Financial Information

Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes

Section 1009.21, F.S., allows U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and aliens lawfully in the United States who are in an eligible visa category to be classified as Florida residents for tuition purposes if the applicant or the dependent applicant’s parent/legal guardian has established legal residence in the state for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is sought.

The determination of dependent or independent status is important because it is the basis for whether the student has to submit his/her own documentation of residency (as an independent) or his/her parent’s or legal guardian’s documentation of residency (as a dependent). Upon application, students will complete a Florida residency declaration.

Definitions

• Dependent child: any person under the age of 24, whether or not living with his/her parent, who is eligible to be claimed by his/her parent as a dependent under the federal income tax code
• Initial enrollment: the first day of class at an institution of higher education
• Institution of higher education: any charter technical career center, career center operated by a school district, Florida College System institution or state university
• Legal resident or resident: a person who has maintained his/her residence in Florida for the preceding year (12 months), has purchased a home which is occupied by him/her as his/her residence, or has established a domicile in Florida pursuant to s. 222.17, F.S.
• Non-resident for tuition purposes: a person who does not qualify for the in-state tuition rate
• Parent: either or both parents of a student, any legal guardian of a student or any person in a parental relationship to a student
• Resident for tuition purposes: a person who qualifies as provided in s. 1009.21, F.S., for the in-state tuition rate

Required Documentary Evidence

To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, a person or, if that person is a dependent child, his/her parent or parents must have established and maintained legal residence in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to his/her initial enrollment in an institution of higher education. Every applicant for admission to an institution of higher education is required to make a statement as to his/her length of residence in the state and, further, shall establish that his/her presence or, if the applicant is a dependent child, the presence of his/her parent or parents in the state currently is, and during the requisite 12-month qualifying period was, for the purpose of maintaining a bona fide domicile, rather than for the purpose of maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incidental to enrollment in an institution of higher education. This statement is captured with the completion of the residency declaration. 

An individual shall not be classified as a resident for tuition purposes and, thus, shall not be eligible to receive the in-state tuition rate, until he or she has provided such evidence related to legal residence and its duration or, if that individual is a dependent child, evidence of his or her parent’s legal residence and its duration, as may be required by law and by officials of the institution of higher education from which he or she seeks the in-state tuition rate. An applicant (student) must submit clear and convincing documentation that he/she (or a parent, guardian or person in a parental relationship, if a dependent) has been a Florida resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the student’s initial enrollment in an institution of higher education. Each institution of higher education shall affirmatively determine that an applicant who has been granted admission to that institution as a Florida resident meets the residency requirements of this section at the time of initial enrollment.

The residency determination must be documented by the submission of written or electronic verification that includes two or more of the documents listed below. As some evidence is more persuasive than others, more than two documents may be requested. No single piece of documentation will be considered conclusive, excluding homestead exemption.  Per Florida Statute 1009.21, effective July 1, 2024, homestead exemption in Florida is deemed a single, conclusive piece of evidence showing Florida residency.

The documents must include at least one, but can include two, of the following items from tier one:

• A valid Florida driver license or a State of Florida identification card 
• A Florida voter registration card
• A Florida vehicle registration
• Proof of a permanent home in Florida which is occupied as a primary residence by the individual or by the individual’s parent if the individual is a dependent child
• Proof of a homestead exemption in Florida (see note above that this is a single, conclusive document to prove Florida residency)
• Transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years (two or more years) if the Florida high school diploma or GED was earned within the last 12 months
• Letter from employer on company letterhead indicating permanent full-time employment in Florida (at least 30 hours per week) in Florida for at least a 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment

Documentation may include one or more of the following items from tier two:

• A declaration of domicile in Florida at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment
• A Florida professional or occupational license
• A Florida incorporation
• Family ties Affidavit
• Proof of membership in a Florida-based charitable or professional organization
• Any other documentation that supports the student’s request for resident status, including, but not limited to, utility bills with proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; a lease agreement with proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; or an official state, federal or court document evidencing legal ties to Florida

Statutory Exceptions and Qualifications

Section 1009.21, F.S., permits certain applicants who do not meet residency requirements to be classified as Florida residents for tuition purposes. If an applicant (student) qualifies for a residency exception or qualification, then appropriate documentation must be submitted as evidence of entitlement to that exception or qualification. Such evidence is generally specific to the type of residency exception or qualification being claimed by the student.

With respect to a dependent child living with an adult relative other than the child’s parent, such child may qualify as a resident for tuition purposes if the adult relative is a legal resident who has maintained legal residence in this state for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before the child’s initial enrollment in an institution of higher education, provided the child has resided continuously with such relative for the 3 years immediately prior to the child’s initial enrollment in an institution of higher education, during which time the adult relative has exercised day-to-day care, supervision, and control of the child [s. 1009.21(2)(b), F.S.]

The legal residence of a dependent child whose parents are divorced, separated, or otherwise living apart will be deemed to be this state of either parent is a legal resident of this state, regardless of which parent is entitled to claim, and does in fact claim, the minor as a dependent pursuant to federal individual income tax providers. [s. 1009.21(2)(c), F.S.]

A dependent child who is a United States citizen may not be denied classification as a resident for tuition purposes based solely upon the immigration status of his or her parent. [s. 1009.21(2)(d), F.S.]

