Tuition, Fees, Financial Aid

Tuition

www.fvcc.edu/tuition

Semester Tuition and Fee Schedule

Tuition and Mandatory Fees vary based on a student’s residency status.

Approximate semester costs for the 2020-2021 academic year are shown below (for a full-time, in-district student with 14 to 18 credits):

Category Descriptions:

• Tuition is a set dollar amount per credit.
• Mandatory Fees include the activity fee, building fee, equipment fee, grounds and maintenance fee, student health fee, and the technology fee. Details on these fees are given below.
• Course/Lab Fees vary by course. These fees are for consumables such as materials, supplies, or access to software. Examples might be clay for ceramics, an access code for math, or chemicals in chemistry.
• Books/Supplies include items the student purchases outside of class such as required textbooks, notebooks, paper, or calculators.

Mandatory Fees

These are fees applicable to all students. See the Tuition and Fee Schedule for the current fees. Note: mandatory fees are subject to increase in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Activity Fee

A per credit activity fee is administered by Student Government to support programs, services, and activities for FVCC students.  

Building Fee

A per credit building fee is assessed to maintain and improve existing facilities, to construct facilities, and to purchase new land or buildings.

Equipment Fee

A per credit equipment fee is assessed to assist FVCC in maintaining and updating instructional equipment.

Grounds and Maintenance Fee

A per credit grounds and maintenance fee is assessed for the purpose of maintaining and improving the campus grounds. This fee also assists in maintaining existing parking and constructing new parking areas.

Student Health Fee

A mandatory fee is assessed to maintain and operate the Student Health Clinic for students enrolled in six or more credits. 

Technology Fee

A per credit technology fee is assessed to off-set the cost of purchasing or leasing computer equipment, software, maintenance, or related items which benefit instructional programs.

Other Fees

These fees are applicable in specific circumstances, for example as related to a specific course or form of payment.

*See the Tuition and Fee Schedule for the current fees.

Calculator Rentals

Calculators may be rented for the semester from the Media Center with a valid FVCC library card and are paid for at the Bookstore. Calculator rental fees are $10 per semester. Contact the Media Center in LRC 117 for additional details and specific contract terms.

Late Fee

An overdue fee of $10 per day (capped at $100) will be assessed to a student’s account if not returned by the due date. A hold will be placed on the borrower’s college account, rendering grades and transcripts inaccessible until the balance has been paid.

Replacement Fee

A fee of $100 is added to a student’s account if the calculator is lost or damaged.

Chromebook Rentals

Google Chromebooks may be rented for $40 per semester in the college bookstore. Students must present their receipt to Media Services in LRC 117 to check out a Chromebook using an FVCC Library card. 

Late Fee

If a Chromebook is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement cost of $250 will be assesed. All connecting cables and cases must also be returned or an additional $10 replacement fee will be assessed. An overdue fee of $10 per day will be assessed to a student’s account if not returned by the due date. A hold will be placed on the borrower’s college account, rendering grades and transcripts inaccessible until the balance has been paid.

Damage or Replacement Fee

A fee of $250 is added to the student’s account if the Chromebook is lost or damaged. Failure to return the Chromebook within 10 days of the due date will result in a replacement charge of $250.

Transcript Fee

Transcript information is available at Request a Transcript. Official transcripts cost $10 each. Transcripts are not issued until all accounts with the college are in good standing. Students may print an unofficial transcript through the Student Portal.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Payment 

Students can pay in full on the tuition due date. See the Academic Calendar  for specific dates. The Business Services Office accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Payments can also be made online via the Student Portal.

Deferred Payment

In the event an account is not paid in full by the tuition due date, students can contact the Business Services Office to establish a deferred payment plan. If an account balance is already covered in full by awarded financial aid, a third-party authorization, and/or scholarships, a deferred payment plan is not necessary.

• In case of default or delinquency in the payment of all or any part of a scheduled installment, a late charge of $25 shall be assessed against each late installment.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Grades and/or transcripts will not be released to students who have holds like unpaid library fines or outstanding balances.
• Registration for subsequent semesters is blocked for students with unpaid balances.
• Non-payment of tuition and fees will result in turning the account over for collections to the Montana Department of Revenue. Collection costs will be added to the balance.

Release of Information

The Business Services Office will not release a student’s account information without written permission of the student, including Running Start students, according to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations. Students may complete an Information Release Authorization at the Business Services Office which will permit the Business Services Office to discuss payment arrangements with parents, spouses, or others designated by the student.

