Fees, Expenses, Financial Aid

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Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees for the 2023-2024 Academic Year are subject to change. 

Fee amounts are approved by the State Regents for Higher Education and may be changed by direction of the State Regents. Payment arrangements are required for tuition and fees at time of enrollment.

Tuition

Oklahoma Residents: $116.55 per credit hour
Non-Oklahoma Residents: $341.55 per credit hour
 

Audit (Without Credit)

Same fees apply as a credit course

Special Fees

Fees for Student Services

Continuing Education (non-credit)

Fees vary by course

Special Course Supplies and Institutional Services

Students are expected to furnish expendable supplies in certain courses. The College may furnish a portion of all these expendable supplies to the student at a fixed cost per course, and these materials will be available at the proper scheduled time. Certain other services may also be provided for the student by the College at a fixed cost. The price schedule is listed below:

Course Lab Fees

Special Instruction Fees

In-State/Out-of-State Resident Classification

As part of the admissions process, institutions are responsible for determining students’ in-state/out-of-state status. Mere assertion by a student such as checking “In-State” on the application for admission is insufficient. The burden of proof to establish in-state status shall be upon the student and students may Petition for Residency.

Students who qualify for in-state tuition must meet guidelines as defined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The definition of a legal resident of Oklahoma to be used in the assessment of fees at TCC is as follows:
 

• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder), who has established domicile in Oklahoma and physical residence for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment may be eligible.
• As a dependent, the parents or guardians have an established physical residence in Oklahoma at least 12 months prior to enrollment and intend to remain in the state.
• Other classification options may be available for military personnel or spouses and dependents.
• Other classification options may be available for professionals, spouses and dependents relocated to Oklahoma for full-time employment or marriage to an Oklahoma resident.

Domicile is defined as having two components - residence and the intention to remain. If it is determined that an applicant entered the state with the express purpose of attending college, non-resident status will be assigned.
Domicile and residency status may be established over a period of 12 months for students who have not attended an Oklahoma college or university for more than 6 credit hours in the fall/spring semester and 3 credit hours in summer.

Complete In-State and Out-of-State policy information is also available at www.osrhe.edu. Contact the TCC Admission Office for questions or to petition resident classification.

Costs and Payments

Student Statement of Financial Responsibility

• I understand that enrollment at Tulsa Community College constitutes a contractual financial obligation to pay tuition and fees for classes in which I am enrolled. I further understand my financial obligations are due by the College’s set due date each semester.
• I understand that I will receive an email notification when my billing statement is available to view online.
• I understand that my account information can only be released to me. It is my responsibility to notify my parents/legal guardian of my account balance.
• I understand that in the event I have a returned check on my account I will be charged a $25 return check fee. I understand that I am responsible for all dishonored payments which have been presented on my behalf.
• I understand financial aid funds only pay tuition/fees and bookstore charges.
• I understand that once all my financial aid is applied to my bursar account, I am responsible to pay any new or unpaid charges I incur prior to the end of the semester.
• If my federal or institutional financial aid is either not received by Tulsa Community College or I lose my eligibility to retain financial aid for the semester, I assume responsibility for paying all student obligations.
• I understand that if I enroll prior to the enrollment hold being placed on my account, my enrollment is subject to possible cancellation if my balance is not paid to current. I also understand that if I am participating in the Payment Option Plan and my payments are not current, my enrollment is also subject to cancellation.
• I understand failure to pay my account prior to the 15th of the month will result in my account being assessed a 1.5% monthly (19.56% APR) finance charge on any past due balance. In addition on the last day of the semester if I still have a past due balance, I will be assessed a $50 late fee.
• It is my responsibility to know the College’s drop and withdraw policy including deadlines. It is also my responsibility to drop or withdraw myself from my classes. My failure to drop or withdraw in a timely manner does NOT relieve me from my financial responsibility to the College for tuition and fees.
• I also understand that if I enroll in classes and I do not attend these classes, I am still held responsible to pay the required tuition and fees if I fail to drop by the designated dates.
• I understand that if I drop, withdraw, graduate, or do not return to the College, it is my responsibility to update my address, phone number, and email address.
• I understand that if I have a student Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan that I am responsible for completing the required exit counseling upon leaving the College.
• I understand that if I have a College outstanding balance, holds are placed on my account and I will not be able to enroll in future semesters nor receive an academic transcript or diploma.
• I consent to being contacted on my cell phone if provided to the College as a source of contact.
• I understand if I leave the College with an unpaid balance and do not make satisfactory payment arrangements, my account will be placed with an external collection agency. I will be assessed collection costs (up to 33% of the original debt), legal costs and attorney fees. This will result in endangering my credit rating on a local and/or national level by being reported to all three credit bureau’s (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian). The College will also exercise the right to request an Oklahoma State Tax refund intercept to offset the outstanding debt.
• Tulsa Community College corresponds electronically with students using their TCC email address. I understand that I am responsible for regularly reading important information sent to my TCC email account and for taking action on any important correspondence sent to this address.
• I further consent that any phone number or email address provided can be used to contact me by TCC or any debt collection agency hired by TCC either directly or through an automated or predictive dialing system or prerecorded messaging in an effort to recover any unpaid obligation owed to TCC.  This can also include text messages or emails.