Based on s. 1009.21, F.S., the College requires documentation in support of the exceptions below; however, the student does not have to show 12 months of residence in Florida prior to qualifying. The exceptions and qualifications categories are as follows:

• Any person who ceases to be enrolled at or who graduates from an institution of higher education while classified as a resident for tuition purposes and who subsequently abandons his/her domicile in this state shall be permitted to re-enroll at an institution of higher education in this state as a resident for tuition purposes without the necessity of meeting the 12-month duration requirement of this section if that person has re-established his/her domicile in this state within 12 months of such abandonment and continuously maintains the re-established domicile during the period of enrollment. This benefit shall not be accorded more than once to any one person [s. 1009.21(9), F.S.].
• Active duty members of the Armed Services of the United States residing or stationed in Florida, their spouses and dependent children, and active, drilling members of the Florida National Guard. [s. 1009.21(10)(a), F.S.] (Required: copy of military orders)
• Active duty members of the Armed Services of the United States, their spouses and dependent children, attending a Florida College System institution or state university within 50 miles of the military establishment where they are stationed, if such establishment is within a county contiguous to Florida. [s. 1009.21 (10)(b), F.S.] (Required: copy of military orders)
• United States citizens living on the Isthmus of Panama who have completed 12 consecutive months of college work at the Florida State University Panama Canal Branch, their spouses and dependent children. [s. 1009.21(10)(c), F.S.]
• Full-time instructional and administrative personnel employed by state public schools and institutions of higher education and their spouses or dependent children. [s. 1009.21(10)(d), F.S.] (Required: copy of employment verification)
• Students from Latin America and the Caribbean who receive scholarships from the federal or state government. The student must attend, on a full-time basis, a Florida institution of higher education. [s. 1009.21(10)(e), F.S.] (Required: copy of scholarship papers)
• Full-time employees of state agencies or political subdivisions of the state when the student fees are paid by the state agency or political subdivision for the purpose of job-related law enforcement or corrections training. [s. 1009.21(10)(g) (Required: copy of employment verification)
• Active duty members of the Canadian military residing or stationed in Florida under the North American Air Defense (NORAD) Agreement, their spouses and dependent children, attending a Florida College System institution or state university within 50 miles of the military establishment where they are stationed. [s. 1009.21(10)(j)] (Required: copy of military orders)
• Active duty members of a foreign nation’s military who are serving as liaison officers and are residing or stationed in Florida, and their spouses and children, and attending a Florida College System institution or state university within 50 miles of the military establishment where the member is stationed. [s. 1009.21(10)(k), F.S.]
• Qualified beneficiaries under the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program. [s.1009.98, F.S.] (Required: copy of Florida Prepaid ID card)
• Linkage Institute participants receiving partial or full exemptions from s. 1009.21, F.S., based on criteria approved by the Florida Department of Education per s. 288.8175, F.S., which establishes linkage institutes between postsecondary institutions in this state and foreign countries.

Residency Reclassification

A student who is classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes may become eligible for reclassification after their first semester and may request “reclassification” to change to in-state status. The student should complete the Request for Residency Reclassification in Workday and upload all supporting documentation before the start of the term for which reclassification is sought.

The evidentiary requirement for reclassification goes beyond that of an initial classification. A student must present clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in Florida for 12 consecutive months rather than temporary residency for the purpose of pursuing an education. Documentation can include proof of full-time permanent employment for the prior 12 months or the purchase of a home in Florida and residence therein for the prior 12 months while not enrolled in an institution of higher education. A student, or his/her parent if the student is a dependent, may become eligible for reclassification by presenting a minimum of three documents as listed in the Required Documentary Evidence section. One of the three documents must come from the tier one (such as a valid Florida driver license or State of Florida identification card).

The burden of providing clear and convincing documentation justifying reclassification of a student as a resident for tuition purposes rests with the student or, if the student is a dependent, his/her parent. For documentation to be “clear and convincing,” it must be credible, trustworthy and sufficient to persuade the Admissions and Records staff that the student or, if the student is a dependent, his/her parent has established legal residency in Florida that is not solely for the purpose of pursuing an education and has relinquished residency in any other state for a minimum of 12 consecutive months prior to classification.

Residency Appeals

A student who is denied Florida residency for tuition purposes upon request for residency may appeal the decision through a written petition to the Residency Appeal Committee in the Admissions and Records office. The burden of providing clear and convincing documentation justifying classification of a student as a resident for tuition purposes rests with the student or, if the student is a dependent, his/her parent. Students will be notified in writing to their TSC email of the committee’s decision. If the appeal is denied, a written petition must be submitted to the Director of Records within five business days of the written decision. The petition must clearly show an error occurred during the reclassification review process.

The Residency Appeal Committee must review the appeal within ten (10) business days after receipt of the written appeal. The appeal review must be limited to the issues put forth in the written petition. The Residency Appeal Committee must render to the student the final residency determination in writing, advising the student of the reasons for the determination. The decision of the Residency Appeal Committee will constitute final action.

Tuition and Fees

Payment of tuition and fees is an integral part of the registration process. Students shall pay all tuition and fees by the published deadline for each term of registration.

By statute and regulation, the registration fee is determined by the number of hours for which a student registers and by the student’s residency classification.

Accessing Financial Services via the Web through Workday 

Total fee assessment and due date will be indicated at the conclusion of each registration transaction. (Students should obtain a fee slip at the self-inquiry terminals in the Admissions and Records office or on the web.)

Students must drop classes before the drop/add deadline in order to avoid financial responsibility for dropped classes. Students who withdraw from their class(es) after the drop/add period will be responsible for payment of fees for such classes. Students who rely on financial aid to cover the cost of their tuition must drop their classes during the drop/add period to avoid financial responsibility.

Tuition and fees must be paid either online or at the Cashier’s Office on campus. Students may access the following options by logging into Workday:

• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid Award Status
• Financial Aid Awards
• Pay by e-Check
• Pay Now by Credit Card
• 1098-T Information
• View My Receipts
• My Financials
• Financial Holds
• View Bills

Tuition and fees must be paid by the assigned payment deadline. At the time of class payment, the student will be required to pay in full all outstanding receivables and obligations such as library fines and parking fines. Unpaid debt will prevent the release of official college transcripts, block additional course registration, and restrict access to other resources and services of the College until the debt is paid in full. 

