How to Pay for College

Fees & Rates

The following rates are in effect for 2016-2017 and are subject to change without notice:

• Application fee: YVC has a $30 application fee, and, in addition, some specific professional/technical programs may require an application fee.
• Placement test fee is $20.00 and is nonrefundable. Fees are to be paid at the time of the test.
• Audit fees are paid at the same rate as regular tuition.
• International Student Application fee is $30.00 and is required for new international students and those returning after an absence of one or more years.
• Lab fees vary.
• Combined service fees are $4.50 per credit with a maximum of $45.00 per quarter.
• Technology use fee is $4.50 per credit.
• ELearning fee is $3.00 per credit.
• Graduation Application fee is $10.00, charged no more than once per academic year for processing a student’s degree and certificate application.
• YVC/Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-Tech) fees are required for all collaborative programs: $715.00 plus additional applicable fees per quarter. YVC classes are charged regular YVC per-credit fees.

Registration fees and tuition are to be paid in accordance with tuition deadlines. Students who have not paid by the specified deadline may be dropped from classes. Students must not assume they will be dropped from class if they fail to pay tuition.

Note: All tuition and fee rates are subject to change without notice.

Tuition Waivers

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges authorizes and the YVC Board of Trustees approves waivers of tuition and fees for state-supported classes to specific student populations, listed below. These waivers do not apply to contract or self-support courses. The availability of these waivers is determined on an annual basis. Please contact the Enrollment Services Offices at the phone number listed in the directory for specific information.

• Senior citizen/Gold Card/60+ years of age
• State employee/permanent full- or half-time (20+ hours a week)
• Veterans, veterans’ dependents and spouses, National Guard, and selected Reservists

Veterans

Some veterans may be eligible for government funding or reduced tuition rates. Please contact the Veterans’ Office at the phone number listed in the directory for specific information.

Debts & Student Financial Obligations

Registration is not complete until all tuition and fees have been paid in full and the payment has cleared. Tuition and fees can be paid online using e-check, Visa, and MasterCard (www.YVCC.edu>Student Portal), in person at the cashier’s counter, or by mail.

Checks issued to the college for tuition, fees, or any debt and returned unpaid for any reason will constitute nonpayment. A $25.00 fee is assessed on all returned checks. Students will be administratively blocked from making changes to their existing class schedule, registering for or dropping classes, receiving disbursements or requesting official transcripts until the check and fee is paid in full.

Students who have any debt reported from a college department or operational unit will have their registration blocked and official transcript withheld until the debt is paid in full.

YVC reserves the right to withhold official transcripts or block future registration for any student who have delinquent financial obligations to the college. All outstanding amounts resulting from nonpayment of tuition and fees are the responsibility of the student. Withdrawal from school, officially or unofficially, or non-attendance will not cancel any financial obligation already incurred. Additionally, failure to pay all financial obligations may result in debts being turned over to a collection agency. A $25 fee is assessed on all accounts sent to collection. Collection costs, including attorney fees and other charges necessary for the collection of any amount due, will be added to the students account balance.

Refer to YVC Policy and Procedure Manual, section 1.33.

Washington State Residency

Residency status for tuition and fee purposes is determined by RCW 28B.15.012 et seq.

A resident student is one who is (a) financially independent and has a twelve-month bona fide domicile in the state of Washington for other than educational purposes or (b) financially dependent upon parents or legal guardians, one or both of whom maintain a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington. The term “domicile” denotes a person’s true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation.

Financial dependence or independence shall be determined by the amount and kind of financial assistance given to a student and whether or not the student has been claimed as a deduction on income tax forms in the year immediately preceding the quarter for which residency is sought.

An independent student who comes to Washington and immediately enrolls at an institution of higher education for more than six credit-hours is assumed to be in the state primarily for educational purposes and cannot establish residency until clear proof is provided showing that student has established a permanent, bona fide domicile with concurrent relinquishment of the prior legal residence.

Note: A student cannot qualify as a legal resident of Washington for tuition calculation purposes if they possess a valid out-of-state driver’s license, an out-of-state vehicle registration, or other documents that give evidence of legal residency in another state.

Once a student has been classified a nonresident, the classification will remain until the student completes a residency questionnaire and supplies evidence that supports a change in residency status. Application for a change in residency status and all supporting evidence must be submitted to the Admissions Office by the 30th calendar day following the first day of the quarter for which the change is requested. Any questions regarding residency should be directed to the Admissions Office.

Persons who have completed three full years in a Washington State high school and those who have earned a GED after three full years of living in Washington State but who do not have official residence in Washington may contact the Admissions Office to determine eligibility for resident tuition.

