Understanding Forsyth Tech Tuition Fees and Costs

Forsyth Technical Community College, like other community colleges, strives to provide accessible and affordable education. Understanding the various components of tuition fees and associated costs is crucial for prospective and current students. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Forsyth Tech's tuition structure, payment options, refund policies, and other related expenses.

Funding and Tuition Governance

Forsyth Tech receives funding from local, state, and federal sources, which helps to keep tuition costs lower than those of many four-year institutions. North Carolina law (General Statute 115D) establishes the community college system’s tuition and fees, and these charges are subject to change without notice.

Tuition and Fees Breakdown

The overall cost of attending Forsyth Tech comprises several elements, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.

Tuition Rates

Tuition rates at Forsyth Tech vary depending on whether a student is classified as a resident of North Carolina or a non-resident. As of 2020-2021, the average out-of-state tuition and fees for undergraduates was $7,168 per year, while in-state students paid $2,152 per year.

To provide a more detailed breakdown, here are the tuition and fees as of 2020-2021:

Out-of-State: Tuition - $7,008, Fees - $160, Total - $7,168
In-State: Tuition - $1,992, Fees - $160, Total - $2,152

It's important to note that these figures represent the sticker price and do not account for financial aid or scholarships.

Estimated Future Costs

Tuition and fees for in-state Forsyth Technical Community College have increased with an average annual rate of -0.71% over the past five years. This school year, in-state students can expect to pay $2,121 if the growth keeps up. If in-state tuition and fees keeps growing at the same pace, the estimated cost for two years at Forsyth Tech would be $4,228, and $8,396 for four years. Tuition and fees for out-of-state students have grown by about -0.22% in the past five years. This school year, students outside of the state will pay an estimated $7,137. This would result in a total cost of $14,258 for two years and $28,455 for four years.

Fees

In addition to tuition, students are required to pay various fees, which support different aspects of college life and operations. Here are some of the standard fees:

Student Activity Fee: All program students are charged $35 per fall term, $35 per spring term, and $17.50 per summer term for a student activity fee. When students pay this fee, they automatically become members of Forsyth Tech’s Student Government Association. These funds are used to support student clubs, social activities, student publications, and student government expenses.
Technology Fee: All program students are required to pay a technology fee each semester/term.
Student Success Fee: All program students are charged $10 per term for a student success fee. This fee supports administrative and graduation ceremony costs, including student regalia, and other student support initiatives.
CAPS (College Access, Parking, and Security) Fee: Once the fee is paid a student may receive one free decal per fiscal year. Additional decals may be purchased for $25 at the Cashier’s Office.
Lab Fees: Some selected courses charge a lab fee for supplies, software, and materials.
Supply Fees: Supply fees are set to meet instructional needs in certain types of courses.
Select Classes Fees: Select classes also have fees that allow online access to course materials. Department of Education published 34CFR668.161-167 which requires colleges to provide students the ability to opt out of course fees associated with books and online access to course material(s).
Health Insurance Fee: All health students must purchase annual liability insurance before engaging in lab or clinical practice.

Cost Per Credit Hour

For students taking less than 12 credit hours, tuition is charged per credit hour. As of recent data, the tuition per credit hour is $77 for North Carolina residents and $269 for out-of-state students.

The following displays tuition cost based on credit hours:

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CREDIT HOUR	IN-STATE TUITION FOR NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS	OUT-OF-STATE TUITION FOR NON-NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS/INTERNATIONAL
1	$76.00	$268.00
2	$152.00	$536.00
3	$228.00	$804.00
4	$304.00	$1,072.00
5	$380.00	$1,340.00
6	$456.00	$1,608.00
7	$532.00	$1,876.00
8	$608.00	$2,144.00
9	$634.00	$2,412.00
10	$760.00	$2,680.00
11	$836.00	$2,948.00
12	$912.00	$3,216.00
13	$988.00	$3,484.00
14	$1,064.00	$3,752.00
15	$1,140.00	$4,020.00
16 or more	$1,216.00	$4,288.00

If you take more than 16 hours in a semester, you will not be charged beyond the cost of those 16 hours.

