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 and Vonore 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, who 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. 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 and registration fees. Persons who qualify for these designations still must pay the application fee, 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 a 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 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 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.

Business 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. No partial payment of fees will be accepted unless the student is under the Deferred Payment Plan.
2. Students not honoring returned checks within ten calendar days after notification by the Business Office will be dropped from college enrollment within five working days (TBR Guideline B-010).
3. No student may continue class attendance, reenroll, graduate or receive a transcript or grades until all financial obligations are met.
4. All accounts are subject to audit and any errors will be corrected by refund or additional charge.
5. Fees may only be received by personnel of the Business Office or authorized representatives of that office.
6. Checks for college fees are payable to Cleveland State Community College and are permissible only in the amounts of the assessed fees.
7. Refund policy: Special fees are non-refundable. See Plans 1, 2 and 3 below.
8. All fees are subject to change without notice.
9. 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, now administered by Nelnet via Cleveland State’s web site, allows you to pay your tuition in three payments (some restrictions apply).

Requirements to participate:

• 50 percent of the fees due by current fees due date
• 25 percent of the fees due by the next month’s due date
• 25 percent of the fees due by the second month’s due date

Payment options:

• ACH Pre-authorized
  
  • Checking
  • Savings
  • Credit/Debit Pre-authorized

Other requirements:

• A current minimum balance of $100 after application of financial aid, fee waivers, fee discounts and scholarships and initial first payment.
• A $25 service charge will be assessed and added to the first payment.
• Prior semester charges and fines are not deferrable.
• A $25 late fee will be assessed if a payment is returned.
• Withdrawals from classes will not alter any remaining balance due except to the extent that any refund may be applied to the student’s account.
• Deferred Payment Plan cannot be applied to summer terms.

Outstanding deferred payment balances will be deducted from refunds, financial aid, scholarships or any other awards a student may receive after going on the deferred payment plan regardless of the due date.

Refund Plan

General Refund Plan–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. 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 fulltime course load receive the benefit of additional course work at no additional cost. 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.
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.

Return to Title IV Funds

Refund Plan – Plan 1

Applies to Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters

1. Return of Title IV Funds The Return of Unearned Title IV Aid applies to any student who meets the following criteria:
   1. the student completely withdraws (officially or unofficially) from day or evening classes before 60 percent of the payment period; and
   2. the student received Title IV aid. If a student withdraws 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 a student (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Plus Loan, but not Federal (Work-Study) must be returned according to the provisions of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. The calculation of the return of these funds may result in the student 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, total amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed 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 the student’s portion of unearned Title IV aid is a loan, the terms and conditions of the loan take care of the repayment. If the student’s portion of the unearned Title IV aid is 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 grant and $300 FSEOG grant. The student fees totaling $650 were deducted from the Title IV funds and the student received a check for $1,150. 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 x 50% = $517.50 (Amount of unearned aid the student must return.) The Institution would refund the FPell grant $585 and the student would owe $517.50 which must be returned to the FPell grant program.
      Returns are credited in the following order:
      1. FUnsubsidized Stafford Loans;
      2. FSubsidized Stafford Loans;
      3. Federal Plus Loans;
      4. FPell Grants;
      5. FSEOG; and
      6. Other Title IV programs.
         The student must return his/her portion of unearned Title IV aid to the institution within 45 days or he/she will be referred to the U.S. Department of Education for collection. The student will remain ineligible to receive future Title IV aid until this obligation is paid in full.
2. Students who do not meet the criteria for the Refund of Title IV Funds If a student withdraws from any day or evening class within 14 calendar days from the first official day of classes (as published in the official academic calendar) or within an equivalent period for shortterm courses, a refund will be made of 75 percent of the registration and/or tuition fees. After these 14 days, the refund drops to 25 percent. Twentyfive percent of the registration and/or tuition fees will be refunded for a period of time which extends 25 percent of the length of the term or within an equivalent period for short-term courses.
   Refunds are credited in the following order:
   1. FUnsubsidized Stafford Loans;
   2. FSubsidized Stafford Loan;
   3. FUnsubsidized Direct Loans;
   4. FSubsidized Direct Loans;
   5. Perkins Loans;
   6. Federal PLUS Loans;
   7. Direct PLUS Loan;
   8. Federal Pell Grants;
   9. FSEOG;
   10. Other Title IV programs;
   11. Other Federal, State, Private or Institutional Aid; and
   12. The student. No refund will be made beyond the 25 percent period. No part of the registration and/or tuition will be transferred or carried forward to apply on a subsequent term. One-hundred percent of fees will be refunded for drops or withdrawals prior to but not including the first day of class and in cases where classes are canceled by the college.
3. Drop Refund
   If a student drops from any day or evening class within 14 calendar days from the first official day of class (as published in the official academic calendar) or within an equivalent period for shortterm courses, a refund will be made of 75 percent. The refund will then be reduced to 25 percent for a period of time which extends through 25 percent of the length of the term. There is no refund after the 25 percent period ends.
   Refunds are credited in the following order:
   1. FUnsubsidized Stafford Loans;
   2. FSubsidized Stafford Loans;
   3. FUnsubsidized Direct Loans;
   4. FSubsidized Direct Loans;
   5. Perkins Loans;
   6. Federal PLUS Loans;
   7. Direct PLUS Loans;
   8. Federal Pell Grants;
   9. FSEOG;
   10. Other Title IV programs;
   11. Other Federal, State, Private or Institutional Aid; and
   12. The student (unless the student has given the institution permission to refund him/her any refunds that are $25 or less). One-hundred percent of fees will be refunded for drops or withdrawals prior to but not including the first day of class and in cases where classes are canceled by the college.

