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.

Specific documents used to establish residency can be found on the CVCC Student Services Admissions website at NC Residency. 

Tuition for students enrolling in Occupational Extension courses are mandated by the NC Legislature per the schedule below. Fees for self-supporting courses are based on actual costs and both types of courses may also include the cost of instructional materials and/or textbooks required in such classes.  Each course offered will list the appropriate fee to be charged. 

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 must be paid at the time of registration.

Certain fees have been approved for testing services. These include fees for TEAS test, 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 tuition. 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 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 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 canceled, 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 classes, a student’s class is canceled, or the College determines an institutional error has occurred. Continuing Education students who are a no show for a course will still be charged for the course they were to attend.

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 the FAFSA application and is granted on an annual basis. Financial assistance for educational expenses may be available in the form of grants, scholarships, private loans, or work programs. 

Student financial aid programs require that the student: demonstrate financial need, provide an official high school transcript or High School Equivalency diploma (such as GED), be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree, diploma, or certificate in an eligible program, be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen, have a valid Social Security Number, make satisfactory academic progress, and 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 post-secondary 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

Catawba Valley Community College does not participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program.

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 federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and demonstrating financial need. A student must be enrolled in 15 credit hours per semester to receive the maximum Full Time Plus award amount. Potential recipients are selected by the College Foundation of North Carolina, with each community college certifying 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 eligibility requirements, and demonstrating financial need. Potential recipients are selected by College Foundation of North Carolina, with each community college certifying the student meets all eligibility requirements.

North Carolina Community College Grant For Less Than Half-Time

The North Carolina Community College Grant for Less Than Half-Time Students is a grant offered by the state to residents of North Carolina who are enrolled in five or less credit hours. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered.  Students enrolled in certificate programs that are ineligible for federal student assistance may qualify for these funds. Possible recipients are selected by College Foundation of North Carolina, with each community college certifying that the student meets all eligibility requirements.

NC Reach

NC Reach is a state-funded scholarship program for foster youth and adoptees administered by the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA). NC Reach funds up to a given institution’s full cost of attendance after all other public funds and scholarships have been applied. In addition, the program provides comprehensive student support including case management services, mentoring, internship opportunities, professional workshops, and care packages. Applicants must complete the FAFSA every year to determine their eligibility for other federal and state grants. Eligible students may go online at www.NCReach.org to apply.

North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation - Scholarship for Health Careers

This scholarship was created to provide assistance to students interested in earning an associate degree in fields of high demand that will allow them to join the health care field. The student must be enrolled in one of the following programs:  Associate Degree Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Science, Health Information Technology, or Respiratory Therapy. See the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for more information.

National Guard Tuition Assistance Program

The North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program provides tuition assistance for active members of the North Carolina Army or National Guard. A recipient must be an active member of the North Carolina Army or Air National Guard, remain a member of the National Guard for two years following the end of the academic period for which tuition assistance is provided, must enroll in an eligible business or trade school, private or state educational institution in NC and must satisfactorily complete courses in which tuition assistance is provided. Students may apply through College Foundation of North Carolina.

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. See the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for more information.

Golden LEAF Foundation

This scholarship provides assistance for both Curriculum and Continuing Education students.  The scholarship is designed to assist students with tuition, fees, books, supplies, childcare, and transportation expense.  See the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for more information.

Wells Fargo Technical Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Wells Fargo Bank and administered through a grant to the North Carolina Community College System. One scholarship is available annually to students in the second year of a two-year technical program. Selection is based upon need and scholastic performance during the first year of studies. See the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for more information.

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 NC 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. 

Forgivable Education Loans for Service

The Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) was established by the NC General Assembly in 2011. FELS provides financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans to qualified students who are committed to working in NC to lessen identified critical employment shortages. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority provides administration for the program. Students may apply through College Foundation of North Carolina.

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, Financial Aid Statuses, Appeals

Purpose

Institutions of higher education are required by federal regulations to establish minimum requirements 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 time frame 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 transfer and attempted credit hours at the institution will calculate in this determination, regardless of whether or not the student has received financial aid in the past. The Requirements will apply to all students applying for or receiving federal or state aid.