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition and fees, students should budget for additional expenses such as:

Books and Supplies: The cost for textbooks and supplies is the responsibility of the student, and these items may be purchased at the Forsyth Tech Bookstore on the lower level of the Technology Building on Main Campus. There is also a bookstore located at the Northwest Forsyth Center to cater to specific programs based there. The cost of books and supplies varies from program to program each semester. It is advisable for students to attend the first class before purchasing texts and materials. The estimated cost for books and supplies is around $1,700 per year.
Uniforms and Special Apparel: The cost for uniforms and other special apparel is the responsibility of the student, and the initial cost of these items varies for certain programs.
Parking Permit: Students planning to park on campus are required to purchase a $35 parking permit/decal at the time of registration. This fee is not refundable. Parking permits are valid from July 1 to August 31 the following year.
Living Expenses: The living costs at Forsyth Tech is $18,830 when living off campus.

Estimated Total Cost of Attendance (COA)

The total cost of attendance (COA) at Forsyth Tech for the academic year 2024-2025 includes tuition & fees, books & supplies, and living expenses. For in-state students, the estimated COA is $3,976 and $8,584 for out-of-state students. The Forsyth Tech's 2025 COA is $22,806 for in-state and $27,414 for out-of-state students.

Payment Options

Forsyth Tech offers various payment options to accommodate students' diverse financial situations. All tuition and fees are due and payable at the Cashier’s Office or online. Accepted methods of payment include:

Cash (limited locations)
Certified Checks
Cashier’s Checks
VISA, MasterCard, and Discover (credit/debit cards)
Personal checks (accepted only with a numbered, photo identification card, such as a valid driver’s license)
Nelnet Automatic Payment Plan (Payment Plan not available summer semester): Set up a payment plan or full pay current semester online via MyForsythTech.

No person may attend classes unless the registration procedure has been completed, all tuition and fees paid and all debts to the college settled.

Residency and Tuition Status

Under North Carolina law, each person must be classified as a resident or nonresident for tuition purposes. Forsyth Tech implemented the Residency Determination Service (RDS) on February 6, 2017. The Residency Determination Service will provide separate processes to reach a residency classification. Most students will only be required to complete the Initial Consideration process. If your residency status changes from what is on file with the college (including a reclassification or appeal), you must notify the college. This includes if you lose or abandon your North Carolina residency while enrolled.

Legal residents of North Carolina age 65 and older shall have tuition wavied up to 6 credit hours per academic semester, with a maxium of being charged not to exceed 10 hours. However, senior citizens are responsible for paying any additional fees and expenses. Your ID should be provided to the Cashier’s Office after registering.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. 49% of Forsyth Tech undergraduates receive grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $4,155 per student. 49% of enrolled students have received grants or scholarships, and the average aid amount is $4,155.

Tuition Refund Policy

Forsyth Tech has a specific refund policy for students who withdraw from courses. To request a tuition fee refund, you must officially withdraw from a class by submitting a Course Drop Request (for degree-seeking or special credit programs) or Request for Refund form (if registered for a continuing education course). There are three methods for a refund. 1. Bankmobile (Set up a vibe account or direct deposit) 2. If fees are paid through credit card, the refund will be post back to your card: 3.

The refund policy is as follows:

A 100 percent refund may be given if the student officially withdraws before the first day of a specific course.
A 75% refund may be given if the student officially withdraws from the course(s) before or on the official census date of the section. Please Note: If a course contains the pre-fix of SEF, the above refund policy does not apply.
You may receive a full tuition fee refund by officially withdrawing from the course one working day (24 hours) before the first class meets.
Student activity fees, Malpractice Insurance, and CAPS fees will be refunded when courses are canceled, and students are not registered in any other course. If you need to drop and and during the schedule adjustment period, you must do so in one registration session.

Additional Information

Special Programs and Fees

Health Students: All health students must purchase annual liability insurance before engaging in lab or clinical practice. The cost for the insurance varies according to the credit program and insurance carrier.
Proficiency Exams: A student may take a proficiency exam for a given course only once in a 12-month period.
Graduation Fees: Curriculum students do not pay a graduation fee. Adult High School and HSED students pay a $10 graduation fee for each diploma and/or certificate.

Employer Sponsorship

Pursuant to N.C.G.S § 115D-39(a), North Carolina law provides a special benefit to employers choosing to pay the full cost of an eligible student/employee's community college tuition. The employer is granted the in-state tuition rate, even when the student/employee does not meet the general requirements for in-state tuition. The law requires the student/employee to work at the employer's North Carolina business location. The completed company sponsorship form. Stop by the Cashier's Office, Admissions, or the Records Office to obtain a copy.

Campus Access, Parking, and Security (CAPS) Fee

Once the fee is paid a student may receive one free decal per fiscal year.

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