Costs for Attendance
Tuition and Fees
Students who enroll in curriculum classes are subject to tuition and fees which are due and payable at the time of registration. Student tuition and fees included in this catalog are determined each year by the North Carolina Board of Community Colleges and the General Assembly. Rates and fees are subject to change.
Curriculum Tuition
Residency Status for Tuition
North Carolina residents are eligible for a lower tuition rate than non-residents. The controlling North Carolina statute (G.S. 116-143.1) states that “to qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina for at least twelve (12) months immediately prior to his or her classification as a resident for tuition purposes. Every applicant for admission shall be required to make a statement as to his or her length of residence in the State.” To determine their residency status for tuition, students should complete the NC Residency Determination Process by visiting <https://ncresidency.cfnc.org> on the web.
Military personnel stationed and living in North Carolina and their dependents are eligible for in-state tuition after proper documentation is received.
In-State Tuition
Students who are classified as in-state residents must have established a legal residence in North Carolina for 12 consecutive months before the date of enrollment. Tuition is $76.00 per credit hour for in-state students. The maximum tuition for in-state students for a semester is $1,216.00.
Out-of-State Tuition
Tuition is $268.00 per credit hour for out-of-state students. The maximum tuition for out-of-state students for a semester is $4,288.00.
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Curriculum Fees
Student Activity
The Student Activity Fee is $3.00 per semester hour of credit. The maximum Student Activity fee per semester is $35.00 for up to 16 or more credit hours for in-state and out-of-state students.
Computer Use and Technology
The Computer Use and Technology Fee is $2.00 per semester hour of credit. The maximum Computer Use and Technology fee per semester is $48.00 for up to 24 or more credit hours for in-state and out-of-state students.
Campus Access, Parking, and Security
The Campus Access, Parking, and Security fees are $2.00 per semester hour of credit. The is no maximum per semester.
Books and Supplies
The cost of books and supplies varies according to the course of study.
Student Success Fee
The Student Success fee is $5.00 per semester. This fee is used for graduation and student-related costs such as diplomas, diploma covers, student cap and gown, ceremony costs, pre- and post-ceremony receptions, rehearsal, and other related costs.
Student Accident Insurance
ECC assumes no responsibility for student injuries or losses. An opportunity is provided at the time of registration for all students to obtain accident insurance. Though not required, the college strongly recommends that students who enroll in occupational programs or who plan to take physical education activity courses purchase accident insurance. This coverage is available at the cost of $6.00 per year.
Allied Health Fee
The Allied Health fee is $30.00 per semester for students enrolled in health science courses.
Malpractice Insurance
All students enrolling in programs where they will work with the public are required to have malpractice insurance. These programs include but are not limited to, Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and all health science programs containing clinical courses. Malpractice Insurance is $8.50 per semester. The malpractice insurance fee is attached to specific courses requiring malpractice insurance.
Vaccines, Checks, and Screens
All persons who enroll in any ECC program in which they could be exposed to bloodborne pathogens are recommended to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination series at their own expense before participating in clinical or similar training. Health science students will also be required to have a criminal background check and drug screen before clinical rotations.
All costs associated with criminal background checks and drug screens are the responsibility of the student. ECC recognizes and is fully supportive of the clinical agencies that choose to require criminal background checks and drug screens on students.
ECC has contracted with Castle Branch, Inc. to perform background checks and drug screens at a reduced rate for students. Results of the tests are available to the student and the Human Resources Director of the clinical agency at Certifiedbackground.com. Once students receive a letter of acceptance to a health science program, they should follow the instructions provided to obtain required checks and screens. Most clinical agencies will not accept hand-delivered background checks and drug screening results.
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Tuition Refunds
Unless otherwise required by law, Edgecombe Community College will not issue a tuition refund except under the following circumstances:
- A 100 percent refund of tuition and fees is made if the student officially withdraws, or is officially withdrawn by the college, before the first day of the academic period as noted in the college calendar. Also, a student is eligible for a 100 percent refund of tuition and fees if the class in which the student is officially registered is canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
- A 75 percent refund of tuition shall be made if the student officially withdraws from the class(es) before or on the official 10 percent point of the academic period.
- For classes beginning at times other than the first week of the semester, a 100 percent refund of tuition and fees is made if the student officially withdraws from the class before the first day of the course section. A 75 percent refund of tuition is made if the student officially withdraws from the class before or on the 10 percent point of the course section.