Student Account Payment Policy

It is the policy of Tulsa Community College that students must make college approved payment arrangements at the time of enrollment. The following are the options available for enrollment.

Option 1: Pay In Full or Payment Plan

• Students can sign up online to pay in full or pay cash in person at any campus Bursar office. There is no administrative fee if the student is paying in full.
• Students can go online and choose a payment plan. There is a $35 non-refundable service fee charged to students who select a payment plan.

Payment Plans

These plans are detailed on the MyTCC website and vary with each term. Students can also pick up information regarding payment plans in any bursar office.

A $35 non-refundable setup fee is required at the time of enrollment in the Tuition Option Plan (TOP). This payment will automatically be debited from your payment method at the time of enrollment in the Tuition Option Plan.

When students make a schedule adjustment or if charges and/or payments are applied to a student’s account, the student’s TOP installment amounts may change.

Students using a credit card as the payment method for TOP should be aware of the card’s expiration date. It is the student’s responsibility to update this information, if applicable. If this is not done, it could result in a late fee assessed to the student’s account.

Option 2: Financial Aid (FA)

• Students who have met priority financial aid deadlines by turning in all requested documents and are qualified to receive financial aid will be able to secure enrollment without making payment arrangements.

FA Priority Deadlines

Option 3: Third Party Payments

• Students can use third party methods of payment under the condition that the College can verify the payment source or that the student can provide acceptable documentation of the payment source.

*Student must present evidence of scholarship, etc., to the Bursar office in order to use this option prior to enrollment.

There will be a 1.5 percent monthly service charge (50 cent minimum) assessed to the student’s account on the 15th of each month for any unpaid balance based upon enrollment for those not in payment plan. Service charges will continue to be assessed to the student’s account if all current charges are not paid in full.

TCC is compliant under PL 115-407 and does not penalize any student receiving VA benefits if payment is delayed by processing.

Refunds

Refund Procedure

When a student enrolls in a class at Tulsa Community College, he/she reserves a place which cannot be made available to another student until he/she officially drops from the class. Many students cannot enter Tulsa Community College each term because classes are filled. Students processing a complete drop prior to the first day of classes may receive a 100 percent refund, except for Tuition Option Plan (TOP) fees.  Refunds will not be honored until all financial obligations to Tulsa Community College have been cleared.

TCC uses a variety of methods to distribute refunds to students.  Students with questions about how they will receive a refund should contact the Bursar’s office on any campus.

Refund Policy

Complete Withdrawal from the Institution

• 100 percent refund for dropping all classes during the first two weeks of a regular 16-week semester, first week of a summer or eight-week term or before the second class session of a course that is less than eight weeks in length. In order to receive a refund for courses shorter in duration than eight weeks, the student must drop the class before 5 p.m. on the second day of class for an online class or before 5 p.m. of the next regular work day following the first class session for all other classes.

• Zero percent refund for students withdrawing after the second week of a regular 16-week term or after the first week of a summer or eight-week term. For courses shorter in duration than eight weeks, there is no refund if the student drops the class after 5 p.m. on the second day of class for an online class or after 5 p.m. of the next regular work day following the first class session for all other classes.

NOTE: Financial aid recipients who complete a full withdrawal from the institution may be required to return Title IV funds.  See the Financial Aid Warning and Suspension section of this catalog.

Enrolling and Dropping from Classes

• Students may enroll in courses during the published dates in the Academic Calendar .
• It is the student’s responsibility to be sure unwanted courses are dropped by the scheduled deadline.
• Students may drop classes using MyTCC or in person by contacting any Enrollment Services Office.

Withdrawing from Classes

See the Withdrawal from Classes information in the Admissions and Registration  section of this catalog for more details.  The Academic Calendar  shows relevant dates for withdrawal.

• After the Schedule Adjustment Deadline, students may withdraw from a credit course, however, no refund will be administered. To withdraw, students must adhere to the following requirements:
  • Students may withdraw from a credit course within the first 75 percent of the course.
  • To initiate the withdrawal process, students should visit Academic Advising on any campus.
  • Students’ financial aid may be placed in jeopardy when they withdraw from any course. Students should contact the Student Financial Services office and/or the Veterans’ Services office (if applicable) before completing a withdrawal form.

Concurrent High School Student Schedule Adjustment and Withdrawal Policy

• Students must fill out a High School Concurrent Schedule Adjustment Form and have it signed by the high school counselor. Forms are available online and in any TCC Enrollment Services office.

Refund Policy for Continuing Education (non-credit classes)

• 100 percent refund will be given if a written, telephone, faxed, or in-person request is made to the Continuing Education office two full business days (M-F) before the first scheduled class meeting. Refunds cannot be issued for non attendance. All fees will be refunded if class is cancel-led due to insufficient enrollment. Refunds may require up to 30 days to process. The Continuing Education Department reserves the right to amend this policy for specialized events and programs.

Refund Policy for Students Entering Military Service

• If a student enters military service during the term in which he/she is enrolled and has not completed sufficient work for receiving his/her grades, but is in good standing academically, Tulsa Community College will refund to the student the full amount of fees paid. The student must forward a copy of the induction orders with a written request for a refund directed to the Enrollment Services office on any campus.

