Tuition/Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Residency

Educational costs at Grand Rapids Community College are shared by students and the taxpayers of the State of Michigan. Property taxes paid by residents of the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD) and state taxes paid by Michigan residents supplement student tuition. Therefore, different tuition rates exist for students who legally reside (1) in the KISD, (2) outside the KISD but within Michigan, and (3) outside the State of Michigan.

A student’s residency classification is established at the time of application for admission to Grand Rapids Community College. The information provided by the student on the Admissions Application is used to determine his/her residency status. It is the responsibility of the student to know his/her residency status and to understand the College’s residency policy. Residency status and policy questions should be addressed to the GRCC Cashier’s Office.

No student will be admitted to classes unless all tuition and fees have been paid. Exceptions will be made only in such instances where necessary arrangements have been made with the Director of the Cashier’s Office.

For payment of tuition and fees, the College will accept cash, check and credit card (MasterCard/Visa/American Express/Discover Card).

FACTS Payment Plan

Monthly payment plans are available through Nelnet Business Solutions. Students may register at through the Student Online Center. Students must enroll each semester for the FACTS Payment Plan. If a student does not pay his or her FACTS agreement in full by the last due date, the student will not be eligible to use the program again for one full year from the time he or she pays the account in full.

Payment Schedule

Please refer to www.grcc.edu/tuition due dates for current semester payment schedule.

Residency Definitions

Legal Residence

The permanent, primary residence where a person intends to return whenever absent from college. (Note:  College owned housing is not considered permanent, primary residence.)

Resident Status

A student who has been a resident of the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD) for at least six consecutive months.

OR

A student who lives with his/her parents and/or legal guardian and they own or lease the home within the boundaries of the KISD.

Non-Resident Status

A student who has been a resident of the State of Michigan for at least six consecutive months but does not meet the definition of Resident Status.

Out-of-State Status

A student who does not meet the definitions of Resident or Non-Resident Status.

OR

A student who temporary entry permission (for example, a Student Visa, Au Pair).

Residency Review

Students who believe their residency status has changed or is incorrect may request a review of their records by submitting a Residency Review Form to the GRCC Cashier’s Office along with acceptable documentation.  A Residency Review Form can also be obtained in the Cashier’s Office, Room 154 Main Building.

The Residency Review form must be received in the Cashier’s Office prior to the start date of the semester for which the change is being requested. Requests received after the semester start date will be considered for the following semester and will not be considered for previous semesters.

Acceptable Documentation

The College will accept as proof of legal residency a valid driver’s license or State of Michigan ID with a dated change of address affixed to the back (if applicable) plus one of the following:

1. A dated voter registration card
2. A dated lease agreement
3. Proof of purchase (copy of Buy-Sell Agreement) of home for residence within the KISD
4. Utility bills with the student’s name and address for each of the six months and dated not less than six months
5. Verifiable rent receipts. If rent receipts are not available, a notarized letter from the landlord will be accepted. Verifiable rent receipts must contain all the following information:
   1. The address of the property being rented.
   2. The date of each payment.
   3. Signature, address, and phone number of the landlord.

In all cases, the start date of establishing residency must be six months prior to the start date of the semester for which the change is being requested.

For Acceptable Documentation go to: www.grcc.edu/cashier/residencyinformation

Residency Audit

Grand Rapids Community College will regularly perform verification of residency information. Students who have misrepresented information or have falsified documents will be subject to disciplinary action.

Tuition Rates

At the time of publication, the tuition and fee rates for the current academic year were not yet approved by the GRCC Board of Trustees. Please refer to www.grcc.edu/tuition for the most current tuition and fee information.

Fees

(Fees are subject to change any time during the academic year.)

For a detailed listing of Fees go to: www. grcc.edu/tuition

Refund Policy

See Payments & Refunds at www.grcc.edu/cashier/paymentsrefunds

Financial Aid

(616) 234-4030

The GRCC Financial Aid Office staff assists eligible students in obtaining financial resources to pay the educational costs of attending college. Students who require assistance should apply for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov and include GRCC’s school code (002267). The Federal Processor will provide the student with a Student Aid Report (SAR) and will electronically send the SAR data to the GRCC Financial Aid Office. The amount of aid offered will be determined by the information on the SAR as well as by the availability of funds.

Student Eligibility—General Requirements

Many policies regarding financial aid eligibility and processing are currently under review by both the United States Department of Education and GRCC. Refer to the GRCC Financial Aid web page for the latest information.

To be considered for financial aid (other than scholarships), a student must meet all of the following requirements:

• Demonstrate financial need
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Be enrolled as a degree/certificate-seeking student or be preparing to transfer
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Be registered with Selective Service (if applicable)
• Not be in default of a federal student loan or owe a repayment of a federal grant
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.

