Student Types
Whether a student’s goal is to earn an associate degree or certificate, complete college coursework while in high school, build career skills, or pursue lifelong learning, Sierra College offers opportunities to meet a wide range of educational goals. Because students enroll for different purposes, eligibility for certain programs, services, and funding may vary based on a student’s admission category.
When the college refers to “all students,” this refers to all fully matriculated students.
Full Matriculant
A full matriculant is a student who has been admitted to Sierra College as a regular college student and has established an educational goal, such as earning a degree, certificate, transferring to a four-year institution, or completing career education. Full matriculants are eligible to participate in the college’s matriculation process, including orientation, placement, educational planning, counseling, priority registration (when applicable), and other student support services. They may also be eligible for financial aid if they meet applicable federal and state requirements.
Special Admit Student
A special admit student is a high school, or adult school student who is authorized to enroll in Sierra College courses while still enrolled in K–12. California Education Code 76001 and Title 5 §76300 refers to these students as special admits. Although special admit students are Sierra College students and have access to some campus resources, eligibility for programs, services, and activities differs from that of full matriculants because they remain concurrently enrolled in K–12 education.
Once a special admit student graduates from high school and enrolls at Sierra College as a fully matriculated student, they become eligible for the full range of matriculation services, campus resources, programs, and opportunities available to regularly admitted students, provided they meet any applicable program eligibility requirements.