Fees Applicable Only Current Term

Fees are applicable only for the current semester or term. If a student withdraws and is entitled to a refund, the amount of the refund cannot be carried forward as a credit to a subsequent term.

Course Book Refunds

Course Books

• Students should purchase course books at the campus they will be attending or at www.tulsacc.bncollege.com.

• Internet course books may be purchased at www.tulsacc.bncollege.com or at the sponsoring Campus Store.

• Community Campus course books may be purchased at www.tulsacc.bncollege.com or at the sponsoring Campus Store.

Campus Store Refund Policy

Campus Stores may grant course book refunds to students with a current semester TCC sales receipt and who meet the following criteria:

Course Book Refund Deadlines

• The end of the first week of an 8 or 16 week term.
• The end of the second week of the 16 week term to students who have dropped the class.
• Until the first class meeting of a class lasting less than 8 weeks.
• Course books purchased after these deadlines must be returned within 24 hours for a refund.

Merchandise Condition for Refund

• Merchandise must be in resalable condition.
• A (100%) refund may be granted on a new course book that is clean, complete, with shrink wrap unopened or eBooks that have not been activated.
• If a new course book has been marked in or is not in new condition, it may be refunded at the current used price of that book. 
• Used books in resalable condition may be refunded at (100%) of the price paid at the time of purchase.

Campus Stores Course Books Buyback Information

Buyback is presented as a service to the TCC student. It is an opportunity afforded to the student to reap some benefit from those course books no longer wanted or needed. Buyback dates and times may be found at www.tccstores.com. A photo I.D. is required. Buyback is available to students all year excluding the month of January and the month of August. A photo ID is required to sell back textbooks.

Financial Aid and Scholarships*

* Note: Financial aid eligibility and processing at TCC are subject to change based upon changes in federal and/or state regulations. 

The Financial Aid and Scholarships office at Tulsa Community College (TCC) is available to assist qualified students meet their educational expenses. Financial aid is designed to supplement the financial resources of the student and/or student’s parent(s).  All students seeking financial assistance should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid consists of grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, student loans, and part-time employment from federal, state, institutional and private sources. The types and amounts of aid awarded is determined by financial need, availability of funds, student classification, and academic performance.

Financial aid is available to degree-seeking students and students seeking certain certificates at TCC. Students auditing coursework, taking non-credit classes, enrolling in college classes while still in high school, or taking classes but not pursing a degree or certificate from TCC are not eligible for Title IV Federal Student Aid. 

Financial Aid Programs Requiring the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

There are a number of financial aid programs, scholarships and tuition waivers available at Tulsa Community College.  The FAFSA is used to apply for the following financial aid programs:

• Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)
• Federal Work-Study (FWS)
• Direct Subsidized Loan
• Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Direct Parent PLUS Loan (PLUS)

Other programs available through TCC’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office that require a separate application in addition to the FAFSA:

• TCC Honors Scholar Tuition Waiver
• TCC Foundation Scholarships
• TCC True Blue Lead

TCC’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office will award students for all federal, state, and institutional programs. Based on eligibility, the student may qualify for a combination of financial aid awards and programs. Some programs are based on financial need. Financial need is the difference between expected educational expenses and available family financial resources as determined by the FAFSA.

The student and parent(s) (if listed on the FAFSA) should be prepared to verify information reported on the FAFSA. Students will be notified through their TCC email of requests for documentation. The specific document request(s) will be viewable through the student’s MYTCC portal account in the Financial Aid Dashboard. When the awards are determined, an award notification is sent to the student through their TCC email account. The award notification will direct the student to their Financial Aid Dashboard account to view and/or accept the awards. Failure to provide the requested documentation may result in a delay or the termination of the financial aid review process. 

To ensure that financial aid will be available by the start of the term, students must have their FAFSA application completed, and all requirements satisfied. Early application is encouraged as some funds may be limited.

Financial Aid priority consideration deadlines are:

• Fall term- June 1
• Spring term- November 1
• Summer term- April 1

Attendance and Federal Financial Aid

Students must attend classes to establish eligibility for federal financial aid, Veterans Education Benefits and immigration status for students attending school on VISA.  Students must attend classes to establish eligibility for federal financial aid. This means that students must begin attending classes during the schedule adjustment period.  Students who do not begin attending classes prior to the drop deadline will be reported for non-attendance and financial aid will be adjusted.  Students will be responsible for tuition and fees if they fail to attend classes and do not drop.  These classes will not be included in the calculation of federal financial aid.

Courses in Program of Study (CPoS) and Financial Aid

Your enrollment does affect your eligibility for federal financial aid. 

The U.S. Department of Education has established regulations about Federal Title IV financial aid, including guidelines about paying for only classes in the student’s program of study and and specific programs of study. Federal aid includes: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work Study (FWS), Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans, and Parent PLUS loans.  Students who participate in Tulsa Achieves are also required to follow CPoS regulations.

What does “Courses in Program of Study” (CPoS) mean?

Federal Title IV guidelines state that federal financial aid will only pay for classes that count towards your program of study (your degree program or major).  All course registrations are evaluated to see if the classes count towards your Financial Aid eligible program of study in Degree Works. If you are taking a class that does not count towards your current program of study, then that class might not be paid for by financial aid. Students may also count up to 30 attempted credit hours of developmental coursework toward their financial aid.

