Expenses and Financial Aid

Expenses

Cleveland State Community College is a state-supported institution that provides services at a reasonable price. To determine the total cost of attending Cleveland State, students should consider both the required fees and their varying personal expenses. Students who feel they cannot afford the cost are urged to contact the Financial Aid Office to inquire about the several forms of assistance for which they may qualify. Payment of fees and tuition may be made at the Athens Center and Monroe County Center locations, as well as at the main campus.

Estimated Semester Costs¹

Tuition and Regents Online Degree Fees
 

Regents Online Degree Program

Audit - Same as credit course fees.

Non-Credit - No application fee is required of non-credit students. Course fees may vary. Non-credit fees are nonrefundable except when the course or activity is cancelled by the college.

Registration Fees

Special Fees

Federal Tax Reporting - Form 1098-T

Cleveland State, which has received qualified tuition and related expenses on your behalf, must furnish a 1098-T form to you. You, or the person who may claim you as a dependent, may be able to take either the tuition and fees deduction or claim an education credit on Form 1040 or 1040A for the qualified tuition and related expenses that were actually charged in the tax year. These forms are mailed out before January 31. To receive one mailed, you must select the mailed option via the ESCI website located in Cougarnet. For additional information, please contact the Business Office at (423) 472-7141, ext. 394.

¹All fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

²Students are classified as resident or non-resident by the Office of Admissions and Records for the purpose of assessing tuition charges. The definition of residency as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents will apply. A student once classified as an out-of-state student will continue to be thus classified unless a change of legal residence is established by evidence other than presence as a student. The burden of proof of all conditions pertaining to residence is placed upon the student, including the responsibility for submission of such documentary substantiation as required by the college. If there is any question as to in-state residency at the time of registration, the student will be classified as out-of-state and will be charged out-of-state tuition. The out-of-state tuition for that semester will be refunded only if the student submits the required documentation within three weeks after regular registration. Information about residence classification may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records. Students have the right to appeal the assignment of residency status to the Director of Admissions and Records.

Disabled and Senior Citizens

Disabled persons suffering from a permanent total disability which totally incapacitates such persons from working at an occupation with an income and persons 65 years of age or older who reside in Tennessee shall pay a maximum fee of $70 per semester. Tennessee residents age 60 or over may audit classes free of tuition. Persons who qualify for these designations still must pay the late fee and lab fees. Disability students must turn in an affidavit or certificate from a physician or an agency charged with compensating the disabled person or adjudicating the permanent total disability of the person who is requesting admittance to the classes, that such person is permanently totally disabled as set forth herein. A student who is receiving services under federal or state vocational rehabilitation programs is not eligible for a waiver of tuition and fee benefits under this section. The above provisions are dependent on sufficient fee enrollment and space availability. Availability of space will be determined at the first class meeting. Limitations to available space are most likely to occur in laboratory and computer classes. These provisions do not apply to programs covered by special admissions requirements.

Inquiries concerning the admission, registration and other services for disabled students may be addressed to the Advising, Counseling, Career Enhancement, Student Success (ACCESS) Center in the George L. Mathis Student Center, Room U-118, Cleveland, Tennessee; or by calling (423) 472-7141, ext. 217.

Vietnam Conflict Veterans Dependents

All tuition, registration and other fees are waived for the children of Vietnam conflict veterans if the conflict veteran died while serving in Vietnam or as a result of injury sustained while serving in Vietnam or was officially declared missing in action or declared a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Special age and residency requirements must be met. Documented evidence will be required.

Veterans Affairs Deferment Eligibility

Eligibility for Deferment of Payment of Tuition and Fees by Certain Eligible Students Receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Other Governmentally Funded Educational Assistance Benefits

Service members, veterans and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which the deferment has been requested.

Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits are being delivered and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

Higher Education Employees - Public Chapter 191

Full-time employees of the Tennessee Board of Regents and the University of Tennessee are eligible to enroll, on a space-available basis, in one credit class per term without payment of tuition or registration fees. Information on this program is available from the Personnel Office. An application for Waiver of Fees - Public Chapter 191 (fully executed by the employing institution) must be presented at the time of fee payment. Registration for a course under this program is allowed only during the late registration period. A fee discount form must be submitted each semester.

State Employee Fee Waiver Program

Full-time employees of the State of Tennessee executive, judicial or legislative branches are eligible to enroll, on a space-available basis, in one credit course per term without paying tuition or registration fees. At the time of enrollment, the state employee must present a completed “Public Higher Education Fee Waiver for Employees of the State of Tennessee” form certifying that the applicant is a full-time employee with at least six months continuous service. Registration for a course under this program is allowed only during the late registration period. A fee discount form must be submitted each semester.

Fee Discount Program for Spouses and Dependent Children of TBR Employee

Spouses and dependent children age 26 and under of certain retired employees and regular employees of Tennessee Board of Regents institutions who have been employed for at least one continuous year and work at least one-half time are eligible for up to a 50-percent discount on tuition and registration fees. The amount of the tuition and registration fees discount is 50 percent for full-time employees. Spouses and dependent children of part-time employees will receive a pro-rata portion of the 50-percent tuition and registration fees discount based on the employee’s percentage of work effort. This program is applicable only to undergraduate credit courses. Certain special conditions must be met to qualify for this program. Information on the program is available from the Personnel Office. A Request for Fee Discount for Spouse and/or Dependent form (fully executed by the employing institution) must be presented at the time of fee payment. A fee discount form must be submitted each semester.

Fee Discount Program for Spouses and Dependent Children of University of Tennessee Employees

Spouses and dependent children age 26 and under of certain retired employees and regular employees of University of Tennessee institutions who have been employed for at least one continuous year and work at least one-half time are eligible for up to a 50-percent discount on tuition fees. The amount of the tuition fee discount is 50-percent for full-time employees. Spouses and dependent children of part-time employees will receive a pro-rata portion of the 50-percent tuition-fee discount based on the employee’s percentage of work effort. This program is applicable only to undergraduate credit courses. Certain special conditions must be met to quality for this program. Information on the program is available from the Personnel Office. A Request for Fee Discount for Spouse and/or Dependent form (fully executed by the employing institution) must be presented at the time of fee payment. A fee discount form must be submitted each semester.

Fee Discount Program for Children of Certified Public School Teachers and for Children of State Employees

Children under the age of 24 whose parent (1) is employed as a full-time licensed teacher in any public school in Tennessee or a full-time employee of the State of Tennessee, (2) is a retired employee of the State of Tennessee who retired after a minimum of 25 years of full-time creditable service, (3) was killed in the line of duty while a full-time employee of the State of Tennessee or (4) died while a full-time employee, though not “in the line of duty,” are eligible for a 25-percent discount on undergraduate tuition fees. At the time of fee payment, the student must present a completed “Public Higher Education Fee Discount for Children of Certified Public School Teachers and Children of State Employees” form certifying eligibility for the program. A fee discount form must be submitted each semester.

Fee Discounts do not apply to Continuing Education Courses.

Books and Supplies

The cost of books and supplies varies each term and from one program of study to another. In courses requiring special instruments, a one-time cost factor must be considered. Used books will be purchased by the bookstore according to current policies available in the bookstore.

The bookstore operation is a contracted service and students should become familiar with the policies of the bookstore management regarding returns and refunds in the event of canceled classes.

