Financial Information

Student Fees and Expenses

It is estimated that the average student who is a North Carolina resident incurs necessary expenses of approximately $2,700 for tuition, fees, and books during an academic year of three semesters. The cost of room and board for students who desire such accommodations may vary considerably according to individual requirements. The College does not have any dormitory or cafeteria facilities.

Curriculum Tuition/Fees 2008-2009*

(*Tuition charges, registration fees, and refund policies are subject to change by action of the North Carolina General Assembly.)

In-State Students

Per credit hour through 15 credit hours $ 42.00

Sixteen (16) credit hours and above $ 672.00

Out-of-State Students

Per credit hour through 15 credit hours $ 233.30

Sixteen (16) credit hours and above $ 3,732.80

Student Activity Fee - Per Semester/Per Credit Hour $ 1.25

($20.00 maximum student fee per semester)

Student fee includes accident insurance, student activities, and graduation expense

Security/Parking Fee (per semester) $ 4.00

TEAS fee (nursing applicants only) $ 25.00

Technology fee (per semester) $ 8.00

Malpractice insurance is required for students in:

Nursing (ADN & PNE) $ 15.00

Surgical Technology $ 15.00

Central Sterile Processing $ 15.00

Dialysis Technology $ 15.00

(Above amounts are maximum charges for insurance. These rates are subject to change by the insurance companies.)

Continuing Education Fees

All fees are subject to change by action of the North Carolina General Assembly.

There is no registration fee for Basic Skills courses. The registration fee for Occupational Extension courses is based on actual class contact hours and is as follows:

In addition to the registration fee, each student must pay a Technology Fee of $8.00 per semester if the student is enrolled in an on-campus or on-line class consisting of 16 or more hours.

Malpractice insurance is required of students in the Nurse Aide ($15), Phlebotomy ($15), Pharmacy Technician ($15), and EMT/EMS ($60) programs. (Insurance amounts are subject to change by the insurance companies.)

The registration fee for Community Service courses is $40. The registration fee for Self-Supporting classes is determined by the actual cost of the class. There are no fee waivers for Self-Supporting classes. Many classes are free for senior citizens (65 and over).

Students taking Continuing Education courses that are 16 hours or longer are required to pay a $4.00 security/parking fee each semester. Student accident insurance is also available for a nominal fee each semester.

Continuing Education Student Accident Insurance

Continuing Education students may purchase accident insurance for $2.00 per semester. EMT, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomist, and Pharmacy Technician students MUST pay $2.00 per semester for accident insurance.

Pedi-Trio Certification Cards

Pedi-Trio is a course for Advanced Life Support personnel to train and certify in three areas: Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Professionals (PEPP), and Pediatric Basic Trauma Life Support (Pedi-BTLS). Upon successful completion of the course, students receive certification cards. These cards are issued by third party agencies, and the total cost is $20.50 for all three certification cards.

Payment Policies

Payment of all tuition and student fees is due at the time of registration. Malpractice insurance is due before clinical experience begins.

Registration is conducted at the beginning of each Fall, Spring, and Summer Semester, as listed in the College academic calendar. Actual dates and times are posted on campus, advertised in the local media, and on the website, www.wilsoncc.edu. Registration for classes is not complete until the student or his/her financial aid award pays tuition and fees.

Continuing students who early register for classes and who are approved for financial aid and find that they are unable to attend must officially withdraw from those classes. Otherwise, their financial aid will be charged for the tuition and fees and, should they fail to attend those classes, they may be liable for repayment.

North Carolina residents who are 65 years of age or older shall be exempted from the payment of curriculum tuition and some continuing education registration fees.

Tuition for concurrent enrollment students has been waived. This is the result of Section 88 of Senate Bill 44, (1989 General Assembly), which states "High School students enrolled in a community college in accordance with G.S. 115D-20(4) and G.S. 115D-5 shall be exempt from tuition for community college courses taken in accordance with these two sections."

All tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the North Carolina General Assembly.

The college accepts cash, money orders, checks, VISA, and MasterCard in person and accepts checks and money orders through the mail. Please ensure that mailed payments are received by the payment deadline. Mailed payments are for early registration only. Mail payment to: Cashier, Wilson Community College, P.O. Box 4305, Wilson, NC 27893.

