Financial Information

Residency Requirements

Residency at Tri-County Technical College is an essential part of tuition assessment. Students are required to pay out-of-state tuition if they are not legal residents of the state of South Carolina. Initial determination of one’s resident status is made at the time of admission. The determination made at that time, and any determination made thereafter, prevails for each subsequent semester/term until information becomes available that would impact the existing residency status.

The burden of proof rests with the student to show evidence as deemed necessary to establish and maintain her/his residency status. Questions regarding residency should be directed to the Residency Officer, Pendleton Campus, Miller Hall, Room 190. Students who falsify residential information will be charged the appropriate tuition rate, plus interest at a rate of 8% per annum, and a penalty amounting to 25% of the out-of-state rate for one semester.

Note: Establishing residency at a university or college other than Tri-County Technical College does not guarantee the same residency classification at the College.

(Legal residence status is determined by regulations issued under S.C. Code of Laws, 1976, Titles 59-112-10 through 59-112-100.)

Out-of-State to In-State Requirements

In order for residency status to be evaluated before the tuition due date, the residency packet must be submitted to the Residency Officer (190 Miller Hall, Pendleton Campus) no later than the residency priority date (as indicated on the Enrollment and Academic Calendar). Residency packets will be considered through the last day to add classes for Session A for the term in which the student is attempting to qualify for in-state tuition. However, the student must pay out-of-state tuition prior to the tuition due date. If in-state residency is then granted, the student will receive a refund of the tuition difference.

In addition to the residency application (available online at www.tctc.edu/x1101.xml), copies of the following documents must be included in the residency packet. NOTE: If applying as a dependent of a South Carolina resident, the following documents must also be submitted from the person claiming the student as a dependent.

• Lease, rental agreement, or closing documents.
• Most recently filed Federal and State income tax returns. If filing as independent and under age 24, most recently filed federal income tax return for parent or guardian is also required.
• Documentation of all sources of income.
• Valid South Carolina driver’s license, or if a non-driver, a South Carolina identification card.
• Vehicle registration(s) of all vehicles owned.
• Non-citizens of the United States must provide a copy of their visa, permanent resident card, or other applicable immigration document.

Students seeking an exception to the twelve-month residency requirement must also submit one of the following:

• Statement from the employer for whom in-state determination is based (full-time employees only). Statement must 1) verify full time employment; 2) specify number of hours worked per week; 3) state original date of employment in South Carolina; and 4) specify length of term of employment; if indefinite, state so. Statement must be on company letterhead; if the company does not have letterhead, the statement must be notarized.
• Retired in South Carolina petitioners must provide documentation of retirement and receipt of retirement income received at a South Carolina address.
• Military petitioners must provide a copy of their current active duty orders.

NOTE: Incomplete residency packets will not be considered. Additional documentation may be required at the discretion of the Residency Officer.

Out-of-County to In-County Requirements

To qualify for in-county tuition rates, the student must have been domiciled in Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens County continuously for at least twelve months immediately preceding the first day of class of the term for which resident classification is sought.

A completed Change Request: Student Address, Phone, or E-mail form (available online at www.tctc.edu/x2333.xml) and a copy of a valid lease, rental agreement, or closing documents. These must be submitted to Student Records (190 Miller Hall, Pendleton Campus) in order to be considered for in-county residency.

Residency changes will be processed through the last day to add classes for Session A for the term in which the student is attempting to qualify for in-county tuition.

Residency Appeals

Any person, following a decision on his or her resident classification, may appeal the decision to the Tri-County Technical College’s residency appeals committee. This committee, however, is bound by the same laws and regulations as the Residency Officer, so its purpose is only to review the facts and details of any case and to evaluate the correctness of the decision made by the College’s Residency Officer. Neither the committee nor the Residency Officer may waive the provisions of the law or regulations.

Persons wishing to appeal a residency decision must provide a letter to the College’s Residency Officer (112 Miller Hall, Pendleton Campus) stating the intention to appeal the decision. The letter must also include a summary of the person’s situation and a statement which specifies the residency provision under which the person feels he or she qualifies to pay in-state (or in-county) fees. The Residency Officer will then schedule a meeting of the appeals committee to hear the appeal.

Tuition

Tuition is set on a sliding scale based upon the student’s legal residence as defined in the Code of Laws of South Carolina, guidelines established by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the Tri-County Technical College Commission.  Those students who live in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties pay the lowest fees because part of their tax dollars funds the College.  Other students from South Carolina pay a lower fee than out-of-state students because the College derives part of its support from state revenues.