Active Duty Military and National Guard

Active duty military personnel stationed in Washington and their spouses and dependents are considered residents for tuition and fee-paying purposes. Active duty Washington National Guard members are considered residents for tuition and fee-paying purposes; their spouses and dependents are considered residents only if they reside in Washington.

Refund Policy

Refunds are made for official withdrawals only, and no refund will be given for an amount of less than $10. No refunds will be given if an instructor withdraws a student after the first week of the quarter. All refunds are determined by a formula based upon when the withdrawal is made relative to the beginning of the class. Attendance or nonattendance is not considered when granting refunds.

Complete withdrawal fees are assessed whether or not students actually attend class. There is a fee of $5 for a complete withdrawal of 11 or fewer credits (part-time), and a fee of $10 for a complete withdrawal of 12 or more credits (full-time). Students who withdraw from college in accordance with withdrawal regulations are entitled to the following refund:

• One hundred percent refund for classes canceled or changed by the college.
• One hundred percent refund (less complete withdrawal fee) for complete withdrawal prior to, and through, the 5th day of classes (4th day of classes for summer quarter).
• Fifty percent refund (less complete withdrawal fee) for complete withdrawal after the 5th day of classes and through the 20th calendar day after the start of classes (5th through the 14th day for summer quarter).
• No refund is granted after the 20th calendar day following the start of the quarter (after the 14th day for summer quarter).

Refunds for classes which do not follow the regular college calendar are applied on a timetable (as established above) proportionate to the standard length of a quarter. Also, refunds for lab fees will be in proportion to the regular tuition refund schedule. Refunds for tuition and fees not paid by Financial Aid will be applied to outstanding charges. Any remaining funds will be processed and refunded within four to six weeks from the date of official withdrawal. If the original form of payment was a debit or credit card, the refund will be credited to the original card that was charged. If the original form of payment was cash, check or online payment, a check will be issued in the student’s name and mailed to the address on file in Registration. Any student, receiving federal or state financial aid, who officially or unofficially withdraws from YVC and qualifies for a refund, will have funds returned to the appropriate financial aid program based on the regulations governing the program. Contact the Financial Aid Office at the phone number in the directory for details.

Tuition and Fees 200 Level and Lower

2017 - 2018 Academic Year

Tuition is set by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges which acts upon legislative authority.

Rates are subject to change.

* Total cost includes state tuition and fees, combined service fees of $4.50 per credit up to a maximum of $45.00, a $4.50 per credit technology fee, and a $3.00 per credit eLearning fee. Special course or laboratory fees may apply to certain courses and will result in additional charges. See course materials for more information. A processing fee is deducted from all college withdrawal refunds $5.00 for part-time, $10.00 for full-time. Note: Veterans may be entitled to reduced tuition. Contact the Veterans’ Office for qualifying information.

Tuition and Fees 300 Level and Above

2016 - 2017 Academic Year

Tuition is set by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges which acts upon legislative authority.

Rates are subject to change.

* Total cost includes state tuition and fees, combined service fees of $4.50 per credit up to a maximum of $45.00, a $4.50 per credit technology fee, and a $3.00 per credit eLearning fee. Special course or laboratory fees may apply to certain courses and will result in additional charges. See course materials for more information. A processing fee is deducted from all college withdrawal refunds $5.00 for part-time, $10.00 for full-time. Note: Veterans may be entitled to reduced tuition. Contact the Veterans’ Office for qualifying information.

Financial Aid

Financing a college education is an investment in the future. Federal and state financial aid programs, as well as privately funded scholarships, are available to provide the additional financial resources required by students who are pursuing an educational program at Yakima Valley College but do not have adequate resources to meet the full cost of attendance.

Assistance Programs

Need-Based Programs

There are three main types of financial aid that may be included in a student’s financial aid award that are based upon financial need:

• Grants, that are usually not repaid.
• Loans, that are usually deferred while the student is in school, but which must be repaid.
• Student employment, for which the student is paid monthly.

YVC participates in the following need-based programs:

• Federal Pell Grant, a federal grant program. The student must enroll for at least one credit per quarter.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, a federal grant program. The student must enroll for at least one credit per quarter.
• Washington State Need Grant, a state grant program. The student must be a Washington State resident, qualify to pay resident tuition under HB1079 or meet specific eligibility requirements and be enrolled in at least three credits per quarter.
• Washington State College Bound Scholarship for state residents meeting specific eligibility requirements.
• Washington State Passport for Foster Youth Promise Scholarship serving youth formerly in the state foster care system since 2007.
• YVC Tuition Waiver, a state authorized waiver of tuition, and YVC Grant, a state authorized grant. This waiver is intended for Washington State residents.
• William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan, which is funded by the U.S. Treasury. Subsidized loans generally do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled in school. The student must be enrolled in at least six credits.
• Work-study, federal or state-funded student employment programs. Jobs will be on campus with payment on a monthly basis. During the summer, a limited number of positions may be available for continuing students who are not attending summer classes.
• Other need-based tuition assistance programs may be available to eligible students who are unemployed or moving from public assistance to work. Please call the Career Connection Center at the phone number in the directory for current programs and requirements.