Refunds

Tuition Refund - Curriculum Courses*

A refund shall not be made except under the following circumstances:

• A 75% refund will be made upon request of the student if the student officially withdraws from the class(es) prior to or on the official 10% point of the semester.
• For contact hour classes, 10 calendar days from the first day of the class(es) is the determination date.
• To comply with applicable federal regulations regarding refunds to individuals or groups, federal regulations will supersede the state refund regulations stated in this rule.
• A pre-registered student who officially withdraws from a curriculum class(es) prior to the day the semester begins will be eligible for a 100% tuition refund, upon request.

Refunds - General

Refunds will be made by check and will be available four to six weeks after the last day of registration.

Other Fees*

Student Activity Fees, Technology Fees, and Security/Parking Fees are not refunded unless a class fails to develop or if the student drops before the official first day of the semester. In such cases, they shall be refunded in full.

*When a student, having paid tuition and fees, dies prior to or on the last day of the semester, all tuition and fees for that semester may be refunded to the estate of the deceased.

Refunds - Occupational Extension Courses

• A 100% refund shall be made if the student officially withdraws from the class before the first class meeting by submitting a written request.
• A 75% refund shall be made if the student officially withdraws from the class prior to or on the 10% date of scheduled hours by submitting a written request.
• A full refund shall be made for classes canceled by the College. In the event the College cancels a class, no written request is necessary.
• There are no refunds for Self-Supporting classes unless the course is canceled by the College.
• In order to be eligible for a refund, the student must complete an official withdrawal form and the withdrawal form must be received in the Continuing Education office prior to the deadline.
• At the time of official withdrawal under this policy, the College shall notify the student of a refund.

Refunds - Community Service Courses

Registration fees for Community Service or Self-Supporting courses are not refundable.

Outstanding Charges or Loans

No student will be permitted to enroll in any program if he/she has charges due to the College from previous enrollments. Charges due may include, but are not limited to, financial aid over payments, overdue library books, parking tickets, outstanding loans, etc.

Education Credits

As a community college student, you are eligible to receive education tax credits that can reduce the expense of your education. There are two education tax credits available, the Hope Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. The credits are based on education expenses paid for you, your spouse, or your dependents. During any particular year, you can claim only one of the credits for each student.

The amount of the credit is determined by the amount you pay for "qualified tuition and related expenses" for each student and the amount of your modified adjusted gross income (modified AGI).

Expenses that qualify are tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an accredited college, university, vocational school, or other post-secondary educational institution that is eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the Department of Education.

Qualified expenses do not include room and board, insurance, transportation, or other similar personal, living, or family expenses. Qualified expenses may include fees for books, supplies, and equipment only if the fees must be paid to the school for the student's enrollment or attendance. In addition, qualified expenses may include student activity fees if the fee must be paid to the school for the student's enrollment or attendance.

You can claim a Hope Credit only for an "eligible student". An "eligible student" is a student who:

1. As of the beginning of the year, has not completed the first two years of post-secondary education (that is, generally is a freshman or sophomore in college).
2. Is enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential, for at least one academic period beginning during the year.
3. Is taking at least one-half of the normal full-time workload for the student's course of study for at least one academic period beginning during the calendar year, and
4. Is free of any federal or state felony conviction for possessing or distributing a controlled substance as of the end of the year.

You can claim a Hope Credit for only two tax years for each eligible student. An eligible student can be you, your spouse, or your dependent for whom you can claim an exemption.

The Lifetime Learning Credit is not based on the student's workload. It is allowed for one or more courses that the student takes at an eligible educational institution. The credit is not limited to students in the first two years of post-secondary education. Expenses for graduate-level degree work are eligible. However, to be eligible for the credit, the student must be taking course work in order to acquire or improve job skills. There is no limit on the number of tax years for which the Lifetime Learning credit can be claimed for each student. The amount you can claim as a credit does not vary (i.e., increase) based on the number of students for whom you pay qualified expenses.

Both the Hope Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit may be reduced, or eliminated, if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain limits, based on your filing status. You cannot claim either credit if you are married filing a separate return. The credit is claimed on Form 8863 (PDF).

For answers to some frequently asked questions, refer to: http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq-kw52.html and for additional information on education credits, refer to Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

Student Financial Aid

The purpose of student financial aid is to provide a comprehensive program of financial assistance to qualified students who would find it difficult or impossible to attend Wilson Community College without financial assistance.

