Understanding Shelton State Community College Tuition and Costs

For students considering higher education in Alabama, understanding the tuition costs and associated financial aid options at Shelton State Community College is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of tuition, fees, financial aid, payment policies, and other essential cost-related aspects.

A Look at Tuition and Fees

Shelton State Community College offers accessible education with varying tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. For the academic year 2020-2021, the in-state tuition and fees were $4,587. Out-of-state students faced higher costs, with tuition and fees amounting to $8,277 during the same period. By 2023, the median undergraduate tuition was $3,810, which is less than the national average for Associates Colleges.

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for additional expenses such as books and supplies. The average yearly cost of books and supplies was $3,000 in 2023.

Payment Policies and Methods

Payment Deadlines and Methods

Fees must be paid in full before registration is considered complete. Shelton State Community College provides multiple payment options, including:

Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program (PACT)
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
VISA
MasterCard
American Express
Discover
ApplePay
ACH
Cash
Checks
Money orders
Cashier’s checks

Students using third-party payment methods are responsible for verifying that payment has been received by the Cashier’s Office. Shelton State Community College does not accept partial payments. Balances remaining after grant/waiver/scholarship is applied to the student’s account must be paid in full on or prior to the payment due date.

Late Payment Consequences

A past due payment plan restriction (TP) will be applied to all students who fail to make scheduled payments on time. This restriction prevents all registration activity, graduation, and transcript release.

Returned Payments

All returned payments are subject to a returned payment service charge based on the current rate set by the District Attorney’s Office. After three (3) returned payments, a student will no longer be allowed to pay using that method of payment. If a student’s payment is returned for any reason, payment must be remitted promptly.

Refund Policy

The Shelton State tuition refund policy is based on the College calendar. The calculation of the refund begins with the first day of class as listed on the College calendar for that term. To receive a 100% refund for complete withdrawal from school, students must withdraw before the first scheduled day listed on the College calendar for that term. All terms within the semester, full term, first split term, and second split term are treated independently for refund purposes. Shelton State Community College does not give cash refunds. Only the following tuition and fees can be refunded: tuition, facility renewal fees, technology fees, building fees, enhancement fees, reserve fees, and Buccaneer Books+ fees. Other miscellaneous fees will not be refunded.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Shelton State Community College offers various forms of financial assistance to eligible students. Financial aid is designed to supplement a family’s ability to finance a student’s educational expenses. The college is approved for Federal Financial Aid, Veterans Benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation Training, and Alabama Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (PACT).

Federal Aid Programs

Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs available include:

Read also: Shelton Academy: A Closer Look

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Shelton State is also approved to participate in the Alabama Student Assistant Program (ASAP). However, it's important to note that Shelton State Community College does not participate in any federal student loan programs.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for financial aid, students must:

Apply for admission and have on file a copy of the high school transcript, GED scores, and academic transcripts from all other colleges previously attended.
Be a citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Be a regular student working towards a degree or certificate in an eligible program at SSCC.
Create an FSA ID number at www.fafsa.gov. If student is a dependent student, the student’s parent will need to create an FSA ID number.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov. This should be done as soon as students or parents of dependent students complete their federal income tax return each year.
Exhibit financial need.
Enroll as a student in an eligible program and make satisfactory academic progress.
Submit all official transcripts.

Financial Aid Adjustments and Policies

Students who completely withdraw from school prior to the disbursement of funds will have their financial aid adjusted based on their withdrawal date. The maximum time frame allowed to complete a program of study without financial aid penalty cannot exceed 1.5 times the published length of a specific program. A student may receive financial aid for up to thirty (30) attempted developmental credit hours.

Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4) Policy

The federal government has established a Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4) Policy CFR Section 668.22. Federal grant recipients who completely withdraw from the institution prior to completing 60% of the enrollment period are subject to the R2T4 policy and may owe a repayment.

Understanding Residency for Tuition Purposes

Determining residency is crucial for tuition purposes. A resident student is an applicant for admission who meets all legal requirements or is a duly registered resident in the state of Alabama for at least twelve (12) months immediately preceding application for admission, or whose non-estranged spouse has resided and had habitation, home, and permanent abode in the state of Alabama for at least twelve (12) months immediately preceding application for admission. In the case of minor dependents seeking admission, the parents, parent, or legal guardian of such minor dependent must have resided in the state of Alabama for at least twelve (12) months preceding application for admission.

Read also: Board of Education details

Establishing Residency

Though certifications of an address and an intent to remain in the state indefinitely will be prerequisites to establishing status as a resident, ultimate determination of that status will be made by the institution by evaluating the presence or absence of connection with the state of Alabama. Students determined to be eligible for resident tuition will maintain that eligibility upon re-enrollment within one (1) full academic year of their most recent previous enrollment unless there is evidence the student subsequently has abandoned resident status, for example: registering to vote in another state. In determining non-resident student status for the purpose of charging tuition, the burden of proof lies with the applicant for admission.

Additional Fees and Considerations

Student Accident Insurance

All students are required to purchase a student accident insurance policy each semester. The charge is $7.50 per term for the fall and spring semesters and $5.00 for the summer semester.

Financial Aid Freeze Date

The financial aid freeze date is used each semester to lock in a student’s enrollment status for awarding financial aid. All classes a student is enrolled in on the freeze date each semester determines the maximum amount of federal aid the student is eligible to receive.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Students

Affordability and Financial Aid

Shelton State Community College strives to provide affordable education, with various financial aid options available. In 2023, 48% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants.

Payment Responsibility

Students are responsible for ensuring that tuition and fees are paid in full before the registration is considered complete. Understanding payment deadlines and methods is crucial.

Residency Matters

Establishing residency can significantly impact tuition costs. Prospective students should understand the residency requirements and ensure they meet the criteria.

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