Tuition and Fees - Effective Fall Semester 2024
- Tuition fees are as follows:
- Students from Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw, and Sumter Counties - $204 per credit hour.
- Students from other counties in the state - $237 per credit hour. Exception –tuition for students from South Carolina enrolled in Natural Resources Management or Environmental Engineering Technology is $212 per credit hour.
- Students from out-of-state - $341 per credit hour.
- Tuition for some programs is higher due to additional costs. Please see the “Tuition Rates by Program” chart, located on our website.
- A laboratory fee of $35-$50 will be charged in selected science courses. Please see the “Lab/Specialty Fees” chart for details, located on our website.
- A technology fee of $10 per credit hour will be charged for all students (except dual enrollment students).
- A Slingshot course fee of $25 per credit hour will be charged for access to course material.
- All students who have registered but have not paid by the published deadlines will be assessed nonpayment fees.
- All students who register after the published registration period will be charged a $25 late registration fee.
- The cost of books, inclusive access, tools, distance education lab kits, and materials is in addition to tuition and other fees.
- The College reserves the right to adjust tuition and fees without notice.
- No refunds will be made if not applied for within 90 days of the last date of attendance.
Residency Status
The amount of tuition and fees you pay for attending Central Carolina Technical College shall be determined by your residency status (domicile). The rules regarding establishing residence for fees and tuition purposes at the College are governed by the Code of Laws of South Carolina, regulations promulgated by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, and the Central Carolina Technical College Commission.
The Director of Recruitment and Admissions is responsible for making all residency determinations. If you subsequently become eligible for a change of residency, it will be your responsibility to submit a Petition to Change Residency form with proper documentation to the Director of Recruitment and Admissions requesting a change of residency. The Petition to Change Residency form is in the Forms Library or https://www.cctech.edu/service-and-support/forms-library/. If the petition is approved, the change/status with supporting documentation will be effective the current term if received before the first day of classes. Exceptions may apply. Decisions of the Director of Recruitment and Admissions regarding residency may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Payment of Fees
Payment of fees must be made in accordance with published guidelines. A $30 nonpayment fee will be assessed after each deadline for accounts not paid or charged to financial aid or a payment plan. If you have outstanding debts, you will not be permitted to register until the debts have been satisfied. Deadlines are published at http://www.cctech.edu/financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/.
Refund Policy-Credit Courses
It is the policy of Central Carolina Technical College that students or appropriate sponsoring parties receive a fair and equitable refund or credit of tuition upon withdrawal or reduction of course load.
Institutional charges for a semester will be refunded or credited at the following rates:
REFUND % WITHDRAWAL OR REDUCTION IN CREDIT HOURS:
100% Before first date in term that classes are offered (start of term)
100% 1st-5th day of term (3rd day of term for minimesters)
0% After 5th day of term (3rd day of term for minimesters)
- Students who never attend class will be considered to have constructively withdrawn before the start of semester.
- Students must initiate the add/drop process online during the add/drop period to be eligible for a refund or credit.
- A student’s official withdrawal date will be based on the last date of attendance.
- Refunds for semesters that vary in length from the 16-week semester will be in proportion to the semester refund schedule delineated above.
- Late fees and late payment fees will not be refunded.
- No refunds will be made if not applied for within ninety (90) days of the last day of attendance.
- Refunds to veterans in non-degree programs or military tuition assistance students will be made in accordance with existing government regulations.
- The Vice President for Business Affairs may consider refunds on an individual basis where personal emergency or extreme hardship is involved. Written documentation will be required in these cases. No requests will be considered for charges greater than one year old.
Refund Policy-Non-credit Courses, Seminars and Workshops
Refunds may be requested by mail, in person, or by telephone. These requests are the responsibility of the registrant.
- Full Refund - A full refund will be issued for all courses, seminars, and workshops cancelled by Central Carolina Technical College.
