Understanding CPCC Tuition Costs: A Comprehensive Guide
Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) offers accessible and valuable education in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a diverse student body and a wide array of programs, understanding the costs associated with attending CPCC is crucial for prospective and current students. This article provides a detailed overview of CPCC tuition, fees, and related expenses, drawing upon official information to offer a clear and comprehensive picture.
Tuition and Fees Overview
Tuition at CPCC is established under the guidance of State Board policy 1E SBCCC 200.1 and set by the North Carolina State Legislature, and thus, is subject to change without notice. For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state tuition and fees were $2,792, while out-of-state tuition and fees amounted to $8,936. These figures serve as a baseline for understanding the cost of enrollment. CPCC boasts that students can save more than $46,000 in tuition and fees over two years compared to other institutions.
It's important to note that the full amount of fees a student pays may vary based on the courses they take. Even if tuition is waived, applicable fees must still be paid.
Mandatory Fees Explained
Beyond tuition, several mandatory fees contribute to the overall cost of attending CPCC. These fees support various aspects of the college's operations and student services.
- Campus Access, Parking, and Security Fee (CAPS): Revenue collected from CAPS fees are used to pay for campus security, parking lot rental, and maintenance at all Central Piedmont campuses and centers. With few exceptions, this fee is charged to all students at all campuses, even if they don't drive to campus. A parking permit is issued for access to Central Piedmont parking lots.
- Student Publications/Activity Fee: This fee supports the Student Life Center and many co-curricular and extra-curricular programs.
- Technology Fee: The technology fee covers investments in technology and equipment needed to provide in-person and online courses.
- Included Course Material (ICM) program: The Included Course Material (ICM) program makes digital and printed course materials available to all students in college credit classes. The program ensures that the course materials students need will be available on the first day of class. The fee is included with tuition and fees charged upon registration and can be included in upfront costs for financial aid and tuition payment plans. Students have an option to opt-out if desired. Please note that the program is “all in” or “all out” for the semester, and students cannot opt out of individual courses.
Course-Specific Fees
In addition to general fees, some courses may require specific fees to cover the costs associated with those programs.
Read also: Affording CPCC
- Some courses - including online courses - require lab fees, used to provide supplies and equipment in the respective programs.
- Mechatronics Certification Fee: A Mechatronics certification fee of $50 is charged to specific courses to cover the cost of the certification exam, which also serves as the students’ final exams.
- Cardiovascular Technology Program Fee: The Cardiovascular Technology Non-Invasive tract program fee is charged to specific courses and covers the cost of a required badge for students. The radiation badge is worn by faculty and students while in the clinical setting to monitor any inadvertent exposure the instructor or student may have had to radiation.
- Student Accident Insurance: Student accident insurance is only required for students enrolled in specific, high risk classes. Students will be notified when they register for a class if that class requires that they buy student accident insurance.
Understanding Residency and Tuition Classification
Tuition costs are significantly influenced by a student's residency status. For students enrolling in college credit curriculum classes, an initial residence classification is made by Residency Determination Services (RDS) upon application to the college. It is the student’s responsibility to supply documenting evidence of residence status if requested and to inform Central Piedmont of any changes in residency determination before the end of the impacted term. The residence policy is based on North Carolina General Statute 116-143.1. More information can be located at ncresidency.org.
Financial Aid and Cost of Attendance
CPCC provides financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education. For the 2022-2023 academic year, 59 percent of undergraduates received grant or scholarship aid, with the average award being $3,679.
The Financial Aid Cost of Attendance is an estimate of expenses you can reasonably expect to pay. The Financial Aid Cost of Attendance Estimates are used to determine financial aid eligibility only and do not represent actual student expenses, as these vary based on individual expenses, including housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, and other expenses. The cost of aid for less-than-half-time students was previously limited to allowances for tuition and fees, books, supplies, transportation, dependent care expenses, and (for a limited duration) room and board.
In addition to tuition and fees, the cost of attendance includes estimates for books and supplies. For instance, the estimated cost for books and supplies was $1,870.
Refund Policies
Understanding CPCC's refund policies is essential for managing finances effectively. Fees are non-refundable for curriculum courses, unless the course is canceled by the college or dropped before the first day of the academic semester. Fees are not refunded after the term begins, including during the 75% refund period. Students can opt out of the Included Course Materials program prior to the 10% point of the semester. Fees are non-refundable for Corporate and Continuing Education courses, unless the course is canceled by the college or dropped before the first day of the academic semester. Fees are not refunded after the term begins, including during the 75% refund period.
Read also: Academic Calendar Central Piedmont
All curriculum student refunds are issued to students' BankMobile accounts or to the credit card used for the original tuition payment.
Additional Expenses
Cost estimates are intended as a resource, but actual total costs may vary based on enrollment, program, and individual need. Some programs, such as healthcare and hospitality programs, require additional expenses including uniforms, clinicals, licensure, and certification exams. Program pages will tell you if you have additional expenses.
Payment Information
All returned checks are subject to a processing fee of $25. This fee also applies to credit card payments not accepted and returned by a financial institution. This fee, along with the original amount of the check or credit card, is due within five (5) business days after official notification from the college. These amounts are payable only by cash or money order at the Business Office on any campus.
Third-party billing arrangements for curriculum courses are handled by the Sponsored Programs office. Sponsored students should ensure that the third-party organization submits a letter or authorization to bill before any applicable deadlines. Documentation may be submitted directly to the Sponsored Programs office or to the Business Office on any Central Piedmont campus. Third party billing arrangements for Corporate and Continuing Education are handled by the CCE Accounting department.
Voluntary Student Health Plan
The voluntary student health plan offers several benefit options, depending on the needs of the student. Premiums vary per term or year, depending on the selected coverage and payment schedule. Plans are a direct relationship between the student and the insurance provider and are not endorsed by or affiliated with Central Piedmont Community College, the State Board of Community Colleges, or the North Carolina Community College System Office. Qualified students may contact the insurance provider through the student insurance webpage.
Read also: Continuing Education at CPCC
CPCC: An Overview
Central Piedmont Community College is a public, two-year institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. As of Fall 2022, the college had a total enrollment of 16,668 students. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 19-to-1. The highest degree offered at Central Piedmont Community College is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 64 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Business Administration and Management, General.
