Understanding Spokane Community College Tuition and Fees
Planning for college involves understanding the costs associated with attending. For prospective students of Spokane Community College (SCC) and Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC), this article breaks down the components of tuition and fees, residency requirements, available waivers and credits, and other financial considerations.
Decoding the Cost of Attendance
The amount you'll pay to attend Spokane Community College or Spokane Falls Community College varies. The cost differs for everyone based on current tuition rates, your residency status, financial aid package, school fees, your program of study, cost of books, and your cost of living. To start calculating your costs, use the information below for the current school year, then subtract the amount of financial assistance you will receive. To get a basic tuition estimate, prospective students can use the net price calculator tool.
The total cost comprises Washington state tuition, collected by the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, and SCC/SFCC fees that support student programs. It is important to consider the total cost and the net price as you’re comparing costs of different institutions. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.
Tuition and Fees Breakdown
The amount students pay to attend Spokane Community College is based on the current tuition and fees set by the Washington State Legislature and Spokane Colleges. Tuition and fees, as defined by the Washington Legislature, includes operating fees, building fees, student services, and activities fees. Some programs and courses require additional fees including lab fees, Washington State Patrol background check fee, liability insurance for certain programs, and more. Other fees apply for campus services such as I.D. Most fees are created by a vote from the student body, orchestrated by the SCC student government.
For the academic year 2020-2021, in-state tuition and fees were $3,826, while out-of-state tuition and fees were $5,135. Spokane Community College's tuition is $5,461 for in-state and $6,612 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Spokane Community College is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.
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Residency and Tuition
Your residency status significantly impacts tuition costs. The current tuition costs are broken up into costs for Washington state residents and costs for US citizens that do not reside in Washington state. However, there are other circumstances that may make you eligible for in-state tuition.
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges sets tuition rates for Washington state community colleges. Students are solely responsible for requesting information about documentation required to establish residency status. To obtain information or to submit an application for a change of residency, contact the Admissions Office at Spokane Community College (SCC) or Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC).
A student's domicile is the true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation where they expect to remain, and to which they expect to return when leaving without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere. A student claiming to be domiciled in the state of Washington must prove that fact to the satisfaction of the college. Students may apply for a change in classification up to the 30th calendar day of the quarter in which the change is sought.
In 2021, a new residency law made it easier for all Washingtonians, including undocumented people, to get resident tuition and state financial aid. They will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States (green card) as soon as they are eligible to apply. There are two ways to submit the affidavit. Option 1: Individuals who applied/will apply for state financial aid using the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). WASFA-filers submitted/will submit the affidavit as part of the WASFA. Option 2: Individuals who applied/will apply for federal and state financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or who are not applying for aid.
Tuition Waivers and Tax Credits
Tuition waivers allow certain people or groups of people to receive reduced tuition costs. Common waivers include children of totally disabled or POW/MIA or deceased eligible veterans or national guard members, children and spouses of deceased or disabled law enforcement or firefighters, wrongfully convicted persons, space available waivers (Washington state employees and senior citizens looking to audit a course) and others. A minimal fee per course will be charged to citizens who are at least 60 years old. This waiver does not apply to noncredit classes. Registration will only be accepted beginning the third through the fifth day of the quarter and instructor permission is required. ONLY, not college credit.
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Tax credits can help reduce the cost of your education by reducing the amount of taxable income your family needs to pay.
Financial Aid and Paying for School
At Spokane Community College, 34 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $6,166.
Refunds
Refer to the Important Dates calendar for current refund information and its relationship to the standard length of a quarter. The refund will be generated to the original form of payment typically within two weeks from the date the class was dropped. Refunds may be considered in cases of hospitalization or military transfer. Request form to the registrar at SCC or SFCC before a refund may be considered.
Additional Considerations
Students should also be aware of what to expect if any issues arise, and empowered about their financial responsibilities. Students who fails to return property or promptly pay any financial obligation due the college.
Campus and Student Life
Spokane Community College's campus is located in a city with a total enrollment of 7,081. The school utilizes a quarter-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 18-to-1. The highest degree offered at Spokane Community College is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 70 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Read also: A Look at Eastern Washington University
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