Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

CVCC charges tuition in accordance with policies established by the North Carolina Community College System. Tuition rates are subject to change. Certain fees have been established in accordance with guidelines and ranges established by the North Carolina Community College System. Fees are subject to change. Due dates for tuition and fees are established by the Chief Financial Officer or designee. Students will forfeit their seat in a class if they fail to pay the applicable tuition/fees by the established due date.

Tuition

(Subject to change depending on action of General Assembly.)

Determinations of North Carolina Residency for tuition purposes are processed by the NC Residency Determination Service (RDS).

All students, parents, faculty, staff and constituents of the North Carolina Community College System should refer to www.ncresidency.org for details regarding the North Carolina Residency Determination Service, processes and required residency guidelines for tuition purposes.

Tuition for students enrolling in Occupational Extension courses vary per course. However, fees may be established for self-supporting seminars and courses according to the schedule below in which more than normal expenses to the College are incurred. Such charges may cover the cost of instructional materials and/or textbooks required in such classes.

Fees and Insurance

• To view a copy of CVCC’s Student Accident Insurance Brochure visit (http://www.cvcc.edu/Services/Business_Office/student-accident-insurance.cfm)

Accident insurance must be purchased by students registering for curriculum classes. The premium must be paid at the time of registration at the beginning of each semester.

Students enrolled in certain health programs/courses are required to purchase liability/malpractice insurance. The premium for this insurance is paid once annually through the business office.

Certain fees have been approved for testing services. These include fees for TEAS test, NCDAP retest, test proctoring, or other special circumstances.

Fee Waivers

In compliance with North Carolina Statutes and regulations of the North Carolina Community College System, tuition and fees may be waived under the following circumstances: No extension registration fee shall be charged of individuals enrolling in special extension training programs for emergency telecommunication personnel, fire department personnel, volunteer rescue and life saving personnel, local law enforcement officers, or members of auxiliaries of such groups, providing the individual is a member of the group for which training is being provided.

High School students taking college credit classes through the Career and College Promise program, as well as Challenger and Alexander Early College High School students, are exempt from applicable tuition for fall and spring semesters. Applicable fees will be charged.

Other Expenses

The cost of books, supplies, and equipment varies from one program of study to another.

Collection Notice

The College reserves the right to use all means necessary to collect any outstanding balances. This may include but is not limited to the use of NC Set-off Debt.

Other Actions Regarding Past Due Accounts

All previously incurred expenses and accounts, including library and payments made to Nelnet (a third party payment plan provider) for tuition, generally must be fully paid before a student may re-enter at the beginning of any semester and before transcript, diploma, or certificate will be furnished.

Refunds

Curriculum Classes

The College follows the refund policies established by the North Carolina Community College System. A copy of the current refund policies may be obtained from the Business Office. Specific guidelines and processes to ensure compliance with these policies shall be established by the Chief Financial Officer or designee. The following are specific guidelines which have been established in accordance with these policies. Refunds for less than $5.00 will not be made.

A full (100 %) tuition refund shall be made if the student officially withdraws prior to the start date of the class. Example – If the start date of the class as indicated on the student’s schedule is September 1, the student must withdraw from that class on or before August 31 to receive a full (100%) tuition refund.

A 75% tuition refund shall be made if the student withdraws on or before the census date of the class. The census date for a class is the 10% point of the class.

No tuition refund shall be made if the student withdraws from a class after the census date of that class. The census date for a class is the 10% point of the class.

The student fees, accident insurance premium, and some program specific fees (i.e., mal-practice insurance fees, processing fees, etc.) are not refundable unless the student officially withdraws prior to the start of his/her classes, a student’s class is cancelled, or the College determines an institutional error has occurred.

Continuing Education Classes

This policy includes occupational extension classes. A full refund will be given if the student officially withdraws from class prior to the first class meeting. Allow a minimum of two (2) weeks for processing of refund requests. Refunds for less than $5.00 will not be made. After the class begins, a 75% refund of registration only will be made if the student officially withdraws from the class prior to or on the 10% point of scheduled hours. The student fees, accident insurance premium, and some program specific fees (i.e., mal-practice insurance fees, processing fees, etc.) are not refundable unless the student officially withdraws prior to the start of his/her classes, a student’s class is cancelled, or the College determines an institutional error has occurred.

Financial Aid

Students who enroll are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at www.fafsa.gov.  The student’s financial need is determined through an analysis of FAFSA application and is granted on an annual basis. Financial assistance for educational expenses may be available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, or work programs.