All students, even those taking courses tuition-free, will be responsible for purchasing required textbooks and paying applicable materials and lab fees.

Tuition is subject to change without notice. Please check the College website for the most current tuition amounts. As of the production of this Catalog, tuition rates per semester/term are as follows (includes the mandatory $4 per credit technology fee and the $2 per credit hour Student Activity fee):

Senior Citizens

The College offers tuition-free courses, both credit and non-credit, on a space-available basis to senior citizens, 60 years of age or older. To be eligible for tuition-free courses, a student must be a legal resident of South Carolina and meet all admission requirements. The College may require proof that the student is eligible for tuition-waived status. Specific registration dates are published on the Enrollment and Academic Calendar found at www.tctc.edu/x1059.xml.

Community and personal interest courses through the Community and Corporate Education Division are not offered on a tuition-free basis.

Children of Veterans

Based on the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976 Title 59-111-20, the College offers Free Credit Tuition for Certain War Veterans’ Children. The Business Office must receive a letter from the state of South Carolina, Office of the Governor, Division of Veterans’ Affairs, before waiving tuition. Tuition waivers apply only to credit courses.

Children of Firemen, Law-Enforcement Officers, and Other Public Employees Totally Disabled or Killed in the Line of Duty

Based on the Code of Laws of South Carolina, Section 59-111, the College offers tuition-free courses to children of firemen, law-enforcement officers, organized rescue squad members, and other public employees who have become totally disabled or were killed in the line of duty, paid for a period not exceeding four years, regardless of the number of state-supported colleges, universities, or state-supported vocational or technical schools the child attends.

Public and government employees referred to above are defined as:

• Firemen, both regularly employed and members of volunteer organized units, organized rescue squad members, members of the Civil Air Patrol, law enforcement officers, or corrections officers, as defined herein, including reserve and auxiliary units of counties or municipalities who have become totally disabled or were killed in the line of duty on or after July 1, 1964.
• Government employees who have become totally disabled or were killed in the line of duty while working on state time on or after July 1, 1996, as a result of a criminal act committed against them which constitutes a felony under the laws of this State.

The College requires proof that the student is eligible for tuition-waived status. Personal interest courses through the Corporate & Community Education Division are not offered on a tuition-free basis.

Application for the free tuition provided for shall be filed in the governing body of the institution and shall be accompanied by proof or evidence of death or total disability of the parent of the applicant, and such proof or evidence that the injury or death occurred in the line of duty as considered necessary by such governing body, which shall have sole discretion in granting or not granting free tuition.

This article shall not apply to a child or children born after the first year of total disability as herein defined.

Textbooks

Students whose funding for tuition and fees is greater than their account balance, generating a credit balance, may have funds available to charge books at the TCTC Campus Store. Students can review account balances through eTC using the online bill/schedule.  Charges against student accounts are allowed only during a particular time period. See the Campus Store website at www.ishoptctc.com for dates.

Students with credit balances, who prefer to purchase books off campus, may request a check for books at the Business Office.  Students may use their active Bank Mobile account to receive the funds. Generally requests must be made at least 10 days before the Campus Store charging period begins.  A detailed cost sheet from the merchant of choice is required before funds will be processed. See the section on refunds for more information.

Special Fees

Fees are subject to change without notice.  Please see the College website for the most current rates. As of the production of this Catalog, current fees include:

• Application Fee: $30
• Enrollment Fee: $45 (for first-time students or returning students)
• Course Materials Fee: $10-$120 (when applicable)
• Digital Course Contents: Varies with Course
• Exemption Fee: $75 per course
• Credential Order Fee: $35
• Credential Reorder Fee: $35
• Identification Card Replacement: $5
• Registration Fee: $40 (when applicable)
• Placement Retesting Fee: $10
• Stop Payment/Reissue Check Fee: $30
• Student Activity Fee: $2 per registered credit hour 
• Packet Fee: $12 (when applicable)
• Technology Fee: $4 per registered credit hour 
• Transcript Fee: $9.25 per copy
• Uniform, Equipment, and Insurance Fees (required for students enrolled in Dental Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, and Veterinary Technology)
• Equipment and Supply Fees (required for certain other majors, such as Early Childhood Development)
• Criminal Record Checks, Agency Orientation, and Drug Screens (required for Health Education programs)
• Criminal Record Checks (required for Early Childhood Development)

Surcharge for In-County Residents

A portion of the College’s operating budget is funded by each of the three counties in our service area (Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens). A surcharge may be assessed on residents of a county if that county does not meet its obligation for funding support of the College.  The surcharge is subject to change without notice and may be assessed before the start of any semester.  The surcharge will be assessed on every registered credit hour for the applicable term.  The surcharge applies to all courses except those offered through Corporate & Community Education.  