Bursar’s Office Regulations

1. All fees are payable at the time of registration each term. Registration is not complete until all fees are paid (including checks clearing the banks) or when the initial payment due under the deferred payment plan has been paid.
2. A partial payment, or “good faith” payment, of *at least* 20% may be made to hold classes until the final purge of the semester at which point all tuition and fees will be due.
3. Students not honoring returned checks within 10 calendar days after notification by the Bursar’s Office will be dropped from college enrollment within five working days (TBR Guideline B-010).
4. No student may continue class attendance, reenroll, graduate or receive a transcript or grades until all financial obligations are met.
5. All accounts are subject to audit and any errors will be corrected by refund or additional charge.
6. Preferred method of payment is electronically via student’s Cougarnet account. Fees can also be paid through authorized representatives and/or personnel of the Bursar’s Office only.
7. Checks for college fees are payable to Cleveland State Community College and are permissible only in the amounts of the assessed fees.
8. Refund policy: Special fees are non-refundable. See Plans 1, 2 and 3 below.
9. All fees are subject to change without notice.
10. Any debts or obligations owed the college will automatically be deducted from refunds, financial aid (within Federal Guidelines) or scholarships before payment is made to a student.

Deferred Payment Plan

The Deferred Payment Plan allows you to pay your tuition in installments (some restrictions apply).

Payment options:

Four Payment Option: Student pays tuition and fees in four equal payments plus a $25 payment plan enrollment fee

• Fall 2016 Semester - opens July 11th, 2016
  This payment option closes August 11th, 2016; payments are as follows:

1. 25% upon registration to plan
2. 25% on August 18th, 2016
3. 25% on September 16th, 2016
4. 25% on October 18th, 2016

• Spring 2017 Semester - opens November 9th, 2016
  This payment option closes January 6th, 2017; payments are as follows:

1. 25% upon registration to plan
2. 25% on January 15th, 2016
3. 25% on February 15th, 2016
4. 25% on March 15th, 2016

Three Payment Option: Student pays tuition and fees in three payments plus a $25 payment plan enrollment fee

• Fall 2016 Semester - opens July 11th, 2016
  This payment option closes Sepember 9th, 2016 at 4:30 pm; payments are as follows:

1. 50% upon registration to plan
2. 25% on September 16th, 2016
3. 25% on October 18th, 2016

• Spring 2017 Semester - opens November 9th, 2016
  This payment option closes January 30th 2017; payments are as follows:

1. 50% upon registration to plan
2. 25% on February 15th, 2017
3. 25% on March 15th, 2017

**Please Note** Payments can be set up with:

• ACH Pre-authorized
• Checking
• Savings
• Credit: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

Each installment will be automatically drawn from the account used during plan setup. A $25 late fee will be assessed for each late payment. Returned payments for non-sufficient funds will be charged $30 and plan will be terminated

Refund Plan

General Refund Plan 1 - Cleveland State will refund a portion of the tuition, technology fee and out-of-state tuition to any student who officially drops, withdraws or is dismissed from a course(s) within the drop/withdrawal deadline. Official withdrawal date for calculating refunds will be based on the date the withdrawal form is received in the Office of Admissions and Records or the student drop on the Web. Refunds are disbursed at the end of the refund period and will be mailed as a check. 

Refund amounts will be calculated per the following provisions:

1. One-hundred percent of tuition and other registration fees will be refunded for classes canceled by the institution.
2. One-hundred percent of tuition and other registration fees will be refunded for withdrawals processed prior to the first day of classes.
3. One-hundred percent of tuition and other registration fees will be refunded in case of death of a student.
4. The fee adjustment for withdrawals or drops during regular terms (fall and spring) is 75-percent from the first day of classes through the 14th calendar day of classes and then reduced to 25-percent for a period of time, which extends 25-percent of the length of the term. There is no fee adjustment after the 25-percent period ends. Students enrolling in more than a full-time course load receive the benefit of additional course work at a reduced rate. Dropping or withdrawing from classes during either the 75-percent or the 25-percent fee-adjustment period will result in a fee adjustment of assessed maintenance fees based on the total credit hours of the final student enrollment. See Fee Adjustment Calculation formula below for refund calculation to students enrolled in more than 12 hours.
5. For summer sessions and other short terms, the 75-percent fee adjustment period and the 25-percent fee adjustment period will extend a length of time which is the same proportion of the term as the 75-percent and 25-percent periods are of the regular terms.
6. A full refund (100-percent) is provided to students who are compelled by Cleveland State to withdraw when it is determined that through Cleveland State error they were academically ineligible for enrollment or were not properly admitted to enroll for the course(s) being dropped. In each case, an appropriate official must certify in writing that the provision is applicable.
7. When courses are included in a regular term’s registration process for administrative convenience, but the course does not begin until later in the term, the 75-percent/25-percent fee-adjustment periods will be based on the particular course’s beginning and ending dates. This provision does not apply to classes during the fall or spring terms which may meet only once per week. Those courses will follow the same refund dates as other regular courses for the term.

