Tuition, Fees, Financial Aid & Veteran’s Benefits

Tuition

Tuition rates are established annually by the State Board for Community Colleges and published with the semester schedule. Current rates can be verified by contacting the Admissions and Records Office. Payment of tuition enables students to obtain student identification cards and makes them eligible to use the library, bookstore, student lounge, and other facilities of the college during scheduled hours of operation. Tuition may be paid by cash, check or credit card. Tuition rates are published on the college’s website.

Student Activities Fee

A per-credit-hour student activity fee is required of all full-time and part-time students. The fee supports the student activities program at the college and provides funding for the student government, intramurals, student clubs, and certain cultural and social events held on campus for students. Some events may require additional charges since the budget for student activities does not cover all expenses for the entire activity program. The student activities fee is published on the college’s website.

Capital Fee

A per-credit-hour capital fee is assessed to all out-of-state students, including out-of-state contract students. The capital fee is published on the college’s website.

Parking Fee

A per-credit-hour parking fee is required of full-time and part-time students. The fee supports maintenance and repairs to parking lots on campus. The parking fee is published on the college’s website.

Facilities Fee

A per-credit-hour facilities fee is required of full-time and part-time students. The fee supports maintenance and repairs to facilities on campus. The facilities fee is published on the college’s website.

Tuition Payment Options

Students may choose from any of the following methods to pay tuition. Partial payments will not be accepted.

Web Payment

Students may access the Student Information System (SIS) to pay tuition online. Important: Students who pay on the web and later are due a refund may only be refunded through the credit card used on the web for payment.

Tuition Payment Plan

To help meet educational expenses, Wytheville Community College provides the Nelnet tuition payment plan. Nelnet allows students to pay tuition in monthly installments based on the date enrolled in the payment plan. To utilize the payment plan, visit the WCC webpage at www.wcc.vccs.edu, log in to My WCC, click on the VCCS SIS Student Information System, and apply for the Nelnet tuition payment plan through the Student Center under Finances. 

In Person

Tuition can be paid by cash, check, MasterCard, or VISA at the Business Office during regular operating hours. In order to facilitate timely processing of the payment, students should have their student ID readily available. Partial payments and checks in excess of tuition cannot be accepted.  There is an additional fee for any credit or debit card payments with regular payments and payment plans.

Mail

Checks for the exact amount due may be mailed to:

WCC Business Office
1000 East Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382

Students should enclose a student ID number for processing and mail in time to meet the due date.

Third Party Contract

If an employer or another party will be paying the student’s tuition, the student must complete the Third Party Contract Form and return it to the business office:

WCC Business Office
1000 East Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382.

A new completed form is required each semester.

Refund Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to know the refund dates, which are published in the Academic Calendar. Students are eligible for a full refund of tuition for credit hours of course(s) dropped on or before the last day to drop with a refund - as listed in the Academic Calendar. Refunds will not be authorized after the refund dates.

Wytheville Community College has contracted with Nelnet to process refunds to students. Students have the ability to receive their refunds in as little as four to five business days after the refunds have been processed in SIS.

The options for receiving a refund are:

• Direct Deposit (ACH) - Funds are usually available within 4-5 business days after refunds are processed in SIS.
• Physical Check – If Direct Deposit has not been selected the student will receive a physical check by default. They will receive the check within 10-14 business days.

Important Information regarding the Mailing of Refund Checks

Refund checks are automatically generated by the SIS system and are dependent upon an up-to-date student address. Students should update their address in the SIS system whenever they relocate or change their address. Address changes may be made by accessing My WCC. Students who do not have an up-to-date address or are missing address information in their student account will not receive refund checks.

Cashier Assistance

Students who need assistance should contact the Business Office located in Bland Hall: 276-223-4789 or 1-800-468-1195, extension 4789.

Eligibility for In-State Tuition

Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia, effective July 1, 1984, requires all persons applying for admission to a public college or university in Virginia and desiring to pay in-state tuition rates to complete an application for Virginia in-state tuition rates. If applicants are under the age of 18 or financially dependent on their parents or legal guardian, the parents or legal guardian must complete and sign a section of the application. An applicant who fails to complete the application for Virginia in-state tuition rates or fails to provide supplemental information when requested to do so will be charged out-of-state tuition rates. The in-state tuition application is comprised of the last two pages of the WCC application form, which can be accessed online here.