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Paying Tuition

Students may pay tuition and fees by cash, check, credit or debit card. The College accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.  Payments are accepted online, in person, by U.S. mail, or by phone.

• The easiest and most convenient way to pay is online through eTC portal accounts using checks, credit cards, or debit cards. There is no fee for this service.
• Students paying in person should go to the Pendleton Campus Business Office in Miller Hall, the Anderson Campus Front Desk, or the Easley Campus Front Desk.
• Students can pay by mail by sending checks to Tri-County Technical College, Attention: Business Office, P.O. Box 587, Pendleton, SC, 29670.
• Students paying by phone can call in American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa numbers to 864-646-1802 or toll-free (within the 864 area code) 1-866-269-5677, ext. 1802.
• Credit students may also enroll in a payment plan during specified periods of enrollment. This is an interest-free monthly payment plan that drafts payments directly from a bank account or credit card. There is a $25 nonrefundable fee to participate each semester. Students must enroll in a payment plan each semester as it does not roll from term to term. For information on the payment plan, students may access their eTC portal account or contact the Business Office at 864-646-1802 (Pendleton).

Dishonored (Returned) Checks

A dishonored check is one that is returned to the College as unpaid.  These checks include stop payments, insufficient funds, refer to maker, account closed and any other reason for unpaid funds. A $30 fee will be assessed for each dishonored check.  Checking account holders will be notified via certified mail to contact the Business Office within 10 days before the item is turned over for prosecution.  If restitution is not made, the returned item will be forwarded to the local solicitor’s office or other 3rd party collection agency for collection. At that time, the College cannot accept payment from the student.  The solicitor’s office or 3rd party collection agency will be responsible for collecting payment.  Once warrants are issued they cannot be withdrawn by the College.  Students will not be allowed to register or receive transcripts until the dishonored check is paid in full.

Sponsorships

A sponsorship is defined as a program provided by an employer or other organization that pays Tri-County Technical College directly for a portion or all tuition, fees and/or books. Proper documentation must be submitted to the Business Office at least five business days before the tuition deadline for each term to ensure payment arrangements are made and course schedules remain intact.

Consequences of Debts Owed to the College

• Students who owe the College for tuition, books, parking tickets, or library fines will not receive grades until their bills have been paid; these debts could be from any time enrolled in the College.
• Students who owe the College will not be allowed to register for subsequent terms until their bills have been paid.
• Students will not be permitted to graduate or receive transcripts until all prior debts to the College are paid in full.

Account Balances and Collection

The Business Office staff strives to accurately bill and collect revenue generated by student tuition and fees, outside entities and related parties; to support the College by delivering excellent customer service; to constantly evaluate and improve processes and procedures to improve efficiency of operations; and to assure fair and honest treatment to customers.

The Business Office is responsible for collecting outstanding balances from self-pay, financial aid, or other sources. Billed charges include tuition, lab and technology fees, and certain miscellaneous charges including book charges, penalties and fines.

The Business Office staff will send statements to students’ active e-mail and mailing addresses with the College. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the address is correct on their student account and to monitor email accounts. If a student is enrolled in an active payment plan for the term and is not current with installments, then the account is considered past due. Balances are due immediately.

When an account is not paid by the end of a term, the account will be moved to collections status. Once in collections; the current balance may not be seen online and students will need to contact the Business Office to make full payment. The College may add any and all collection cost to student accounts. Account balances that remain in collection status will be submitted to a collection agency and/or the South Carolina Department of Revenue. South Carolina Department of Revenue will withhold the amount due to Tri-County Technical College, plus a $25.00 administrative fee from tax refunds. If the refund amount is not sufficient to cover the entire balance owed to the College, South Carolina Department of Revenue may also garnish wages. The Business Office will submit the account balance each year thereafter until the full balance is satisfied.