Student financial aid programs require that the student: (a) demonstrate financial need, except for some loan programs, (b) provide an official high school transcript or High School Equivalency diploma (such as GED, (c) be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree, diploma, or certificate in an eligible program, (d) be a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen, (e) have a valid Social Security Number, (f) make satisfactory academic progress, and (g) register with the Selective Service, if required.

I. Federal Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant

This grant is a source of federal student aid which provides eligible students with financial assistance to help defray the cost of postsecondary education. Student eligibility is primarily based on financial need.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

This is a federal grant which is a “supplement” to the Pell Grant for students demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Federal Work Study

This federal program provides jobs at the College for students who have financial need.

VA Educational Benefits

Students desiring to use VA Educational benefits should contact Student Services for CVCC program information and admissions requirements. Students must be accepted in a VA approved program of study and meet all institutional and VA requirements before certification can be made to the Veterans Administration. For additional information regarding benefits, eligibility, policies, and procedures, please refer to the Veterans Affairs section. (See Veterans Affairs )

Direct Loan Program

1. Subsidized Loan. This type of loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays the interest on the loan (“subsidizes” the loan) until repayment begins and during authorized periods of deferment.
2. Unsubsidized Loan. This type of loan is not awarded on the basis of need. Interest will be charged from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.
3. Plus Loan. This type of loan is for the parent of a student who qualifies as a dependent student. The parent does not have to demonstrate “need” but must not have an adverse credit history.

II. State Supported Aid Programs

North Carolina Community College Grant

This is a need based grant established by the NC Legislature to provide funds to help meet the educational costs of NC residents attending community colleges. To apply, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is based on the student being a NC resident, enrolled at least half time in an eligible curriculum program, maintaining satisfactory progress, meeting the Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and demonstrating financial need. Possible recipients are selected by the College Foundation of North Carolina, with each community college certifying that the student meets all eligibility requirements.

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship

The Education Lottery Scholarship was created by the 2005 General Assembly to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina residents. To apply, the student must complete the FAFSA. Eligibility is based on the student being a NC resident, enrolled at least half time in an eligible curriculum program, maintaining satisfactory progress, meeting the Federal Pell Grant requirements, and demonstrating financial need. Possible recipients are selected by College Foundation of North Carolina, with each community college certifying that the student meets all eligibility requirements.

State Employee Credit Union Foundation Scholarship

The SECU Foundation established this two year scholarship program to assist North Carolina Community College students achieve academic success. Preference will be given to students whose parents or guardians and family members are public sector employees who live and work in North Carolina. To apply, students must have completed the FAFSA. In addition, the student must be full time, a U.S. citizen, have demonstrated leadership and excellence of character, and maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA. Scholarship amounts are $2,500 per year. Recipients are selected by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Information for the scholarship is available through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Veterans’ Children Scholarship

Children of certain veterans who were either killed in action, disabled while in the armed forces, a prisoner of war or missing in action for a certain period of time may be entitled to financial aid from the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs to attend CVCC. Students may apply through the local N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs Office.

Vocational Rehabilitation Aid

By action of the United States Congress, any physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled student may be eligible for financial aid and for scholarship assistance. If a prospective student has any of these limitations, the nearest office of the North Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation should be contacted. If the student prefers, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid may be contacted.

Other Aid

In addition to the above programs, various companies and civic organizations provide scholarships to deserving students.

III. Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards for Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a set of standards for financial aid progress to insure that all students receiving federal (Title IV) or state aid are making progress toward completion of a degree. The policy requires the measurement of satisfactory academic progress to include all periods of enrollment at the institution, including those periods for which the student did not receive any financial aid.

New federal regulations effective July 1, 2011, affect Satisfactory Academic Progress policies and procedures. The rules limit the length of time that students not making progress can continue to receive Title IV aid and require a more structured, comprehensive, and consistent approach to the development and implementation of institutional financial aid satisfactory academic progress policies.

Purpose, Procedures, Monitoring, Warning & Suspension, Appeals

Purpose

Institutions of higher education are required by federal regulations to establish minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for students receiving financial aid. It is the expectation that students are to achieve minimum levels of progress toward completion of a degree. The progress is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. The maximum timeframe for an academic program is divided into increments to ensure that the student is making sufficient progress toward completion of the degree. The institution will determine at the end of each increment (semester) if the student has completed a minimum of percentage of work toward completion of the degree. All semesters and credit hours attempted at the institution will calculate in this determination, regardless of whether or not the student has received financial aid in the past. The SAP Policy will apply to all students applying for or receiving federal or state aid.