To be eligible for in-state tuition rates, students must establish by clear and convincing evidence that they have been domiciled in Virginia continuously for at least one year immediately preceding the first official day of classes of the semester for which in-state tuition is sought. Should in-state tuition not be approved, the student may appeal the decision by resubmitting the application and providing additional documentation.

Veterans

In December 2016, Congress passed Public Law 114-315, which modifies 38 U.S.C. 3679(c) of the Veterans Choice Act of 2014. As amended, 38 U.S.C. 3679(c) requires that the following individuals be charged the resident rate for tuition purposes:

• A veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill® –Active Duty Program) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®), of Title 38, United States Code, who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits who lives in the state where the Institution of Higher Learning is located, and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service serving on active duty.
• A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• A spouse or child using benefits under Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35) living in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• An individual using educational assistance under chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence) effective for courses, semesters, or terms beginning after March 1, 2019.
• Anyone described above remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same institution. Therefore, the described person must be enrolled in the institution and use educational benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 33 or 35 of Title 38, United States Code.

For courses, semesters, or terms beginning after July 1, 2017, a public institution of higher learning must charge the resident rate to the individuals described above. When an institution charges these individuals more than the rate for resident students, VA is required to disapprove programs of education for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill®.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Webs site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Military (Department of Veterans Affairs) Delayed Payment Policy

This policy documents compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679 of Title 38 of the United States Code.  A covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

Wytheville Community College requires all covered individuals to submit a written request of certification of their enrollment each semester for which they plan to use their Chapter 31 or 33 entitlement benefits. The Certification Request for Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits must be submitted no later than the last day to drop and receive a refund for the respective semester.

Any covered individual will be permitted to attend or participate in a course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to WCC a Certificate of Eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a Statement of Benefits obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website, eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

• The date on which payment from VA is made to WCC.
• 90 days after the date WCC certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

Due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under Chapter 31 or 33, WCC will not assess a late penalty fee, deny access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or require a covered individual to borrow additional funds because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to WCC for the VA delay.

WCC reserves the right to follow normal collection procedures for any difference between the amount of a covered individual’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement.

Waived Tuition

War Orphans

Under the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program, children of Virginia military personnel killed, 100% disabled, missing in action, or designated prisoners of war in any armed conflict may be eligible for free tuition at state colleges. Determination of eligibility will be made by the Virginia Division of War Veterans Claims. The free tuition for children is a Commonwealth of Virginia benefit which applies only at state-related institutions. Students qualifying for the War Orphans Act may also be eligible for other benefits from the Veterans Administration through federal authorization. More information or applications may be found online.

Children of Deceased Law Enforcement/Firefighter/Rescue Squad Personnel

Any student between the ages of 16 and 25 whose parent has been killed in the line of duty while employed or serving as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or rescue squad member in Virginia is entitled to free tuition and required fees if the deceased parent was domiciled in Virginia at the time of death and certification of employment is provided.

Senior Citizens Tuition and Fees Waiver

Under provisions of the Virginia Senior Citizens Higher Education Act, a person who has reached 60 years of age and has had legal domicile in Virginia for one year before the beginning of a semester may enroll in a state institution of higher learning at no cost (tuition and required fees except fees established for the purpose of paying for course materials, such as laboratory fees) provided all tuition-paying students are given first priority for class spaces. Senior citizens who have completed 75% or more of their degree requirements may be allowed to enroll in courses at the same time as tuition-paying students. If the senior citizen had a Virginia taxable income of not more than $23,850 in the preceding year, the individual may take a course for academic credit without paying tuition. If the person’s Virginia taxable income exceeded $23,850, the individual may only audit the course for free. All audits must be approved by the appropriate Academic Dean. A senior citizen, regardless of income level, may take a non-credit course. No limit is placed on the number of semesters in which a senior citizen may register for tuition-free courses. The law places no restriction on the number of courses that may be taken for credit in any semester. Audit of credit courses or non-credit courses cannot exceed three courses per semester.

To apply for waiver of tuition and fees, senior citizens must be admitted to the college and complete waiver forms each semester in which classes are taken. Waivers must be approved by the Registrar. The necessary forms are available in the Admissions and Records Office and online.

Books and Materials

Students are expected to purchase all books, supplies, and consumable materials that they will use. The estimated cost of these items will normally average at least $2,000 per year for a full-time student. Some programs will have book and supply costs in excess of the average. The bookstore is operated by a private vendor in Room 247, Bland Hall. Hours of operation are posted at the bookstore and online.