Refund – Plan 2

Summer Term

The summer term consists of two separate terms of approximately five weeks each. Fees are assessed according to the following:

1. Summer term fees will be assessed on an hourly basis at the current hourly rate as specified in the estimated semester costs. No part of the payment is refundable unless the student withdraws from classes within the scheduled withdrawal period. (See Refund Plan 1.)
2. If the student should register for additional hours for the second term, the student would be obligated to pay for these hours at the current hourly rate as in number 1. The maximum per semester will not apply during the summer terms.

Refund – Plan 3

Applies to the first Summer Session and 10-week Evening Classes Simultaneously

If a student who has registered only for the first five week summer session day school and also has registered for evening classes, which meet for ten weeks, withdraws from either day or evening classes, the refund will be figured on the basis of Plan 1.

Financial Aid

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

The basis of determining the need of a student will be an analysis of the financial status of the student’s and/ or the parents’ income, provided by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) distributed by the U.S. Department of Education. These forms are available in the high schools, in the Financial Aid Office at Cleveland State Community College or available online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov.

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

1. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine financial need.
2. Submit verifying documents as requested by the Financial Aid Office.
3. Be accepted for admission or currently attending Cleveland State and enrolled in an approved certificate, degree or transfer program. (EMT Program is not eligible for financial aid.)
4. Mid-year transfers may be required to provide a financial aid transcript from the last school attended.
5. Meet Cleveland State’s satisfactory academic progress standards for financial aid recipients.

A student is encouraged to apply early for financial aid. He/she must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the FAFSA Renewal Application by March 15 to ensure that the Financial Aid Office receives the Institutional Student Information Record and other documents prior to the priority deadline. May 15 is the priority deadline for applying for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester. Applications received by these dates will be given first consideration in the allocation of financial aid funds. Applications received after these dates will be accepted and awards made to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis as long as funds are available.

Although Cleveland State participates in the electronic processing of financial aid applications, we do not encourage a student to wait until the last minute to file; because applications received after the priority deadline will be processed only as time allows. The student may be required to pay for tuition and fees and then be reimbursed at a later date if he/she qualifies for financial assistance.

Financial Aid Appeals

A student placed on financial aid suspension may appeal that decision to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The appeal must be prepared in writing and be accompanied by appropriate supporting documents. If not satisfied with the decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, any student can take his/her appeal to the Vice President for Student Services. Reasons that may be acceptable for the appeal are: (1) Serious illness or accident on the part of the student; (2) Death, accident or serious illness in the immediate family; (3) Class canceled by Cleveland State; (4) Other extenuating circumstances may be acceptable and will be considered by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee.