Refunds

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate all action for a schedule change, [except in the case of cancelled courses] in order to receive a refund.  See the Enrollment or Academic Calendar for refund deadlines at www.tctc.edu/x1059.xml.

Refunds are processed throughout the semester.  Parts of term vary in length from the semester term and will be in proportion to the semester term refund schedule.  Specific dates for each term are listed in the Class Schedule and on the Tri-County Technical College website.

Refunds due to a student will be calculated and mailed to the student’s last known address or to the agency paying the fees within approximately six weeks from the beginning of the semester. Thereafter, refunds are processed weekly.

Refunds will be processed using Bank Mobile. Bank Mobile provides refunds via direct deposit to a personal bank account, a Bank Mobile Vibe Account, or by paper check.  More information on Bank Mobile and the refund process may be reviewed at www.bankmobilevibe.com.

Cancelled Courses

When a course cancellation reduces a student’s course load, the student (or sponsor) will receive a 100% refund (including associated courses fees).  No action is required by the student to initiate the refund. Students receiving financial aid must contact the Financial Aid Office to have their financial aid award adjusted.

Dropped Courses or Reduction of Credit Hours

Refunds will be computed based upon the actual number of reduced credit hours. 

Terms of varying lengths will have refund periods that correspond to the drop periods. If the drop period is equivalent to less than one instructional day, no refund will be granted. The specific drop periods for each term are noted on the Enrollment and Academic Calendar.

• The refund schedule is as follows:
  • Before or during the drop period: 100%
  • After the drop period: 0% 
• To be eligible for a refund, students must initiate the drop action by dropping the course(s) via their eTC account. The refund request must be made during the drop period. The refund request will be processed within 30 days.
• Students who never attend a class during the drop period will be administratively dropped.
• Recipients of Title IV Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grant) who withdraw from all classes prior to completing 60% of the term will have tuition and fee charges adjusted and financial aid funds returned to the government in accordance with the statutory repayment policy. In certain instances, this repayment may result in a debt to the College and/or the government that the student must repay. Copies of this regulation and related examples are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid

The purpose of the Office of Financial Aid is twofold: helping students and ensuring regulatory compliance.  We are here to enhance the growth, development, and knowledge of all qualifying students by providing financial resources and information that will enable students to maximize their educational experience.  The Office of Financial Aid is here to ensure regulatory compliance in the administration of all financial aid funds.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment.  The Office of Financial Aid will put together financial aid packages using one or all of the previously mentioned forms of assistance to aid students in helping to cover their educational expenses.  We are dedicated to providing exemplary service to our students and their families.  The goal of the Office of Financial Aid is to help students navigate through the many financial aid options available.  Students will be treated with personalized service taking into consideration their individual needs and unique circumstances.

Students should apply for financial aid early since priority dates are established for several types of aid. Priority dates are included on the Enrollment and Academic Calendar.

Financial Aid Policies

• A student’s financial need is determined by subtracting the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the total cost of attending the College. The financial aid awarded to a student is not to exceed the total cost of attendance and is to be used for legitimate educational purposes.
• Students who receive financial aid must reapply each year.
• Students receiving financial aid who withdraw from any classes for the term should notify the Financial Aid Office as this could affect eligibility for continued assistance.
• The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to review and cancel aid at any time because of changes in a student’s financial, academic or enrollment status based on all applicable laws and regulations.
• Students receiving financial assistance through any of the Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward a degree, diploma or certificate.
• For the fall semester, students are encouraged to apply by April 1 to be considered for all Federal or State student financial assistance.

Application Process

Applying and receiving financial aid is an annual process that students must initiate to become eligible for federal and state aid.  For the majority of aid that first step is the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), completed online at fafsa.ed.gov.  Once completed, the student’s information will be sent to Tri-County for review by the Financial Aid Office.  The office will then review the application, possibly request documentation, review all new documents, and finally determine and notify the student of his/her financial aid eligibility for the upcoming year.  The communication process will occur through eTC, Tri-County’s online student portal,  and college email address.

Types of Financial Aid

Pell Grant

Undergraduate students who have not received a bachelor’s or professional degree may be considered for the Federal Pell Grant program. The amount of the grant received depends on the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the U.S. Department of Education through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the student’s enrollment status. A FAFSA must be completed for each new academic year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are available to students who have not completed a bachelor’s or professional degree. FSEOG is awarded to exceptionally needy students. Priority is given to Pell Grant eligible students with the lowest EFCs. There is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive an FSEOG award. Funding for this program is limited.

Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence Scholarship (LIFE)

All students are encouraged to apply for aid through the FAFSA. However, LIFE (Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence) Scholarships do not require an application for financial aid. Eligibility is determined once the final, official high school transcript is received by the TCTC Admissions Office.

The LIFE Scholarship is an academic scholarship funded by the State of South Carolina. It is awarded to legal residents of South Carolina who graduated from a South Carolina high school or an approved home-school program, or who were dependents of active-duty SC resident military stationed outside of the state when they graduated from high school. 

The LIFE Scholarship cannot be awarded to any student who has been convicted of a felony or alcohol/drug related offense. A LIFE Scholarship cannot be awarded to any student who owes a repayment to a federal or state grant program or is in default on a federal student loan.

LIFE Scholarships are awarded to entering freshmen who earned a minimum 3.0 SC Uniform GPA in high school. LIFE is disbursed to students who enroll in a minimum of 12 non-remedial credit hours per semester and are seeking a degree, diploma or certificate that meets the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV regulations. Course numbers of 100 or below, as well as English 150 and Math 150 are considered remedial coursework and are not counted in the LIFE enrollment status for eligibility.

Transfer students must contact the Financial Aid Office regarding the documents required to confirm continuing LIFE eligibility.

To remain eligible for the LIFE Scholarship, students must successfully complete 30 non-remedial credit hours.  For those students who begin eligibility during the academic year, typically a spring semester, a minimum of 15 non-remedial credit hours is required for renewal in the new academic year. In all cases, the student must maintain a cumulative, collegiate GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible for the LIFE Scholarship. This GPA will include all grades earned at Tri-County Technical College plus all grades attempted (excluding remedial courses only) at all other institutions, both in-state and out-of-state.

Students can only receive up to a total of four consecutive semesters of the LIFE Scholarship at a two-year college. The Financial Aid Office has more information regarding eligibility.  

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA)

Students intending to access Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) funds must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). South Carolina students who qualify for in-state tuition rates at a South Carolina technical college may be eligible to receive LTA if the tuition and fees are not covered by Federal or other State need based aid. LTA will not pay for any expenses other than tuition and will not generate a credit balance on an account. LTA by itself will never pay the entire cost of tuition. Students must be South Carolina residents and must enroll in at least 6 credit hours each term in an eligible program. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA after attempting 24 semester hours in order to continue to receive LTA. Additional information on the SC Education Lottery Act is provided on the SC Technical College System website or upon request from the Financial Aid Office.

SC Need-Based Grant

The South Carolina Need-Based Grant is available to a limited number of students with financial need determined by the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on financial information provided on the FAFSA.  Students must be South Carolina residents to qualify.  The number of grants at TCTC is limited by the amount of funds allotted to the College each year.

TCTC Foundation Scholarships

Tri-County Technical College Foundation scholarships are awarded each year to both new and continuing students. Application periods occur twice per year, March and November.  Application openings and deadlines are posted on the web and flat screens on campus. The criteria for scholarships vary, but include academic achievement, community participation, and financial need. Online application and important deadlines are available under the Scholarship section on the College website and the eTC student portal.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides on and off-campus part-time employment opportunities for students.  The program is designed to assist students in offsetting the cost of educational expenses while earning on-the-job training and experience to prepare them for future employment. Students participating in the FWS Program must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• A student must meet all the general eligibility requirements for Federal Title IV Financial Aid Programs.  This must be re-established each academic year.
• A student must demonstrate a financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
• A student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.
• A student must be meeting all Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.  See section titled “Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid” for additional information.

To find additional information and apply for open positions visit our website. 

Awarding of FWS funds is contingent upon the time of application, level of financial need and availability of funds.  Students participating in the program are governed by weekly hour restrictions and are paid an hourly rate on a monthly basis.

Federal Student Loans

Student loans should only be considered as a last resort option to help pay your education expenses.  TCTC encourages students to exhaust all other options, such as grants, scholarships, FWS, and a visit to the TCTC Money Management Center, before deciding to use a student loan.  Students opting to take out a loan should borrow only what is needed to pay educational expenses and what is realistically able to be repaid.