Payment can be made with cash, credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), debit card, check, money order or e-Check to Tallahassee State College. All credit card payments will be assessed a convenience fee by its third-party processor of 2.95% of the amount paid via a credit card.

These are the ways to remit payment:

• By e-Check in Workday (No convenience fee is charged)
• By credit card online via Workday (All credit card payments will be assessed a convenience fee by its third-party processor of 2.95% of the amount paid via a credit card)
• By check or money order mailed to the Cashier’s office (See check information below.)
• By cash, check, or money order at the TSC Cashier’s office. 

Due to increasing operational challenges, a desire to provide a high level of security of personal information, and the increasing costs to process credit cards, the College may assess a convenience fee to all payments made by credit card for TSC tuition, fees, and other account charges, including application fees. The fee will be charged by the college’s third-party processor, not TSC. This will enable the College to continue to provide students with a credit card payment option.

The changes will lower TSC’s cost of credit card transactions. The high cost of credit card processing could lead to higher tuition increases for students. The convenience fee would only be paid by those who choose to pay by credit card, rather than being included in tuition for all students.

Cardholders will be notified of the convenience fee at the time of payment and will be given the opportunity to opt out of the transaction and choose another payment option. In no case will a student be charged without disclosure to the cardholder prior to finalizing the payment.

Detailed payment instructions are provided in the schedule of classes and on the webpage for the Cashier’s Office. 

Checks and money orders for payment of tuition and fees must be made payable to “Tallahassee State College” and include the student’s identification number. Checks and money orders must be drawn on a U.S. bank and be made payable in U.S. dollars ($). Payments in non-U.S. funds or drawn on non-U.S. banks will be returned unprocessed. Counter (starter) checks are not accepted.

Checks and money orders, which should include the student’s name and TSC student ID, may be mailed to:

Tallahassee State College
Cashier’s Office
444 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32304

Students are required to maintain current address information with the College. Address information can be updated via the web or at the Admissions and Records Office.

Invoices for outstanding debt are sent to the student’s TSC email address for currently enrolled students and to the student’s local physical address for students not currently enrolled. It is imperative that students ensure that their student files contain their current local physical address. 

Student Refunds

Tallahassee State College has partnered with BankMobile to deliver your financial aid refund. BankMobile is a financial services company focused solely on higher education. Simply follow these steps to make your BankMobile refund preference selection:

First Time BankMobile Users

*Students new to BankMobile will not be able to set up an account until classes begin

1. Visit RefundSelection.com
2. Enter your personal code (if you did not receive a code via email, then select the link ‘Need a Code’ located under the Get Started button)
3. Select the Get Started button and follow the prompts

Current BankMobile Users Changing a Refund Preference

1. Visit RefundSelection.com
2. At the top of the webpage select ‘Already made a choice? Log In’
3. Enter your email address and password (If you don’t remember your log in information, call BankMobile at 877-327-9515)
4. Select ‘refund preferences’ from the ‘Refund’ menu option
5. From this page, make your new selection and click the “Update Preference” button to complete the process. Be advised that your new selection will only affect future refunds.

Returned Check 

A returned check is a check that is not honored when presented for payment and is returned to the College as unpaid due to insufficient funds, closed account or any other reason. The bank runs each check twice before returning it as insufficient funds. If the check does not clear after the second time, it will be returned to the TSC Business office for collection. The student’s account will be flagged as “Cash Only” and the student will not be allowed to make payments via check in the future. 

In accordance with section 832.07, F.S., the College is authorized to invoice the individual for the original amount of the check, in addition to a check fine and bank fee. If the account is sent to a collection agency, the individual will be responsible for all associated collection fees, which is currently 25% in addition to the outstanding obligation, and the account may be reported to the Credit Bureau. In the event of legal action for recovery, the maker or drawer may be additionally liable for court costs and reasonable attorney fees as prescribed by law. 

Credit Card Chargeback

Dishonored credit card payments for tuition and fees or bookstore purchases or other payments will result in the student or individual being obligated and billed for all tuition and fees due. The student will be blocked from making future payments by credit card when chargebacks occur.

Special Fees

If a special fee is to be assessed for a course, the words “Additional Fee” or “Lab Fee” will appear after the course description.

Noncredit Course Fees

Noncredit course fees are established to cover the costs of individual programs. Noncredit fees are published in the schedule of classes and are listed on www.TSC.fl.edu for each semester. Refunds must be requested in writing. The last day to withdraw with a refund is three business days before the start of class.

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a standard unit of measure used to recognize adults who continue their education at an institution of higher education. CEUs are calculated based on one unit for each 10 hours of instruction. The College cannot guarantee the acceptance or recognition of CEUs for any purpose other than the statement of completion of multiple units of 10 clock hours of special purpose instruction.

Please note that noncredit courses, like credit courses, are subject to cancellation when enrollment is not sufficient to cover expenses.

Refunds

Canceled Registration

Any student who completed registration and finds it necessary to cancel it may do so by going to the Admissions and Records Office or by dropping the course(s) in Workday. For a full refund of fees paid, this must be done during the published drop/add period of the academic calendar; otherwise, it will be treated as a withdrawal even if the student has not attended any classes. Classes treated as a withdrawal do not receive a refund of fees paid.

Students who find it necessary to cancel a part of their registration and do so as outlined above will be refunded the difference between the fee paid and the fee that would normally apply to the reduced load. Refunds of this nature will be mailed after the last day of drop/add, usually within three weeks. Students who defer fees and reduce their class loads after the last day of drop/add shall personally owe the amount originally deferred. If a student cancels, drops or withdraws hours that were disbursed in a Florida Bright Futures award, the Florida Bright Futures award will be reduced and the student will be responsible for reimbursing the school for the cost of courses(s) dropped or withdrawn. Once the College has been paid for the course, the student should notify the Scholarship Coordinator in the Scholarship Office who will notify the State the funds have been paid.  A student may make a written appeal to the Financial Aid office for hours canceled, dropped or withdrawn due to verifiable illness or emergency. TSC will then make a recommendation to the Florida Department of Education, which may accept or deny the College’s recommendation for exception.