A student may make a maximum of one appeal per fiscal year (July 1–June 30). If the appeal is granted, the student is placed on financial aid probation for the subsequent semester. Failure to meet the academic standards again will result in the student being placed on financial aid suspension.

Title IV Programs

Several federally funded aid programs are grouped within the general designation of Title IV. These include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Family Educational Loans and Federal Work-Study. Each is described in this section following a brief presentation of rules and regulations applying to the Title IV aid programs.

Types of Title IV Aid

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is a program designed to provide financial assistance to those who need it 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. A student 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 a student’s personal and family financial resources.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC’s); priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. An FSEOG does not have to be paid back.

Direct Loan Program

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

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans are available to students who demonstrate financial need for a loan. A student must first be determined eligible or ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant before an application for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan is approved.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are 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. The interest rate on Federal Stafford Loans is a variable rate but is usually less than the rate for conventional loans.

Information on the Federal Stafford Loan Program may be obtained at the Financial Aid Office at Cleveland State Community College.

Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS)

Federal Plus Loans are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students who enroll at least half-time who do not qualify for Federal Stafford Loans or who need additional financial aid. Repayment normally begins within 60 days of the receipt of the funds from the lender. The interest rate on the Federal Plus Loan is a variable rate but is usually less than the rate for conventional loans.

Information on the Federal Plus Loan Program may be obtained at most Tennessee banks and credit unions or the Financial Aid Office at Cleveland State Community College.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment opportunities. To be eligible for Federal Work-Study, a student must be accepted or enrolled and be in good standing if currently enrolled. Student eligibility further depends upon need for employment to defray college expenses. Part-time employment is available on campus in such areas as the library, laboratories, maintenance department, faculty and administration offices. The program also encourages community service work.

Return of Title IV Funds

Applies to Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters

1. Return of Title IV Funds
   The Return of Unearned Title IV Aid applies to any student who meets the following criteria:
   
   1. the student completely withdraws (officially or unofficially) from day or evening classes before 60 percent of the payment period; and

   2. the student received Title IV aid. If a student withdraws 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 a student (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Plus Loan, but not Federal Work-Study) must be returned according to the provisions of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. The calculation of the return of these funds may result in the student 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, total amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed 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 the student’s portion of unearned Title IV aid is a loan, the terms and conditions of the loan take care of the repayment. If the student’s portion of the unearned Title IV aid is 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 grant and $300 FSEOG grant. 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 x 50% = $517.50
(Amount of unearned aid the student must return.)
The Institution would refund the FPell grant $585 and the student would owe $517.50 which must be returned to the FPell grant program.

Returns are credited in the following order:

1. FUnsubsidized Stafford Loans;
2. FSubsidized Stafford Loans;
3. Federal Plus Loans;
4. FPell Grants;
5. FSEOG; and
6. Other Title IV programs.
   The student must return his/her portion of unearned Title IV aid to the institution within 45 days or he/she will be referred to the U.S. Department of Education for collection. The student will remain ineligible to receive future Title IV aid until this obligation is paid in full.

State Grant Program

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)

The Tennessee Student Assistance Award assists undergraduates in financing their postsecondary education. Priority is given to Tennessee residents demonstrating financial need.

Other Assistance

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

Award Notification

During the summer, financial aid recipients will be notified as to the types and amounts of financial assistance being offered. Generally, notifications are mailed out on a continuous basis beginning around June 1.

Students meeting the May 15 priority deadline date can expect to receive their notifications prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Students applying for financial aid for spring and/ or summer semesters, who meet the priority deadline dates, can expect to receive their notifications before the beginning of each term.

Satisfactory Academic Progress¹

A student receiving Title IV Financial Aid is expected to meet the current academic standards of the college, as presented in the financial aid section of this catalog. A student who is suspended for academic reasons is not eligible for any federal financial aid during the time of suspension. The suspended student will remain ineligible for aid until satisfactory progress has been reestablished.

A student who receives all “F’s” or all “W’s” for a term will be ineligible for federal aid in the subsequent term of enrollment. For evaluating satisfactory progress for financial aid, an “I” will be considered an “F.” This position must be taken as an “I” becomes an “F” if it is not completed within the designated time frame.