Financial aid grant and loan funds must be used to pay college educational expenses. Financial aid recipients who receive their award after the beginning of the academic term receive their funds within approximately one week of receiving their award letter. First-year, first-time recipients of federal loans do not receive their first loan until thirty days after the start of the academic quarter.

Programs That Are Not Need-Based

• William D. Ford Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, a loan not based on financial need. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest while the student is in school; borrowers have the option to pay the interest as it accrues. The student must be enrolled in at least six credits.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for the federal and state financial aid programs, the student applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or a permanent resident. (International students are not eligible.)
• Have a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent (GED).
• For state only, eligible to pay in-state tuition under HB 1079.
• Be in an approved college program which is at least one year in length and leads to a degree or certificate.

Application Procedure

To apply for the federal and state financial aid programs available at the college, the student applicant must:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.FAFSA.gov or, for HB1079 students without social security numbers, complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) at www.ReadySetGrad.org/WASFA
2. Apply for admission to the college.
3. Provide any other required documents as requested by the YVC Financial Aid Office. Documents are due after the request date.

Financial aid applicants must reapply each year. A supplemental request form is available every spring quarter for students who wish to request aid for summer quarter.

Need Determination

All financial aid at YVC is administered in accordance with nationally established policies. Financial need is determined by comparing the student applicant’s resources (parents’ contribution, if applicable; student earnings, assets, and other income sources), as reflected on the student’s financial aid application forms, with standard costs for attending YVC. If the standard costs are greater than the student’s available resources, an award package to cover all or part of the difference is offered as long as program funds permit. The financial aid award may be comprised of grants, student employment, and/or loans.

YVC awards grants first and then student employment and loans based on remaining need. Students interested in work study/student employment attend an orientation to learn about the requirements and request an award and referral form. Students may submit loan request forms after determination of eligibility for need-based grant funding and registering for classes.

Most YVC financial aid applicants do not have their full needs met because of the lack of sufficient funds from federal and state funding sources.

Additional Requirements

Once a student receives financial aid funding, there are several additional requirements:

• Use all financial aid funds only for expenses related to attendance at YVC.
• Students must keep the Financial Aid Office advised of any changes in enrollment status and changes in their programs of study.
• Financial aid funding is limited to 150% of credits required for the academic program including prerequisites. Extension of programs due to changing majors may result in loss of eligibility before completion of the program.
• Students receiving financial aid must enroll in courses that apply directly to their course of study.
• Students who are considering a 100% withdrawal from classes should speak to someone in the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing in order to be advised of potential repayment of aid, cancellation of future disbursements, and loss of future eligibility.
• Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in their programs or majors. Each quarter, all the courses for which a student is funded must be completed, and the student must earn at least a 2.0 (C) grade point average to maintain satisfactory progress. Failure to do so will result in the student being placed on financial aid warning or experiencing financial aid cancellation due to financial aid suspension or dismissal.
• Direct Loan Program originations are based on 1 to 45 credits (freshman) and 46 credits or more (sophomore) that apply directly to the student’s course of study, or 90-135 credit for juniors in BAS programs, or 136 or more credits for seniors in BAS program. Developmental classes are not counted.
• Students receiving a Federal Direct Loan must complete both entrance and exit counseling online sessions.
• Students pursuing a second or subsequent associate degree maybe eligible for State Need Grant after five years have elapsed.
• Students receiving aid at YVC may not accept aid from another institution for the same quarter.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Conditions

Satisfactory Progress

To maintain satisfactory academic progress, a student must pass all attempted credits,* earn at least a 2.0 quarterly GPA (C average) on any graded credits, be capable of completing program without taking more than 150% of the number of credits required for the program, and maintain a 67% pace of progression (credits passed/credits attempted) and meet YVC’s college-wide academic progress standards.

◊ The number of credits you had on the first day of the quarter or on the day your aid was processed, whichever was later. Students who successfully completed less than 100% of attempted credits, but at least 12 credits, are considered to have met satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes.

If you do not complete all attempted credits or earn less than a 2.0 quarterly and cumulative GPA, you risk losing your eligibility.