The fee adjustment is calculated as the difference between (1) the cost of originally enrolled hours and (2) the “per credit hour cost” of the courses at final enrollment after adjustments have been applied for all courses dropped. Adjustments are calculated at the full-per-credit-hour rate less the fee-adjustment credit at the applicable fee-adjustment percentage (regardless of the original number of hours enrolled) with total costs not to exceed full-time tuition. For students dropping courses resulting in a change from full-time status to part-time status, a fee adjustment in the tuition and fees will result only if the new calculated charges are less than the original charges. Not all drops/withdrawals will result in a fee adjustment.

Fee Adjustment Calculations

The fee adjustment calculations are based on the courses dropped; therefore, not all schedule adjustments will result in a reduced fee assessment after the fee adjustment calculation. Fee adjustment estimator calculations are approximate. Actual adjustment amounts may vary based on individual student enrollment. To calculate fee adjustments under this policy, the following formula will be used:

[((# Hours Dropped * Multiplier) + # Hours Remaining) * (Per Hour Rate)] - (prior fee assessment) = Potential Fee Adjustment/Refund

Formula Breakdown: (For Fall and Spring semesters, Per Hour Rate differs for 12 hours or more - see current fee schedule) 

Billing Hours = ((# Hours Dropped * Multiplier) + # Hours Remaining)

(Billing Hours * Per Hour Rate) = How much the Student Owes for the term

How much the student owes - (prior fee assessment) = Potential Fee Adjustment/Refund

Important Notes:  These calculations apply to tuition only - for potential refund and for prior fee assessment

Financial Aid

Financial aid at Cleveland State Community College is designed to help students who would find it difficult or impossible to attend college without assistance. Cleveland State Community College offers a comprehensive program of financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, part-time employment and loans. Emphasis is placed upon students’ financial need and academic achievement. Students may apply for one type or a combination of types of financial aid available.

Eligibility for financial aid is based on financial need, requirements, availability of funds and ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress. To qualify, students must:

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at www.fafsa.gov or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID.

• Submit verifying documents as requested by the Financial Aid Office.

• Submit an online application if applying for institutional scholarships.

• Be accepted for admission to or currently attending Cleveland State and enrolled in an approved certificate, degree or transfer program.

• Provide transcripts from prior schools.

• Meet Cleveland State’s satisfactory academic progress standards.

Students are encouraged to apply early for financial aid. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the FAFSA Renewal Application as soon as possible after January 1 to ensure that the Financial Aid Office receives the Institutional Student Information Record and other documents prior to the priority deadline. July 15 is the priority deadline for fall semester, December 1 for spring semester and May 1 for summer session. (If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, requirements are due the following business day.)

Although Cleveland State participates in the electronic processing of financial aid applications, we do not encourage students to wait until the last minute to file because applications received after the priority deadline will be processed only as time allows. Students may be required to pay for tuition, fees, books and other expenses and be reimbursed at a later date if they qualify for financial aid.

The Financial Aid Office communicates with students regarding award notifications, verification requirements and all other information via mail, email, text and/or CougarNet.

Award Notification

Students’ awards will show in Cougar Net under the corresponding academic year (Fall 2016, Spring and Summer 2017). Students who meet the priority deadline date will have an award available by the beginning of the semester. Students may have to accept an award and an amount in Cougar Net (for example, student loans). Students must attend classes in order to receive financial aid. Financial aid budgets will be adjusted on the third day of classes to match students’ enrollment status on that day. Students’ enrollment status will be “frozen” on the census date each semester. Financial aid will be based on that enrollment status. Aid will disburse only for attended classes. For the purposes of financial aid, attendance means that students began an academic activity for the class. Instructors electronically verify students’ attendance.

