El Centro College: 2025 Admissions, Rankings & Campus Life

El Centro College is a public college located in downtown Dallas, Texas. It is part of Dallas College, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025. The Dallas College El Centro Campus opened in 1966 and now serves over 10,000 students.

Dallas College El Centro ranks among the top 10% of colleges for online learning practices and student support. It is also a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a member of Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national student success initiative.

Students come here for flexible learning, career training, and transfer programs. In this guide, we’ll focus on El Centro College Dallas, its programs, admissions, costs, and more.

About El Centro College

El Centro College Dallas opened in 1966 as the first Dallas College campus. It’s one of seven campuses under Dallas College, which includes Brookhaven, Eastfield, Cedar Valley, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland. El Centro College now includes three locations: the Downtown Campus, the Bill J. Priest Campus, and the West Dallas Campus.

The Downtown Campus features the R Building and the Paramount Building, which houses health and nursing programs.

Dallas College El Centro offers over 50 programs, including nursing and hospitality. The college works closely with local hospitals for clinical training. Students can also ride DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) for free if they are enrolled in the required number of credit hours.

Dallas College El Centro has earned top rankings for associate degrees in health and liberal arts. It welcomes students of all ages who want to build skills, earn a degree, or transfer to a four-year institution.

Courses Offered at El Centro Dallas College

Dallas College El Centro Campus offers more than 100 majors and programs. Students can earn one-year and two-year certificates or associate degrees that lead directly to careers or transfer to a four-year university.

Dallas College El Centro degrees are of two types:

• ACGM (Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual): These are academic courses that transfer easily to public universities in Texas.
• WECM (Workforce Education Course Manual): These are workforce courses made for hands-on job training.

Below are some popular areas of study at Dallas College El Centro Campus:

El Centro Dallas College gives you options, whether you want a quick path to a career or plan to transfer and keep going.

Dallas College El Centro Admissions Requirements

To apply as an F-1 student(international student) at Dallas College, you need to show that you meet the English requirement and have all the right documents.

English Proficiency Scores

If your score is lower, you may still qualify for English classes at Dallas College.

Other Documents You’ll Need

• A copy of your passport
• Proof of funds for one academic year (bank statement or sponsor letter)
• Official transcripts from any U.S. college you attended
• TB test results from the U.S. (must be done within the last year)
• Proof of meningitis shot (required if you are under 22)
• Intake forms (pages 2–7 of the international packet)
• Affidavit of Support form
• English test score or proof of exemption
• If you are under 18, proof of a U.S. high school equivalent
• For dependents, submit passport copies and proof of relationship

You don’t need to take an English test if you studied in a country where English is the main language or if you’ve passed English 1301 at a U.S. college. But the TSI test might still be required.

Application Deadlines for International Students

Dallas College accepts international students for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Your deadline depends on whether you are applying from outside the U.S. or transferring from another U.S. school.

If you want to take English language courses like ESL or ESOL, contact the Admissions Office for guidance. After you apply, a success coach will help you get started with class registration.

How to Apply to Dallas College as an F-1 Student

Follow these steps if you're applying as an international (F-1) student:

1. Start Your Application: Go to the Dallas College site and fill out the form for international students. No Application Fee. Dallas College does not charge an application fee for F-1 international students.
2. Submit Required Documents: Upload your passport, English proficiency test scores, U.S. transcripts (if applicable), and proof of financial support for one full year of study.
3. Take a Placement Test (If Needed): You may be required to take the TSI or ACCUPLACER exam. Remote testing options are available.
4. Receive Your I-20 Form: If accepted, you will receive an I-20 form, which is necessary to apply for your F-1 visa.
5. Pay the SEVIS Fee & Book Your Visa Appointment: Use the I-20 to pay your SEVIS fee and book your F-1 visa interview. Check out this visa guide for more information.
6. Prepare for Travel: Get a TB test and meningitis vaccine (required if you are under 22). Follow any additional instructions provided by the college.

Tuition and Fees for International Students

At Dallas College, tuition depends on your residency status and the number of credit hours you take. International students are charged the out-of-country tuition rate.

Tuition Rates

International students are required to enroll full-time, which means at least 12 credit hours each semester.

Note: Tuition rates and fees are subject to change.

Scholarships for International Students at Dallas College

Most financial aid is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, but some scholarships are also available to international students. Below is a list of scholarships open to international students:

Student Housing at El Centro Community College

El Centro College doesn’t offer on-campus student housing in Dallas. Whether you’re a local or international student, you’ll need to find off-campus accommodation.

Many students rent apartments, share a house, or find private rooms near El Centro Community College in Dallas. Some websites help with the search. One commonly used option is amber, which lists verified housing near schools.

Here are some places students often choose near the Dallas College El Centro Campus:

• The Atlantic Highland Park 
• Tribeca on the Creek 
• The Biltmore 
• The Lofts at Mockingbird Station 
• Canyon Creek