To assist students in successfully passing the College assessment test, students are encouraged to enroll in a GED preparatory program with their local school district. Contact a Learning Corner for more information regarding these programs.

Financial Aid Priority Date

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid early to ensure best consideration.  Review the Online Student Center “To Do” list for documentation needed to complete your application.  A student must return all required documentation a minimum of three weeks prior to the beginning of the semmester to be awarded aid for tuition payment prior to the start of the Fall semester.  Applications and documentation submitted will be processed in the date order received. Students whose aid is not in place prior to the tuition due date should plan to pay their tuition and fees with their own funds (or utilize the FACT Payment Plan) in order to retain their classes.  Requested documentation should be addressed to:

Financial Aid Office
Grand Rapids Community College
143 Bostwick Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295

fax (616) 234-4091

email  financialaid@grcc.edu

Financial Aid Programs

At GRCC a broad range of financial aid resources is available to students. By combining federal, state, College and community-based resources, the Financial Aid Office staff will design a financial aid package to meet the student’s financial need as established by the SAR. The financial aid resources include scholarships, grants, on-campus employment and loans. Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid that does not require repayment provided the students attend and complete their courses.  Student employment wages and loans are considered self-help aid.  Student loans must be repaid with interest.

1. Programs not based on need – Each program requires different application procedures. Eligibility is determined jointly by the Financial Aid Office and the agency or department funding the program.
2. Programs based on need – Students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA data and available funding. Continued eligibility is based upon the student’s academic progress and the FAFSA data for the new year.
3. Special programs – These require students to apply directly to the agency or department responsible for determining eligibility and funding.

Programs Not Based on Need

Outside Scholarships – Scholarship announcements sent to the Financial Aid Office from civic organizations, foundations and private sources are posted at www.grcc.edu/money. More information can be obtained on the Internet at www.finaid.org.

Transfer Scholarships – Graduate transfer scholarships are awarded by the respective colleges and universities on the basis of financial need and/or academic achievement. Transfer scholarships available to GRCC students are posted at www.grcc.edu/money.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program – The unsubsidized loan is not based on need. Eligibility is determined by taking the cost of attending GRCC and subtracting any financial aid the student has been awarded. Under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program the student must pay the interest on the loan while enrolled in school, during the grace period, and during any periods of deferment or repayment. Students may defer the interest payments and allow them to be capitalized on their principal. Students selecting this option should be aware that their loan principal will increase based on the amount of that unpaid interest. Repayment of the loan principal begins six months after the student stops attending college at least half-time. To be considered for this loan, students must first complete the FAFSA and include GRCC’s school code (002267). Students need to complete entrance counseling, and a Master Promissory Note, at www.studentloans.gov. Students whose parents are denied a PLUS loan may be considered for additional unsubsidized loan funds.

Loan terms, sample repayment schedules, and entrance and exit counseling information can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

PLUS Loans (Parent Loans) – Parents can apply for a PLUS Loan to help pay their son or daughter’s education expenses.  The student must be a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half time in an eligible program and have filed a FAFSA. PLUS Loans are available through the Federal Direct Loan Program. For a Direct PLUS Loan, parents must have an acceptable credit history and complete a Direct PLUS Loan application and promissory note at www.studentloans.gov.

Also, parents generally will be required to pass a credit check. Those who don’t pass the credit check might still be able to receive a loan if someone, such as a relative or friend who is able to pass the credit check, agrees to endorse the loan. An endorser promises to repay the loan if the parents fail to do so. You and your parents must also meet other general eligibility requirements for federal student financial aid.

 Programs Based On Need

Federal Pell Grant – This program is the main source of federal financial aid funds, awarding up to $5815 in 2016-2017. Students who are eligible to receive a Pell Grant will be notified directly by the federal government. To apply for a Pell Grant, the student must submit a FAFSA and include GRCC’s school code (002267). The student will then receive a notification from the Financial Aid Office regarding eligibility for the Pell Grant. The exact amount of the grant is determined from a payment schedule published by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) – These federal grants, ranging from $100 to $1,000, are awarded to students of exceptional financial need who, without the grant, would be unable to continue their education. No specific grade point average is required for renewal. However, students must be making satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible and must apply for financial aid before funds are exhausted. Priority is given to students who qualify for the Pell Grant program.

Special Populations Tuition Reimbursement Grant – These grants are available to students who are enrolled in occupational curriculums, show financial need, and meet other Special Populations requirements. Students must submit a FAFSA and contact the GRCC Program Director of Occupational and Disability Support for application materials.