Complete details of the current YVC satisfactory academic progress policy appeal forms, including definitions of warning, suspension, and dismissal status; examples of the policy; and how to regain eligibility if your aid is suspended are available online at: www.YVCC.edu/FinancialAid or in printed format at the YVC Financial Aid Office.

Unacceptable Grades

These grades are unacceptable: F, I, N, NC, V, W, and any academic renewal notations.

Noncompletion

You may be required to repay a portion of grant funds if you earn only unacceptable grades and/or complete zero credits. A federal formula (or a state formula for state grants) is used to determine if the aid received must be returned or repaid for the period of enrollment. Students who complete at least 60% of the quarter are not required to repay grants received.

Student Loan Applicants

A student loan request cannot be processed for you if you are on suspension or dismissal.

Degree Completion Time Limits

• You must complete your program of study within 150% of the normal time frame for federal programs and within 125% of the normal time frame for state programs. For example, continuation of federal aid requires that a 90 credit program of study be completed in no more than 135 credits.
• Additional time is granted for developmental classes. Up to 45 additional credits may be added for a 90-credit program.
• You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and must demonstrate that you are making progress toward your degree or you lose eligibility for financial aid.

Washington State Need Grant Program

Conditions of Award

If you receive this grant, there are five special conditions, listed below, with which you must comply. If you have questions or find that you cannot comply with these conditions, please see the financial aid administrator at the institution you are attending.

• You do not owe a refund or repayment on a State Need Grant, a Pell Grant, or a Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, nor are you in default on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under the Perkins, Federal Direct, or Federal Family Education Loan programs. In addition, you are not in default on a loan made through a state conditional loan or conditional scholarship program.
• This grant is awarded to assist in meeting your educational expenses and should you withdraw from classes, repayment of all or a part of the grant may be required.
• You can choose to voluntarily make financial contributions to the Washington Student Achievement Council in recognition of this State Need Grant. All voluntary contributions will be used to provide financial assistance to other students.
• The offer of a State Need Grant is subject to and conditioned upon the availability of funds. The Washington Student Achievement Council and the institution through which the grant is awarded reserve the right to withdraw, reduce, or modify the grant due to funding limitations or due to changes in circumstances which affect your eligibility for the State Need Grant.
• You are not pursuing a degree in theology.

Refunds

Any student receiving federal or state financial aid, who officially or unofficially withdraws from YVC and qualifies for a refund, will have funds returned to the appropriate financial aid program based on the regulations governing that program. Students receiving only institutional financial aid will have tuition and fees refunded to the aid program according to the official college refund policy. Additional information may be found on the college website; look for “Repayment If You Withdraw or Stop Attending.”

Additional Sources of Funding

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

Persons who are physically handicapped or those who are unemployable for reasons other than disability may be eligible to receive benefits under this program. Information is available through the Department of Public Assistance.

Opportunity Grant

Opportunity Grant provides assistance with tuition, fees, and books to low-income students who are enrolled in specific, high-demand career pathway programs at YVC. The approved programs at YVC include I-Best (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) programs: Nursing Assistant Certificate and Business Technology Office Skills 1 & 2 certificates. Additional eligible programs include Allied Health, Nursing AAS, Business Technology, and Early Childhood Education. Priority funding goes to students who are enrolled in one of the I-BEST programs. Must be a Washington State resident to qualify. Information is available from the Career connections Center; visit the Career Connection Center website at www.yvcc.edu/css. 

Veterans

YVC offers certification for educational benefits, benefits counseling, vocational rehabilitation, tutorial services, VA work-study, and referrals. Benefits available to veterans and dependents are:

• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill for service beginning July 1, 1985.
• Chapter 31: Vocational rehabilitation for veterans with certified service-related disabilities.
• Chapter 33: The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001 or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The bill became effective for training on or after August 1, 2009.
• Chapter 35: Educational assistance for survivors and dependents of veterans who are either deceased or are 100% disabled due to service-connected causes.
• Chapter 1606: Selected Reserve or National Guard. A Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE-DD Form 2384) from the guard or reserve unit and a six-year commitment are required.
• When veterans return to active duty mid-quarter, special provisions are available for the processing of course extensions and course withdrawals in compliance with the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act of 2003. See the Veterans Coordinator for details.

Students eligible for VA educational benefits must maintain adequate progress toward their degrees. The college’s scholastic standards are used to determine standards of progress. VA recipients who fail to maintain minimum standards are subject to academic probation/termination. In addition, students’ attendance is monitored by the veteran’s coordinator.