- A full refund of tuition and fees is granted to military reserve, and National Guard personnel called to active duty or active-duty personnel who have received temporary or permanent reassignments as a result of military operations taking place outside the state of North Carolina, thus making it impossible for them to complete their course requirements. The college will use distance learning technologies and other educational methodologies to help these students, under the guidance of faculty and administrative staff, complete their course requirements.
- To comply with applicable federal regulations regarding refunds, federal regulations supersede the state refund regulations stated in this rule.
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Financial Aid
The philosophy at ECC is that any individual who wishes to attend the institution should not be deprived of this privilege because of a lack of financial resources. Although the primary responsibility for financing an education remains with students and their families, the college participates in programs designed to supplement the family contribution when there is documented student financial need. Students who have completed the financial aid application procedure are considered for all types of financial aid without regard to their sex, race, color, disability, or national origin. In all financial aid awards, students have the right to accept or decline any aid they have been offered.
Student Eligibility and Responsibilities
To receive Federal Title IV assistance and state assistance, a student must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have a valid high school diploma or a High School Equivalency certificate on file with the college. (See NOTE below.)
- Be enrolled in an eligible program of study at ECC.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Have a valid Social Security Number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Certify that he or she is not in default on a federal student loan and does not owe money on any federal aid.
- Not have been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid.
- Register with Selective Service, if required (males must register between the ages of 18 and 25).
- Financial aid is determined each academic year, so a new FAFSA must be filled out every year.
NOTE: Students with a high school diploma determined to be invalid are not eligible for financial aid. A diploma will be deemed invalid if there is a reason to believe that limited coursework was required to complete the diploma or that a fee was charged by the agency that issued the diploma. Students with an invalid diploma may establish eligibility for financial aid as outlined below. “Enrollment” as used below is defined as officially registered and attending classes.
How to Apply
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov.The FAFSA should be completed on or after October 1 for the upcoming academic year. If you prefer not to complete the application online, you may complete the FAFSA in PDF format and mail it to the processing center, or request a paper FAFSA by calling the Central Processing Center at 1-800-433-3243. If you are hearing impaired, you may contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
Students can get assistance filling out the FAFSA by visiting the Office of Financial Aid and the Student Success Centers on both Tarboro (McIntyre Building) and Rocky Mount (Barnes Building) campuses.
Deadlines for Submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Students should submit their FAFSA early. For priority consideration, apply by March 15th of each year. Awards offered to students meeting the priority deadline and determined eligible may receive the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant in addition to the federal Pell Grant.
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Types of Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grant (FPELL) Program
Federal Pell Grants are awards that assist undergraduates in paying for their education after they complete high school or earn a GED. The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest federal student aid program. For many students, these grants provide a foundation to which other federal grants and non-federal assistance may be added. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back unless students do not complete the term of enrollment.
The amount of students’ Federal Pell Grant awards is calculated according to a federal formula that takes into consideration the family’s financial circumstances, the student cost of education, and the number of funds available for the program.
Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (Pell LEU) Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, a student may only receive Pell Grants for a total of 12 equivalent full-time semesters, or until the student receives a bachelor’s degree - whichever comes first. Students are therefore advised to monitor their use of Pell Grant funding if they plan to pursue a four-year degree.
Year-Round Pell Beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, an eligible student may now receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2018 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters. Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
Students who receive the Federal Pell Grant may also be eligible for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. This federal grant program does not require repayment unless students do not complete the terms and conditions of the award. The amount of the grant is based on student financial need, and the minimum award is $100 per semester. FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need, that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Limited assistance is available from the program to eligible students. No separate application is required.
*Funding is subject to change each July 1, pending legislative ruling.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for eligible students to earn money to help pay college expenses while attending classes at least part-time. Students participating in the program are employed in the library, laboratories, administrative and faculty offices, and various departments of the college. Funds for these student jobs are provided by the federal government through its college work-study program. On average, students work approximately 10 to 15 hours per week, and the current pay rate is $8.00 per hour.* Students’ primary focus should be their academic achievement; therefore, they should consider carefully whether their academic responsibilities permit them to assume the obligations of part-time work. If students accept campus employment, they are expected to fulfill the requirements of the job. Students are required to apply for employment through the Financial Aid Office.
*Funding is subject to change each July 1, pending legislative ruling.
Federal Direct Loan (FDL) Program
ECC participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program to provide student and parent borrowers with funding for federal education loans received directly from the U.S. Department of Education.
Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans to help eligible students cover the costs of higher education at ECC. Also referred to as Direct Stafford Loans, the funds will originate directly from the federal government instead of private lenders. Direct Stafford Loans are categorized in one of two ways:
Direct Subsidized Loans are based on financial need. Such loans are NOT charged interest while enrolled at least half-time or during grace periods and deferment periods.
Students may borrow a Subsidized loan up to $3,500 for their first year and up to $4,500 for their second-year status.
For “first-time borrowers” applying on or after July 1, 2013, the Department of Education has implemented a Direct Subsidized Loan Limit (SULA) or (“the 150% limit”). This provision limits first-time borrower’s eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans to a period not to exceed 150 percent of the length of the borrower’s education program. Student borrowers who are subject to the SULA provision may only borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
In addition to the Direct Subsidized, students may borrow a Direct Unsubsidized Loan up to $2000 as a Dependent student or $6000 as an Independent student. These loans are not based on financial need. ECC will determine the amount a student can borrow based on the student’s cost of attendance and other financial aid received. Interest is charged while enrolled, and during grace, deferment, and forbearance periods - or the borrower can allow it to accrue and be capitalized (added to the principal amount of the loan).
North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG) Program
For students to be eligible for need-based aid under this program, they must meet the following criteria: (1) be admitted to an eligible program of study, (2) have applied for federal aid, (3) meet academic requirements to maintain federal aid eligibility, and (4) meet other criteria as may be required by the program. This award may be given in addition to the Federal Pell Grant if students are eligible. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 hours to be eligible.
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS)
For students to be eligible for need-based aid under this program, they must meet the following criteria: (1) be admitted to an eligible program of study, (2) have applied for federal aid, (3) meet academic requirements to maintain federal aid eligibility, (4) meet other criteria as required by the program (5) be an NC resident and be enrolled at least 6 credit hours. This award may be given in addition to the Federal Pell Grant if students are eligible.
North Carolina Nurse Scholarship Program (NESLP)
This scholarship program was created to work in combination with existing financial aid resources to encourage enrollment and retention of qualified nurse education students. Funds for NESLP are allocated by N.C. General Assembly among colleges and universities which offer nurse education programs. NESLP awards are available for the licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) education. Applicants must complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible to be considered for NESLP.
North Carolina Targeted Assistance Program (NCTAP)
This program provides funding for students enrolled in or intending to enroll in high demand/low enrollment programs. Students are required to file the FAFSA. Aid is given to students who demonstrate need and meet eligibility requirements.
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Scholarships
ECC Foundation Scholarships
The college offers numerous private scholarships each year, totaling more than $100,000 awarded annually. Requirements for scholarships vary; however, the primary criteria include financial need, scholastic ability, and specified program of study, residency status, and participation in community activities. To apply for scholarships, students must obtain application forms from the college’s Financial Aid Office. Application forms indicating the scholarships for which students are eligible must be returned to that office by the announced deadline. Incomplete applications are not considered. Most scholarships are awarded during the fall months, and the first award payments are made during the fall semester. Students should see the Financial Aid Office for deadlines. Listed below are the scholarships available to eligible applicants as of the publication of this catalog.
EDGE Scholarship
Edgecombe Community College has joined the national call to increase the number of college-educated adults. Beginning in Fall 2016, the College offered the EDGE Scholarship Program to qualified students for a fully-funded education for up to three years. Based on in-state tuition, the EDGE Scholarship Program provides a financial aid package that covers tuition, books, and fees.
NC Veterans’ Scholarship
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers scholarship assistance to North Carolina children of deceased or disabled veterans or of certain veterans who were listed in a POW/MIA status. Eligible students should write to N.C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Raleigh, N.C., for information or contact the Veteran’s Affairs counselor for more details.
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Other Sources of Assistance
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Aimed at addressing the employment and training needs of Adults and Dislocated workers, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is a program funded by the Turning Point Workforce Development Board. Our joint goal is to assist individuals to enter into high demand occupations. Workforce Specialists are located at the NCWorks Career Center in Edgecombe/Nash counties.
Veterans’ Educational Assistance
- Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35 of Title 38) entitles dependents of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or who has a total disability arising from a service-connected disability to receive benefits from the Veterans Administration.
- The Post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Act under Chapter 32, Title 38, provides educational assistance for veterans who saved money to be matched. The program is for veterans who entered the military service on or after January 1, 1977.
- The Selected Reserve Educational Program, Chapter 1606, provides educational assistance for service in the Selected Reserve.
- Chapter 30, also known as the Montgomery G.I. Bill ®, covers those persons who entered active duty after June 30, 1985. GED preparation is not covered under Chapter 30.