After the end of the published drop/add period for the appropriate term and session, a cancellation of term may be made via the Enrollment Appeals Committee until the end of the current semester as a result of the following:

• Incapacitating illness (physical or psychological) or injury to the student
• Death of a member of the immediate family that prohibits the student’s return to the class during the term being considered (Documentation must show proof of kinship.)
• Military orders and report date after the refund deadline and prior to the withdrawal deadline

Refunds shall be made as the result of the death of a student at any time during the term of current enrollment. These refunds shall be documented and authorized by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Typically, refunds shall not be made for circumstances such as moving out of town, changes in work schedules or changes in enrollment status due to illegal activities.

Students who withdraw from all classes before completing 60.5 percent of the term for which they are enrolled may be required to repay all or part of any Title IV financial aid they received. If Title IV funds not earned by the student have been disbursed to the student, it is the student’s responsibility to repay the money he or she received to the federal government. Students can end up owing both TSC for the refund and the federal government. It is strongly recommended that students who receive Title IV financial aid check with the Financial Aid office before withdrawing to see if they would incur a financial liability. Title IV aid includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans.

Course Load Reduction

A student who reduces his or her course load after the first five days of classes will not be entitled to a refund. Any student who finds it necessary to withdraw from school after the first five days of classes, regardless of whether or not the student attended classes, must complete the necessary process for withdrawing from class(es). Students may withdraw online through Workday. 

Delinquent Accounts

In accordance with Section 1010.03, F.S., the College is authorized to restrict the release of transcripts, the awarding of diplomas, and access to other resources and services of the College when a debt is due. Students may also be prevented from registering for additional classes when a debt is due.

When a receivable or obligation balance is due, the system generates a financial hold on the student or individual. This financial hold may prevent the release of transcripts and enrollment certificates and block further class registration. The financial hold will remain until all debt is paid in full. If an account is sent to a collection agency, the debtor is responsible for all collection fees associated with the debt, currently 25%, in addition to the outstanding debt due to TSC, and the account may be reported to the credit bureau.

Financial aid awards may not pay certain debt, including, but not limited to, collection fees, returned check fees and fines, and library fees and fines. Financial holds will remain in place until all debt is paid in full. Students are responsible for routinely reviewing their account from Workday to ensure that no debt is due on the student account. Invoices will be mailed to the student’s local address, so it is imperative that students ensure this address is correct.

Florida Prepaid College Program

The Florida Prepaid College Plans can be used by students at TSC. Florida Prepaid will automatically be activated each semester unless the student requests the College to deactivate the plan. Due to Florida Prepaid Tuition Program regulations, certain fees are not covered by the plans. Students are responsible for paying any remaining balance not covered by their plan.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office makes every effort to meet a student’s demonstrated financial need with the resources available. However, it is not always possible to do so, and it may be necessary for the student to pay some educational expenses from personal funds. All financial aid awards are estimates and are subject to change. Because most financial aid programs have limited funding, it is imperative that the student apply for financial aid as soon as possible, after October 1, for the following academic year. The Financial Aid office awards funds on a first-come, first-served basis; students who apply early generally receive the best aid packages. Students must reapply for financial aid each year.

TSC adheres to all federal and state guidelines when administering financial aid, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, genetic information, national origin, religion, gender, marital status, disability or age. All applicable federal and state laws supersede any information contained herein, and the information provided is subject to change without notice.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

As a financial aid applicant or recipient, a student has the following rights:

• To be advised of what financial aid programs are available and how to apply for them
• To be advised of the requirements in cases of withdrawal, such as refunds or repayments of financial aid
• To be advised of the requirements for maintaining financial aid standards of satisfactory academic progress and good academic standing
• To have all application information treated with the highest confidentiality

As a financial aid applicant or recipient, a student has the following responsibilities:

• To apply for financial aid early
• To submit all required forms accurately and completely
• To provide all documentation, verification of income, corrections and/or other information required to complete the financial aid file
• To accept responsibility for all forms and agreements the student signs
• To use financial aid only for the student’s actual educational expenses

Financial Aid Programs

TSC offers a comprehensive financial aid program that includes most federal and state programs, internal scholarships and grants, and many outside scholarship programs.

• Federal Pell Grants are available to students who demonstrate eligibility as determined by the federal government. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is based on the student’s enrollment status and if they meet the standards established by the federal government based on the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) and other criteria determine by the U.S. Department of Education. Students who enroll in 12 or more eligible credit hours receive the maximum Federal Pell Grant for which they are eligible.  Students enrolling in less than 12 credit hours will have their amount determined by their enrollment intensity.
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs) are awarded to students from funds made available by the federal government for students with exceptional need. They are usually awarded to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant. Grants vary in amount, with the smallest grant valued at $200. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this award.
• Federal College Work Study Program is based on need. Students are awarded part-time jobs on or off campus for use in defraying educational expenses.
• Federal Direct Loans are awards that must be repaid. TSC encourages students to be informed borrowers and to read all documents associated with any student loan. Applications for Federal Direct Loans are processed through the United States Department of Education, which is responsible for the servicing and collection of the debt. Interest rates vary and are established by the federal government. There are two programs: The Federal Subsidized Direct Loans and the Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans.
  • Federal Subsidized Direct Loans are awarded to students who demonstrate need. Borrowers who have earned 0-29 credit hours may borrow $3,500 per year. Those who have earned 30 credit hours or more may borrow $4,500 per year. Baccalaureate programs may borrow $5,500 per year.
  • Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans are awarded to students who do not demonstrate need, or who have other funds meeting need, but who have not reached their estimated cost of attendance in financial aid funds. This loan can be used to replace the Student Aid Index (SAI). The conditions of this loan are identical to the Federal Subsidized Direct Loan, except students are required to either pay the interest while in school or have the interest capitalized into the loan for repayment after graduation.
• Federal Parent’s Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) allows parents who demonstrate appropriate credit worthiness to be eligible for a low-interest loan, up to the cost of education less any financial aid received, for their student. TSC requires the student to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to have a valid ISIR (Institutional Student Information Report) or FSS (FASFA Student Summary) on file in the Financial Aid office in order to process a PLUS Loan. 
• Student loan awards will be split into three equal payments throughout the student’s enrolled term. If the student chooses to revise the Loan award into two equal payments, the student must complete a loan request form by logging into Workday, selecting the TSC College Forms app and completing the Federal Direct Loan Request Form. 