Financial aid is administered in conjunction with the nationally established policy and philosophy that the student and his/her family have the primary responsibility for financing a college education. Financial assistance is designed only for filling in the gap between the family's potential resources and the student's expenses.

ALL applicants for financial aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. A student may also request a paper FAFSA application by calling 1-800-433-3243. March 15 is the priority date for applying for state and federal financial aid for the fall semester. Financial aid packages will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis until all funds have been exhausted. Renewal of aid is not automatic; students must file a FAFSA for each academic year. All first-time applicants must be fully accepted for admission by the College before aid will be awarded. Recipients of Federal (Title IV) financial aid must be high school graduates or have obtained the GED and be enrolled in an eligible program. For inquiries, email the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@wilsontech.edu.

Students who early register or register for classes, are approved for financial aid, and find that they will be unable to attend must officially withdraw from those classes. Otherwise, their financial aid award will be charged for the tuition and fees and the student may be liable for repayment to the aid-funding source should they fail to attend.

Students will be notified of financial aid check disbursement dates and times.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by Congress in 1980, mandates that institutions of higher education must establish standards of "satisfactory academic progress" applicable to all Federal (Title IV) and all state and institutionally awarded funds for the purpose of maintaining a consistent policy for all students receiving financial assistance.

Definition of Qualitative Satisfactory Academic Progress

1. A student must pass two-thirds (.667) of the hours originally attempted each semester.
2. A student who does not meet the above requirements will be placed on financial aid warning. During the semester of warning, the student will receive regular financial aid and will be expected to reestablish satisfactory progress.
3. If a student has not reestablished satisfactory progress after one semester of financial aid warning, all forms of financial aid to the student will be suspended.

Time Limit for Aid

Per federal mandate, a student will be allowed to receive financial assistance until he/she has attempted a maximum of 150% of the hours required to complete his/her degree, diploma, or certificate. Students in some vocational (diploma or certificate) programs will have their financial aid eligibility determined by clock hours rather than credit hours. For example, the Associate Degree in Computer Programming is 74 hours in length; a financial aid recipient enrolled may take up to 111 hours (150 percent of 74) to complete the program. Another example would be a Welding Diploma requiring 47 hours. Upon completion a student could receive aid for up to 70 hours.

Quantitative Progress and Loss of Financial Aid

Students will be notified in writing when being placed on financial aid probation and quantitative warning when the student has reached 150% of the allowable hours permitted.

• Students who place into developmental course credits will have those classes count as part of their course load for financial aid.
• Developmental course work will only be counted as credit for financial aid eligibility during the student's first academic year. Only 30 hours of developmental course work can be applied toward financial aid, as mandated by the US Department of Education.
• Withdrawals from school after officially registering for courses will count toward the total semester hours attempted, not earned, for quantitative progress evaluation.
• Only the last grade earned on a repeated course is counted and meets the quantitative progress requirements as well as graduation requirements.
• All prior academic records will be reviewed and will be applied to a student's eligibility requirements for progress.

Appeals Process for Qualitative and Quantitative Progress

Students may appeal their loss of financial aid based on qualitative and quantitative lack of satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Such an appeal may be considered for documented, unusual, or mitigating circumstances. Students wishing to make an appeal should do so in writing to the Director of Financial Aid, who, in consultation with the Dean of Student Services and/or the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, may grant or deny the appeal.

Grants

Grants are financial aid awards that are given to students and, if utilized properly, usually do not have to be paid back.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded program based on need as determined by the FAFSA. The amount of the actual grant is based upon family contribution as determined by the federal government. Students receiving a Pell Grant should follow these guidelines and regulations:

• Must attend class and have their attendance verified by their instructor.
• Must be enrolled in an eligible degree, diploma, or certificate program.
• If a student reduces the number of credit hours for course load or withdraws from a course within a certain specified period of time during the semester, the student's award will be recalculated to reflect current course load at that time.
• If a student withdraws during the period prior to the 60% point of the semester, the award must be recalculated to determine the amount of Title IV Federal aid the student did not earn, and the student is usually responsible for repayment of these funds. Failure to repay an overpayment results in a loss of financial aid eligibility.
• Hours for courses being taken for the third time will not be considered when calculating Pell Grant eligibility.
• Eligible students generally receive a Pell Grant twice in an academic year. If funds are remaining, a student may receive Pell in the summer term as well.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are U.S. citizens, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The program is available for the first time for the 2006-07 school year for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award.