The student is responsible for understanding the SAP Policy and for being in compliance. The student is also responsible for understanding the consequences for noncompliance. All financial aid recipients are required to meet the SAP guidelines established by Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) and financial aid standards of progress, pursuant to Federal regulations.

Procedures

To be eligible for financial aid, students must meet the following minimum guidelines:

Qualitative Standard - Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 each semester as computed by Financial Aid’s standards – this may be different that your transcript GPA. Developmental courses are not included in the semester GPA or cumulative GPA.

Quantitative Standard - Complete 67% of all credit hours attempted from the beginning date of enrollment at the college. Developmental course hours are included in this measurement. Cumulative credit hours attempted will include all hours for which the student was enrolled as of the census date of the class (10% point of the class). Credit hours otherwise marked as forgiven under the previous Academic Forgiveness Policy are included in hours attempted and hours completed if appropriate based on the grades received. Transfer credit hours that are accepted toward the student’s educational program will count as both attempted and completed hours.

Maximum Time Frame - Complete the program of study within the maximum timeframe. Federal regulations specify that the timeframe may not exceed 150% of the published length of the program as measured in credit hours. (If the academic program length is 60 hours the maximum timeframe for the program cannot exceed 90 credit hours attempted). Credit hours for developmental courses required by placement testing will be excluded (up to 30 credit hours) from the 150% calculation of hours. Transfer credits accepted from other schools that apply toward the student’s program of study are included in the maximum timeframe.

Monitoring

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will monitor satisfactory academic progress for all students receiving or applying for federal or state aid to ensure that they are making progress toward program completion. The progress for all students receiving federal or state aid will be reviewed at the end of each semester. Students will be notified by email regarding the status. Failure to receive notification will not change the student’s status. Not enrolling for one or more terms does not change the student’s status.

Cumulative Credit Hours Attempted - Cumulative credit hours attempted are defined as all credit hours attempted at CVCC, and all credit hours transferred from other institutions. Attempted credits include courses with grades of A, B, C, D, F, or P (pass), WP (withdraw passing), WF (withdraw failing), I (incomplete), or R (repeat).

Repeated Courses -  will be counted as hours attempted, hours completed, and also toward maximum credits allowable for each type of program for financial aid. Only one repetition of a previously passed course may be counted in the enrollment status. A course that has not been passed may count in the enrollment status until the course has been successfully completed.

Cumulative Credit Hours Completed - Credit hours successfully completed are defined as grades of A, B, C, D or P. Credit hours with a grade of F, WP, WF, I, or R do not count as successfully completed credit hours.

Audited Courses - Credit hours taken for a grade of “audit” do not apply toward a degree program. The grade of “audit” is not included in determining status for financial aid and does not count in the calculation of satisfactory academic progress.

Incomplete Grades - Courses with grades of “I” (Incomplete) will be considered as credit hours attempted and not completed. Students who have made arrangements with the instructor to complete required course work are not required to re-register for the same class during a subsequent semester to complete the work. If the “incomplete” grade resulted in a student being placed on financial aid probation or suspension, once completed, the student must notify the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to have their progress reevaluated.

Cumulative Grade Point Average - The minimum cumulative GPA for graduation at CVCC is 2.00. The student receiving financial aid must meet the minimum standard of the school.

Course Withdrawals - Any student who withdraws from a class, either officially or unofficially should know how the withdrawal could affect the eligibility for financial aid as determined by the SAP Policy. A withdrawal will count as attempted, but not completed credit hours. A grade of WP will affect the quantitative measure, but not the qualitative measure, as it will not count in the GPA calculation. A grade of WF will affect both the quantitative and qualitative measure, as it will count in the GPA. Financial Aid recipients should discuss the consequences of withdrawing from a class with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid before doing so.

Developmental Courses - Federal regulations allow financial aid recipients to take a maximum of 30 credit hours of developmental coursework. Developmental courses are included in the calculation in the quantitative measure (hours attempted versus completed). The grade received for the developmental class, however, is not included in the GPA. To remain in good standing, students enrolled in developmental courses must receive grades of P.

Transfer Students - All transfer credit hours granted to the student will be included in the measurement of maximum timeframe. Transfer credit hours that are accepted toward the student’s educational program will count as both attempted and completed hours.