What this means for you is that if you enroll in a course that does not count toward your chosen financial aid eligible program of study, or if you have not declared a financial aid eligible program of study, your courses will not be counted in your financial aid calculation of hours for full-time or part-time enrollment and financial aid cannot pay for the course(s).  When enrolling in courses, please check your degree plan and make sure that your declared major is correct, and that your enrolled classes are listed as part of your degree plan.  If you feel that your listed major is incorrect or if your courses are not showing as counting in your program, you will need to visit with your Academic Advisor.  All major changes must be submitted prior to the deadline established by Academic Advisement each semester, and TCC can not disburse aid for major changes declared after this date.  Please see your Academic Advisor if you have questions or need more information.

Example: You are registered for 12 credits (4 classes), but 3 of those enrolled credits (1 class) do not apply towards your program of study (such as courses you may need to get into a new program at another school).  If that class cannot be counted toward your current program of study, then your aid may only pay for 9 credits. If your total aid is not enough to cover tuition and fees for the full 12 credits, then you will be responsible for paying for any charges over the amount of your total aid.

CPoS guidelines apply to all federal financial aid and Tulsa Achieves.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Undergraduate students, who have not earned a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree, and who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, may apply for a Pell Grant by submitting a FAFSA. Eligibility to receive a Federal Pell Grant is determined by the U. S. Department of Education based upon a standard formula, established by Congress, using family financial information submitted on the FAFSA 

The Pell Grant is paid in prorated payments, meaning if you are not full time you will receive less than the maximum amount. There are no exceptions for prorating Pell Grants.  Proration applies to ALL semesters, including summer. Pell proration is based on a student’s enrollment status as follows:

• Full-time = 12 or more credit hours
• Three-quarter time = 9-11 credit hours
• Half-time = 6-8 credit hours
• Less than half time = 5 or less credit hours

TCC Financial Aid and Scholarships will recalculate Pell grant for all students who are enrolled and attending classes.

To be eligible for federal student aid funds, a student must be enrolled before the Pell Recalculation Date (PRD).  It is extremely important that students finalize their class schedule before the PRD. The PRD is the point at which a student’s enrollment status is locked for Pell Grant eligibility purposes.  Credit hours added after the PRD cannot be used to increase the enrollment status for Pell Grant eligibility. Likewise, credit hours withdrawn from after the PRD will not cause a decrease in enrollment status for Pell Grant eligibility.

For students who are not enrolled and attending on the PRD, a Pell Grant recalculation will occur at the time of disbursement for the first “part of term” they are attending.  Once the recalculation determines enrollment status and Pell Grant eligibility, credit hours added after this recalculation date cannot be used to increase the enrollment status for Pell Grant eligibility, likewise, credit hours withdrawn from after this recalculation date will not cause a decrease in enrollment status for Pell Grant eligibility.

You can learn more information on the Pell Grant program.

NOTE: Students who already have a baccalaureate degree are not eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG provides grants to students with the greatest financial need as determined by the FAFSA and is subject to the availability of funds. 

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)

OTAG is a need based grant program available to Oklahoma resident students making satisfactory academic progress. To apply, submit the FAFSA as early as possible after October 1st of each year, as funds are limited. This program is administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Tribal Grants

Tribal grants are for Native American students. Application procedures are initiated in the appropriate Tribal Education Office and by submitting the FAFSA application.

Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

Tulsa Community College offers many scholarships and tuition waivers to students with scholastic achievement and/or economic need.  A current descriptive list of scholarships and tuition waivers opportunities is available online at https://tulsacc.academicworks.com.

TCC Foundation Scholarships

The Tulsa Community College Foundation offers a variety of scholarships opportunities to TCC students funded through private donors, endowments and foundations. Students may apply by completing the TCC Foundation Scholarship application here.

Academic Scholars Scholarship

Each year, up to five Tulsa Community College freshmen who are accepted into the TCC Honors Program may be selected for the Academic Scholars Scholarship. Recipients will receive a tuition waiver and a cash stipend. The scholarship is transferable to other colleges and universities upon graduation from TCC. The Academic Scholars Program was created and funded by the Oklahoma Legislature and is administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as an incentive for students of high academic ability to attend both public and private higher education institutions in Oklahoma.

Students must apply during the spring semester of (or early summer following) the senior year of high school. The scholarship is renewable for eight semesters of higher education, provided the student remains enrolled full-time in an Oklahoma college or university and meets all other continuing eligibility requirements.

TCC Concurrent Tuition Waiver 

Concurrently enrolled high school students may be eligible for the concurrent tuition waiver while attending TCC as a concurrent high school student. For more information visit https://www.tulsacc.edu/admissions-aid/admissions/college-courses-high-school-students.

TCC Need-Based and Scholastic Tuition Waiver

Tulsa Community College offers an annual tuition waiver up to $1400 for Oklahoma residents. Recipients are determined by their cumulative grade point average and completion rate, with 70 percent of the scholarships awarded to students with financial need. Students who are awarded based on financial need are required to have a 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Students who are awarded based on scholastics are required to have a 3.00 cumulative GPA. To apply and receive priority consideration, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible on or after October 1 each year.