If you can answer YES to all of the following questions, you may potentially be eligible to receive an Academic Competitiveness Grant.

1. Are you a U.S. citizen?

2. Did you graduated from high school after January 1, 2005?

3. Are you eligible to receive a Pell Grant?

4. Will you be enrolled as a full-time first or second year student in a two-year or four-year degree program?

The first step to be considered for this grant is to apply for a Pell Grant.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally funded program to provide a limited amount of funds for the employment of students who demonstrate need as determined by the FAFSA. To participate in this program, students must be accepted for admission to Wilson Community College and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

The FWS program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The average workload is 10 hours or less per week. During vacation periods, the student may work up to 40 hours per week. The basic rate of pay is $6.55 per hour. On-campus jobs include work in offices, shops, the library, and maintenance. Students participating in the FWS Program will be paid on the last day of each month for hours worked the previous month.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

SEOG is a federally subsidized program. Awards are based on exceptional financial need and academic promise. These grants are available to a limited number of students. Eligibility must be established with the Financial Aid Office. The College requires SEOG recipients to maintain a 2.7 or higher cumulative grade point average. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA early, as SEOG awards are distributed on a first come-first served basis.

North Carolina Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG)

NCSIG Grants are available to full-time students who are residents of North Carolina and who demonstrate substantial financial need. The amount will be based on the student's demonstrated financial need in relation to resources and cost of education, but may not exceed $1,500 per academic year. Eligibility is determined and funds are provided by the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority. To apply, students must submit their FAFSA prior to the March 15 deadline to be eligible for consideration.

North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG)

The 1999 North Carolina General Assembly allocated $5 million to provide need-based assistance for community college students. To be considered, an applicant needs to list a North Carolina community college in step 6 on the FAFSA. NCCCG recipients must be enrolled at least half time. There are no summer semester disbursements for this grant. Grant amounts depend on legislative budgets.

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship

To be considered, a student must complete the FAFSA form and (1) be a NC resident for tuition purposes, (2) enroll on at least a half-time basis, (3) comply with satisfactory academic progress standards as set by the institution, and (4) be enrolled in an eligible program of study.

Eligibility is determined on the same criteria as the Pell Grant program with one exception; students not eligible for Pell with an estimated family contribution of $5,000 or less will be eligible for an Education Lottery Scholarship. It is estimated that awards will range from $100 to $2,300 per year. Scholarship amounts and estimated family contribution may change depending on legislative budgets.

TEACH Grant Program

A new program for 2008-09, the TEACH grant is for students who plan on becoming a teacher. For more information, go to www.teachgrant.ed.gov or call 1-800-433-3243.

Loans

A variety of loans are available. Repayment of some loans begins immediately; other repayment options begin after a student completes the educational program and is no longer enrolled in school. Other options include interest payment only while enrolled. For detailed information regarding financial aid opportunities and the application procedure, see the financial aid staff in Room B-107.

Emergency Student Loans

A limited loan fund is available for emergency loans up to $150 for a maximum of 30 days without interest. These loans may be made to students who have a need for funds for unusual circumstances. The loans are intended for unexpected situations and are not made for regular expenses. The Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs administers the loan fund and will require an explanation of the nature of the emergency. Documentation will be required. Book loans up to $150 are available during registration periods.

A new loan cannot be made unless all outstanding debts and loans are paid in full. There is a $5 processing fee, regardless of principal amount borrowed. The full amount of the loan plus the $5 processing fee is to be repaid within 30 days. Loans are subject to fund availability.

Alternative Loans

Wilson Community College does NOT participate in the Stafford or Plus Loan programs. The Financial Aid Office will, however, certify students for an alternative loan from the lender of their choice. Alternative loans are typically credit based and may require a co-borrower. Applicants are forewarned loans must be repaid and failure to repay on schedule may have a negative impact on one's credit worthiness in the future.

North Carolina Community College Loan Program (Half Tuition Loans)

Wilson Community College elected to participate in this new program initiated by the 1999 North Carolina General Assembly. The College has earmarked funds to be used exclusively for half-tuition loans during registration. Access to the funds is open both to full-time and part-time students. There is a $5 processing fee, regardless of principal amount borrowed. The full amount of the loan plus the $5 processing fee is to be repaid by the Friday immediately preceding the first day of early registration for the next semester.

