Step 1
- Complete Your Application: Submit your application online at apply.ctc.edu/user. After processing, you’ll receive your CTCLink ID#.
- Activate Your CTCLink Student Account: Visit cptc.edu/about/ctclink/students to activate your account. Allow at least one day for processing before activation.
- Meet with an Entry Coordinator: Visit the Welcome Center to explore your enrollment options, review program maps, and address any initial questions or requirements. Be sure to bring placement documents and a photo ID.


Step 2
- FAFSA/WASFA: Apply for federal or state aid at FAFSA or WASFA using School Code: 015984. (Tax information will be needed).
- Connect with Student Aid and Scholarships Office: Visit Building 17 or email finaid@cptc.edu for forms and processing information. Call (253-589-5660) or check https://www.cptc.edu/financial-aid.
- Workforce Development: Check eligibility at Workforce Development or call (253) 589-4311.
- VA Funding: Apply at eBenefits to apply for G.I. Bill™, and connect with the VA office in Building 17, Rm 103. Call (253-589-5581).
- Tuition Installment Plan (TIP): Set up a TIP in Building 17, Rm 141 (253-589-5651), at the Cashier Window in Building 17 Lobby, or through your CTCLink account online.
- Third-Party Funding: Contact agencyfunding@cptc.edu or call (253) 589-5663 for information.
Step 3
- Obtain Transcripts or Test Scores: Send transcripts or test scores (e.g., GED, SAT, ACT) to evaluator@cptc.edu for evaluation.
- Direct Self Placement: If you don’t have transcripts, complete the Math Direct Self Placement at Math Placement and the English Direct Self Placement at English Placement.


Step 4
- Meet with an Entry Coordinator: Contact the Welcome Center to finalize your enrollment, obtain program maps, and resolve any enrollment blocks. Remember to bring placement documents and a photo ID.
Did you know?
CPTC is a open enrollment, non-competitive college. There are no fees and no deadlines to apply for general enrollment. Students can apply any time for the following quarter.
Programs with competitive enrollment set their own application timelines, fees, and entry criteria. Information is on their webpages.
We strongly encourage all prospective students to apply for financial aid as soon as possible.
Additional Resources
360-degree Virtual Tours
We invite every interested student to visit our campuses - one in Lakewood and one in South Hill (Puyallup) - in person, where you can meet faculty and staff, and get a sense of what a technical, hands-on learning experience is like.
No matter where you are in the world, you can take a 360-degree tour of our two campuses from a computer, tablet, or phone. Pop into a single program's learning lab or explore all of the the campus' highlights.