percent of credits required for a degree may be applied from other colleges and universities.

    2. not more than 30 semester credits from credit by examination.

    3. not more than 16 semester credits from nontraditional sources.

  2. Community colleges may accept a maximum of 15 semester credits from credit by examination for a certificate of achievement.

  3. Acceptance of various types of credit will be governed by the college's transfer credit policy or by the entity designated to govern and evaluate such matters.

Community College Admission - International Students

Board of Regents Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 16, Section 19

To qualify for admission to a community college, an international student must satisfy the following conditions:

  1. Official evidence of an educational level equivalent to graduation from an accredited United States high school;
    1. Official transcripts of permanent academic records (must be in English). Applicants should have their transcripts certified or notarized by an appropriate official prior to submitting them for evaluation.
  2. Competency in the English language as defined in the College catalog governing the semester of initial enrollment; and
    1. Students who speak English as a second language should be able to demonstrate English preparedness for college classes. See the Steps to Enroll: International Students for a complete list items that meet this requirement. 
    2. International students admitted into the country on an I-20 from TMCC must be enrolled in the College as a full-time student (a minimum of 12 credit hours) until they complete their full course of study or transfer to another institution and meet the progression standards.
  3. Evidence of sufficient financial support as defined in the College catalog governing the semester of initial enrollment.

    Admission to TMCC implies general admission to the College only and does not constitute admission to a specific curriculum or courses which may require additional admission criteria.

Admission Criteria for Students Under 18 Years Old

Jump Start Program

Location: Red Mountain Building 315
Phone: 775-674-7673
Website: https://www.tmcc.edu/jump-start-program

Student(s) under 18 years old can be considered for special admission to TMCC’s Jump Start Program. Students seeking admission to the TMCC High School can contact 775-674-7660 for information.

  • High School students levels Freshmen through Seniors are eligible to request enrollment to college classes. All class prerequisites must be met.
  • High school students and their legal guardians agree to and must follow the Jump Start Student Roles and Responsibilities. 
  • Students pay for all costs of college enrollment, including the application fee, class fees, and textbook costs.
  • Once admitted to a college class, the student should be the only point of contact with college instructors. 

Academic freedom is practiced at TMCC and allows faculty and students to pursue whatever inquiry they feel is important in the classroom without fear of censorship. In a college environment, students may encounter adult language and images, different philosophical viewpoints, and belief systems.

Enrollment in TMCC Jump Start Dual Credit Program

To enroll in college classes high school students must complete the required Jump Start Steps to Enroll. 

  • Most high school students have an ‘under 18 hold’ on their account. Students should complete a Permission to Enroll form every semester to request class enrollment. The form must be submitted to dualcredit@tmcc.edu. Legal guardian and high school counselor consent are required. 
  • Students are responsible for following and understanding all college dates and deadlines. Students must contact the Jump Start Program 3-5 business days in advance of any deadline to request class enrollment (add/drop) assistance or program information.
  • Only high school students are eligible for dual credit.

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) can help dual-enrolled students request reasonable accommodations and services to make their college experience a successful one.

Students Excused from Compulsory Attendance (Home Schooled)

TMCC welcomes home schooled students to take classes with the Jump Start program. Home schooled students will need to provide a letter from the school district stating they have been excused from compulsory attendance and proof of level of education (grade level). The letter can be submitted with the Permission to Enroll form every semester.

Special Admissions

Students who do not qualify for any of the above programs or who have special circumstances can be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis by presenting grades, test scores, courses taken, recommendations and other supporting documents to the Jump Start program.

TMCC High School

Location: Red Mountain Building 314
Phone: 775-674-7660
Website: https://www.washoeschools.net/tmcchs

TMCC High School students must follow the admissions procedure and complete the admission form. For more information, contact TMCC High School .