Federal financial aid recipients who fail to earn any credit hours for a term of enrollment will not be eligible to receive additional aid until one semester has been completed with a minimum of six credit hours earned and a minimum 2.0 GPA or a financial aid appeal has been approved.

At the end of each term, the record of each financial aid recipient will be evaluated to determine if minimum acceptable program progress towards the degree or certificate has been achieved. Minimum acceptable program progress for each semester is defined as indicated below. Exceptions may be made only with approved mitigating circumstances.¹

Satisfactory grades are A, B, C, D or P. Unsatisfactory grades are W, F or I.

A student must, in addition to the above, meet cumulative progress standards. Financial aid recipients must maintain the following cumulative grade point averages to be considered making satisfactory progress in order to maintain Federal Title IV student financial assistance (includes developmental courses).

A student who has reached 90 hours attempted toward his/her degree will become ineligible for financial aid. A student is allowed to receive Federal Financial Aid for a maximum of 30 attempted hours of developmental studies courses. Therefore, a student may be allowed to receive financial aid up to a maximum of 120 attempted hours (90 hours toward a degree, 30 hours required developmental studies courses).

A student transferring into Cleveland State Community College from other educational institutions will be required to meet the same standards as Cleveland State Community College students for the purpose of establishing eligibility and duration for financial aid awards. Terms spent at previous institutions will be counted in calculating the maximum allowable time aid may continue. A student transferring into Cleveland State will be required to meet the cumulative GPA and maximum time limit standards based on all transfer hours attempted. Students who do not meet these standards are placed on financial aid probation for one term.

Any administrative action or termination of financial assistance, which occurs as a result of this policy, may be appealed by the student to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee by submitting an appeal request in writing to the Financial Aid Director. The financial aid recipient will be notified electronically when he/she is terminated from financial aid.

These rules establish minimum eligibility. The decision to make a recommendation for an award is the prerogative of the Financial Aid Director within all applicable regulations of the institution and the respective granting agencies. For a copy of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards, see the Financial Aid Office.

Unofficial Withdrawals

Students who have registered for and made payment for classes are officially enrolled. Once enrolled, students who stop attending class and do not officially withdraw from school will receive “F’s” for the courses and are considered to be “unofficial withdrawals.” Those students will receive a 0.00 GPA for a term.

The federal government will review attendance records of those students for financial aid purposes. The federal position is that the government is entitled to a prorated recovery of federal financial aid funds given to those students based upon the date that is determined to be the last day of attendance. Participating Student Financial Aid (SFA) schools are expected to monitor student attendance for the purpose of determining a withdrawal date. To comply with this guideline, instructors must document class attendance in order to verify the last day of attendance for official and unofficial withdrawals.

According to federal guidelines, Title IV funds are awarded to cover educational costs incurred for class attendance in courses registered for during a specified enrollment period. Therefore, if a student withdraws or drops out before his or her first day of class, student financial aid funds may not be used to pay any portion of a student’s educational costs. In conjunction, if a student’s enrollment status changes as a result of dropping a never-attended class, then that student may be subject to a partial Federal Pell Grant repayment. Last date of attendance will be confirmed by the instructor.

Students should be aware that failure to attend all classes registered for in a term or unofficially withdrawing from school could result in their having to repay financial aid funds, thereby, making them ineligible to receive other Title IV assistance until this obligation is paid in full. Unresolved overpayments are reported to the Department of Education.

Transfer Students

Midyear transfer students may be required to request a financial aid transcript from the last school attended.

Enrollment Status
 

Institutional Information for Financial Aid Applicants

Facilities of Cleveland State Community College are described in the Introduction to this catalog and various other college publications.

Current and historical data on enrollment, program graduates and job placement are available upon request in the Office of Planning, Research and Effectiveness.