Bookstore Return Policy

A receipt is required for a refund.

Non-textbook items may be refunded or exchanged at any time with an original receipt, as long as it is in resaleable condition.

Textbooks in resaleable condition may be refunded with receipt within 7 calendar days from the start of classes or within 2 days of purchase if bought after this period, including during the summer term.  In addition, upon proof of drop/add, Follett will accept textbook returns from students who have dropped a course up to 30 days from the start of classes or until the end of the official drop/add period, whichever comes first.

Textbooks purchased during the last week of classes or during exams may be sold back under the book buyback policy. These purchases are not refundable.

Digital Course Materials are refundable within 14 days of the customer accessing the content, or 30 days after the purchase is made.

Computer software and products may be returned if they are unopened or shrink-wrapped at any time with the original receipt.

Shipping and Handling fees, Gift Cards, and Prepaid Cards are non-refundable.

Student Expense Budget

Statement of Costs 2024-2025 School Year

The following budgets are those typically used to calculate the financial need of full-time, in-state students. The budgets of part-time students will be prorated. Tuition for out-of-state students is significantly higher.

Course Fees

Students should consult their course syllabi for information about fees associated with specific courses and programs.  For example, some programs may require that students purchase hand tools, medical/dental equipment, uniforms, safety equipment, etc.

Student Field Trips

The instructional philosophy of Wytheville Community College supports the integration of classroom, laboratory, and field experiences. Therefore, learning experiences may be provided at a site other than the campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation to these sites.

Refunds

Students are eligible for a refund for credit hours dropped during the “drop” period. To be eligible, a student must request to be dropped from the course by the census date. The college publishes in each semester’s class schedule the drop period and census date for which a student may be eligible for a tuition refund. Students are encouraged to contact the Admission’s Department to drop a class. Admissions can be emailed at admissions@wcc.vccs.edu or a student can come to campus and complete the official drop form. The official drop date is the date the official drop form is turned into Admissions or the date that the email request to drop a class is received. In certain circumstances, students may be dropped from courses in which they are identified as non-attending. These drops are initiated by the instructor of the course on the census date. Any student receiving financial aid is encouraged to notify the Financial Aid department of the change in the schedule as the amount of funding may be reduced.

Tuition refunds are automatically processed when a scheduled class must be cancelled. No refunds will be considered after the announced date unless the student can document unusual or extenuating circumstances or in the case of administrative error on the part of the college. Any student that feels there are unusual/extenuating circumstances must appeal to the Dean of Student Success and Academic Development. Once documentation has been received from the student, the Dean of Student Services will forward the appeal and all appropriate documentation to the VP of Academics, VP of Finance, and the Business Office Manager for final approvals and processing. 

Refunds will not be authorized after the refund date and are sent from Nelnet. Students may choose to receive their refund by Direct Deposit by logging into their Student Information System (SIS), going into their “My Student Information” tile, and then clicking “Manage Refunds” under the Finances section of their Student Center. The options for receiving your refund are:

Direct Deposit (ACH)- Funds are usually available within 4-5 business days after refunds are processed in SIS

Physical check- If Direct Deposit hasn’t been selected the student will receive a physical check by default. They will receive the check within 10-14 business days.

All entering and returning students receiving Title IV financial aid are subject to the Title IV Return of Funds Policy. A copy of the policy is available here. Copies of the policies and additional information concerning the policies are available in the Financial Aid Office, Bland Hall, Room 113. Information about financial aid at WCC is available via the college’s website.

Refunds, Credits, and Reinstatement Policy as a Result of a National Emergency

Tuition and Required Fees

In the event a student is ordered to active duty (for reservists) or mobilized (active military) as described in the Code of Virginia, Section 23-9.6:2, and he/she requests to be withdrawn from the college after the last day to drop and receive a refund, the student may elect either to be deleted from the registration file and be awarded a full refund or to be administratively withdrawn with no refund and assigned a grade of “W.”

The college shall provide, at the option of the student, for such refunds to be retained and to be applicable to tuition and fees charged in the semester or term in which the student returns to study.

Academic Credits and Grades

Students who are subject to conditions described in Code of Virginia, Section 23-9.6:2, should have the opportunity to receive an incomplete grade (“I”) until released from active duty (for reservists) or mobilization (for active duty personnel). All course requirements shall be completed within one year from the date of release from active duty or mobilization.

