Blue Ridge Community College: Understanding Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) offers a variety of academic programs and opportunities for students seeking higher education in a supportive environment. Understanding the costs associated with attending BRCC, as well as the available financial aid options, is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition, fees, and financial aid at Blue Ridge Community College.

Tuition Costs

Tuition rates at Blue Ridge Community College are established by the North Carolina General Assembly and are subject to change. As a state-supported institution, BRCC offers lower tuition rates to North Carolina residents.

In-State Tuition:

The in-state tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $5,364.
Tuition for curriculum students who are North Carolina residents is $76 per semester hour.
For students taking 16 or more semester hours, the cost is $1,216.

Out-of-State Tuition:

The out-of-state tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $11,367.
Non-resident tuition is $268 per semester hour.
For non-resident students taking 16 or more semester hours, the cost is $4,288.

Additional Fees and Expenses

In addition to tuition, students at Blue Ridge Community College are required to pay various fees to support student activities, technology, and other services.

Mandatory Fees:

Student Activity Fee: $35 per semester (applicable to all curriculum students and non-refundable after the 100% refund period; charged for Fall and Spring semesters only, with some exceptions).
Accident Insurance Fee: $1.30 (waived for students taking only distance education classes that do not require attendance on campus; non-refundable after the 100% refund period).
Technology Fee: Varies based on the number of semester hours:
- 16 or more semester hours: $48
- 1-15 semester hours: $3 per semester hour (non-refundable after the 100% refund period)
College Access, Parking and Security (CAPS) Fee:
- Fall Semester: $25
- Spring Semester: $25
- Summer Term: $15 (applicable to curriculum students, with some exceptions; non-refundable after the 100% refund period)
Transcript Fee: $5 for an official copy (unofficial transcripts are available at no fee through myBlueRidge).
Graduation Fee: $20 (covers graduation expenses for degrees, diplomas, and certificates; payable during registration for the semester in which the student expects to complete a program of study). A $10 graduation fee is charged to basic law enforcement students. A $15 graduation fee is charged to paramedic students.

Program-Specific Fees:

Professional Liability Fee: This coverage is for students taking part in personal service or medical-related situations such as clinical experiences and varies depending on the program. Examples include:
- Associate Degree Nursing: $15
- Surgical Technology: $15
- Emergency Medical Science: $74
- Cosmetology: $10 per course
Course Fees: Other course fees may apply.
Textbooks, Supplies, and Tools: Costs vary depending on the student’s enrollment status and program.

Other Expenses:

Books and Supplies: Estimated at $1,751 per year. Another source indicates $1,358.
Personal Expenses: Not available.
Transportation: Not available.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Blue Ridge Community College offers various financial aid options to help students finance their education, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on a student's financial need, which is typically determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Types of Financial Aid:

Grants and Scholarships: These do not need to be paid back. At Blue Ridge Community College, 45 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $3,712.
Loans: These must be paid back.
Work-Study Jobs: These provide students with the opportunity to earn money while attending college.

Financial Aid Details:

Average Aid Package: $2,506Note: Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award and Need-Based Loan Amount are unavailable.

Important Dates:

Application Due, Priority Application Due, Notification Date, and Response Due dates are unavailable.

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Net Price:

The average net price, which is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships, is $7,677 per year. The net price is specific to each student based on their personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Students are encouraged to use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of their net price.

Residency for Tuition Purposes

To qualify for in-state tuition rates, students must demonstrate that they are legal residents of North Carolina. According to North Carolina statute, individuals must have maintained a domicile (permanent legal residence) in North Carolina for at least twelve uninterrupted months to be eligible for in-state tuition. The burden of proof lies with the student to establish that they are a bona fide domiciliary of North Carolina. The Residency Determination Service can provide further information.

Payment Options and Policies

Blue Ridge Community College offers various payment options and policies to help students manage their financial obligations.

Payment Deadlines:

Curriculum students must pay all tuition and fees in full, officially enroll in the Deferred Payment Plan (Fall and Spring semesters only), have pending financial aid showing on their account, or provide an authorization letter for sponsor payment by the payment deadlines published for each semester.

Deferred Payment Plan:

The College offers a deferred payment plan for curriculum students in the Fall and Spring Semesters. Enrollment and service fees may apply. The Deferred Payment Plan is not available for the summer term.

Refund Policy:

Students may drop a class for a partial (75%) refund of the tuition only amount on or after the first day of classes and on or before the official 10% date of the semester. Student fees are not refundable.

Consequences of Non-Payment:

Curriculum students are considered to have a past due balance if a balance is still due on their account after the published payment deadline or on the last day of the academic semester for which the charges are incurred. The College may utilize the NC Department of Revenue, Set-Off Debt Unit, or a collection agency to collect past due balances.

Special Programs and Waivers

Blue Ridge Community College offers tuition waivers and special programs for certain student populations.

Career and College Promise (CCP):

Tuition is waived for high school students taking courses under an approved Career and College Promise Pathway. However, high school students are responsible for fees, course supplies, textbooks, and their own transportation.

Continuing Education:

Nominal registration fees are charged for continuing education courses, typically ranging from $65 to $175.

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High School Students:

Qualified high school students who are enrolled at least half-time in high school courses are exempt from tuition for select courses. However, all students are required to pay the student accident insurance fee, technology fee, the activity fee, the CAPS fee, and any specific course fees that may apply.

Tax Information

Students and/or parents may be able to claim tax credits or deductions for education expenses, such as the education credits, tuition and fees deduction, and student loan interest deduction. The IRS also requires the College to notify all degree-seeking students that if they choose not to disclose their SSN or TIN, they may personally be subject to a $100 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

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