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Tuition and Fees

McDowell Technical Community College receives financial support from local, state and federal sources, allowing educational opportunities at a minimum cost. Tuition fees are set by the State Board of Community Colleges and are subject to change without notice. Cost of textbooks and supplies are additional expenses which vary according to the program of study. The payment of tuition and all required fees must be made at the time of registration unless deferred payment arrangements have been made with the Business Office.

Students are not officially registered until tuition payment and fees have been received in the Business Office or deferred by Financial Aid or a payment plan has been established with NelNet through the student’s Self-Service portal.

The following information applies to students enrolled in curriculum programs (technical, vocational, college transfer, and general education).

In-State Tuition

$76.00 per credit hour, up to a maximum tuition charge
of $1,216.00 per semester.

Out-of-State Tuition

Any student whose legal residence is outside the State of North Carolina, or, in the case of students who are boarding or living with relatives in the community, whose parents or guardians are living outside the State, shall pay tuition fees as follows: $268.00 per semester credit hour, up to 16 credit hours; maximum tuition charge of $4,288.00 per semester.

Textbook Costs

Students are required to purchase the necessary textbooks for courses. Copying of textbooks is not allowed and is a violation of copyright laws in most cases. The average cost ranges from approximately $500 to $800 per semester, depending on the student’s chosen curriculum. Workbooks and certain text materials which are expendable items may be required by some instructors.

For students whose class involve an eBook, a $210 per year fee is charged.

Campus Access Parking and Security Fees (CAPS)

All students will be charged a Campus Access Parking and Security fee of $25.00

Past Due Accounts

Students may not register for a semester, receive transcripts or participate in graduation until deferred or past due charges are paid in the Business Office.

Residency Status For Tuition Purposes

Under North Carolina law, persons must qualify as state residents for a tuition rate lower than that for non-residents.

Residency Determination Service

In 2013 the North Carolina General Assembly (SB 402) instructed the educational entities in North Carolina to work collaboratively to create a centralized process for determining residency for the purpose of tuition and administration of state financial aid. These entities included the University of North Carolina General Administration (UNCGA), the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), and the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA).

As a result of the legislative directive, College Foundation, Inc. (CFI) was selected to develop and administer the statewide Residency Determination Service.

MTCC implemented the Residency Determination Service (RDS) on February 20, 2017. All individuals applying to MTCC after March 20, 2017, will be required to complete the online residency determination prior to applying to the college. It is recommended that applicants complete the residency determination well in advance of the semester they wish to start. Upon completion of the residency determination, students will be issued a Residency Certification Number (RCN) which will be utilized at all colleges in NC.

MTCC will continue to work with students who have business sponsorships, are using military benefits or other exceptions allowed by the state. All other residency determinations will be made by CFI and not MTCC.

The Residency Determination Service will provide separate processes to reach a residency classification. Most students will only be required to complete the Initial Consideration process. The Reconsideration and Appeal processes are for those students who experience a change in circumstances (Reconsideration) or who have not had a change in status and believe their residency classification is incorrect (appeal).

All students, parents, faculty, staff, and constituents of the North Carolina Community College System should refer to the Residency website at www.ncresidency.org for more current details regarding the North Carolina Residency Determination Service, processes and required residency guidelines.

Tuition Exemptions

College tuition exemptions are as follows:

  • Current high school students taking courses at community colleges.
  • Some students enrolled in the BLET training program .
  • Any person who is the survivor of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, volunteer firefighter, or rescue squad worker killed as a direct result of traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty may be eligible for a tuition waiver.
  • Any spouse or children (ages 17 to 22) of law enforcement officers, firefighters, volunteer firefighters, or rescue squad workers who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty may be eligible for waiver of tuition.

Tuition Late Registration Fee

Currently, enrolled students who do not pay tuition and fees on or before the day of registration will be assessed a $5.00 late charge. New students or former students (students who were not enrolled during the past academic year) who register during the prescribed registration period will not be assessed a late registration fee.