Dependent students may borrow up to an additional $2,000 in Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans per academic year. Dependent students whose parents are denied the Parent’s Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) may be eligible to borrow up to an additional $4,000 per academic year in this program.

Independent students may be eligible to borrow an additional $6,000 per academic year in this program, split over two terms.

Students who are awarded a Federal Direct Loan are not required to borrow. If a student chooses to decline the Federal Direct Loan, he or she must do so by declining the award in Workday under the Financial Aid section.

Students who choose to keep the loan must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Direct Loan Entrance Counseling online at StudentAid.gov. The promissory note and entrance counseling must be completed before the student loan can be used to offset any fees, tuition or book expenses.

An origination fee is deducted from the Federal Direct Loan before the loan is credited to the student’s account. To estimate the actual loan amount, the student should reduce the gross amount awarded by 1.057% for Direct Loans and 4.228% for Federal Plus loans effective October 1, 2022. This should give the student a figure close to the actual amount of the loan TSC will receive and credit to his or her account.

Students who borrow their aggregate Federal Direct Loan limit while at TSC will not be eligible for additional funding at an upper division institution.

All new borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note requirement before TSC will credit the first Federal Direct Loan disbursement to the student’s account. Students may complete Entrance Counseling online at StudentAid.gov. 

All graduates, less than half time enrollment, and students not returning to TSC who have borrowed a Federal Direct Loan are required to complete Exit Counseling. The Exit Counseling requirement may be completed online at StudentAid.gov.

When a Federal Direct Loan is for one semester only, the federal government requires the College to make the loan in two payments, with one occurring after the mid-point of the semester. Students who receive a one-semester loan should make appropriate financial plans.

• The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) is a need-based grant awarded for educational purposes to Florida residents who demonstrate exceptional need and who are enrolled full-time by the end of the regular drop/add period.
• Funds are limited and the Financial Aid office will notify students of their eligibility.
• The Part-time Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) provides funds to students that are enrolled less than full-time, but at least half-time or more. Funds are prorated based on the number of hours the student attends (half-time or three-quarter-time). Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and meet the state guidelines for FSAG. Other than the amount the student is eligible for and the number of hours the student must complete for continued eligibility, all other terms and conditions for receipt of a full-time FSAG apply.
• The Florida Student Assistance Grant-Certificate Students (FSAG-CE) is a need-based grant awarded for educational purposes to Florida residents who are enrolled in certificate programs. Funds are limited; the Financial Aid office will notify eligible students.
• Florida Bright Futures scholarship programs include Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars and Florida Gold Seal Cape Scholars. Recipients are selected and notified of eligibility by the Florida Department of Education. Students must be fully admitted to TSC, degree seeking and enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours. Students may contact the State of Florida concerning transfer of Bright Futures scholarships at FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org or call toll-free at (888) 827-2004.
• Other state programs: The State of Florida has numerous scholarship and grant programs, such as the Rosewood Family Scholarship Program and the José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund. For information, call the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance at (888) 827-2004 or visit FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org.
• Outside scholarships: All scholarships received, even from outside sources, must be reported to the Financial Aid office and counted in the student’s financial aid award, as required by law. Students seeking outside scholarships should avoid sites that charge fees. There are multiple free scholarship sites available that provide the same or better information as the fee sites. Some of the sites are FastWeb.com, FinAid.org, NASFAA.org and SallieMae.org. The public library is also a source of information about scholarships offered by civic organizations, businesses and other entities.
• Welfare-to-Work and Welfare Transition Programs: These programs assist potential, former and current welfare recipients and their families as they begin to make the transition from cash assistance to employment by providing support and mentoring, along with assistance in areas such as scholarships, transportation and childcare.
• The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program provides a variety of resources to eligible students looking for additional financial aid, as well as to those seeking the right job or career. The WIA scholarship offers funding for tuition and books. Resource rooms located in each CareerSource Capital Region Center provide tools designed to help customers seeking financial aid resources, including links to financial aid search banks and financial aid search software. For information, visit CareerSourceCapitalregion.com.
• Students can apply for TSC scholarships and view important deadlines on the TSC Scholarship webpage.

Summer Financial Aid

Students attending in the summer, who have a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in our system, who are fully admitted to a degree seeking program, and who meet TSC’s Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid (SAP) will have funds for which they are eligible awarded. For currently enrolled students satisfactory academic progress will be reviewed at the end of the spring term, and if the standards are not met aid will be adjusted accordingly.  All courses used for determining enrollment must apply toward the program in which the student is fully admitted to at TSC.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Students who apply for financial aid must be fully admitted to TSC before their financial aid can be processed. They must also be in an eligible program as a degree-seeking student.

Transient students, non-degree-seeking students, students working on a GED diploma and students taking courses on an audit basis are ineligible for financial aid.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who receive financial aid from TSC may not receive financial aid from any other school. Students who want to attend more than one institution (transient students) should consult their home institution to see if they can participate in a consortium agreement.

Students requesting financial aid must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Noncitizens must have a match with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) or must complete all required forms to prove eligibility.