The student is responsible for understanding the SAP policy and for maintaining compliance. The student is also responsible for understanding the consequences for noncompliance. All financial aid recipients are required to meet SAP guidelines established by CVCC and financial aid requirements 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 2.000 each semester as computed by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid’s requirements – this may be different than the transcript GPA. Developmental courses are not included in the semester 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). 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 time frame. Federal regulations specify that the time frame 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 time frame for the program cannot exceed 90 credit hours attempted.) Developmental and Transfer credits that apply toward the student’s program of study are included in the maximum time frame.

Monitoring

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will monitor satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for all students receiving or applying for federal or state aid to ensure that they are making progress toward program completion. SAP will be evaluated at the end of each semester. Students will be notified by email regarding their status. Failure to receive notification will not change the student’s status. Not enrolling for one or more semesters 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), R (repeat), WP (withdrew passing), WF (withdrew failing), or I (incomplete).

Repeated Courses -  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.

Audit 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 SAP.

Incomplete Grades - Courses with grades of “I” (Incomplete) will be considered as credit hours attempted and not completed.  If the “incomplete” grade resulted in a student being placed on financial aid suspension, once completed, the student must notify the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to have the academic progress reevaluated.

Cumulative Grade Point Average - The minimum cumulative GPA for graduation at CVCC is 2.000. The student receiving financial aid must meet the minimum standard of the school.

Course Withdrawals - 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. 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 requirements.  

Developmental Courses - Developmental courses do not count toward the student’s degree requirements; however, they are calculated in the quantitative and maximum time frame measures, with the exception of the first 30 developmental credit hours. The grade received for the developmental class is not included in the GPA. To remain in good standing, students enrolled in developmental courses must receive a grade of P. 

Transfer Credits - All transfer credit hours granted to the student will be included in the maximum time frame measure. Transfer credit hours that are accepted toward the student’s educational program will count as both attempted and completed hours.

Program of Study - Frequent changing of programs without graduating could result in the loss of federal or state eligibility. Students who change programs should be aware that all credit hours attempted, regardless of the program, will count toward satisfactory progress, unless the student graduates. Students who graduate from one program at CVCC and wish to earn another degree, diploma, or certificate from CVCC will be allowed to complete a new program within a new 150 percent time frame EXCLUDING any earned hours from the previous program of study that are also required in the new program.

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

Summer Session - Credit hours attempted and earned during the summer session are included in the calculation of SAP. 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, Half-time: 6-8 credit hours, less than 1/2 time: less than 6 credit hours.

Financial Aid Statuses

Satisfactory - If a student has a 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA) AND has completed at least 67% of the credit hours on a cumulative basis, AND is completing the program of study within the maximum time frame, the student will receive the SATISFACTORY status.

Warning - If a student does not have a 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA) AND/OR pass at least 67% of the credit hours on a cumulative basis, the student is placed on WARNING for the next semester attended. A student will be granted only one semester to regain SAP. The student can receive financial aid for the semester on warning. 

For students in clock hour programs, the review of progress will be completed at the point the scheduled clock hours for that payment period are successfully calculated. 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 cumulative completion rate AND/OR GPA do not meet SAP requirements (67% completion of all hours attempted and a 2.000 cumulative GPA) will be on SUSPENSION. Students who are suspended will no longer be eligible to receive state or federal financial aid. During this time, the student must pay for college expenses each semester until the SAP requirements are met or may submit a SAP Appeal if documentation can be provided to indicate extenuating circumstances that impacted academic performance.

Maximum Time Frame - The student’s maximum time frame to complete a program of study is 150% of the published length of the program. For example, if 64 credit hours are required to complete a degree, the student may attempt a maximum of 96 credit hours before exceeding eligibility for financial aid (64 x 1.50 = 96). The student’s entire academic history, including transfer hours accepted from other institutions, is considered when evaluating SAP within the established time frame.  Developmental classes (up to 30 hours) are excluded from this calculation. Once the student reaches the maximum number of attempted hours allowed for the program of study, the student will receive the MAXIMUM TIME FRAME status. During this time, the student must pay for college expenses each semester until the SAP requirements are met or submit a SAP Appeal if documentation can be provided to indicate extenuating circumstances that impacted academic performance.

