Not every applicant to PCCC is ready for college level work. PCCC evaluates and determines placement for each incoming student. In some cases students will be required to take Developmental and/or most English Language Studies (ELS) courses. While these courses do not apply to a degree or certificate they are eligible for both state and federal financial aid. These courses are credit -equivalent for purposes of tuition, academic standing and are calculated in the cumulative GPA. They are vital for student success in subsequent courses.