Students may be given the option of taking their examinations prior to regularly scheduled times.

Careful consideration should be given and special options are advised for students who receive student financial aid or Veterans Administration benefits.

Reinstatement

Students who are called to active duty or mobilized shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be reinstated in the same program of study if they return to WCC after a cumulative absence of not more than five years, so long as they provide notice of intent to return within three years after the completion of the period of service.  Please send military orders to lmurrell@wcc.vccs.edu if you are seeking reinstatement due to being mobilized.

Financial Aid

Students must apply annually for financial aid by completing the current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.studentaid.gov. If the student’s information is selected for verification, additional information will be requested from the student and must be submitted in order for the file to be completed and the student’s eligibility determined. Students’ files are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority dates and deadlines are published on the Financial Aid page of the WCC website.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) indicates the successful completion of coursework towards a degree or certificate. According to federal regulations, students who fail to make SAP in their education program will lose their eligibility to receive Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds (i.e., financial aid). SAP rules apply to all students applying for financial aid, including those who have not previously received financial aid. 

In addition, The Veterans Administration requires that students receiving veteran’s benefits must maintain satisfactory academic progress.  Any Veteran student receiving benefits who falls under suspension or dismissal will no longer be eligible for VA educational benefits and will be reported to the VA.  

WCC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy may be accessed online here.

Return of Title IV Aid

When a student withdraws on or before 60% of the class has been completed, federal financial aid regulations established by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 require that a portion of the total Title IV funds awarded to the student (Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Loans) must be returned. The determination is based on calendar days. WCC must document a student’s withdrawal date and maintain the documentation. Return of Funds Policy.

Financial Aid Programs Available

A complete list of Financial Aid programs may be accessed via the Internet by clicking here.

Scholarships

The WCC Educational Foundation and the WCC Scholarship Foundation have a number of scholarship endowments that provide awards. In addition, private citizens, businesses and industries, other foundations, and civic clubs also provide scholarship funds. The WCC Educational Foundation also manages three programs that provide free tuition opportunities for qualified high school graduates throughout the college’s service region.  Specific information about these programs can be found online as follows:

• Smyth County PROMISE Scholarship Program

https://www.wcc.vccs.edu/smyth-county-promise-program-wcc

• Twin County Community Foundation Community College Tuition Assistance Program

https://www.wcc.vccs.edu/twin-county-community-foundation-scholarship-program

• Wythe-Bland Foundation Scholarship Program

https://www.wcc.vccs.edu/wythe-bland-foundation-scholarship-program

The WCC Educational Foundation staff review the applications, and the WCC Scholarship Committee approves the recipients for the scholarships managed by the foundations. Selected scholarships may be advertised in the service area for first-time students. Unless otherwise noted, financial need is required for selection. In some cases, a scholarship is awarded only after a student has completed one semester of enrollment. Applications are available online and must be completed for each Fall and Spring semester.

Veteran’s Benefits

This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency. Veterans and/or eligible students receiving veteran’s benefits may also be eligible for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants.  It is recommended that a veteran student discuss their options with financial aid staff before applying for student loans or alternative financing.

Information about veteran’s benefits may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. To be certified for VA educational benefits, veterans or eligible dependents will be required to furnish certain documents such as discharge records or other VA eligibility forms. Assistance in acquiring, completing, and submitting necessary forms may be obtained from the VA Certifying Official. The college will certify all veterans and dependents eligible for benefits and report enrollments to the VA, provided veterans keep the VA Certifying Official informed of their academic loads. Veterans who have attended other colleges must have official transcripts sent to the Admissions Office prior to certification of eligibility.  In addition, any veteran who may have previous work experience or training may be eligible to receive Credit for Prior Learning and should contact the Admissions office for more information.

The VA requires all students to be enrolled in an official curriculum leading to a certificate or degree in order to receive benefits. You must contact your VA Certifying Official each semester to complete the necessary forms to establish and maintain your eligibility for benefits. WCC will not automatically enroll a veteran student or covered individual in a college program or class, without the consent of the student. 

Tuition Relief for Active Duty Personnel

As a required by Virginia Code Section 23-9.6.2, WCC will provide tuition relief, refund, and reinstatement of students whose active military duty during a time of national emergency has required their sudden withdrawal or prolonged absence from their enrollment.