Students initiate proceedings by contacting their local Veterans’ Affairs office. The Student Services Department is the clearinghouse on campus for veterans’ affairs.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Many states offer educational assistance to students who have a significant disability. North Carolina students should contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Division of the Department of Health and Human Services; Raleigh, N.C. Students from other states should contact their local Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
ECC Emergency Loan Program
This program provides short-term loans to students who need assistance with the cost of tuition/fees. Loans must be repaid before the end of the term in which they were received. Students are required to complete the FAFSA.
Notification of Award Decisions
Students are notified of financial aid award decisions for the academic year once the financial aid file is complete and the award has been processed. All notifications are emailed and available on Self Service unless the student has “opted in” to receiving paper notifications. To ensure prompt processing of the financial aid application, students must complete the FAFSA early and turn in all required paperwork to the ECC Financial Aid Office.
Disbursements
Students who have received financial aid award letters and have funds remaining after tuition and fees, books and supplies, and other charges have been deducted receive a refund.
As a part of ECC’s effort to assist students with their educational costs, the college typically disburses excess funds in one or two payments during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Payment schedules and additional information can be found on ECC’s Financial Aid webpage.
ECC partners with Heartland ECSI to disburse financial aid refunds. ECSI will email students at their MyEdge.cc email address with a user ID and temporary password. Students have the option to select a disbursement method, via check or direct deposit. To verify your address, please call (252) 823-5166, or email admissions@edgecombe.edu.
Any questions regarding disbursement payment should be directed to ECSI (844) 760-6052 or by visiting their website at www.heartlandecsi.com.
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Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy Statement
Federal and state regulations require that students receiving financial aid maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). ECC applies these standards to all federal and state financial aid funds in order to maintain a consistent procedure for all students receiving assistance.
In order to be eligible and maintain financial aid, students must meet the minimum guidelines:
- Qualitative Standard - Grade Point Average (GPA). A GPA of 2.0 or better is required; grades received in remedial courses are included in the cumulative GPA calculation.
- Quantitative Standard - Pace (completion rate) a minimum of 67% of attempted credits. Students must complete a minimum of 67% of the hours they attempt at ECC. Grades of F, I, U, W, WF, AU, NS, IP, and R do not count toward the minimum credit completion requirement. Students who fail or withdraw from a class may repeat the class and receive financial aid, if, they are considered to be making SAP. Students who pass a course (B, C, D) and wish to take it again may do so one time an receive financial aid to help pay for the class. If students take a previously “passed” class for the third time, they will be denied financial aid for that specific class. Remedial courses are counted in the pace of progression at ECC. it is important to minimize the number of times a student repeats a course so as not to be suspended for falling below a 67% pace of progression.
- Maximum Timeframe - 150% Rule. Must complete program of study in a timeframe not to exceed 150 percent of the published length of the program, excluding the first 30 attempted credit hours of developmental education. This will be measured in credit hours (e.g., if the academic program length requires 60 credit hours, the maximum timeframe cannot exceed 90 credit hours attempted.)
Warning Status and Terminated Status
To determine a student’s academic progress status and eligibility for financial aid, academic records will be evaluated at the end of each term. Following the first term of failure to maintain cumulative satisfactory academic progress, a student will be granted one term to regain satisfactory academic progress. This term is known as the “Warning” term. During the Warning term, the student may continue to receive financial aid provided they are otherwise eligible.
If a student is able to regain satisfactory academic progress with the courses completed successfully during the Warning term, the Warning status is lifted. If a student has not regained satisfactory academic progress, they are placed in “TERMINATED” status and are no longer eligible for financial aid at ECC until the student’s cumulative progress is again deemed satisfactory. A student may only regain satisfactory academic progress by earning or transferring in enough credit hours and acceptable grades to bring up the cumulative average. Paying for a semester or sitting out a semester does NOT permit a student to regain satisfactory academic progress.
If a student becomes ineligible for financial aid due to a failure to meet the minimum guidelines for satisfactory academic progress or because they have reached the limits of the maximum time frame allowed to earn a degree, they may appeal their status to the Financial Aid Office. Appeals will be considered for various circumstances.