All programs and courses are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program

¹Eligibility Requirements for 2010–11 Academic Year

• Entering freshmen (High School Class of 2010) who are Tennessee residents for one-year prior to application
• Enroll in a Tennessee public college/university or enroll in a Tennessee private college/university that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools listed on the following page.
• Apply with the 2010–11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid starting January 1 for each academic year (www.fafsa.gov)
• FAFSA and renewal FAFSA application deadline for Fall – September 1. Early application recommended.
• Full-time enrollment (part-time prorated)–leading to a degree–satisfactory academic progress required
• Award amounts based on available funding from State Lottery

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

¹Award amount–$4,000 for four-year institutions; $2,000 for two year institutions (no more than cost of attendance)

• Entering freshmen (High School Class of 2010) must have at least a 21 ACT (890 SAT or unweighted 3.0 GPA)
• Complete all college core and university track courses (20 units required) or
• College sophomores (High School Class of 2009)– Meet the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship criteria above and 2.75 college cumulative GPA and 24 completed hours in first college year
• Home school graduates–21 ACT (980 SAT) or 525 GED and 21 ACT (980 SAT)
• GED applicants–525 and 21 ACT (980 SAT)

¹Subject to change.

ASPIRE

Award amount–$1,500 Supplement to Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

• Meet Tennessee HOPE Scholarship requirements and
• Parent(s) adjusted gross income (on FAFSA) of $36,000 or less (dependent student) or
• Student (and spouse) adjusted gross income (on FAFSA) of $36,000 or less (independent student)

Tennessee HOPE Access Grant

Award amount–$2,400 for four-year institutions; $1,575 for two-year institutions

• Entering freshmen must have at least an unweighted 2.75 GPA and a college core unweighted 2.75 GPA and 18 ACT (890 SAT) and
• Complete all required college core courses and
• Parent(s) adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less for dependent student or student (and spouse) for independent student
• Grant non-renewable–will be eligible for Tennessee HOPE Scholarship by meeting HOPE Scholarship renewal criteria

General Assembly Merit Scholarship

Award amount–$1,000 supplement to Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

• Entering freshmen must have at least an unweighted 3.75 GPA and a college core unweighted 3.75 GPA and 29 ACT (1280) SAT and
• Complete all required college core and university track courses (20 units required)

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Renewal Criteria

• First year–2.75 college cumulative GPA and 24 attempted hours
• Cannot be prior recipient of Tennessee HOPE Scholarship 

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Programs 2010–2011 Eligible Institutions

Aquinas College (003477)
Austin Peay State University (003478)
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences (034403)
Belmont University (003479)
Bethel College (003480)
Bryan College (003536)
Carson-Newman College (003481)
Chattanooga State Tech Community College (003998)
Christian Brothers University (003482)
Cleveland State Community College (003999)
Columbia State Community College (003483)
Crichton College (009982)
Cumberland University (003485)
David Lipscomb University (003486)
Dyersburg State Community College (006835)
East Tennessee State University (003487)
Fisk University (003490)
Free Will Baptist Bible College (030018)
Freed-Hardeman University (003492)
Hiwassee College (003494)
Jackson State Community College (004937)
John A. Gupton College (008859)
Johnson Bible College (003495)
King College (003496)
Lambuth University (003498)
Lane College (003499)
Lee University (003500)
LeMoyne-Owen College (003501)
Lincoln Memorial University (03502)
Martin Methodist College (003504)
Maryville College (003505)
Memphis College of Art (003507)
Middle Tennessee State University (003510)
Milligan College (003511)
Motlow State Community College (006836)
Nashville State Technical Community College (007534)
Northeast State Tech Community College (005378)
Pellissippi State Tech Community College (012693)
Rhodes College (003519)
Roane State Community College (009914)
South College (004938)
Southern Adventist University (003518)
Southwest Tennessee Community College (010439)
Tennessee State University (003522)
TN Tech Center at Athens (005358)
TN Tech Center at Chattanooga (003998-01)
TN Tech Center at Covington (005280)
TN Tech Center at Crossville (004026)
TN Tech Center at Crump (005357)
TN Tech Center at Dickson (013955)
TN Tech Center at Elizabethton (005281)
TN Tech Center at Harriman (013894)
TN Tech Center at Hartsville ( 013893)
TN Tech Center at Hohenwald (014126)
TN Tech Center at Jacksboro (010700)
TN Tech Center at Jackson (013895)
TN Tech Center at Knoxville (004025)
TN Tech Center at Livingston (005353)
TN Tech Center at McKenzie (005352)
TN Tech Center at McMinnville (005307)
TN Tech Center at Memphis (005360)
TN Tech Center at Morristown (013891)
TN Tech Center at Murfreesboro (014543)
TN Tech Center at Nashville (013968)
TN Tech Center at Newbern (005283)
TN Tech Center at Oneida/Huntsville (009710)
TN Tech Center at Paris (013943)
TN Tech Center at Pulaski (009464)
TN Tech Center at Ripley (012164)
TN Tech Center at Shelbyville (005379)
TN Tech Center at Whiteville (014304)
Tennessee Technological University (003523)
Tennessee Wesleyan College (003525)
Trevecca Nazarene University (003526)
Tusculum College (003527)
Union University (003528)
University of Memphis (003509)
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga (003529)
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (003530)
University of Tennessee, Martin ( 003531)
University of Tennessee, Memphis (006725)
University of the South (003534)
Vanderbilt University (003535)
Volunteer State Community College (009912)
Walters State Community College (008863)
Watkins Institute College of Art and Design (031276)