WorkFirst

WorkFirst Financial Aid assists TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) parents in gaining the skills needed to become employed. WorkFirst Financial Aid can pay tuition, fees, and books toward an approved vocational degree or certificate. Must be currently receiving TANF and meeting all DSHS participation requirements. For additional information, visit the Career Connection Center website at: www.YVCC.edu/CCC

Workforce Education & Training Special Funding

YVC offers special funding options for current and prospective students interested in workforce education programs and training. Students can find out if they pre-qualify for special funding options by taking the Start Next Quarter survey: www.YVCC.edu/SNQ

Basic Food Employment & Training (BFE&T)

YVC’s Basic Food, Employment, and Training (BFE&T) provides services to Basic Food (Food Stamp) recipients in Washington State. Services may include establishing or maintaining eligibility for Basic Food while in school, child care subsidy, job search training, and other support services.

• Eligibility for Working Connections Child Care through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
• Eligibility to receive Basic Food Benefits (Food Stamps) while enrolled in college
• Financial assistance with college related expenses
• Support Services

Eligibility Requirements:

• Receiving or eligible to receive Basic Food Benefits (Food Stamps)
• Eligibility is based on household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty rate
• You must not be receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• You must be a US Citizen or Legal Resident
• You must be enrolled in a Professional/Technical program (Transfer degree programs are not eligible)

◊ Please Note: Enrollment in BFE&T is based on eligibility and availability of funds. Students must reapply each quarter. Additional information can be found online at www.YVCC.edu/SpecialFunding

Worker Retraining

Worker Retraining provides assistance to individuals who are receiving Washington State Unemployment Insurance benefits or have lost their job due to economic changes and need to change careers in order to re-enter the workforce.

YVC’s Worker Retraining offers training for a wide range of professional-technical certificates and degrees within the Workforce Education Division.

Eligible Worker Retraining students may receive tuition assistance and/or funds to cover the cost of books for one quarter at YVC.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently receiving Washington State Unemployment Benefits
• Have exhausted your Washington State Unemployment Benefits within the past 48 months
• Is employed in an occupation identified as “not in demand” (declining) on the region’s Demand-Decline List; and/or
• The individual has not reached the “tipping point,” which is defined as one year of college credits (45 credits) plus any certificate or degree related to their college course work; and/or
• In order to remain employed, the individual needs to obtain new skills (Individual must meet two of the three eligibility requirements to qualify)
• Have been determined to be a “Dislocated Worker” by WorkSource
• Have been self-employed within the past 48 months, operating your own business, and are now unemployed due to economic downturn
• Are an unemployed veteran who has been honorably discharged from the US Armed Services within the past 24 months

◊ Please note: Funding for qualified Worker Retraining students is contingent upon availability of Worker Retraining funds. All applications are reviewed and processed on a case by case basis.

Additional information can be found at www.YVCC.edu/SpecialFunding

Scholarships

YVC encourages students to apply for scholarships in addition to completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Start the process by signing up for the Washboard and frequently check YVC’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YakimaValleyCollege/.

YVCC Foundation Scholarships & Awards

Since its inception in 1977, the YVC Foundation has provided student scholarships and supported the college. The Foundation board is made up of alumni, business, civic, and professional leaders.

The YVC Foundation administers and awards scholarship funds from several different donors. A complete list of Scholarships & Awards is available online at www.YVCC.edu/Foundation. Applications for the YVC Foundation scholarships are available each year beginning December 1st and are due the last day in February. The application can be found online at www.YVCC.edu/Scholarships. The Foundation staff will match recipients to the appropriate scholarship(s). Scholarships are presented at the annual awards ceremony held in May.

To learn more about the YVC Foundation or to become a donor, contact the Foundation Office at 509.574.4645.

The Washboard

The Washboard is a scholarship search engine designed to help students in Washington locate scholarships for which they may qualify based on interests, college choice, and academic pursuits. http://www.washboard.org

Yakima Rotary Trust - Mary Monroe Davis Scholarship

Mary Monroe Davis left an educational legacy to Yakima County. On behalf of the Yakima Valley Community Foundation, the Yakima Rotary Trust has established a scholarship program to assist residents of Yakima County who plan to continue their education in undergraduate study. Applications are available early winter quarter. http://yakimarotarytrust.org/new-mary-monroe-davis-scholarship/

Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

The focus of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is to assist high-achieving, low-income students with their educational goals. Applications are available during fall quarter for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. http://www.jkcf.org

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) supports low- and middle-income students pursuing eligible high demand majors in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or healthcare and encourages recipients to work in Washington State once they complete their degrees. http://www.waopportunityscholarship.org/new-applicants/overview