Admissions Requirements

• Step One - Residency

  Before you can officially apply, you need to complete the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) online interview/application. This ensures your eligibility for many opportunities like in-state tuition rates.

  Be sure to record your Residency Certification Number (RCN). You will need it for the Isothermal Application in Step 2.

  What is Residency Determination? 
  Complete your residency validation

  Find resources for students and parents in both English and Spanish for all citizenship and non-citizenship types.

• Step Two - Application

  Submit an application to the Admissions Office through CFNC. After completing your application, you will immediately receive an email with details for your next steps. Make sure you have all green checkmarks on your application prior to submitting. If you don't receive your confirmation email, or need help completing your application, please email admissions@isothermal.edu or call 828-395-4193.

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• Step Three - Transcripts
  • Send official transcripts to admissions@isothermal.edu or Admissions Office, Isothermal Community College, PO Box 804, Spindale, NC 28160.
  • Transcripts emailed from student emails are considered unofficial. For a transcript to be official, it must come directly from the issuing institution (not to the student first) to admissions@isothermal.edu or to the P.O. Box above.
  • Order your GED transcripts through Diploma Sender and send to admissions@isothermal.edu
  • Order Adult High School transcripts through the issuing institution. For Isothermal Adult High School transcripts, contact Barbara Callahan at bcallahan@isothermal.edu. or 828-395-1631.
  • Verify when your transcript is received at Isothermal on your Patriot Port under My Documents.
  • Official college transcripts are required if you wish to receive transfer credit.
• Step Four - Financial Aid

  Great news, we have money available if you qualify!

  Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in allowing the majority of our Rutherford and Polk county students to attend tuition free with the substantial supporting endowment of the Lee Powers Promise Scholarship.

  We encourage all citizens and permanent residents to apply.

  For assistance completing the FAFSA, please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@isothermal.edu or 828-395-4198.

Next steps

Once you've applied and completed all the above steps, we will be in contact with your next steps to getting enrolled. Be on the lookout for an email and a letter in the mail soon after we process your information. 

Learn more about your next steps

Academic semesters are defined using the general timelines listed below. For the most current dates for your preferred academic year, please refer to the College Calendar. Also, note that there may be shorter terms within the full semester to best meet the needs of our students.