Enrollment Status

Refunds

Refunds are credited in the following order:

• Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans
• Federal Subsidized Direct Loans
• Federal PLUS Loans
• Federal Pell Grants
• FSEOG
• Other Title IV programs

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Financial Aid Office monitors students after every semester for successful completion of Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. For financial aid eligibility, semesters are defined as fall, spring, and summer. Students are measured on qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (PACE) standards.  Students must make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate to receive financial aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress applies whether or not students previously had financial aid. Students making progress toward a degree or certificate are placed in good standing. Students who do not make progress will subsequently be placed in warning status; students may receive aid while in warning status but must make progress at the end of that semester or they will be placed on financial aid suspension. Students placed on financial aid suspension may appeal that decision to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The appeal must be accompanied by a statement and appropriate supporting documents. The decision of the appeals committee is final. Appeals are due July 15 for fall semester, December 15 for spring semester and May 15 for summer session. (If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, appeals are due the following business day.) Students can file a maximum of one appeal per academic year, with a lifetime maximum of two at Cleveland State. Students are placed on an Academic Plan for the subsequent semester if an appeal is granted. Failure to follow the Academic Plan or to meet the academic standards again will result in students being placed on financial aid suspension. Students cannot appeal suspension for GPA. Once students make satisfactory academic progress, they will return to good standing. Students on an Academic Plan may change their major once if approved by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Students may be required to meet with the Financial Aid Appeals Committee; if so, students will receive an email with the meeting date and time. 

Qualitative (GPA) Standards:

Qualitative standards measure students’ quality of performance in terms of GPA, including developmental studies coursework.  Each semester students must meet the following cumulative GPA standards:

Quantitative (PACE) Standards:

Quantitative standards measure students’ progress toward a degree or certificate. PACE is the cumulative number of hours successfully completed divided by the cumulative number of hours attempted. Students must successfully complete 66.67% of attempted hours. Unsatisfactory grades of F, I, W or NP do not count as completed courses but count as attempted hours.

To quantify satisfactory academic progress, there is a maximum time limit in which students are expected to finish a degree or certificate.

Developmental Studies Maximum Time Limit

Students can receive financial aid for up to 30 attempted semester hours of developmental studies coursework. Financial aid for students who exceed this maximum will be based on college-level courses only. This time limit cannot be appealed.

Maximum Time Limit

Students can receive financial aid until a degree or certificate is earned, or the maximum time limit (90 attempted hours toward a degree or 150% of the hours toward a certificate) is reached. Students who have reached the maximum attempted hours allowed toward a degree or certificate or have earned a degree are ineligible for financial aid (even if they did not previously have financial aid). The Financial Aid Appeals Committee must approve financial aid for additional hours

Federal (Title IV) Programs

Several federally-funded aid programs are grouped within the general designation of Title IV. These include Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Student Loan and Federal Work Study. More information is available at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is a program designed to provide financial assistance to those with outstanding financial need to attend post-high school educational institutions. These grants are intended to be the foundation of a financial aid package and may be combined with other forms of aid in order to meet the full cost of education. Students must first be determined eligible or ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant before consideration is given for other aid. The amount of a Federal Pell Grant is determined on the basis of students’ personal and family financial resources on the FAFSA. The Federal Pell Grant is free aid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who have the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA; priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. FSEOG is free aid.

Federal Direct Loan

The Federal Direct Loan program includes both Direct and PLUS Loans. The Direct and PLUS Loans are sources of financial assistance offered by the U.S. Department of Education to help defray the cost of higher education. Direct Loans consist of Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans.

The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is available to students who demonstrate financial need. Students must first be determined eligible or ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant before an application for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is approved.

The Federal Direct 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, interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount.