It is assumed that if a student has an authorization for payment from a third party (a contractual agreement) the Business Services Office can discuss the student’s account with the payer.

Discounts and Waivers

Running Start

Classes taken as part of the Running Start program are offered at a reduced tuition. Payment and refund policies still apply. Eligible Montana high school Running Start students are granted a 6-credit tuition waiver. Classes taken as part of the Running Start program are limited to college-level classes numbered 100 or above. Contact the Running Start program director at eromain@fvcc.edu or (406) 756-3923 to ensure that classes taken are eligible to receive the waiver.

Senior Citizen Discount

The senior citizen discount is available to Flathead and Lincoln County in-district residents 65 years of age and older.

Tax Reporting

1098T Forms - FVCC will send a 1098T form to all eligible students. FVCC contracts with ECSI Heartland to prepare tax forms. Students can access forms online at https://heartland.ecsi.net/. 

Refunds

Refund of Tuition and Per Credit Fees

Refunds of tuition and fees are made according to the following guidelines:

• Tuition and fees are refunded according to the refund policy.
• Students must officially withdraw from their courses at the Admissions and Registration Office located in Blake Hall.
• Failure to attend courses DOES NOT drop or withdraw a student from those courses.
• When a student whose tuition and fees are paid under a third-party contractual agreement withdraws, the student is required to make full payment on the balance owed.
• Refunds are calculated from the date of official withdrawal, not from the date the student stopped attending classes.
• The college processes tuition and fee refunds after the third week of the semester.
• Refunds are mailed to students’ addresses on file with the Business Services Office.
• All existing debts such as library charges, calculator replacement, bookstore charges, and deferred payment plan balances, may be deducted from any refund due to the student.
• Questions regarding refunds should be directed to the Accounts Receivable Specialist in the Business Services Office in BH 132 or call (406) 756-3802.

Refund Schedule

The refund schedule presumes the account is paid in full at the time of registration. It is based on the total amount owed the college, not the amount paid. The refund schedule is date specific.

Refunds are calculated from the day the Course Add/Drop form is received in the Admissions and Registration Office. Students who do not officially withdraw owe full tuition and fees and may receive an “F” for a course. The length of a course determines which refund schedule applies when a student drops a course.

Note: Students may withdraw from courses until the 75% point of the course.

In order to prevent a dropped full-semester course from appearing on a student’s transcript, the course must be dropped by the end of the third week of the fall or spring semester. For summer semester, short- or late-starting courses, the course must be dropped by the end of its refund period.

Financial Aid students should refer to the withdrawal policy in the Financial Aid section of the catalog.

Add/Drop/Refund Calculations:

(Session class days starting with day one of classes.)

* Last day for Running Start students to drop classes and receive a 100% refund. Financial Aid census date. Last day to charge to financial aid in the bookstore. Last day to opt out of Inclusive Access books/access codes. 

Short classes run fewer than eight weeks. Short classes that do not begin in the first week of Session A, B or Full Semester must be dropped by the next business day after the start of class in order to receive a 100% refund. No refund will apply after this day. A “W” grade will be recorded if dropping a class after the refund period. See the refund policy in the academic catalog for classes that do not begin in the first week of the semester and last eight weeks or longer.

FVCC Bookstore:

  1)  Textbook Return period is through the end of 100% refund period (conditions apply - see website)

  2)  Textbook Buy Back period is two days before the end of the full semester through the last day of finals.

  3)  Textbook Rentals are due the last day of full semester finals.

Refund Information & Policy: www.fvcc.edu/refund

Bookstore Information: www.fvccbookstore.com

Billing and statement questions: Business Services Office (406) 756-3831

Assistance with course add, drop or withdrawal: Admissions & Registration (406) 756-3846

Appeals

Appeals apply to tuition only. Appeals do not cover other fees and costs (i.e., student fees, non-refundable lab fees, other course fees, bookstore charges, etc.). Inadequate knowledge regarding the refund policy is not considered sufficient cause for student appeal.

Failure to attend DOES NOT withdraw a student from their courses, nor does it excuse them from their financial obligations to Flathead Valley Community College.

Students with third-party sponsors should communicate with their sponsor prior to making changes to their schedules. Sponsorship payment of tuition and fees may be withheld making the student responsible for payment to the college.