Cleveland State Community College Institutional Scholarships

Academic Service Scholarship

The Academic Service Scholarship is awarded annually to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement during their high school years. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees at the rate for 12 hours.

1. Must have a mimimum grade point average of 2.9 and have taken the ACT.
2. Must enroll and maintain a full-time course load. Must also maintain both a minimum 2.5 semester and cumulative grade point average at CSCC.
3. Students are required to complete a 75-hour work assignment on campus each semester.
   For more information contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Services located in the George L. Mathis Student Center in Room 110A. Applications are available on the Cleveland State web site.
4. Priority deadline for the Academic Service Scholarship is March 15. Applications may be accepted after that date and awards made if funds are available.

Access and Diversity Grant

The purpose of the Access and Diversity Grant Program is to enhance the rate of participation in higher education by a diverse population of students. Access and Diversity Grants are awarded on both the basis of need and academic achievement, and can assist students with tuition and fees. In order to qualify, a student must meet the grant requirements, meet general admissions standards for the college, have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and maintain good academic standing during the time he/she is receiving a grant. Students who represent the first generation of their family to pursue post-secondary education are particularly encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the Access and Diversity Grant, please contact the Counselor/Coordinator of Student Diversity Programs at (423) 473-2318 or (800) 604-2722, Ext. 318.

Important: Read Carefully

1. The priority deadline for the Access and Diversity Grant is March 15th. Applications may be accepted after that date and awards made if funds are available.
2. You must submit a completed CSCC Application for Admission and an official copy of your high school transcript, college transcript or GED scores to the CSCC Admissions Office. You must also supply copies of your ACT or SAT scores.
3. Grants are available and renewable for up to five semesters. Students must apply for renewal each academic year.
4. Grants are not available for the summer semester.

Athletic Scholarships

Cleveland State offers athletic scholarships in men’s and women’s basketball, women’s softball and baseball for deserving student athletes. Athletic scholarship information is available by contacting the Athletic Office in Room 112 of the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium.

Principal Scholarship

Same as Academic Service with the distinction that the student must be nominated by the high school principal as the recipient of the school’s Principal Scholarship. Principal Scholarships are awarded to high schools in the five-county CSCC service area only. For more information contact the Office of the Vice President for Students Services located in the George L. Mathis Student Center in Room 110A.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarships

All valedictorian and salutatorians in the CSCC service area of Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk counties who apply by the priority deadline of March 15 in the year of their graduation from high school will be awarded an Academic Service Scholarship. For more information contact the Office of the Vice President for Students Services located in the George L. Mathis Student Center in Room 110A.

CSCC Foundation Scholarships

The scholarship program is funded through private gifts from businesses, organizations and individuals. Annual earnings from the invested endowment and proceeds from the annual fund campaign determine the availability and amount of these scholarships. Awards are based on need and academic achievement. Applications and eligibility requirements are available on the Cleveland State Web site.

Tennessee Scholars Scholarships

The Cleveland State Foundation awards annual scholarships to graduating students from high schools in Bradley, McMinn and Meigs counties who certify as Tennessee Scholars. For more information contact the office of Student Relations located in the George L. Mathis Student Center in Room 117.