Program of Study - Students who change their program of study without graduating from a program will assume the timeframe of the new program of study and all hours previously attempted will count toward the maximum timeframe of the new program of study. Frequent changing of programs without graduating could result in the loss of federal or state eligibility. If a student graduates from a program of study and desires to pursue another program, the student will assume the maximum timeframe of the new program less any attempted hours related to courses not required in the program previously completed. It is always in the best interest of the student to contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid before changing programs of study. A student is allowed to receive financial aid for the completion of only two academic programs.

Two Programs of Study - Students who choose two programs of study (pursue multiple programs at the same time) will assume the maximum timeframe of only one academic program.

Summer Session - Credit hours attempted and earned during the summer session are included in the calculation of Satisfactory Academic Progress. Full-time status is the same for summer session as it is for the fall and spring semesters (12 credit hours).

Enrollment Status - Full time (12 credit hours or more), 3/4 time (9-11 credit hours), 1/2 time (6-8 credit hours), less than 1/2 time (less than 6 credit hours)

Warning and Suspension

Warning - If a student does not have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) AND pass at least 67% of the credit hours on a cumulative basis, the student is placed on WARNING for the next term attended. A student will be granted only one term to regain satisfactory academic progress. Financial aid may be received during this WARNING term.

For students in clock hour programs, the review of progress will be done at the point the scheduled clock hours for that payment period are successfully completed. In order for the student to be eligible for the next payment period, the student must have successfully completed both the clock hours and the weeks of instructional time for the required period.

Suspension - At the end of the WARNING period, students whose term completion rate and GPA do not meet SAP requirements (67% completion of all hours attempted and a 2.0 cumulative GPA) will be on SUSPENSION. Students who are suspended will no longer be eligible to receive financial aid. At this time, the student must pay for college expenses each semester until the SAP requirements are met or submit an Appeal if documentation can be provided to indicate extenuating circumstances that impacted academic performance.

Maximum Time Frame - If a student begins his/her academic career in a longer program (i.e. an associate or diploma program) and then changes to a shorter program (i.e. certificate program), he/she may automatically be put on MAXIMUM TIME FRAME. For example, a student completes 35 credit hours under an associate’s program that requires 60 credit hours to complete. The student changes to an 18 credit hour certificate program. Under the associate program, 150% is 90 credit hours, but 150% for an 18 hour certificate is 27 credit hours (18 x 150%). Because the student has already completed 35 credit hours and the maximum time frame for the certificate program is only 27, the student has exceeded the 150% time frame. Once a student reaches the 150% limit, his/her SAP status will update to MAXIMUM TIME FRAME and the student will no longer be eligible for state or federal financial aid.

Probation on Appeal - When a student has been reinstated by an approved appeal by the SAP Committee, the student will be placed on PROBATION ON APPEAL and assigned an Academic Plan. The student can receive financial aid for the term he/she is on probation. If the student does not meet the probationary requirements, he/she will be placed on SUSPENSION for the next enrolled semester.

Appeals

A student may appeal the Suspension of financial aid by obtaining a Satisfactory Progress Appeal Form online at www.cvcc.edu.  Students must submit in writing along with supporting documentation, a) the extenuating circumstances and how it directly contributed towards the student’s inability to meet satisfactory academic progress and b) what has changed his/her situation that will allow him/her to make satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation. Please note that simply experiencing an extenuating circumstance does not guarantee an exception to the SAP regulations.  ONLY ONE APPEAL PER ACADEMIC YEAR WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Federal regulations give some examples where allowances might be made for mitigating circumstances.  Mitigating circumstances are defined as (1) death of an immediate relative (spouse, parent/legal guardian, brother/sister, child) of the student, (2) an injury or extended illness or hospitalization of the student (documented by a doctor) or immediate family member, (documented by a doctor and documentation to show the student was required to provide care for the family member) (3) other special circumstances such as involuntary call to active military duty, unanticipated/serious medical or psychological difficulty causing undue hardship to the student and beyond reasonable control of the student.  The extenuating circumstances must have occurred during the term you received failing grades and/or withdrew from classes.

Circumstances related to the typical adjustment to college life, such as voluntary pause, lapse or termination of employment, pregnancy/childbirth, taking too many classes, working while attending school, financial issues related to paying bills, childcare issues, incarceration resulting from a guilty verdict and car maintenance/travel to and from campus are not considered extenuating circumstances.  Chronic conditions such as (but not limited to) diabetes, migraines, asthma, hypertension, previously diagnosed learning, physical or psychological disabilities and other similar conditions are expected to be managed by the student appropriately for him/her to meet SAP requirements.