Students who are in default on a student loan, and students who owe repayment on a federal grant may not be eligible for financial aid.

If the student’s admission status changes due to an incomplete or ineligible status, either before the term starts or after the term is in session, the student’s financial aid will be revoked. If the change occurs before the start of the term, the student’s aid will not be disbursed until the enrollment status is updated to an eligible status.

First-time, First-year Students

First-time, first-year students who have never attended another college or university must provide a final copy of their high school transcript that indicates they graduated, or other proof of graduation or proof of GED diploma, to the Admissions and Records office.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must have a complete Admissions and Records file before financial aid will be awarded. This includes the submission and evaluation of transcripts from high school and all previously attended colleges and universities. Once transcripts have been evaluated and posted on the student’s academic record, the Financial Aid office will determine if the student meets TSC’s Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid. Students not meeting TSC’s established standards will not be eligible for financial aid.

Award Adjustments

Students who are later found to be ineligible for aid that they have received due to a clerical error, an increase in the Student Aid Index or any other error are responsible for repayment of the funds they were not actually eligible to receive. If a student receives a refund that he or she did not anticipate or that is in excess of what the student expected, the student should contact the Financial Aid office. Students will be notified via email if there are changes to their financial aid, other than adjustment to scholarships based on actual tuition and fees.

Application Procedure

Financial Aid Terminology

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FSS - FASFA Student Summary
SAI - Student Aid Index
ISIR - Institutional Student Information Record

It is the responsibility of the student to make sure TSC has a copy of his or her financial aid information.

1. The student must submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 in the year preceding Fall enrollment. The FAFSA may be completed and submitted electronically at StudentAid.gov. TSC’s code for the FAFSA is 001533.
2. Once the FSS (generated from the FAFSA) is received, the student should check his or her Workday account to see if any additional information is required.
3. The Financial Aid office will use email to inform the student of the aid for which he or she is eligible.
4. If a student chooses to retain all the awards issued, no further action is necessary for grant and scholarship funds. However, if the student is awarded loans and/or Federal Work-Study, these must be accepted for each semester for which the student chooses to receive funds.  If the student decides to decline any award, then the student should do so in Workday by selecting the award item and declining the award for each semester the award is offered. 
5. The student should pay attention to financial aid obligations should classes be reduced or dropped.
6. The student must re-apply for financial aid each year. Financial aid is determined using a federal formula that takes into account the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI), the estimated cost of TSC attendance and the student’s enrollment status at TSC.

Special Conditions–Professional Judgment

TSC recognizes that changes occur in family situations that are beyond student’s control. On a case-by-case basis, using the Professional Judgment authority afforded colleges by the federal government, TSC will review each student’s situation and, where appropriate, make changes to the student or family financial information, family size, or number in college. If the request is for a change in standard budget, the change will be made to the student’s expense budget.

Special condition situations include the following:

• Loss of employment by parent, spouse or student
• Death of a parent or spouse
• Loss of nontaxable income
• Separation or divorce by parents or student and spouse
• Parents in college
• Siblings in K-12 private education
• Proof of additional educational expense
• Other documented circumstances

For the Financial Aid office to issue a Professional Judgment decision, the student must provide supporting documentation. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to, a signed statement from the student; a signed statement from the parent; court documents; death notice; unemployment verification; letters of support from counselors, ministers, lawyers, or doctors; or other legal documents.

Students may request a budget increase by providing appropriate documentation. In some cases, such an increase may be made by the College without a request from the student.

TSC has a Request for Professional Judgment form that may be used; however, other types of written request will be accepted as well. The request will be reviewed by the director, one of the assistant directors or one of the specialists in the Financial Aid office, and a response will be provided to the student. If rejected, an email or letter will be sent to the student. If accepted, the new FSS will serve as notification.

Evaluation and Award

Once a student’s financial aid file is complete, it will be evaluated for demonstrated need by subtracting the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Estimated Cost of Attendance. If a student’s determined need qualifies for financial aid, an email will be sent to the student. If a student chooses to retain all the awards issued, no further action is necessary for grants; however, for loans and work-study awards set to offered students must accept, partially accept or decline each offered award in Workday.

If the student decides to decline any award, then the student should do so in Workday by selecting decline in the box next to the award item.

If a student has been awarded a Federal Direct Loan and intends to accept the funds offered, the student must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling online at StudentAid.gov. Failure to complete the MPN within 90 days will result in cancellation of the loan.

Student Aid Index (SAI)

The SAI is calculated from the student’s FAFSA and is the same at all institutions. The SAI includes a contribution from the student from earnings, savings and assets. If the student is a married independent student, a contribution from the student’s spouse will be calculated using the same components. The calculation for dependent students includes a contribution from their parents’ earnings, savings and assets.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Listed below is the estimated cost of attendance for a 32-week academic year (Fall/Spring semesters) on a full-time basis (13 hours per semester, or 26 hours per year). This is only an estimate; actual costs may be more or less than the figures shown.

The tuition costs shown are based on the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

Deferment of Student Fees against Financial Aid

If a student has a financial aid award, the student’s enrollment status has not changed since the award was made, and the Financial Aid office has not received a new FSS or ISIR canceling the student’s eligibility, then the cost of tuition, fees and books can be deferred against the financial aid award, up to the amount of the accepted award excluding work-study.

This deferment is available for Fall and Spring semesters, and for students who enroll at least half-time (six credit hours or more) in Summer sessions May Main, May Mini, May Express and/or June Express. All fees deferred against a student’s financial aid are taken from the first financial aid funds available.

Financial Aid Refunds to Students

Students who are awarded financial aid funds that exceed the cost of tuition, fees and any book charges against their account may be eligible for a financial aid refund. All student charges, including books, are taken from the first funds available to a student. Refunds will be issued only after a student’s account is fully paid and if additional funding exists.

Financial Aid will begin issuing refunds by the fourth week of class. Before issuing a refund, a student’s enrollment status will be reviewed, and the award adjusted to reflect the actual status. As a reminder, all students are awarded at the full-time status in their initial award.

Only classes that apply toward the student’s degree at TSC will be considered in the enrollment status. Further, by federal regulation, we can only consider up to 30 attempted developmental hours in a student’s enrollment status. Once a student’s enrollment status is verified and class attendance is recorded, the disbursement process will begin.

Because the Financial Aid office begins disbursement as soon as six credit hours of attendance are verified for eligible classes, a student may receive more than one disbursement in a given semester. In addition, funds from outside sources will not be credited to the student’s account until those funds are received by TSC.

Students whose files are complete and who are awarded before the start of the term are expected to have personal funding to pay for living expenses during the first month of class. For students who are awarded after the start of the term, personal funding should be secured for living expenses for one month after the award is issued. No emergency loans will be issued during this period for living expenses.

Financial Aid and Enrollment Status

Students who have filed a valid FAFSA and meet all other eligibility requirements for Federal Student Aid are given estimated awards based on full-time status. This initial award shows the most aid that would be available to the student. Eligible enrollment statuses are full-time (12 or more credits), three-quarter time (9 -11 credits), half-time (6 - 8 credits) and less than half-time (fewer than 6 credits).

The actual enrollment status will be determined at the end of drop/add and will be one factor used in determining final award amounts. The estimated award may be revised if the final enrollment status is not full-time. Federal Pell Grants and other grants may be reduced or canceled; however, Federal Direct Student Loan eligibility will not be changed except in cases where the final enrollment status is less than half-time.

Enrollment status for Fall, Spring and Summer for program other than the Federal Pell Grant is determined by the number of eligible credit hours a student is registered for and is defined as follows:

• 12 or more credit hours: Full-time
• 9 to 11 credit hours: Three-quarter time
• 6 to 8 credit hours: Half-time
• 1 to 5 credit hours: Less than half-time

For the purpose of determining Federal Pell Grant award amounts, student enrollment status will be determined by the actual number of hours in which the student is enrolled after the last day to drop for each session. If a student enrolls in hours in an earlier term and then withdraws from one or more of the classes, the Express term hours will be reflective of the prior hours currently enrolled for the Main term plus any additional hours for the Express term. For example, if the student was enrolled in 6 hours for the Fall Main term and later adds 3 hours in the October Express term, and then withdraws from 3 hours in the Fall Main term, the student’s enrollment status is still half-time. The Federal Pell Grant will not be increased based on the additional hours. However, if a student is enrolled in 6 hours for the Fall Main term and later adds 3 hours in the October Express term while remaining in the Fall Main term classes, the Federal Pell Grant will be increased to recognize the new enrollment status of three-quarter time.

Federal Pell Grant enrollment intensity is determined by the number of eligible hours in which a student enrolled up to 12 eligible credit hours.  At 12 eligible credit hours the student receives the maximum Federal Pell Grant for which they qualify, based on the formula provided by the U.S. Department of Education.  If a student is enrolled in less that 12 credit hours, his or her enrollment status is divided by 12 to determine their enrollment intensity.  For example, a student in 9 credit hours would divide 9 by 12.  Thei enrollment intensity would allow the student to receive 75% of the maximum Federal Pell Grant for which they qualify.

Students in eligible clock-hour programs are considered full-time if they are enrolled in at least 450 clock hours per semester (which equates to 12 credit hours in the enrollment status chart above). To determine enrollment status other than full-time, the number of clock hours for the term is divided by 30, per federal regulations. For example, if the student is enrolled in 300 clock hours for the term, divide 300 by 30 to get 10 hours, which in the chart above equates to three-quarter time enrollment. The calculated hours are used to determine federal aid amounts.

Most programs require students to enroll at least half-time to be eligible. Some programs require a student to enroll full-time (12 or more credit hours). The Federal Pell Grant Program allows a limited number of less than half-time students to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

Although students with documented disabilities may be considered full-time with less than 12 credit hours under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the student’s financial aid budget and award will be based upon the actual number of credit hours taken, as required under federal financial aid guidelines.

Developmental Classes and Financial Aid

The federal government allows students to count up to 30 credit hours of attempted developmental coursework toward their enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, less than half-time) for financial aid purposes. After a student has completed 30 attempted credit hours of developmental coursework, additional developmental hours cannot be counted in determining the student’s enrollment status. Developmental courses are never used for determining enrollment hours for Bright Futures Scholarship recipients.

Class Attendance - Title IV Requirements

Title IV financial aid includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Federal PLUS loans and Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

Students who receive Title IV financial aid are expected to attend class. Attendance will be taken and if a student fails to appear on an instructor’s class attendance verification form, the student must work with the instructor to ensure attendance is verified Financial Aid office to verify attendance before receiving a financial aid disbursement.

Students Who Attend Multiple Sessions within a Semester

Students who attend multiple sessions within a semester (e.g., Fall Main Session and September Express) cannot receive financial aid under most programs until they are attending at least six eligible credit hours. Though a student may be enrolled in six or more eligible credit hours, financial aid cannot be paid until the student is actually attending classes that total six credit hours. Students whose enrollment changes as a new term begins will have their financial aid adjusted to reflect any changes made. Should students fail to take all the classes for which they enroll, financial aid may be reduced or canceled. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant should refer to the section on Financial Aid and Enrollment Status to ensure registered hours are countable in determining their Federal Pell Grant.

Coursework for Degree

A student’s enrollment status will include only courses required for the TSC degree program in which the student is enrolled. Courses outside the degree program (courses not required for the TSC degree) will not be used in determining the enrollment status. Once a student has completed all the coursework for his or her TSC degree, even if he or she has not applied for graduation, he or she will no longer be eligible for aid. A degree audit will help determine course eligibility.