Appeals with the following reasons will not be approved:

• Non-attendance/unexcused absences
• Late registration/inability to perform in the classroom
• Acceptance into another school
• Lack of awareness about withdrawal or refund procedures and deadlines
• Insufficient resources to pay tuition
• Dissatisfaction with the course or lack of communication with the instructor (see Student Complaint Process)
• Academic disputes between the student and the instructor (see Student Complaint Process)
• Unpreparedness, including lack of prerequisites
• Arrest or incarceration
• Pre-existing medical condition that began prior to the semester being appealed
• Disabilities not officially filed with the Disability Support Services or failure to observe the guidelines provided for academic success
• Suspension or dismissal from the college for academic reasons or disciplinary reasons
• Poor grades
• Non-transferability of a course to another institution
• Miscommunication with advisor/faculty about the mechanics of registering, degree requirements and/or withdrawing from classes (see Student Complaint Process)
• Inaccurate or mistakes in scheduling, including Student Portal activities

Students wishing to appeal the refund policy may do so before the end of the term by submitting a Tuition Refund Appeal Form to the Business Services office. The college’s Financial Appeals Committee will then consider the appeal.

Financial Responsibility

Financial Liability

Unless a student officially withdraws from classes before the start of the semester, the student remains responsible for the balance owing on the account. The non-attendance of classes does not release the student from the obligations for the debt.

Students who receive financial aid and then withdraw may be liable for a repayment of funds to the college. They should consult with the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing.

Students receiving payment from an employer or job retraining program are responsible for the remaining balance of the account if they withdraw before fulfilling those contractual agreements. Students should check with their sponsor before withdrawing.

Financial Obligations

Students who owe FVCC money cannot register for the succeeding semester, secure transcripts, records, grades, diplomas, or degrees until the obligations are paid or satisfactorily adjusted through the Business Services Office.

Late Payment Fee

In case of default or delinquency in the payment of all or any part of a scheduled installment, a monthly late charge of $25 will be assessed against each late installment, up to $100.

Late Registration Fee

A $40 late registration fee is charged to each student registering or adding classes after the third week of the semester. For short- and late-starting classes, the fee will be charged if registering after the class has begun.

NSF Check

A fee is charged for each non-sufficient fund check written to the college. All NSF checks are turned over to the Flathead County Attorney for the cost of the check plus the additional fee assessed by the county. Holds are placed on student accounts for NSF checks, and the student cannot register or receive transcripts until this debt is satisfied at the Flathead County Attorney’s office.

Financial Aid

www.fvcc.edu/financialaid

Eligibility

• A student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• A male student must be registered with Selective Service.
• A student must have a high school diploma or GED/HiSET.
• A student may receive federal or state financial assistance only if he/she does not owe a repayment on federal financial aid previously awarded and is not in default on any federal loan previously received.
• A student must be enrolled in a program leading toward a degree or certificate offered by FVCC.
• A student must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP):
  1. A student must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average in previous coursework at FVCC and have successfully completed 67% of his/her attempted hours at FVCC.
  2. Degree requirements must be completed within a specific time frame. The maximum time frame for a program of study at FVCC is 150% of the program requirements (i.e. an AS degree requires 60 credits for graduation so maximum time frame would be 90 attempted credits). Hours earned at FVCC, as well as hours transferred and accepted by FVCC, are considered in this maximum time frame.
  3. For more detailed SAP information, please visit the Financial Aid website.

How to Apply

• Complete the FVCC admission process for a degree or certificate program; and
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. This application can take three to four weeks to process, so early application is encouraged.

Students who submit their FAFSA by December 1 and provide all requested information within two weeks will be given first priority for Work Study funds and FSEOG as funding permits.

When To Apply

Students must apply for financial aid each academic year. Applications are available after October 1 for the following fall and should be submitted as soon as possible using the prior year tax information. Applications are processed in the order received.  Students are notified of their fall awards beginning in December.

Federal and State Aid

Flathead Valley Community College administers a variety of government financial assistance programs for degree-seeking students. Students are required to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility.

Federal Pell Grant

The value of this grant varies from year to year depending on Congressional appropriations. The projected maximum annual award is $6,195 for two semesters of full-time attendance. Full and part-time students are eligible. A student’s particular dollar amount depends on the student’s expected family contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA and enrollment status term by term during the year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This grant is awarded to students with the lowest EFCs who are also eligible for the Pell Grant. Full- and part-time students are eligible. Annual awards range from $200 to $500.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)

For students who are not Pell-eligible; who’s parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001; and who, at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death, were less than 24 years old or were enrolled at least part-time at an institution of higher education. The projected maximum annual award is $6,195 for two semesters of full-time attendance. Payment is adjusted for less-than-full-time study.

Work Study

Through part-time employment on campus, students who show financial need may earn a portion of their educational expenses. Ten to fifteen hours per week is the recommended work load. Students are paid a competitive wage and may gain experience in their career field.

Direct Stafford Loans

Eligible students registered in six or more credits may borrow up to $5,500/$6,500 per year. Additional eligibility may exist for independent students. Congress sets the rates annually and new interest rates go into effect on July 1 of each year. Visit www.fvcc.edu/loans for the current rates or contact the Financial Aid Office. Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after a student is no longer enrolled or drops below half-time attendance (six credits).

Direct Plus Loans

Eligible parents may borrow for their dependent undergraduate student(s) enrolled at least half-time. Congress sets the rates annually and new interest rates go into effect on July 1 of each year. Visit www.fvcc.edu/loans for the current rates or contact the Financial Aid Office.

In addition to the above programs, FVCC also works with third- party sponsors who provide payment. These include Job Service, Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana, Vocational Rehabilitation, Worker’s Comp, Head Start, various employers, and others. All sponsorship authorizations must be sent to the Financial Aid Office. Authorization letters must be received prior to the start of the semester.

Changes in Enrollment Status

Financial aid is awarded based on the student’s FAFSA application. Enrollment verification is completed after the census class day: 15th class day of fall and spring semesters; 10th class day of summer semester. Financial aid awards are adjusted based on the student’s current registration at the census class day. Any changes to enrollment after that date will not affect the value of a student’s award package, unless a student drops a course that has not started, or withdraws from all courses for that term.

Students who withdraw from classes after the 15th class day should review the eligibility section of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements to ensure they are maintaining the required academic standards.

Financial Aid Refunds

If students receive more financial aid than their direct institutional costs, the college will issue a refund check about a month into the semester.

In some circumstances, students who are registered in late-starting classes may have their refund check reduced or held until they are in attendance in the late-starting courses and have passed the refund period for those courses.

Withdrawal/Return of Title IV Funds

Financial aid recipients of Pell Grant, FSEOG, IASG, Stafford or Plus Loan funds are advised to first meet with the director of financial aid before completely withdrawing from all classes for the semester. The director will explain the consequences of a withdrawal, as well as the financial implications of this action.

If a student officially or unofficially withdraws (stops attending classes) before the 60% point of the semester, federal regulations require that the school complete the Return of Title IV Funds calculation.

The student’s withdrawal date, in calendar days, is used to determine the percentage of the semester that the student completed. This percentage is used to determine the “earned” aid that a student is eligible to retain. The student will be responsible for any “unearned” aid that MUST be returned. Examples of this calculation can be provided by the Financial Aid Office.

The student’s withdrawal date is either the date they began the withdrawal process or last day they attended classes. For a student who didn’t officially withdraw, the withdrawal date is the last date of attendance as reported by the instructor or the 50% point in the semester.

Scholarships

Flathead Valley Community College offers numerous need-based and merit-based institutional and privately funded scholarships. To qualify for need-based scholarships, students must have applied for financial aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application at www.fafsa.gov and demonstrate financial need. Merit-based scholarships are based on grade point average, academic standing, program of study, or activities.

Applications are completed online at fvcc.acaemicwork.com. Scholarship information can be found online at fvcc.edu/scholarships. Scholarship deadlines exist throughout the calendar year; however, for priority consideration apply by February 15 for the following academic year. The award process and regulations are subject to change. In addition, outside scholarship opportunities are published in “The Privy Press” and “Timber Alerts” as they become available.

Veterans Benefits

fvcc.edu/veterans

The Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans in enrolling at FVCC, applying for educational benefits, contacting the Veterans Administration when benefits payments are delayed, securing tutorial assistance, and arranging transfer to other institutions so that payment of educational benefits will not be unnecessarily interrupted.

How to Apply

Applications for veterans educational benefits should be initiated through the Veterans Affairs Office in Blake Hall or by calling (406) 756-3982. Veterans should be prepared to provide a certified copy of their DD-214 and/or DD Form 2384 (notice of basic eligibility) along with some personal history. To receive advance payment, students are required to have a complete admissions file and to contact the school certifying official at FVCC at least 90 days in advance of the semester for which they plan to register.

Eligibility

• All degree and certificate programs offered at FVCC are approved for benefits under the current GI Bills®.
• Widows and children of veterans who died of service-connected disabilities or who have total and permanent service-connected disabilities may be eligible for Chapter 35 educational benefits or the Fry Scholarship.
• The Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 30 - may provide benefits for individuals who first entered on active duty after July 1, 1985.
• The Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 1606 - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (including National Guard) provides benefits for individuals who enlist, extend, or reenlist for at least six years after July 1, 1985. Those individuals are required to have completed an initial active duty for training.
• The Ronald Reagan National Defense Authorization Act established Chapter 1607 - Department of Defense Educational Program to provide educational assistance to members of the reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operations) as declared by the President or Congress. This program is being “sunsetted” by the VA as of 11/14/2016.
• The post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or “New GI Bill” provides benefits for veterans who have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001 and are still on active duty, or who are honorably discharged, or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.  Veterans with eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and any other GI Bill program must make an irrevocable election of the Post-9/11 GI Bill before receiving any benefits.  The post-9/11 GI Bill has two specific components that are unavailable in other GI Bill programs: Yellow Ribbon Program and Transfer of Entitlement Options.
• Although most veterans have 10 years from their date of discharge to use their VA educational benefits, the “New GI Bill” allows 15 years.
• Forever GI Bill - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act has eliminated the15-year deliminating date for veterans whose discharge from active duty was on or after January 1, 2013.

(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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.)

Benefits Requirements

Rates of benefits vary. For the most recent information on all VA educational programs, visit the VA website at www.gibill.va.gov or call toll free 1-888-442-4551.

All veterans and eligible individuals receiving subsistence allowances under the GI Bill® are required to promptly report any changes that may affect the amount of money being received to the Veterans Affairs Office. Students are required to report when they drop courses, withdraw from school, change marital status, or stop attending classes for any reason. Students are not only expected to achieve satisfactory progress but to regularly pursue goals and attend classes.

The repeat of a course for a grade of A, B, C, D, or S will not count toward the required minimum credit hours. However, if the first grade earned was an F, the course may be repeated for veteran’s credit. Veterans educational benefits will not pay for audited classes, course challenges, or unsatisfactory grades.

Students receiving Veterans educational benefits will be placed on academic probation any time their cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.0.

A student on probation will be required to meet with a Student Support Center advisor before starting the next semester to discuss academic goals and barriers and ways to achieve the goals. A review of the academic assistance available at FVCC and the development of a plan to assist individuals in achieving academic goals will also take place.

A student who fails to improve his/her GPA each term while on academic probation will have two options: academic suspension for a period of no less than one year or agree to a plan of extensive remediation developed by the college. If remediation is unsuccessful or if a student fails to comply with the prescribed plan, he/ she will be suspended immediately for no less than one year. A student reinstated after being on academic suspension will be required to meet with a Student Support Center advisor prior to registering each semester.

Once a student’s cumulative GPA improves to a 2.0 or better, he/ she will be removed from academic probation or suspension status and will no longer be required to meet with a Student Support Center advisor.

FVCC will be participating in the Yellow Ribbon program for Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill during the 2019/2020 academic year. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program.

VA laws are subject to change without notice. Students should visit the GI Bill® website for the most updated information: www.gibill.va.gov.

Section 702 of Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 allows a “covered individual” to be charged at the in-state tuition rate.  A “covered individual” is a veteran, individual using transferred benefits, or individual using benefits under the Fry Scholarship who enrolls in school within three years of discharge or death in the line of duty of a service member following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.  Students maintain covered individual status as long as they are using Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or MGIB-AD (Chapter 30) benefits and remain continuously enrolled at the SAME public university.

Effective for courses or terms beginning after March 1, 2019, VA Vocational Rehabilitation - Chapter 31 participants must be charged the resident rate.  

 FVCC abides by Section 103 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018.  Our educational policy ensures that no penalty will be imposed including: 1) the assessment of late fees; 2) the denial of access to classes; 3) the denial of access to libraries or other institutional facilities and/or 4) the requirements that a Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 recipient borrow additional funds to cover the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to a delayed disbursement of payment by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

(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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.)