Stafford Loans

• Subsidized loans are awarded on the basis of financial need. If a student is eligible for a subsidized loan, the government will pay (subsidize) the interest on the loan until repayment begins.
• Unsubsidized loans are those for which students are responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Students can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized. Capitalizing the interest will increase the amount to repay.
• A student may receive a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan for the same enrollment period as long as annual loan limits do not exceed $3,500 per academic year for a freshman or $4,500 per academic year for a sophomore.
• Dependent students are eligible for additional unsubsidized loans up to $2,000. Independent students are eligible for additional unsubsidized loans up to $6,000.
• After graduating, leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment, students will have a six-month “grace period” before beginning repayment. During this period, students receive repayment information from their loan servicer and the first payment due date. Students are responsible for beginning repayment on time, even if they don’t receive this information. Payments are usually due monthly.

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Study (PLUS)

Parents can borrow a PLUS loan to help pay a dependent undergraduate student’s education expenses. The student must be enrolled at least half time in an eligible program and have a current FAFSA on file. Parents must have an acceptable credit history.

The yearly limit on a PLUS loan is equal to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. If the cost of attendance is $6,000, for example, and the student receives $4,000 in other financial aid, parents can borrow up to $2,000.

Alternative Loans

Alternative loan programs are also available for those who qualify. Additional information is available from the Financial Aid Office.

Veterans Educational Benefits

The College is approved for veterans’ educational benefits by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, State Approving Agency (SAA) for training veterans and their dependents. TCTC participates under Title 38 of the U.S. Code in these programs: Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill; Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty; Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation; Chapter 32 VEAP; and Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA). Title 10 of the U.S. Code are Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill- Selected Reserve and Chapter 1607 REAP.  For further details and current payment rates regarding these education benefit chapters, please refer to the GI Bill website at www.gibill.va.gov.

Veterans, their dependents, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible to receive benefits while pursuing an approved program of education or training. For this section, the term “veteran” can refer to a veteran as well as an eligible dependent or an eligible member of the National Guard or Reserve.

To receive benefits, the veteran must first be admitted into a program of study at the College. The veteran should then contact TC Central (Pendleton Campus) and provide a copy of his/her DD214 (if application is based on active duty service) or Notice of Basic Eligibility (if application is based on current Reserve or National Guard service). Children, spouses, and widows should contact the Financial Aid Office to learn more about specific information required for eligibility.

CHANGE OF PROGRAM OF STUDY

To change a program of study (major), the same admission and evaluation process must be followed, and a “Request for Change of Program or Place of Training” Form (22-1995 or 22-5495 if an eligible dependent) must be completed in the Financial Aid Office or online at www.gibill.va.gov. A “Request for Change of Program or Place of Training” form is needed for a veteran student transferring to Tri-County Technical College who has used benefits elsewhere. The student should complete the form and submit it to the Financial Aid Office for inclusion in the student’s VA record.

CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

Certification of enrollment is reported to Veterans Affairs (VA) at the request of the veteran. The veteran must complete the “Request for Certification of Enrollment” form prior to every term, located on the College website. TCTC must review the classes selected at registration each term. The law provides that no payment will be made to an eligible veteran for auditing a course or for taking a course in which a grade assigned is not used in computing graduation requirements. This means that a veteran may not be certified for any course not listed in his/her curriculum as a graduation requirement. If there are electives listed as part of the curriculum, the total number of elective hours designated by the program should not be exceeded. Only electives listed as approved electives or electives approved in writing by his/her department head should be taken.

VETERANS CHANGE OF ENROLLMENT STATUS

All recipients of veterans’ educational benefits must immediately notify the Financial Aid Office of any change that may affect their pay status. Such changes include change of program, change of schedule (dropping/adding classes), and change of address.

GRADING FOR VA SATISFACTORY PROGRESS

The following rules apply to students receiving VA Educational Benefits:

• Non-Punitive Grade: A non-punitive grade is a grade that does not count as earned credit and is not considered in progress standards for graduation. A withdrawal after the drop period is non-punitive if it is not calculated into the student’s GPA, or it is not considered in academic progress criteria. Payment is not allowed for a course in which this grade is awarded. Students receiving a “W” should consult with the Financial Aid Office if there are any mitigating circumstances.
• Grade of “I”: For evaluation of VA Satisfactory Progress, the grade of “I” (incomplete) will be computed as an “F” when calculating the program GPA. Once the permanent grade is assigned, the student should contact the Financial Aid Office to review his/her status. Enrollment cannot be certified to VA for a course with a current “I” grade.
• Grade of “AU”: Enrollment cannot be certified to VA for any course with a grade of “AU” (audit).

CONDITIONS FOR INTERRUPTION OF VETERANS FINANCIAL BENEFITS DUE TO UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS:

Traditional College Programs at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL)

• Each veteran certified for benefits will have an evaluation of his/her academic progress at the end of each term. This will be determined according to the College’s Determination of Academic Progress as defined in this Catalog under Academic Information.
• If the student is placed on Academic Probation, this status will be reported to VA in a report at the end of each term as required by federal regulations. Students on Academic Probation are eligible to receive educational benefits unless otherwise notified by the VA.
• If a student previously on probation returns to Academic Good Standing, the student is eligible for certification.
• If a student previously on probation is changed to Academic Suspension, the student is no longer eligible for certification at this institution. Any certification for the upcoming semester will be terminated with a reason of “Unsatisfactory Conduct or Progress” in accordance with federal regulations. 

CERTIFICATION FOR ONLINE COURSES

In order to meet Veterans Affairs (VA) certification requirements for off-campus courses, such as courses offered via the Internet or other modes of distance learning, the 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 South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (state approving agency). The College requires that the faculty teaching these courses use a grading system similar to the grading system used in on-campus 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: 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.

VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

Students who are receiving benefits under the following VA educational programs must verify their enrollment at the end of each month.

• Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill for active duty service)
• Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill for selected reserve)
• Chapter 1607 (selected reserve called to active duty in response to war or national emergency)
• Chapter 35 (GI Bill for eligible dependents non-degree programs only

Verification of enrollment can be completed either by phone at 877-823-2378 or on the Internet at www.gibill.va.gov (follow the link for WAVE - Web Automated Verification of Enrollment).

DIRECT DEPOSIT FOR EDUCATION PAYMENTS

Veterans receiving benefits by direct deposit can initiate or make changes to their direct deposit by calling 877-838-2778.

Direct deposit of education benefits is now available for Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance -DEA) recipients. Students can sign up to have benefits delivered via direct deposit by calling the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551. The student will need to know the type of account (checking or savings), routing number, and account number to which the deposit is to be sent.

Financial Aid during Summer Term

Summer financial aid is available to those who qualify and is awarded separately from fall and spring semesters. Summer funding is limited. Awards will not be offered until the student has registered for the summer term.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Federal and Other Student Aid Programs

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid

Students receiving Federal Financial Aid must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 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. SAP is measured by the following three factors:

Grade Point Average (GPA) - (Qualitative Measure)

• A student must maintain a minimum cumulative institutional Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 (C) or better.

Completion Rate - (Quantitative Measure)

• A student must successfully complete a minimum cumulative completion rate 67% of all attempted hours, including remedial and transfer credits.
• Grade of A, B, C, and D count as attempted and completed.  All other grades are considered attempted, but not completed.

Maximum Timeframe (MTF) - (Quantitative Measure)

• Complete your program of study within 150% the hours required for the declared program of study. 
• The attempted hours are used for this calculation and include all coursework, including remedial and transfer credits, accepted by the College.

Review Process

During a student’s first term of enrollment at TCTC they qualify to receive federal financial aid under this policy (student must also meet all other eligibility standards). 

If a student continues to meet all three above standards at the end of each semester they will continue to be eligible to receive federal financial aid until they receive their degree, diploma, or certificate.

If at the end of a term a student fails to meet one, two, or all three* standards the student will be placed into a status of ‘financial aid warning’ for the next term of enrollment.  During the warning term a student is still eligible to receive federal financial aid. 

If at the end of the warning term the student meets all three standards again they will go back into a good standing and continue being eligible to receive federal financial aid.

If at the end of the warning term the student fails to meet one, two, or all three* of the standards the student will be placed into a status of ‘financial aid suspension’ for the next term of enrollment.  Students in this status are not eligible to receive any federal financial aid.

* Students will enter a warning status due to the MTF rule when they get within 15 credit hours of their maximum time frame. 