Scholarships

Scholarships to selected students are made available from funds received from the North Carolina Community College System and several area organizations, firms, and individuals, including the Wilson Community College Foundation. These scholarships are gifts to qualified students to be used in offsetting their educational expenses, and as such, require that recipients must be good citizens of the College and the community. In most cases, the Financial Aid and Awards Committee, which includes Wilson Community College faculty and staff, selects most scholarship recipients based on the established criteria. When possible, selections are made by October 1 and presented at the annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony in November. Depending upon the scholarship, the eligibility criteria may include financial need, program of study, high school attended, grade point average, etc. Both full and part-time students are eligible for these unless otherwise stated. It is possible for an individual student to receive more than one scholarship. The Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs has the responsibility to administer these funds according to scholarship guidelines. Scholarship applications are typically available during the fall semester registration period only.

Nurse Scholars Program/Nurse Education Scholarship Loan Program

Information on the Nurse Scholars Program and Nurse Education Scholarship Loan Program is available from the Associate Dean for Allied Health. Recipients are usually selected by mid-October for the NESLP program and interested nursing students must complete the FAFSA. Contact the Associate Dean of Allied Health for information regarding the application, dates, and deadlines.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Eligible WIA recipients may receive various types of financial assistance as they pursue career training and retraining. Businesses, government, and schools work together to provide vocational or employability skills to those who are out of work or who need new skills and training to successfully enter the job market. The Financial Aid Office works with those WIA agencies that are sponsoring WIA eligible students, as determined by the Employment Security Commission. The Admissions Counselor/Retention Specialist coordinates these efforts and helps with the transition of attending school.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation can award and sponsor eligible students. The student must have a verified mental or physical disability that is a barrier to employment. There must be reasonable expectation that as a result of vocational rehabilitation services, the person may become gainfully employed. Each rehabilitation program is individually designed, developed, and contracted with the Vocational Counselor.

The sponsorship and amount of the award is based on need and type of program in which the student is enrolled. It generally pays for tuition, fees, some books and supplies, and in some cases, for supportive services such as interpreter services, attendant services, and transportation. Interested students can contact the Vocational Rehabilitation office by calling (252) 237-7161 for more information.

Child Care Assistance

Wilson Community College is generally funded from the State of North Carolina General Assembly to provide child care assistance to eligible students. Applications to participate are available in the Financial Aid office during fall semester registration only.

Payment and Disbursement of Financial Aid Funds

• SEOG Grants will be disbursed after the 60% point of the term.
• Disbursement of some scholarships will be made after regular registration at the start of each semester.
• NC Incentive Grant Awards are disbursed upon receipt from the College Foundation, Inc.
• Students receiving Pell Grants may charge tuition, fees, books, and certain required supplies/kits against their semester eligibility, up to the maximum scheduled amount. The student will receive a cash payment of the semester balance, if any, after their attendance and class load has been verified.
• In order to provide accurate and sound accounting procedures, the Financial Aid Office will determine payment on a student's enrollment status. If a student's enrollment status changes for such reasons as completion, withdrawal, exemption, or audit, prior to disbursement, a recalculation will occur and a check will be issued to reflect the new enrollment data.
• Students must remain enrolled beyond the 60% point in order to "earn" 100% of their Pell award. If an overpayment is created, the student will be notified of the liability, if any, which must be repaid.
• An otherwise eligible student cannot use a Pell Grant for registration if they have an outstanding balance from a prior enrollment. Likewise, a student receiving a Pell Grant cannot use an anticipated award to repay a balance due from a prior term.

For additional information, contact the Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Affairs (VA)

Veterans and/or qualified dependents of veterans, members of the selected reserve, war orphans, the National Guard, or students who have completed active tours of duty in the armed forces can enroll at Wilson Community College. The Wilson County Veterans Affairs Office can provide assistance in clarifying objectives, establishing career goals, and making life career choices. The Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs meets with each student who participates under VA Education Assistance and explains VA eligibility requirements and acts to ensure that all VA and institutional requirements are understood and met. Appointments can be made by calling (252) 246-1274. Stipends are available to eligible students in the National Guard. Veterans enrolled at less than half time are certified by request only. Veterans may contact the regional office toll free at (888) 442-4551.

Veterans who wish to repeat a course, for which a passing grade has been earned, will not receive educational benefits for repeating those courses, including transfer credits. Enrollment status for VA benefits is as follows: