Tuition is established by the North Carolina State Legislature and is subject to change without prior notification. Current tuition costs can be found on CFCC’s Tuition and Fees webpage or in the Admissions Office.
Tuition is due and payable on the day of registration unless otherwise noted. Any deferred payment or exceptions must be approved by the Vice President for Business Services. Self-supporting classes are not free for any student. If tuition is a major factor in the student’s determination to attend CFCC, the student should contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible.
Students who register for a course and do not attend at least once during the first 10 percent of the course will be dropped as a no show and not allowed to proceed with the course.
Payments can be made by cash, check, debit card, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Self Service is available for making payments by debit, credit cards, and checks. Payments are not accepted via the telephone. There is a third-party Payment Plan option available on the website if you need to make monthly payments.
Student Fees
A non-refundable student fee is charged to all curriculum students for the Fall and Spring semesters. This fee is due and payable on the day of registration. The maximum fee charged is $105.00 per academic year but is subject to change.
Funds collected from activity fees are used to support the costs of student publications, athletics, social activities sponsored by the Student Government Association, and student identification cards.
In the fall of 2003, the Board of Trustees of Cape Fear Community College approved a non-refundable “Technology Fee” to be charged to all curriculum students for the Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions. The $3.00 per credit hour fee, not to exceed $48.00 in a semester, is due and payable on the day of registration.
Refund of Curriculum Tuition
A 100 percent tuition refund will be made if the pre-registered curriculum student officially drops any/all classes prior to the first day of the College’s academic session/semester. Students are also eligible for a 100 percent tuition refund if the College cancels the class. Drops within the 75% refund period must be processed online through Self Service.
A 75 percent refund will be made if the student officially drops a class(es) during the period starting from the first day and ending on the 10 percent day of the course.
Classes beginning at times other than the first week (seven calendar days) of the semester
A 100 percent refund shall be made if the student officially drops from the class prior to the first class meeting. Students are also eligible for a 100 percent tuition refund if the College cancels the class.
A 75 percent refund shall be made if the student officially drops from the class prior to or on the 10 percent point of the class.
Students who have not attended at least once by the 10 percent date of the class will be dropped by the instructor as a “No Show” and not allowed to continue with the course.
Return Check & Credit Card Chargeback Guidelines
Tuition payment made with a check or credit card returned by the bank will be considered nonpayment of tuition. Students will lose their classes or will not be able to attend classes until full restitution is made. Absences incurred due to nonpayment of fees will be counted in accordance with the College’s attendance policy.
A returned check processing fee will be charged in the amount of $35.00 for a paper check or e-check when payment is refused by the bank for any reason. A chargeback processing fee will be charged in the amount of $35.00 for a credit card chargeback.
Tuition Refund Appeal Procedure
Tuition refund appeals must be in writing and are reviewed by the Vice President for Student Services and appropriate area staff (in direct consultation with the Business Office). Appeals that do not represent a sound basis for reimbursement will be denied.
Written notification of approval/denial of appeals normally occurs within two weeks.
If a tuition refund appeal is denied by the Vice President of Student Services, a second-level appeal may be initiated by a student in writing. The Executive Vice President (or designee) conducts the second-level review. The Executive Vice President (or designee) will respond to a second-level appeal in writing within 10 working days. The decision made at the second level is final. Should an appeal be approved, Cape Fear Community College will promptly refund tuition and/or cancel a financial charge from a students account.
Submitting an Appeal
Tuition refund appeals will not be considered unless the student has officially withdrawn from the class(es). Students who are receiving financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawal to determine what effect this action may have on future financial aid eligibility and/or balances that may be owed if students withdraw from all classes before the 60% point. All tuition appeals must be in writing and submitted with supporting documentation to the Vice President for Student Services no later than fifteen (15) workdays after the start of the subsequent school term.
Tuition appeals may generally be approved for the following reasons as long as the appropriate written supporting documentation is provided
Extended incapacitation/hospitalization of the student (which caused the student to miss 20 percent or more of scheduled instruction) documented by a physician’s statement on the doctor’s official letterhead (copies of the student’s medical records will not be accepted). This must be an unscheduled medical emergency diagnosed after the last day to drop for a tuition refund. The physician’s letter (on his/her letterhead) must include the date the student was first seen for the medical condition, as well as the beginning and end date the student was incapacitated/hospitalized, and must state that the student was physically unable to participate in classes during this period of time. A letter that does not specifically state, “the student was physically unable to attend classes” will not be grounds to approve an appeal.
Extended incapacitation/hospitalization or death of a student’s immediate family member (which caused the student to miss 20 percent or more of the scheduled instruction) – verified with appropriate documentation. Immediate family is defined as father, mother, spouse, child, sibling, stepfather, stepmother, stepchild, stepbrother or stepsister.
Administrative difficulties with internships, placements or practicums involving the single enrollment of a student with supporting material from placement official.
Late notifications of denial to a specific degree program with supporting documents.
Institutional errors by CFCC that cause the delay of administrative processes relative to registration or the delivery of financial aid funds.
*Other items may be considered with valid supporting documentation and/or evidence.
Tuition appeals will not be approved in the following instances:
Personal errors in judgment or irresponsibility involving transportation, availability of finances, academic ability, time management, etc.
Misinterpretation or lack of knowledge of college policies and procedures as published in the CFCC Catalog & Student Handbook or CFCC Schedule of Classes.
Dissatisfaction with course content; issues concerning academic instruction must be addressed with the appropriate Department Chair and/or Academic Dean.
Dissatisfaction with academic progress in course(s).
Non-attendance or minimal attendance of class.
Inadequate investigation of course requirements prior to registration and attendance.
Non-qualification, late application, or loss of eligibility for financial aid or scholarship.
Non-receipt of mail or electronic mail due to obsolete address on file with the Registrar’s Office.
Changes of, or personal conflicts with, the instructor of record.
Student error resulting in the delay of administrative processes relative to registration or the delivery of financial aid funds.
Voluntary/involuntary acceptance of employment or other activity affecting the ability to attend class. (i.e. work schedule/hours changed; lack of childcare; vacation).
Incarceration in a civilian or military facility.
Other reasons not already specified.
Last updated: Approved 1/19/17
Statement on Involuntary Military Orders*
Involuntary changes in military orders that result in the active duty member moving outside the New Hanover or Pender County areas are automatically refunded 100% of tuition unless the active duty member decides to remain enrolled in online classes after redeployment. Such changes will be documented by the commanding officer or the student providing valid and properly endorsed orders (includes dependents enrolled at Cape Fear Community College).
Orders must be Permanent Change of Duty Orders. Short-term orders (for more than 20 percent of the class sessions) associated with a national emergency may qualify.
(Approved 1/11/17- College Council).