Reinstatement/Appeal Process

There are two ways for a student to become eligible for financial aid once entered into the ineligible status of ‘financial aid suspension’:

• Continue taking classes and paying for the coursework yourself until all eligibility criteria are met. South Carolina residents may qualify for Lottery Tuition Assistance, see prior section for eligibility requirements.
• Complete the SAP appeal process and be granted an approved appeal.See below for appeal process

A student on Federal Financial Aid Suspension may appeal by:

• Completing a Financial Aid Appeal Form (available on the College’s website under Financial Aid Forms), indicating unforeseen circumstances that were beyond the student’s control.
  • Provide a statement with an explanation of why they did not meet the SAP standards and a plan for how the student will be academically successful in the future. 
  • Documentation for the extenuating circumstances sited in the appeal.
  • Complete an Academic Graduation Plan with his/her academic advisor prior to the appeal submission.

Acceptable reasons for an appeal include circumstances the student could not have foreseen at the beginning of the term and that are beyond their control. 

Appeals must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office no later than the published deadline for the term in which the student is requesting aid. Late or incomplete appeals will not be accepted. Once received, the appeal process is as follows:

• Appeals are reviewed by Financial Aid to determine whether to approve or deny the appeal.
• Appeal decisions will be made prior to the start of classes, and students will be notified via eTC e-mail.
• Students may have their Federal Financial Aid reinstated with the approval of an appeal.
  • Student aid reinstated by appeal approval will have to adhere to specific terms and conditions outlined with the notification of approval.
  • A signed acknowledgment from the student of the terms and conditions must be returned prior to aid posting to the student’s bill.
• Students whose appeals are denied must meet all three standards to regain eligibility prior to receiving additional future Federal Financial Aid.
• All appeal decisions are final and cannot be appealed further.

SAP Notes of Importance

• It is the student’s responsibility to monitor his/her Satisfactory Academic Progress status. This can be done using the student’s eTC account. The status is updated at the end of each term once grades are finalized by the Registrar’s Office.
• At the end of each term, the Financial Aid Office will review the GPA, completion rate, and MTF for every student enrolled.  Students on Warning or Ineligibility will be notified via eTC email. Students who are ineligible will also be notified via the U.S. Postal Service; however, delivery by the postal service cannot be guaranteed, so online communication will be the most timely. Students should check their status regularly as appeal times may be limited due to the start date of the upcoming term.
• Students who are ineligible cannot receive any form of Federal Financial Aid, including Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Some state financial aid may also be affected.  Contact the Financial Aid Office to inquire about Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) eligibility.
• If a student passes with a D or higher, retakes the same course and receives a B, the student will have a 50% completion rate for those attempts.. 

Withdrawing from a Term

Students who receive Federal Financial Aid and withdraw, officially or unofficially, regardless of circumstances, may fall under the “Return of Title IV Funds Policy,” depending on their last date of attendance.  See section titled “Earned Aid Policy” for additional information.

Earned Aid Policy

Earned Aid Policy - Withdrawing from Classes

Withdrawing from a class or classes can have potential immediate and long term effects on a student’s financial responsibility and future eligibility to receive financial aid. 

Withdrawing from a course(s), but still remaining enrolled will not have an immediate financial effect/responsibility on the student.  The above SAP policy remains in effect and the student could lose future financial aid eligibility through that policy.

Withdrawing from all courses in a term

Tri-County must adhere to the Federal Title IV Earned Aid Policy where students who do not complete the term of enrollment must go through this policy.  This policy is based on time, and the student earns financial aid based on the time spent in courses.  If a student withdraws from all courses 5 weeks into a 15-week semester he/she is considered to have earned 33% of their received financial aid.  That means that the student did not earn 67%, and those funds must be returned to the Department of Education.  This process typically causes a balance due for the student. 

If a student has completed more than 60% of their semester they have been deemed as having earned their full financial aid eligibility for the term.  The SAP policy remains in effect and the student could lose future financial aid eligibility through that policy.

Federal funds reviewed in this process are Pell Grant, the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Stafford Loans.  If a student owes a repayment to the College, transcripts will not be released until that repayment has been made. If the student owes a repayment to the Department of Education, he/she cannot receive Federal Financial Aid funds at any college until that repayment has been made.

Before withdrawing from all courses for a term students are encouraged to go to TC Central (Pendleton Campus, Miller Hall) to learn about options and how withdrawing may affect your Federal Financial Aid.

Money Management Center

The mission of the Money Management Center is to empower TCTC students with the information and tools to be financially literate and successful in college and beyond.  The Money Management Center will provide information and tools on the subjects of budgeting, credit and credit cards, personal finance and debt management, and loan management.  E-mail us at moneymgt@tctc.edu to schedule an appointment.