Loans must be repaid. Repayment normally begins six months after graduation, withdrawal or enrollment at less than half-time status. Interest rates are available at studentloans.gov.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is available to parents of dependent undergraduate students who enroll at least half-time and do not qualify for the Federal Direct Loan or who need additional financial aid. The maximum loan amount is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received. Repayment normally begins when the loan is fully disbursed. Interest rates are available at studentloans.gov.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study program provides part-time employment opportunities to students with financial need. Employment is available on campus in such areas as the library, laboratories, maintenance department, and faculty and administrative offices. The program also encourages community service work.

Return of Title IV Funds

The Return of Title IV Funds applies to students who completely withdraw (officially or unofficially) from classes through 60 percent of the payment period and received Title IV aid. If students withdraw on or before the 60 percent point of time of the period of enrollment, calculated using calendar days, a portion of the total of Title IV funds awarded students (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, but not Federal Work Study) must be returned according to the Federal Regulations cited in 34 CFR 668.22. The calculation of the return of these funds may result in students owing a balance to the college and/or the federal government. The amount of Title IV funds returned will depend on the amount of Title IV aid by program that was disbursed for the payment or enrollment period plus any Title IV aid that could have been disbursed for the payment or enrollment period, institutional charges for the payment or enrollment period, the percentage of Title IV aid earned and the percentage of Title IV aid unearned.

The following formula will be used when determining the return of unearned Title IV aid: The number of days completed in the payment period when the student began the withdrawal process calculated as a percentage of the total days in the payment period is the percentage of earned Title IV aid. If a student does not officially notify the institution of his/her withdrawal, 50 percent of the payment period may be used (or the school may choose to use a documented attendance date that is past the 50 percent point). The amount of Title IV aid unearned by the student will be calculated by multiplying the total amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed or could have been disbursed by the percentage unearned.

The institution will be responsible for the return of unearned tuition and fees. To determine the institution’s responsibility, multiply the total amount of institutional charges for the payment period by the percentage unearned. Compare this result with the amount of Title IV aid unearned; the lesser amount is the unearned Title IV aid for which the school is responsible. The unearned percentage of institutional charges that the school is responsible for is the amount the student owes back to the school. The student’s responsibility is also equal to the total amount of unearned Title IV aid minus the amount paid by the school. If students’ portions of unearned Title IV aid are a loan, the terms and conditions of the loan take care of the repayment. If students’ portions of the unearned Title IV aid are a federal grant, the student returns no more than 50 percent of the amount received for the payment period (see example).

Example: The fall semester consists of 120 calendar days. A student decides to withdraw from the institution on the 12th calendar day of the semester. The student received a $1,500 Pell Grant and $300 FSEOG. The student fees totaling $650 were deducted from the Title IV funds and the student received a check for $1,150.

Example of Recalculation Formula

12 days/120 days = 10% (earned Title IV aid)

100% - 10% = 90% (unearned Title IV aid)

$1,800 X 90% = $1,620 (Total Title IV aid unearned)

Student fees of $650 x 90% = $585 (Institution’s share of unearned aid)

$1,620 - $585 = $1,035  (Initial amount for student to return)

$1,800 x 50% = $900 (Amount of Title IV grant protection)

$1,035 - $900 = $135 (Amount of Pell Grant funds to be returned by student)

The Institution would refund the Pell grant $585 and the student would owe $135 which must be returned to the Pell Grant program.

Note that the student is not responsible for returning funds to any program to which the student owes $50 or less.

Students must return their portion of unearned Title IV aid to the institution within 45 days or they will be referred to the U.S. Department of Education for collection. Students will remain ineligible to receive future Title IV aid until this obligation is paid in full. The Business Office may invoice the student for Return of Funds by the School. If students earned more aid than was disbursed, they may receive a post-withdrawal disbursement.

State of Tennessee Programs

The State of Tennessee offers several financial aid programs to assist students, including Tennessee Grant Programs, Tennessee Education Lottery Programs and Loan Forgiveness Programs. See full information and criteria at www.tn.gov/collegepays.