TCC Tuition Waivers are also available for Oklahoma residents who are 65 years of age or older, former POWMIA; dependents (children) of POW/MIA; and, dependents of Oklahoma peace officers and firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty. Students should contact the financial aid office for more information.

TCC Honors Scholar Tuition Waiver

Tulsa Community College offers a tuition waiver of three to 18 credit hours per fall and spring term for students who are TCC Honors Scholars in good standing. To apply, submit the TCC Honors Scholar application to the TCC Honors office on Metro Campus. To remain eligible for the waiver, students are required to maintain a TCC grade point average of at least 3.5 and complete a minimum of three credit hours each term, including at least one Honors course each term until minimum Honors Scholars credit requirements are fulfilled.

TCC TrueBlue Lead

TrueBlue Lead is a leadership development program based on scholarship, leadership, and community service involvement, with students selected via an interview process. This program provides the recipient with a tuition waiver.  Students should complete the online application at https://tulsacc.academicworks.com.  Students are required to complete six credit hours in the fall to maintain eligibility in the spring.

Work Study

Federal Work-study Program (FWS)

Students will earn an hourly wage, depending on the position, for up to 20 hours a week during the academic year, which includes breaks between terms. Placement may be either on or off campus with public or private non-profit agencies. Maximum earnings are determined from the estimated family contribution as determined by the FAFSA and the availability of funds. Applicants must be enrolled, complete a TCC work- study employment application, and be interviewed for placement. Students seeking Federal work-study employment should visit the TCC careers website for more information and to apply for positions at:  https://www.tulsacc.edu/employment

Loans

Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP)

The DLP offers subsidized, unsubsidized and Parent PLUS loans through the federal treasury for students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program. Dependent undergraduate students can borrow up to $5,500, if they are first-year students enrolled in a program of study that is at least a full academic year, and up to $6,500, if they have completed their first year of study and the remainder of their program is at least a full academic year. The maximum for an independent undergraduate student loan is up to $9,500 for the first year and up to $10,500 for the second year. A student completing prerequisites for an approved program of study may receive up to $2,625 for one academic year.

The aggregate amount a student may qualify for is $31,000 for a dependent undergraduate and $57,500 for an independent undergraduate (only $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans). According to federal guidelines, all student loans must come in two disbursements per loan period, and delivery to  first year, first time borrowers must be delayed for thirty days. Students must also complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling.

Regardless of the type of loan, students must complete entrance counseling and the MPN before they can be given their first loan disbursement. A student dropping below half-time status, through withdrawal, transfer or graduation, must complete Loan exit counseling. These provide student borrowers with important information about their loan, borrower rights, and repayment

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by the FAFSA.  Interest will not be charged on a subsidized loan before the borrower begins repayment or during authorized periods of deferments. The federal government “subsidizes” the interest during these periods.  An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. Interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If interest is allowed to accumulate, it will be capitalized - that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount.   Both a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan may be received for the same enrollment period.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

Parent PLUS loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow funds to pay the educational expenses of each child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time. The yearly limit on a PLUS Loan is equal to the student’s cost of attendance at TCC minus any other financial aid he or she receives. Interest is charged on the loan from the date the first disbursement is made until the loan is paid in full. Parents will be notified by lender or service provider of interest rate changes throughout the life of the loan. Loan funds are sent to TCC by the U.S. Department of Education in two installments.

Financial Aid Application Procedure and Process

The 2022-2023 FAFSA application is for the fall 2022 spring 2023, and summer 2023 terms.

1. Go to FAFSA and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.Please note: students must complete an application for each academic school year they plan to attend.  Enter TCC’s Federal School Code: 00976300 so that TCC will receive your FAFSA results.
2. Complete the TCC Application for Admission through the college’s website at www.tulsacc.edu. To receive financial aid, a student must be admitted as a degree-seeking student in an eligible degree or certificate program.
3. Watch for correspondence from the U.S. Department of Education. If you provided an email address on your FAFSA application, you’ll receive an email with a link to an online copy of your SAR from noreply@fafsa.gov. After you submit your FAFSA form, you’ll get a SAR, an electronic or paper document that summarizes the information you reported on your FAFSA form. If you did not provide an email address on your FAFSA form, you will receive a paper Student Aid Report (SAR) in approximately one to six weeks from the U. S. Department of Education. The student must carefully review the instructions on the SAR. If the SAR is incorrect, refer to the instructions on the SAR for correction information. You may make corrections by logging into your FAFSA and resubmitting it with the corrected information.
4. Students should monitor the progress of their financial aid application through the Financial Aid Dashboard by logging on to the MyTCC portal using their CWID and password. The Financial Aid and Scholarships office will notify the student via TCC email of any additional information needed. The email will instruct the student to check their Financial Aid Dashboard for the additional information requested.  Once all requirements are complete and the student meets all  eligibility requirements, the Financial Aid and Scholarships office will complete the file and award the student. The student will receive an email notifying them of the update to their application. The email will instruct the student to log into their MyTCC portal account and view their awards in the Financial Aid Dashboard. 
5. Other applications for financial aid, including BIA or Tribal Grants, outside agency scholarships, or Vocational Rehabilitation, should be submitted by their individual application deadlines. Each agency will have its own application forms and deadlines. Follow the instructions carefully, as funds are limited.
6. Request official academic transcripts from previously attended schools, post-secondary schools, colleges, and universities. All transcripts must be on file to receive financial aid.
7. Respond quickly to requests for additional information from all TCC offices to avoid delays. Students should always include their student T number in all correspondence and must e-mail from their TCC student e-mail account. To ensure that financial aid will be available by the start of the term, students MUST have their FAFSA application completed, and all requirements in their Financial Aid dashboard satisfied. Early application is encouraged as some funds are limited.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy (34 CFR 688.34)