An Appeal cannot be based on the student’s lack of knowledge regarding the policy or simply the need for financial aid. A student may not submit an appeal because he/she does not agree with the final decision of the SAP Committee. An Appeal based solely on financial and/or emotional needs without sufficient explanation and documentation will not be approved. Appeals submitted without proper documentation will be DENIED and incomplete forms will not be reviewed.

Other than when an appeal is granted for unusual or mitigating circumstances, a student can reestablish eligibility only by taking action that brings the student into compliance with the qualitative and quantitative components of the SAP requirements including the maximum timeframe.  Neither paying out-of-pocket for one’s classes, nor sitting out for a semester is sufficient by itself to re-establish eligibility. 

Students who wish to appeal the 150% timeframe rule are required to complete the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form and have an academic advisor complete the Satisfactory Academic Progress Academic Plan Form to determine how many courses remain toward graduation. The advisor must provide the student with an educational plan that will allow the student to complete the degree.  The student must successfully complete 100% of everything attempted from that point forward to complete the degree (no withdrawals, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C) and must earn a minimum term-based GPA of 2.50. If the student fails in these requirements, the aid will be suspended. ONLY ONE APPEAL PER ACADEMIC YEAR WILL BE CONSIDERED.

The Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal and Academic Plan Forms, along with all supporting documentation, MUST be submitted to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid BEFORE the FIRST DAY OF CLASS for the enrolled semester. The SAP Committee will review submitted appeals and will determine if justifiable evidence or extenuating circumstances exist and if the student may receive financial aid for a specified probationary term.  All decisions are made on a case by case basis.  The SAP Committee may have up to 14 days to make a determination and the decision will be final.  The U.S. Department of Education dictates much of the financial aid appeal process and may differ from other colleges/universities financial aid processes.  The student will be notified by email of the decision.

Students on financial aid SUSPENSION who are seeking to regain eligibility for financial aid through the Appeal process will remain ineligible for assistance until the Appeal process is completed and a decision has been made.  Students on SUSPENSION CANNOT depend on financial aid to pay for costs of tuition, books, and other fees, and should be prepared to pay from their own resources pending the outcome of their financial aid Appeal.

If an Appeal is approved, the student will be placed on PROBATION ON APPEAL.  The student must meet with the Advising Center to create an Academic Plan. The Academic Plan must be submitted to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and must be completed accordingly.  ALL changes to the Academic Plan MUST be approved by the Advising Center. 

The PROBATION ON APPEAL status will hold the student to a higher term-based standard for SAP evaluation.  PROBATION ON APPEAL students MUST earn a minimum term-based GPA of 2.50 (or equivalent if course is repeated) AND complete 100% of hours attempted for the term.  Those meeting the standard will continue in this status until they regain full satisfactory SAP status (67% completion and 2.0 cumulative GPA). Failure to meet the PROBATION ON APPEAL conditions will result in SUSPENSION of aid.

If your Appeal is denied, you will be asked to attend at your own expense and earn the deficiency either in the hours, GPA or both (you cannot make up a deficiency if your appeal was due to exceeding the maximum timeframe to earn a degree). If you did not maintain SAP due to a deficiency in credit hours, you may take the credit hours at another institution as long as CVCC accepts the transfer hours. After you complete this semester (or semesters), you must submit an appeal form to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid so your progress can be reevaluated.

Each student will notified by email when placed on probation or suspension. If the student takes the necessary action that brings the student into compliance with the qualitative and quantitative components of the SAP requirements, the Federal Pell Grant and other types of financial assistance (depending on availability of funds) are reinstated at the beginning of the next term of attendance, if otherwise eligible. Whether approved by the SAP Committee or approved after one semester of satisfactory progress, the student’s status upon reinstatement will be satisfactory.

IV. Local Scholarships and Financial Aid

CVCC Foundation Scholarships

The Catawba Valley Community College Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that provides the community a vehicle through which investments may be made in the education of CVCC students through scholarship funds. These scholarship funds provide an opportunity for each student to compete for funds to pay for his/her education. Scholarships are provided through tax-deductible gifts from individuals, businesses, community organizations, and CVCC alumni. All CVCC students are invited to submit a scholarship application. One scholarship application initiates the application/eligibility process for all Foundation scholarships. When the CVCC student application is activated, an invitation to apply for a CVCC Foundation Scholarship is sent via the email address or home address found on the application. The CVCC Foundation Scholarship selection is a continuous process. Each student is encouraged to return the scholarship application as soon as possible for access to the scholarship process.