Examples of circumstances to be considered outside a student’s control:
- Extended student/family illness or injury
- Death of a relative
Examples of circumstances to be considered within a student’s control:
- Return to school after an extended leave
- Change of a degree program
Appeal Process
All appeals must be made in writing to document the unusual circumstance AND to explain and document that these situations are resolved. In the case of circumstances within a student’s control, the student must document what has changed in their situation that will enable them to meet SAP requirements. A student may obtain an Appeal Form from the Financial Aid and Student Success offices or print a copy from the ECC Financial Aid website. Submit the appeal and non-returnable documentation to a financial aid advisor in the Financial Aid Office by the published deadline. Typically, the deadlines are the end of the add/drop period of the semester for which a student is trying to establish eligibility.
A student appealing after this timeframe should be prepared to pay for the semester’s expenses. The appeal will be reviewed by the SAP Appeals Committee and an approval or denial notice will be sent to the student’s ECC Myedge email account.
Approved Appeals
If a student’s appeal is approved, they will be placed on “Probation” and notified how many credit hours they will need to complete in order to regain satisfactory academic progress or how many terms they are allotted to complete graduation requirements in the case of a maximum timeframe appeal. To successfully complete these credit hours, a student must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA each term and earn passing credits for 75% of the attempted classes each term until satisfactory academic progress is regained or the student graduates. If a student fails to meet these requirements, their financial aid will be terminated.
A second appeal may be considered, but the student will not be allowed to submit it for the same issue that led to the first appeal such as the same medical condition. A student must have very unusual circumstances to warrant a second appeal. As a result, very few second appeals are approved.
Denied Appeals
If a student’s appeal is denied or the student does not meet the conditions of an approved appeal, they will be asked to attend at their own expense and earn the deficiency either in the hours, GPA, or both (a student cannot make up a deficiency if the appeal was due to exceeding the maximum timeframe to earn a degree). If a student did not maintain SAP due to a deficiency in credit hours, they may take the credit hours at another institution as long as ECC accepts the transfer hours. After completing this semester (or semesters), the student must submit an appeal form to the Financial Aid Office to have their progress reevaluated.
NOTE: All notices regarding academic progress for financial aid purposes will be sent to student’s MyEdge email accounts. Students are responsible for closely monitoring this mailbox.
Satisfactory Progress Policy for Veterans
The Veterans Administration regulations require that veterans maintain satisfactory progress to continue receiving their educational benefits. The following is a detailed description of the college’s policy concerning satisfactory progress for veterans.
- All students are required to have a minimum of two-point-zero (2.0) averages for graduation.
- When veterans fail to maintain a two-point-zero (2.0) grade point average (GPA), they are placed on academic probation for the following semester of enrollment.
- At the end of a two-semester probationary period, veterans who do not have a two-point-zero (2.0) cumulative grade point average (CGPA), counting all subjects undertaken from the original enrollment, or who have withdrawn during their probationary period, have their benefits terminated for unsatisfactory progress. Veterans who have their benefits terminated for unsatisfactory progress must raise their average to the minimum required for graduation before being recertified for educational benefits.
SAP Website
The Office of Student Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy on the Financial Aid Homepage is typically the most up-to-date policy information available. SAP policy, procedures, and appeal forms will be printed out for students upon request.
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Second Degrees, Diplomas, or Certificates
A student enrolled in a second (not concurrent) academic program is limited to receiving financial aid for the specific courses required to complete the second academic program as determined by an ECC Academic Advisor and documented by an official ECC Advisement Plan. Official transcripts from ALL previously attended postsecondary institutions (not high schools) must be submitted to the Office of Admission.
A student seeking a second academic credential may be placed on “Restricted Hours.” Students who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree may only receive aid for classes that are not repeats of general education courses. A student will be eligible for loans (depending on remaining eligibility) but will not qualify for Federal or State grants.
Once students have been approved and they are receiving financial assistance related to the completion of the second degree they may not change degree plans to receive additional financial assistance. Students who do not follow the second-degree plan will become ineligible for continued assistance unless there are mitigating circumstances. Students are allowed to complete two academic programs and receive federal student assistance.
Treatment of Remedial (Developmental) Courses
As previously referenced, remedial or developmental credit hours (classes numbered below 100) are counted towards a student’s 67% pace of progression. The courses also count relative to the 150% rule.
Retaking Coursework
The regulatory definition for full-time enrollment status (for undergraduates) has been revised to allow a student to retake any previously passed course one time only. For this purpose, passed means any grade higher than an “F.” This retaken class may be counted towards a student’s enrollment status, and the student may be awarded federal student aid for the enrollment status based on the inclusion of the class. A student may be paid more than twice for repeatedly failing the same course (the SAP policy still applies to such cases). However, if a student passed a class once he can be paid again for retaking the class once. Regardless of the grade achieved the student may not be paid for retaking the class a third time.
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