Tennessee Grant Programs

Tennessee Student Assistance Award

The Tennessee Student Assistance Award provides financial assistance to undergraduate students with financial need who are residents of Tennessee. The FAFSA is the application and it should be completed as soon as possible after January 1 but by March 1.

Tennessee HOPE Access Grant

The Tennessee HOPE Access Grant is non-renewable. Students will be eligible for Tennessee HOPE Scholarship by meeting HOPE Scholarship renewal criteria.

Helping Heroes Grant

The Helping Heroes Grant is available to members or former members of the military who are Tennessee residents who meet eligibility requirements.

Tennessee Education Lottery Programs

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship is available to graduates of eligible high school or equivalent programs who meet GPA or test score and other requirements. The FAFSA is the application and it must be completed by September 1 for fall semester and February 1 for spring and summer semesters.

General Assembly Merit Scholarship

The General Assembly Merit Scholarship is a supplement to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship.

Aspire Award

The Aspire Award is given to students who meet the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship and income requirements.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship-Non-traditional

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship - Non-traditional is available to students who are age 25 or older and meet income, enrollment and GPA requirements.

Other State of Tennessee Programs

TN Promise Scholarship

The TN Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship available to high school graduates who meet qualifications and deadlines. The TN Promise application must be completed by November 1 and the FAFSA must be completed by February 15.

TN Reconnect

TN Reconnect is a program designed to help adults get started on or finish their degrees or credentials.

Cleveland State Community College Programs

Cleveland State Community College provides institutional scholarships to new high school graduates and transfer, non-traditional, low-income and minority students. Students must complete an online application and meet stated requirements.

Foundation Scholarship

The Cleveland State Community College Foundation provides a number of scholarships based on academic achievement and need.  Students may browse all available Foundation Scholarships and requirements using the online scholarship application. In some cases, additional questions must answered. Recipients are required to write thank-you letters to the sponsors of their scholarship.

Presidential Honors Scholarship

The Presidential Honors Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for the top high school graduates who attend Cleveland State Community College. Students must be accepted into the Honors Program and will also participate in a Presidential Leadership Program. The Presidential Honors Scholarship is designed to assist students with books and other educational expenses, such as non-mandatory fees.

Text Book Assistance Scholarships

Text Book Assistance will be awarded to applicants who have no other means to buy their books. The application will be available in the Enrollment Services Center when the book credit period opens each semester. This scholarship is available for one semester only.

Adult Promise

Adult Promise is a needs-based, last-dollar scholarship for adult students who are seeking their first degree. Students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

Principal’s Academic Service Scholarship

The Principal’s Academic Service Scholarship is available to new high school graduates who are enrolling at Cleveland State Community College as freshmen. Recipients are assigned to an office on campus to contribute 75 hours of service each semester. 

Ambassadors Scholarship

The Ambassadors Scholarship is available to students who are accepted as part of the Ambassadors Program. Cleveland State Ambassadors serve the Office of Admissions and Recruiting as college representatives for tours, special events, school visits, and other campus functions.

Access and Diversity Scholarship

The Access & Diversity scholarship provides awards to students who might not fit the traditional definition of a college student.  In general, recipients must either be 25 years or older, low income, majoring in a STEM field, or meet requirements outlined in the college’s Diversity Plan for underrepresented groups. 

Athletic Scholarships

Cleveland State offers athletic scholarships in men’s and women’s basketball, women’s softball and men’s baseball for deserving student athletes. Athletic scholarship information is available by contacting the Athletic Office.

Other Scholarships

Students may also qualify for outside scholarships provided by third-party organizations.

Other Assistance

Disability Discount, Department of Human Services, State Employee Fee Waiver, State Employee Children Discount, Teacher/Dependent Discount, Veterans Benefits, Workforce Investment Act and Vocational Rehabilitation may be other sources of financial assistance for students. Interested students should check with the local office of these organizations, the Business Office or the Financial Aid Office for more information.