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. This status will hold the student to a higher semester-based standard for SAP evaluation.  PROBATION ON APPEAL students MUST follow their academic plan and successfully complete 100% of  all attempted credits moving forward to complete the degree (no withdrawals, repeats, or incompletes) and must earn a minimum semester-based GPA of 2.500. The student can receive financial aid for the semester the student is on probation.

Suspension of Appeal - When a student placed on PROBATION ON APPEAL does not meet the requirements of his/her Academic Plan, the student will be placed on SUSPENSION OF APPEAL. During this time, the student is no longer eligible for state or federal financial aid and must pay for college expenses each semester until the SAP requirements are met.    

Appeals

A student may appeal SUSPENSION or MAXIMUM TIME FRAME statuses by submitting a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal and Academic Plan to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. As part of the appeal process, students must submit in writing along with supporting documentation, (a) the extenuating circumstance(s) and how it directly contributed to the student’s inability to meet SAP, (b) what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to make SAP at the next evaluation, and (c) an Academic Plan completed by an academic advisor detailing courses remaining toward graduation.

Students with SUSPENSION or MAXIMUM TIME FRAME statuses who are seeking to regain eligibility for financial aid through the appeal process will remain ineligible for financial aid until the appeal process is completed and a decision has been made.  Students with SUSPENSION and MAXIMUM TIME FRAME statuses 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 SAP Appeal.

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 determine if justifiable evidence or extenuating circumstances exist and if the student may receive financial aid for a specified probationary semester.  All decisions are made on a case by case basis.  The Committee may have up to 7 days to make a determination and the decision will be final. The student will be notified by email of the decision.

Federal regulations give some examples where allowances might be made for mitigating circumstances.  Mitigating circumstances are defined as (but not limited to) (1) death of an immediate relative (spouse, parent/legal guardian, brother/sister, child, grandparent) 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 or documentation to show the student’s assistance was needed 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 semester the student 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, frequently changing programs of study, working while attending school, financial issues related to paying bills, childcare issues, incarceration resulting from a guilty verdict, or 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 to meet SAP requirements.

A SAP 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 the student does not agree with the final decision of the SAP Committee. A SAP Appeal without sufficient explanation and documentation will be DENIED and incomplete forms will not be reviewed.

If a SAP Appeal is approved, the student will be placed on PROBATION ON APPEAL. This status will hold the student to a higher semester-based standard for SAP evaluation. PROBATION ON APPEAL students MUST follow their academic plan and successfully complete 100% of all attempted credits moving forward to complete the degree (no withdrawals, repeats, or incompletes) and must earn a minimum semester-based GPA of 2.500. If the student fails to meet these requirements, the student is no longer eligible for state or federal financial aid and must pay for college expenses each semester until SAP requirements are met. On a case-by-case basis, a second appeal may be considered. However, the student will not be allowed to submit an appeal for the same issue that led to the first appeal, such as (but not limited to) the same medical condition. A student must have very unusual circumstances to warrant a second appeal. Accordingly, very few second appeals are approved.

If a SAP Appeal is denied, the student must pay for college expenses each semester and earn the deficiency either in the hours, GPA or both (the student cannot make up a deficiency if the appeal was due to exceeding the maximum time frame to earn a degree). If the student did not maintain SAP due to a deficiency in credit hours, the student may take the credit hours at another institution as long as CVCC accepts the transfer hours. Once the student believes the SAP requirements have been met, the student must make a request to have the SAP status reevaluated.

Academic Plans

Academic Plans should demonstrate how the student will meet the SAP requirements by a specific point in time. It is important to note that the academic plan developed by the Advising Center and student should reflect realistic and attainable goals for the student. Only in special circumstances, beyond the student’s control, can an academic plan be changed. Before submitting a new academic plan, you must meet with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to ensure your changes can be approved. Submitting a new plan without approval will result with the student receiving a suspension of appeal status. SAP  students must follow the academic plan and successfully complete 100% of all attempted credits (no withdrawals, repeats, or incompletes) and earn a 2.500 GPA until degree completion or the student has met the qualitative, quantitative, and time frame standards.

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.