- Partial Refund - Registrations cancelled before the cutoff date of ten (10) working days before the scheduled training will be assessed a 20% administrative fee.
- No Refund - There will be no refunds for cancellations less than ten (10) working days prior to the starting date.
Transfer Students
Students who transfer to Central Carolina Technical College are responsible for having all Student Aid Report information transmitted to Central Carolina. This request can be accomplished at http://www.studentaid.gov by adding Central Carolina Technical College’s school code (003995) to your FAFSA application. A student must have his/her FSA Username & Password to make this transaction. Students may also call 1-800-4-FED-AID to request a duplicate Student Aid Report where Central Carolina Technical College can be added. This process will take a few weeks to complete. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Financial Aid Office if he/she has attended another institution. A student cannot receive financial aid at two colleges during the same semester.
Financial Rights and Responsibilties
Please consult the section on “Financial Aid Information” in this catalog/handbook to learn how financial aid and/or scholarships may help you pay for college. Go to the Student Services Center or Outreach Campuses where counselors are ready to assist you in applying for and explaining the requirements of the various programs that are available.
Then, if you qualify for financial aid, persevere every semester to finish your classes satisfactorily. If you withdraw from all of your classes, you may owe money. Financial aid is just that - an aid to help you complete your education. Central Carolina must follow federal and state guidelines to ensure that students are making progress toward graduation from their program of study.
Also, become familiar with College tuition and fees, listed in the section labeled “Tuition and Fees” in order to plan for the costs of your College education. All debts (tuition, overdue books, etc.) owed to Central Carolina must be paid before transcripts or diplomas are released. If you have any outstanding debts, you will not be allowed to register for classes for the next semester.
Applying for Financial Aid
Step 1: Apply for a Federal Student Aid User ID & password at www.studentaid.gov.
The Federal Student Aid (FSA) Username and Password serves as your electronic signature for federal student aid.
Step 2: Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the US Department of Education. Feel free to come to the College’s Student Services Center for application assistance. A computer lab is available for students and parents to complete the FAFSA.
You may submit the FAFSA electronically at www.studentaid.gov. Students and parents, when applicable, must “sign” the application online using the FSA Username and Password.
FAFSA applications or renewal applications are to be submitted annually for the new academic year which begins with each fall semester. Applications can be submitted after October 1st of each year. It is recommended that students and/or their parents complete the FAFSA early so financial aid arrangements can be made well in advance of the start of the term. Some funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Step 3: Talk with a financial aid counselor about grants, loans, or scholarships for which you may be eligible. (See details below for a discussion of various options.)
Step 4: Once awarded, an email will be sent containing a personalized College Financing Plan.
In addition to completing the FAFSA each year, to maintain eligibility for financial assistance, you must make progress toward your academic goal, and maintain a certain grade-point average (GPA); Pass Rate, and 150% credit hour limitation to demonstrate success. Be sure to consult the Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Progress outlined in the Student Handbook section of this catalog or on the College’s website at http://www.cctech.edu/financial-aid/. Ask questions if you do not understand the requirements. It is important that you protect your eligibility.
Applications for Financial Aid
The FAFSA can be submitted prior to being admitted to a program of study. However, the financial aid application cannot be considered for award until the applicant is accepted into an eligible program. Remember that some funds are limited and the best aid packages are sent early in the award cycle. Late applications generally cannot be funded to their full eligibility.
Request an official high school or GED transcript to be sent to Student Records if you wish to be considered for all forms of financial aid. To receive financial aid, high school transcripts must be provided from a public, private, home school or GED program under the South Carolina Law on Education, Title 59, Chapter 65. If the student completed a home school program in another state, the student must provide documentation indicating if it was a state-approved home school program. Students who live in South Carolina and complete unauthorized out of state home schooling programs will be considered non-high school graduates. If applicable, request official college transcripts to be sent to Student Records.
You can now complete your FAFSA with a free app on a smart phone.
Verification
Students selected by the US Department of Education for verification will receive an email notification from the Financial Aid Office. This process requires the students to submit documentation to verify certain data contained on the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). Students and parents should request a copy of their federal tax transcript and/or W-2 documents from the IRS, which may be needed to complete the verification process.
Students enrolled in more than one college in the same semester may receive financial assistance from only one college at a time.
Every effort will be made to make an award provided the file can be brought to completion. The Payment Plan is made available through the Central Carolina Technical College Business Office. Information regarding the payment plan may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, the Business Office, or on the College’s website at http://www.cctech.edu/financialaid/payment-plan/.
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Funds
Federal Pell Grants
A Federal Pell Grant is based on need and does not have to be paid back. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added. Pell Grants for 2024-2025 range from $740 to $7395 for full-time students. Eligible students enrolled less than full-time will receive prorated awards. If eligible, Pell Grant may be used for up to 12 semesters.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need - those with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI) numbers. Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while pursuing their education. FWS students are issued paychecks monthly to assist with educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to a student’s course of study. Federal Work-Study awards are made on the basis of a student’s financial need. Participants in this program must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Federal Direct Loans
Regular students who have completed a FAFSA and are enrolled in an eligible program of study at least half time (6 hours) may be eligible for the Direct Loan Program. Students must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling to be considered for Direct Loan funding.
State Funds
South Carolina Need Based Grant
The South Carolina Need Based Grant (SCNBG) is funded by the State of South Carolina. The funds are awarded to students on a basis of need. Early applicants are given first priority for consideration. South Carolina Need Based Grant award amounts range from $250 to $1750. Participants must enroll in at least 6 credit hours and maintain a 2.0 Cumulative GPA. If awarded students must sign the SCNBG Certification for use of award.
SC Foster Care youth are eligible for additional Need Based Grant funding. Please contact the financial aid office for more information.
Lottery Tuition Assistance
Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) is available to South Carolina residents that complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet all other LTA eligibility criteria. According to state law, federal grants and need-based grants will be applied against technical college tuition before lottery-funded tuition assistance will be applied. The law states students can apply tuition assistance toward only one certificate, diploma, or associate degree program every five years, unless the additional certificate, diploma, or associate degree is necessary for progress in the field of study.
LIFE Scholarship
The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship Program, approved by the General Assembly in 1998, is merit based. Students graduating from a South Carolina High School who have a cumulative Grade Point Average (UGS) of 3.0 or higher who enroll in 12 credit hours above the 100level will be eligible for the LIFE Scholarship. This scholarship pays up to $2500 in tuition costs each semester. Eligibility criteria may be found at http://www.che.sc.gov. It is the student’s responsibility to adhere to LIFE Scholarship criteria and to self-identify to the Financial Aid Office as eligible for LIFE funds. Students who are eligible for LIFE Scholarships must provide an official copy of their final high school transcript, and/or official college transcripts, and meet all enrollment requirements before the scholarship can be awarded. Once awarded students must complete a LIFE Affidavit for use of award.
IMPORTANT: Students receiving LIFE Scholarship funds at a technical college will not be eligible for lottery-funded tuition assistance (LTA) during the same academic year.
PALMETTO FELLOWS Scholarship
Initial eligibility for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is determined by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. In addition, STEM-related fields of study may qualify you for a Palmetto Scholarship Enhancement. Freshman receive $6,700. Sophomores receive $7,500. In order to retain eligibility for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship after the initial year, the student must meet the following continued eligibility requirements: 1. Enroll and be continuously enrolled at an eligible two-year or four-year public or independent institution as a full-time, degree-seeking student at the time of scholarship disbursement; 2. Earn at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the home institution for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year; 3. Earn a minimum of thirty credit hours for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year. Exempted credit hours (such as AP, CLEP, etc.), credit hours earned before high school graduation, and credit hours earned the summer term immediately following high school graduation cannot be used to meet the annual credit hour requirement.
