How do I apply for financial aid?

A student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid at RCC. Visit the FAFSA web site to apply electronically. If you prefer to complete a paper copy, you may pick up an application from RCC or from the college you are currently attending, or you may request an application from RCC’s Information Center, (336) 633-0200. Application packets will be available at RCC around mid-January. The FAFSA should be completed after January 1, but before March 15 as this is the deadline for the N.C. Student Incentive Grant. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply but some aid may not be available.

Be sure to specify RCC’s federal school code #005447.

What forms other than the FAFSA are required to apply for financial aid?

The FAFSA is the basic form for most student aid programs, and there are a number of Federal and state grants that are awarded using the information provided on the FAFSA. However, students wishing to apply for a Work-Study position must submit a work-study employment application, and students wishing to apply for a scholarship through the RCC Foundation must apply online at Scholars. Foundation scholarship applications usually are due the last Friday in April.

How do I make necessary changes or corrections to my Student Aid Report (SAR)?

When your FAFSA application information has been processed you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education. Follow the instructions to make changes or corrections, or contact Randolph Community College to see if your information has been received. If we already have your information, we will make your corrections to save time.

What types of scholarships are offered through the college?

Here are over 140 scholarships offered through the RCC Foundation. These scholarships are available to students who maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better and who are enrolled for a minimum of six semester hours. If you meet these requirements, check with the financial aid office around the end of March to receive more information concerning the scholarship application and deadlines.

Typically, the deadline is the last Friday in April.

I have financial aid now, but what about next year? Is it necessary to apply again?

Yes, you must apply each year to renew your financial aid. The best way is to complete the renewal FAFSA via the Internet. If you prefer to complete a paper copy, you may pick up an application from RCC or from the college you are currently attending, or you may request an application from RCC’s Information Center, (336) 633-0200. Application packets will be available at RCC around mid-January. The FAFSA should be completed after January 1, but before March 15 as this is the deadline for the N.C. Student Incentive Grant. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply but some aid may not be available. Be sure to specify RCC’s federal school code #005447.

How can I receive a loan while attending Randolph Community College?

If you do not qualify for any other financial aid, you may want to consider a loan. RCC does not participate in any Federal loan programs such as Stafford or PLUS loans. However, you can call contact one of the lenders listed on our Financial Aid Information sheet.

What academic standards must I maintain at RCC to be eligible for financial aid?

Students receiving financial aid at RCC must make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of degree or diploma requirements and be in good academic standing. Click here for an explanation of RCC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

Is my information kept confidential?

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 prohibits the release of a student's educational record, which includes student award information, to parents or spouses without the written permission of the student (applies to students 18 years old or older). Once submitted, a written request must be reviewed and approved before any information is released. The Financial Aid Office staff will not disclose financial information or award amounts over the phone to anyone, including the student.

What does it take to be eligible for financial?

In general, you are eligible for federal financial assistance if you meet the following requirements:

Demonstrate financial need, (for most financial assistance)
Have a high school diploma; have a recognized equivalent to a high school diploma, typically a General Education Development (GED) certificate; have completed home schooling; or have passed a Department approved ability-to-benefit test.
Are enrolled as a regular student, working toward a degree, diploma or certificate in an eligible program.
Are a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Have a valid Social Security Number.
Are making satisfactory academic progress in your course of study. (See Satisfactory Academic Progress ).
Are not in default on any federal Title IV educational loan including Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loans, (Direct, FFEL, PLUS).
Do not owe an overpayment on any Federal Title IV educational grant.
Are registered with the Selective Service, if required.
Have not been convicted of violating any federal or state drug possession or sale law. See the Financial Aid office staff to find out if, or how, this law applies to you.

How much does it cost to attend RCC?

Asheboro and Randolph County area students who commute to Randolph Community College may expect to spend an average of $1,910 per year for tuition, activity fees, books, and supplies, depending on the major selected.

Supplies will be more costly in majors like Photographic Technology, Advertising & Graphic Design, and Interior Design.

Transportation is an additional expense.

Certain students must consider off-campus room and board and personal expenses in addition to the above. Students in this category could expect a substantial difference in expense.

Tuition & Fees

The College reserves the right to modify, revoke and add to tuition and fees at any time as defined under North Carolina Community College System, State Board of Community Colleges guidelines.

Tuition -

In-State
- 16 semester hours and up -- $672.00/Semester
- 1 through 15 semester hours -- $42.00/Credit Hour
Out-of-State
- 16 semester hours and up -- $3,732.80/Semester
- 1 through 15 semester hours -- $233.30/Credit Hour

Fees -

Late Application Fee: $5 for applications received after the deadline
Spring 2008 deadline - December 19, 2007 (W)
Summer 2008 deadline - April 23 2008 (W)
Activity Fee: $1.00 per credit hour ($16.00 maximum per semester)
All full-time and part-time regular students will pay an activity fee by the term on an academic year basis.
Activity fees for the summer term will be one half the normal charge.
Technology Fee: $1 per credit hour ($16.00 maximum per semester)
Graduation Fee: $20 for graduating students
Transcript Fee: $5 per transcript

Books & Supplies (per year)

The cost for books, supplies, equipment and other program-specific costs will vary by program, and can range from $200 to as much as $2,400. Specific costs will be presented at the time of the admissions interview.

Tuition e-Pay

The College offers a tuition/books payment plan through FACTS Tuition Management. If interested go to Tuition e-Pay for more information

Institutional Refund Policy - Credit Programs

A 75 percent tuition refund may be made upon the request of the student if the student officially withdraws from the class prior to or on the official 10 percent point of the term. Activity fees are nonrefundable except when a course fails to materialize. The student should initiate the withdrawal process by contacting the registrar. No refunds will be made after the 10 percent point, even though the student may not have attended all classes up to that point.

How do I know if I qualify for In-State Tuition?

North Carolina law (G.S. 116-143.1) requires that to qualify as an in-state student for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residency (domicile) in North Carolina and maintained that legal residence for at least 12 months immediately prior to his/her classification as a N.C. resident. Every applicant for admission shall be required to make a statement as to his/her length of residence in the state.

To be eligible for classification as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must establish that his/her position in the state currently is, and during the requisite 12-month qualifying period was, for purposes of maintaining a bona fide domicile rather than of maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment in an institution of higher education.

When a student initially completes an application for admission to the College, he/she will acclaim his/her residency status by responding to specific questions. Should the College need additional information in order to determine residency status for tuition purposes, additional documentation may be requested.

The burden of establishing facts which justify classification of a student as a resident entitled to in-state tuition rates is placed on the applicant for such classification.

Regulations for Residency

Regulations concerning the classification of students for residentiary purposes are set forth in detail in A Manual to Assist the Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes. Each student considering enrolling should review the Manual if he/she has any questions. Copies of the Manual are available for review at the Randolph Community College Library or from the Dean of Vice President for Student Services.

To receive more information or if you have questions about residency requirements, e-mail Student Services at RCC or call (336) 633-0200.