To be eligible for Title IV federal student aid, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward the successful continued progression of an educational degree or certificate. Progress is measured by an objective set of standards at the end of each payment period for the fall, spring and summer semesters. All TCC hours and acceptable hours appearing on transcripts from prior schools will be used to determine SAP status.  Hours are included in the calculation whether Federal Student Aid was received or not. Violation of any section of this policy will result in the loss of Federal Student Aid eligibility.

TCC’s full SAP policy can be found at https://www.tulsacc.edu/admissions-aid/aid/financial-aid/financial-aid-policies.  

Requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress

Title IV federal student aid recipients are required to meet the following standards at the end of each payment (fall, spring and summer semesters) period.

Qualitative Progress Requirement (GPA)

• 1.70 cumulative GPA for all students who have attempted less than 31 credit hours.
• 2.00 cumulative GPA for all students who have attempted 31 or more credit hours.

Quantitative Progress Requirement (PACE or Pace of Completion)

• PACE at which a student must progress through their educational program to ensure completion of the program within the maximum time frame: complete at least 67% of the total number of credit hours attempted.  PACE is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of hours the student has completed by the cumulative number of hours the student has attempted.

Maximum Time Frame Requirement

• Complete a degree program within a maximum time frame of 95 attempted credit hours.  A student’s number of attempted credit hours cannot exceed 150% of the hours required for the degree being pursued.  The average two-year degree at TCC requires 63 credit hours; 63 multiplied by 150% is equal to 95. All prior credits count towards the 95 hour maximum timeframe.  All prior credits count towards the 95-hour maximum timeframe. 

Transfer Course Work

Students are required to have official transcripts from all prior accredited institutions of higher learning on file with TCC.  All course work accepted for credit by TCC will be considered in the qualitative (GPA) quantitative (PACE) and maximum time frame requirements of SAP including remedial (zero level) and repeated course work. 

Repeated Courses

When a previously non-passed course is repeated, both grades will remain on the permanent record and both grades will be used to compute the cumulative GPA in the calculation of a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress status. Each repetition will count towards the attempted hours in the PACE calculation.

When a previously passed course is repeated, both grades will remain on the permanent record and both grades will be used to compute the cumulative GPA in the calculation of a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress status. in the PACE calculation, each repetition will count towards the attempted hours; however, the course will only count toward completed hours once. 

Financial Aid Warning

Students who fail to meet either the PACE component, GPA component, or both, will be placed on financial aid warning for one payment period (semester).  Students on financial aid warning remain eligible to receive Title IV funds and should work to improve their GPA and PACE.  Failure to meet all SAP standards at the end of the warning period will result in financial aid suspension and the loss of Title IV federal student aid eligibility.  There is no warning period once a student reaches their maximum time frame.

Financial Aid Probation

If a student successfully files a SAP appeal, the student will be placed on financial aid probation.  Students on financial aid probation are eligible for Title IV Federal Student Aid. Students who require more than one payment period semester to meet the minimum GPA and PACE standards will be placed on an academic plan.  Students on an academic plan will be placed on financial aid probation until the student completes the academic plan, at which time they must meet all the minimum qualitative and quantitative standards.  Failure to successfully complete or comply with the provisions of the academic plan will result in financial aid suspension and the loss of Title IV Federal Student Aid eligibility.

Suspension of Aid

Students who fail to meet the requirements of this policy will be suspended from financial aid.  Funds affected by this policy include all applicable federal, state, and college funds including but not limited to Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS (Parent) Loans, Federal Work Study, Oklahoma’s Promise, OTAG and Tulsa Achieves.

Students on financial aid suspension have the right to appeal. A student may appeal the suspension of financial aid due to extenuating circumstance. Exceptional circumstances may include but are not limited to illness, death of an immediate family member, or traumatic events in the student’s life. Students are limited to one SAP appeal per semester.

Regained Eligibility

Students may re-establish financial aid eligibility by:

1. Successfully completing course work until the minimum standards are met, or
2. Successfully appealing financial aid suspension.

When a student appeals financial aid suspension, there is no guarantee the appeal will be approved.  Once suspended, there is no guarantee a student may receive financial aid until they are meeting minimum standards again.  Upon reaching the minimum standards, the student will need to re-submit an appeal for their progress to be reviewed.

Return of Title IV Funds when a student Withdraws (34 CFR 668.22)

Title IV federal student aid is awarded to students at Tulsa Community College under the assumption that they will attend class for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded.  When a student withdraws and/or stops attending class before 60% of the term has elapsed, he/she may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that they were originally eligible to receive.

If a recipient of Title IV federal student aid withdraws from a school after beginning attendance, the amount of Title IV federal student aid earned by the student must be determined.  Federal student aid is defined as any federal grant and/or federal student loan.  If the amount of aid disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, unearned funds must be returned to the appropriated federal student aid program.

Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations are processed by the TCC Financial Aid Office within 30 days of determining the student has completely withdrawn from school.  TCC will have an additional 15 days to return funds to the U.S. Department of Education.  The R2T4 calculation must be completed and funds returned within 45 days of the student’s withdrawal.

TCC’s Return of Title IV Funds policy can be found at https://www.tulsacc.edu/admissions-aid/aid/financial-aid/financial-aid-policies.

Definition of a Withdrawal

A student is considered to have withdrawn if they do not complete all the days in the payment period that they were scheduled to complete.

Official Withdrawal Process

A student who wishes to withdraw from college must initiate the official withdrawal process by:

1. Notifying and discussing the withdrawal with the instructor
2. Completing and signing the Request for Withdrawal form. Forms are available in any TCC Advisement Office.
3. Submit completed Request for Withdrawal form to any TCC Academic Advising Office.

Students who receive scholarships, veteran’s benefits, loans, grants, and/or Tulsa Achieves are required to meet with a Financial Aid representative before withdrawing to assist you in determining the possible consequences of withdrawal.

Withdrawal deadlines for regular semester courses (16 week) or eight-week courses are published in the academic calendar, found in the TCC Catalog.  Students are strongly encouraged to visit with any Enrollment Services Office regarding the deadlines for shorter courses.

A letter grade of W (withdrawal) will be issued when a student initiates a withdrawal during TCC’s allowable withdrawal period. 

Unofficial Withdrawal

An unofficial withdrawal occurs when a student fails to earn any hours at the end of the term, i.e. earns a 0.0 GPA.  Letter grades contributing to no earned hours include; W, AW, I, or F. 

A letter grade of AW may be assigned by the instructor to indicate a student has been involuntarily withdrawn by the institution during the designated semester for disciplinary, inadequate attendance or other extenuating circumstances.  In the case of non-attendance, instructors are required to report any student who fails to begin attendance to the Financial Aid Office before the end of the drop period using the WN process. Students who fail to begin attendance will have their Pell Grant re-calculated.  Students who fail to begin attendance will remain enrolled in the course and will be responsible for payment of tuition and fees.  At the end of the term, reported non-attendance (WN) will be assigned an AW on the student’s transcript.

Students who fail to begin attendance

If a student fails to begin attendance in any course, the respective faculty member will report the student as non-attending by the designated deadline.  Non-attendance will result in a Pell Grant recalculation and/or return of funds.

Beginning attendance for on-campus courses is defined as physically attending at least one class session within the add/drop period.

Beginning attendance for online courses is defined as participating in discussions, asking or answering a question from the professor or otherwise being involved in an academic activity within the add/drop period. Logging into the class is not sufficient to determine attendance.

If you fail to begin attendance and do not drop the course during the add/drop period, there are several consequences:

• You will be responsible for the cost of the course.
• Most types of funding will not pay for courses the student did not attend.
• The non-attended course will negatively affect your SAP calculations.

There may be other consequences.  Consult with your Academic Advisor and Financial Aid to determine specific consequences to you.

Misrepresentation, Forgery, Fraud and Abuse

The TCC Financial Aid and Scholarships office is required to report any suspected fraud or misrepresentation to the U.S. Inspector General’s Office. Whenever a staff member becomes aware that a student and/or a student’s parent or spouse may have allegedly misrepresented facts relevant to the student’s financial aid application, or have committed forgery or fraud, the staff member must report this promptly to the Vice President for Financial Aid and Scholarships for appropriate follow-up. The AVP will contact the student to attempt to determine if the misrepresentation was unintentional and to explain the consequences of the action. Should resolution not occur, the case may be referred to the U.S. Inspector General’s Office for appropriate action(s).

Tulsa Achieves

Tulsa Achieves is a scholarship program that pays up to 100% of tuition and fees for high school students who reside in Tulsa County and who attend TCC the fall semester immediately following high school graduation. Tulsa Achieves will cover up to 63 credit hours or three years of college, whichever comes first, for qualifying students.

Steps for Applying for Tulsa Achieve

1. Complete a TCC application for admission.
2. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. Complete a Tulsa Achieves Agreement Form https://www.tulsacc.edu/admissions-aid/tulsa-achieves-scholarship/apply
4. Submit High School Transcript
5. Complete New Student Orientation
6. Submit a Final High School Transcript showing the date of your graduation (GPA must also be at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale)

Tulsa Achieves Eligibility

To be eligible for Tulsa Achieves, students must:

• Both the student and the parent(s) on the FAFSA must be considered a Tulsa County resident during high school and at the time of High School graduation
• Graduate form public or private high school, or home school
• Graduate high school with a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Attend TCC the fall semester after high school graduation
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the U.S.