SC WINS Scholarship
The SC Workforce and Industrial Needs Scholarship (SC WINS) can help cover tuition, mandatory fees, and supplies left after applying all other scholarships or grants. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 total per academic year, after applying all other scholarships or grants. When combined with other aid if applicable, many eligible students can attend with little or no tuition cost.
Institutional Programs
Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships are provided through the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation and the generosity of industries, businesses, professional organizations, civic clubs, and individuals.
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis applying the following criteria: academic excellence, achievement, leadership qualities and need, or other criteria as stipulated by the donor. Awards usually include tuition and/or book assistance and require the recipient to maintain a minimum GPA to continue the scholarship. Each scholarship is awarded for one academic year beginning with the fall semester. Students must reapply each year. Students are encouraged to apply early. Screening of applicants will begin in mid-March.
Check with the Financial Aid Office and Outreach Campus front offices in Clarendon, Kershaw, and Lee Counties for online applications and deadline dates or on the College website at http://www.cctech.edu/about/cctc-foundation/foundation-scholarships/. For further information, contact the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation Office at (803) 778-6641.
Central Carolina Scholars
Central Carolina Technical College along with community partners provides two years (six consecutive semesters) at Central Carolina Technical College tuition-free for high school students in the graduating class of 2024 who graduate on time. The Central Carolina Scholars scholarship is an economic development tool for existing and new industries and will afford expanded higher education opportunities to students in Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw, and Lee counties.
High school students must meet Central Carolina Scholars Criteria. Once the criteria have been met, the Central Carolina Scholar scholarship is available for six (6) consecutive semesters. Some of the criteria to receive the scholarship:
- Instate residency as determined by SC residency laws.
- Graduation from a high school located in Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw, and Lee counties; or a graduate of the South Carolina Virtual High School or Home School and a resident of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee or Sumter County.
- Present a final high school transcript showing graduation date and minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Begin taking classes in the summer or fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For a complete list of criteria to receive a scholarship and to maintain scholarship eligibility, visit the College’s website at https://www.cctech.edu/admissions/central-carolina-scholars/, or contact the Financial Aid Office at (803) 778-7831.
Payment Plan
Central Carolina Technical College is pleased to offer a payment plan through Nelnet. This plan will enable you to more easily afford your educational expenses. The payment plan provides you with a low-cost plan for budgeting tuition, fees, and books. For more information on the payment plan, please contact the Central Carolina Business Office at (803) 774-3322 or 774-3350, or visit the payment plan page on the College’s website at http://www.cctech.edu/financial-aid/payment-plan/.
Central Carolina Technical College realizes how challenging meeting educational expenses can be and strives to help eligible students with the proper assistance to attend Central Carolina Technical College.
Veterans’ and Active Duty Education Benefits
Central Carolina Technical College is approved by the State Approving Agency for training service persons, veterans, dependents, and reservists under Title 38, U.S. Code for the following VA educational benefits:
- Montgomery GI Bill ® (Chapter 30)
- New GI Bill ® - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1606)
- Reservists called or ordered to serve in response to a war. (Chapter 1607)
- Survivors and Dependents (Chapter 35)
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
- New GI Bill ® Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 (Chapter 33)
- Tuition Assistance and SCNG/CAP
A student may apply for VA Benefits online at www.ebenefits.va.gov to determine eligibility.
CCTC will permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “statement of Benefits: obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website - eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
- The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
- 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
CCTC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.
CCTC requires the covered individual to take the following actions:
- Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance.
- Submit a request each semester to use such entitlement. (Veterans Certification Request Form)
- Provide additional information necessary to the proper certification of enrollment by the educational institution.
- CCTC will require additional payment or fee for the amount that is the difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement.
Specific information regarding each Veterans’ program may be obtained from the Veterans’ Affairs Office in Building M300, Room M302 on the Main Campus.
Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans
Children of certain disabled veterans and/or purple-heart recipients may be eligible for free tuition. Eligibility and application information may be obtained from the Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs Office or any county Veterans Affairs Office or from the Governor’s Office, Division of Veterans Affairs, 6437 Garners Ferry Road, Suite 1126, Columbia, SC 29209. Call (803) 647-2434.
VA Certification for Online Courses
In order to meet VA certification requirements for off-campus courses such as Practica, Internships/Externships and residencies, as well as courses offered via the Internet or other modes of distance education, Central Carolina Technical College acknowledges that these courses are part of the College’s approved curriculum, are directly supervised by the College, are measured in the same unit as other courses, are required for graduation, and are part of a program of study approved by the State Approving Agency. The College requires that the faculty teaching these courses use a grading system similar to the grading system used in resident courses and include statements in the course syllabus that indicate that appropriate assignments are needed for the completion of the course and that the student is expected to demonstrate, at least once a week, that he/she is actively involved in the class. Examples of activities that can be used to demonstrate this involvement include, but are not limited to, the following: posting/receiving e-mails, participating in online class discussions and class chat rooms, and completing and submitting course assignments. Further, the College requires that these courses have schedules of time for training and instruction which demonstrate that students shall spend at least as much time in preparation, instruction, and training as is normally required by the College for its resident courses.
Standards of Academic Progress for VA and or National Guard Educational Benefits
Academic progress will be measured at the end of each evaluation period. Failure by a student to maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 and/or have a less than 67% pass rate for any evaluation period will result in that student being placed on academic probation (warning) for the next enrolled term per Federal and CCTC Standards of Academic Progress.
Failure by the student to attain a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 during the probation term and/or obtaining a less than 67% pass rate will result in academic suspension (termination of student/Veteran’s benefits) for one term; the next enrolled term. The interruption will be reported to the Veterans Administration (VA) using VA Form 22-1999b or the applicable National Guard educational benefit administrator. Student must obtain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher during the suspension term (next enrolled term) and obtain a pass rate of 67% or higher to be considered for reinstatement of VA educational benefits. VA/CAP educational benefits will not be paid during a suspension term.
Veterans/students who obtain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA and a 67% pass rate during their suspension term are eligible to be considered for reinstatement of VA educational benefits. Veterans/students who fail to attain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 during the return term (after suspension) and/or less than 67% pass rate will be placed on academic dismissal for 2 terms; next 2 enrolled terms. Reinstatement after dismissal will be granted only if mitigating circumstances exist and are presented/documented with appeal. VA/CAP educational benefits will not be paid during dismissal terms.
Mitigating Circumstances: Mitigating circumstances are those which directly hinder pursuit of a course and which are judged to be beyond the student’s control.
Pass rate is computed based on attempted hours and hours receiving a passing grade. Receiving a “W”, “I”, “WA”, or an “F” for a class is considered a grade and used in computing a student’s pass rate.
Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid
Students receiving financial assistance must be making satisfactory progress towards a degree, diploma, or certificate. Students receiving financial aid through state programs will, at a minimum, meet the same standards when specific criteria are not prescribed. See Student Handbook for details or the College’s website at http://www.cctech.edu/financial-aid/.
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation
South Carolina residents with vocational disabilities may qualify for financial assistance for educational expenses from the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. In Sumter, call (803) 4692960: in Camden, call (803) 469-1068.
Return of Title IV Funds
Students who receive financial aid and completely withdraw from the College are subject to the return of Title IV funds policy. The amount to be returned is based on the percentage of enrollment completed for the semester and the amount of financial aid assistance considered earned. Funds are returned to the appropriate programs in the following order: unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans; subsidized Federal Direct Loans; Federal Pell Grant; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant; other Title IV Assistance. The College and the student are both responsible to return unearned financial aid to the appropriate program(s). Examples are available in the Business Office. Students who do not repay the required amount will be ineligible for financial aid until repayment has been made.
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