Federal College Work Study Program – This program provides part-time jobs to students on campus. Students must be enrolled at least half-time and submit a FAFSA to be considered for work study. After an award is made, the student must contact Student Employment Services for available job opportunities.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans – With a subsidized loan, the government will pay the loan interest during in-school enrollment periods. Qualification for the subsidized loan is determined from the FAFSA. Students need to complete entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note at www.studentloans.gov. Annual loan limits are $9,500 for the freshman year and $10,500 for the sophomore year.

The Federal Direct Loan program is heavily regulated and has specific requirements that must been met before the student can receive a loan disbursement. Loan funds cannot be utilized until all necessary documents have been received and the student is registered for at least six credit hours.

Michigan Competitive Scholarship - This program provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate both financial need and academic potential. Academic potential is based on the national ACT taken while in high school. Those eligible may receive up to the amount of demonstrated financial need or the amount of tuition, whichever is less, not to exceed $575 per academic year. Eligibility limited to students who have been continuous Michigan residents from July 1 of the year preceding the academic year for which they are applying for the scholarship.

GRCC Foundation Scholarships – The GRCC Foundation awarded $644,556 to over 688 students in the 2014-2015 academic year.  Scholarships awarded by the Foundation are based on financial need and academic ability. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships using the online application regardless of their current academic record. The application for Foundation scholarships awarded from the Financial Aid Office is available at www.grcc.edu/money beginning in January and is due by March 15. Applications for Foundation scholarships awarded by someone outside the Financial Aid Office can be obtained by calling the contact person listed in the scholarship booklet. Booklets can be accessed at www.grcc.edu/money.

Special Programs

Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) – This Michigan program is designed to encourage high school students to graduate and go to college. Students must apply for TIP prior to their high school graduation, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services determines eligibility. At GRCC, Phase 1 benefits cover the cost of 24 credits each academic year and up to $250 in mandatory fees per semester at the current in-district rate. Students must enroll in college within four years of high school graduation.  Only 80 credits of benefits are available in Phase 1, even if the student has not completed their degree.  After six years have passed since high school graduation, all remaining benefits are forfeited. For more in formation, a TIP Fact Sheet is available at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mistudentaid/TIPFactSheet2015-16_495495_7.pdf?20150803074738

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver – The State of Michigan has provided funds which permit tuition waivers for all North American Indians who can certify 25 percent or more Native American blood quantum as certified by your Tribal Enrollment Department. Students should contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights for additional information and application materials. They must also pay their required fees and be enrolled in a degree/certificate program.  More information is available at www.michigan.gov/mdcr

Method of Payment

Students who have been awarded grants, scholarships, and/or Federal Direct Student Loans will have their awards credited to their account. Any remaining funds up to $900.00 will be transferred to the GRCC Bookstore one week prior to the beginning of each semester and will remain on the Bookstore account through the second week of school. Any funds remaining after the Bookstore charges have been deducted will be available to students after confirmation of attendence in classes has occurred.

Frequency of Financial Aid Payments

All financial aid payments will be applied on a semester of enrollment basis. Disbursement and refund information is available at http://www.grcc.edu/financialaidscholarships/disbursementsandrefunds

Calculation of Financial Need

GRCC is a commuter college with no dormitory facilities; therefore, the college has no charges for room or board. However, for the calculation of financial need only, the College uses reasonable Room/Board, Books/Personal and Transportation figures established by the Michigan Department of Education.

The figures for 2015-2016 were:

These figures are used solely for determining financial aid and are not charges billed to the student.

Federal Return of Funds

This policy is available to review at www.grcc.edu/financialscholarships/applicationoffunds

Federal financial aid recipients who withdraw from all their classes prior to the end of a payment period or period of enrollment or fail to earn a passing grade in any class during a semester are subject to the Federal Return of Funds Policy. This policy determines the amount of federal aid students earn based on the amount of time they were enrolled for the semester. Federal aid will be reduced and students will be required to repay both the federal financial aid programs and GRCC for the amounts returned to the programs. Students who fail to make arrangements to repay the programs within 45 days of notification will be reported as over payments to the U.S. Department of Education. Students in overpayment are ineligible for future financial aid at any institution.

Examples of completed forms for the Federal Return of Funds calculation are available at www.grcc.edu/financialscholarships/applicationoffunds. Students are encouraged to review these examples prior to withdrawing from classes.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress

Receiving Financial Aid

This policy is available to review at www.grcc.edu/SAP-Policy

Federal regulations require students to make satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of a certificate or an associate’s degree to be eligible for continued financial aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed at the end of each semester.