Maintaining Eligibility

To maintain eligibility in Tulsa Achieves, students must:

• Maintain Tulsa County residency while in the program (student and parent(s) on the FAFSA)
• Maintain good academic standing
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) eligibility (Read TCC’s SAP Policy here)
• Complete at least 3 credit hours with a passing grade each fall and spring semester
• Submit a FAFSA starting Oct 1 each year and complete any required forms requested by the Financial Aid office in your Financial Aid dashboard
• Complete 40 hours of volunteer service each academic year

Veterans Education Benefits

Tulsa Community College maintains a full-time office of Veterans Education Benefits at Metro Campus, for the convenience of veterans and their dependents attending school. We at TCC are very proud of the service our veterans, have given and the sacrifices they and their families have made. We have set aside space on each campus for a study area designed for our veteran students. These areas include information on veterans resources in our community. The staff in the Veterans Education Benefits office is eager to help in any way.

Entitlement Programs

1. Chapter 30, Title 38, U.S.C. - Montgomery Gl Bill®
2. Chapter 31, Title 38, U.S.C. - Disabled Veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation Program
3. Chapter 33, Title 38, U.S.C. - Post 911 Persons serving active since September 11, 2001
4. Chapter 35, Title 38, U.S.C.
   1. Spouse of 100% Permanently and Totally Disabled Veteran
   2. Spouse of a Deceased Veteran (Service Connected)
   3. Children of a or b
5. Chapter 1606, Title 38, U.S.C. - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program Policies

The Department of Veterans Affairs  requires all veterans to abide by the policies and regulations of the College concerning academic standing and progress, class attendance, and conduct. The TCC Veterans Education Benefits office will monitor compliance with these policies and is required to report any deviations to The Department of Veterans Affairs. All school policies are stated elsewhere in this catalog. Concurrent with school policies, The Department of Veterans Affairs requires the following:

1. Academic program. A recipient of The Department of Veterans Affairs  benefits must select and designate the academic program under which they will be receiving educational benefits. Any change of academic program must be acceptable to the The Department of Veterans Affairs and reported.
2. Course work. Educational benefits will be paid only on courses applicable toward the academic program. Any course substitution, i.e., a course outside the catalog listing for a particular program, must be verified as an approved substitution. The Department of Veterans Affairs  will not award educational benefits for repeated courses in which a passing grade has already been received or for courses in which an incomplete “I” is earned.
3. Previous or transfer credit. Applicants for benefits having earned college credit at another institution must submit transcripts from each institution they have attended before the TCC Veterans Services Office can certify enrollment to The Department of Veterans Affairs .
4. All persons applying for education benefits must submit Military Transcripts for evaluation.

5. Pursuant to SB 1830: The Oklahoma Student Veteran Leave of Absence Act of 2014, Tulsa Community College shall grant a Military Leave of Absence (MLOA) not to exceed a cumulative five years to a student who is a member of the active uninformed military services of the United States and is called to active duty.

   In summary, the act states that the student shall be eligible to:

   1. Withdraw from and receive a refund for any or all classes for the period of active duty service without penalty to admission status or GPA and without loss of institutional financial aid; or

   2. Receive an incomplete grade for any or all classes for the period of active duty status; provided that the student has completed a minimum of 50 percent of all class work prior to being called to active duty and the student completes all classes upon returning from active duty. The student’s admission status and GPA shall not be penalized, and the student shall experience no loss of institutional financial aid.
      
      To request a Military Leave Of Absence, Please see Academic Advisement to begin the process.
6. Any Withdraw or change in enrollment may result in a debt with the VA or TCC. Beneficiaries whose benefit pays tuition and fees directly to TCC who withdraw from classes will create a tuition and fee debt with TCC (please see below for clarification.) This includes tuition and fee payments under the Post 9/11 GI BILL.

On January 5, 2021, the President signed the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 into law (Public Law 116-315). The new law requires schools and training providers to be financially responsible, instead of the student, for benefits paid directly to an educational institution. This applies to tuition and fee payments and Yellow Ribbon program payments under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (including under the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship), and to advance payment of benefits under the various GI Bill programs.

This policy can adversely affect your ability to enroll in future semesters at TCC if you Withdraw from a class or change your schedule and these changes result in a debt with TCC.

Procedures

1. Apply for admission online at www.tulsacc.edu.
2. Register for classes and contact the Veteran Education Benefits office to hold your classes. 
3. First-time veteran students at TCC need to contact the Academic Advising office and acquire a Program Curriculum Plan. Returning students may verify applicability of courses toward graduation by reviewing their Program Curriculum Plan on file in Degree Works.
4. Go to the TCC Veterans Education Benefits Office website or in-person and request certification for benefits See https://www.tulsacc.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/veterans-educational-benefits for semester appropriate paperwork. The following documents must be presented by veterans enrolling under the Veterans Educational program for the first time.
   1. Chapter 30 Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veteran Affairs. 
   2. Chapter 31. Approval from The Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation counselor.
   3. Chapter 33 - Certificate of Eligibility from The Department of Veterans Affairs.
   4. Chapter 35 - Disabled veteran’s file number and Certificate of Eligibility.
   5. Chapter 1606 - Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
5. All certifications for veteran’s benefits will be processed through the Veterans Education Benefits office on the Metro Campus.
6. Veterans pursuing concurrent enrollment at more than one college or university may do so but must coordinate with the Veterans Education Benefits office at both institutions to ensure proper certification.

“GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.” 

38 USC 3679(e)(1)(A). This law requires that students awaiting a delayed payment from the VA will not be penalized in any way for the delay in payment nor will they be assessed any late fees. Please notify the Veterans Education Benefits office if you are assessed these fees.