Activity Fee

All curriculum students are required to pay the Student Government Activity Fee as follows: $20.00 per semester

These fees are not refundable except when approved by the Vice President for Finance and Administration according to Business Office policy.

Technology Fee

In order to offset the cost of copies, toner, state-of-the-art computer labs, and other technology made available to students, a fee of $25.00 per semester is charged to each student at the time of registration. This fee is not refundable.

eTextbook Access Fee and Opt-Out Information

Some courses at MTCC require the use of digital textbooks (eBooks). A $210 annual fee provides students with access to Cengage Unlimited, a platform offering a wide range of eBooks and course materials.

Students who prefer physical textbooks may choose to opt out of this fee. However, by opting out, students accept full responsibility for obtaining the required materials on their own. Please note:

  • Physical textbooks may need to be purchased from sources other than the MTCC Bookstore.

  • While students can use financial aid to purchase textbooks, MTCC does not disburse financial aid early for purchases made outside the college bookstore.

  • Financial Aid Refunds are not released to students until several weeks into the semester. If deciding to purchase books and materials independent of the MTCC bookstore the student understands that they will pay out of pocket for these items. When the class begins, students are expected to have the correct books and materials to successfully complete the course, and should eb ready to meet the assignment deadlines.

  • The opt-out form for Cengage Unlimited eBooks is available on the MTCC Bookstore web pages.

Liability Insurance

Students enrolled in Practical Nursing Education, Associate Degree Nursing, Nurse Aide, Teacher Associate, Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Health Information Technology, Phlebotomy and Early Childhood Associate are required to purchase professional liability insurance coverage. The cost of liability insurance is $14.50 per year.

Student Insurance Fee

In order that every student may be covered by insurance in case of an accident, institutional policy requires that each student enroll in the accident insurance program at registration. The established fee is $1.30 per semester. This fee is not refundable.

Identification badge

All curriculum students are required to purchase a picture identification badge to be on his/her person at all times while on the campus grounds for a fee of $5.00 for the academic year. This charge is made in the fall semester.

Fees For Special Purposes-Student Success Fee

All curriculum students are required to pay a Student Success Fee of $5.00 per semester. This fee pays for the printed diploma, diploma cover, and large mailing envelope. Additionally, students are required to purchase a cap/gown/tassel if they participate in the graduation ceremony. The Student Success Fee funds may also be utilized to pay for services or equipment that will benefit all students.

Educational Testing Fee

Students enrolled in the Practical Nursing Education and Associate Degree Nursing Programs are charged an educational testing fee each semester. There are testing fees for PNE and for ADN students which will be provided at student orientation.

Proctored Test Fee

Non-MTCC Course Proctoring: McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) offers proctoring services through the UNC Online Proctoring Network and for other colleges and universities as a community service. Proctoring is available in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) anytime during the hours of operation, when classes are in session. All proctored exams must be completed at least 30 minutes before closing time. There is a charge of $25.00 per test for proctoring services. Proctoring fees may be paid in person in the Business Office. Fees must be paid prior to the testing appointment Students must bring this receipt of payment to their scheduled proctoring appointment.

Transcript Copy Fee

Official transcripts cost $5.00 and must be requested through the National Student Clearinghouse.

Continuing Education Fire, Rescue and EMS College Fee

Students attending the McDowell Fire, Rescue and EMS College will be charged a fee of $15.00.

Returned Check Fee

A $25.00 service charge is assessed for each returned check.

Refund Policy

Refunds must be requested. 100% refund before the first day of class, 75% before the 10% point of the semester. No refunds are issued after the 10% point of a term. For information on refunds of textbooks purchased through the MTCC Bookstore, please contact the Bookstore directly.

Additional Expenses

Some curriculums require students to purchase additional supplies, equipment and/or uniforms. Students should contact the instructor/advisor in the curriculum they plan to enter.