Withdrawal from Classes or Cancellation of Schedule

Students who withdraw or have their class schedule canceled after the regular drop/add period should consult with the Financial Aid office, as they may incur a financial liability. All students who withdraw are required to do so online through Workday. Students are not usually automatically withdrawn from classes.

If a student wants to cancel classes before the end of the drop/add period, the student is responsible for dropping all courses through Workday. Even if financial aid is not awarded at the time the student makes the cancellation decision, it may be awarded before classes are purged from the system. Students should not assume classes will be dropped automatically.

Students receiving Bright Futures Scholarships, including the Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, Gold Seal Vocational Scholars and the Florida Gold Seal Cape Scholars, who drop/withdraw from one or more classes after the regular drop/add period are responsible for repaying the tuition and fees for the class(es) from which they withdraw. Once the College has been paid for the course, the student should notify the Scholarship Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office who will notify the State the funds have been paid.  Florida statute allows the appeal of this repayment should the student be able to present documented evidence of unusual and mitigating circumstances. Documentation must be from a credible third-party source such as a doctor, counselor, psychologist or minister. 

Federal Return to Title IV Policy

Title IV financial aid includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Federal PLUS loans, and Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

It is strongly recommended, before withdrawing from classes, students who receive any type of Title IV financial aid funds meet with Financial Aid staff to determine if they will incur a financial liability if they withdraw from classes.

Students earn a portion of the Title IV financial aid they receive for each day they are in school, until more than 60 percent of the term is completed; at that point the federal government considers 100 percent of the aid to be earned. Students who withdraw from all classes before completing 60.5 percent of the term in which they are enrolled may be required to repay all or part of the Title IV financial aid they received. Students who fail to complete all classes within a term where Title IV federal student aid was received may also be required to repay all or part of the Title IV financial aid they received. Under the Federal Title IV Return of Funds Policy, the amount of aid received will be multiplied by the percentage of the term completed to determine the total aid earned. The total aid earned will be subtracted from the total aid awarded, resulting in the amount of unearned aid. The cost of tuition and fees must be returned to Title IV programs, and the student, in turn, incurs a financial obligation to the College. The student must repay the College within 45 days of the day the school notifies him or her of the overpayment. After 45 days, the account will be turned over to the U.S. Department of Education, and the student will be required to make satisfactory payment arrangements with the U.S. government. The federal government does not allow a student to appeal a Title IV Repayment.

If a student owes the College funds due to a Title IV Repayment, he or she may be ineligible to re-enroll. Students who owe a Title IV Repayment may also be ineligible for additional Title IV federal financial aid from any college.

Example: A student is awarded the following aid:

$ 2,865 Federal Pell Grant
$ 125 Federal SEOG
$ 1,168 Federal Direct Loan
$ 4,158 total Title IV aid received

If the student withdraws after completing 20 percent of the term, only 20 percent of the total award has been earned. Eighty percent of the total award is unearned and must be repaid and returned to the federal programs $4,158 x 80% = $3,326.40 unearned aid.

In the example below of $2,350.40 unearned aid, the student’s tuition and fees were $600 and 80% of that must be returned to the Title IV programs. $600 x 80%=$480. This amount will be returned to the Federal Direct Loan program by TSC, leaving a balance on this loan of $833, which the student will repay as part of the normal loan repayment schedule.

$2,350.40 unearned aid
-  $480.00 returned to Federal Direct Loan program by TSC
-  $833.00 Federal Direct Loan balance (student’s normal loan repayment schedule)
$1,037.40 new balance of unearned aid

$ 518.70 returned to Federal Pell Grant Program by TSC (Grant programs require that only 50% of the funds be returned:  $1,037.40 x 50% = $518.70)

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

To be eligible for financial aid, all students, including students transferring to TSC from another institution, must meet TSC’s standards of satisfactory academic progress for financial aid (SAP). Students’ academic progress is reviewed at the end of each term. A transferring student’s satisfactory progress will initially be determined from the student’s academic history at all previously attended institutions. Students who attended TSC in the past will be reviewed based on all previously attempted courses, regardless of how long ago they attended TSC.

Failure to meet one or more of the established standards of satisfactory progress will cause a student to be ineligible for financial aid. Students who become ineligible for financial aid due to the failure to meet the standards of satisfactory progress for financial aid will remain ineligible for financial aid until they meet the standards. Satisfactory progress includes all previous academic history, even if the student did not receive financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor his or her progress. Although the Financial Aid office attempts to notify students who fail to meet the satisfactory progress standards through an email, students who do not receive an email notification are still ineligible for financial aid.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid

Below are the standards of satisfactory progress for financial aid. These standards apply to all students:

• 1-14 attempted hours: must maintain a 1.75 GPA or better
• 15 or more attempted hours: must maintain a 2.0 GPA or better
• Must complete at least 67 percent of classes attempted (including developmental courses, withdrawals, incomplete courses, unsatisfactory grades [failures] and transfer credit hours)
• Must complete the degree program before attempting more than 150 percent of the total credit hours required for the program

Academic Alert Status

The first semester a student fails to meet the satisfactory progress standards for financial aid, he or she will be placed on Academic Alert Status. While the student will continue to receive financial aid during this period, it is the student’s responsibility to restore his or her academic standing for financial aid by the end of the term in which the Academic Alert Status was given. Students will be notified by email if they are on Academic Alert Status.

Failure to restore academic standing by the end of the term will result in the student being ineligible for financial aid.

Appealing Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

Students are normally notified by campus email when they have failed to meet one or more of the Standards of Academic Progress for Financial Aid. Notification occurs at the end of each semester once grades are posted. Students have 15 days from the receipt of notification to appeal. Appeal forms and procedures are available in Workday under the TSC College Forms app. It is the responsibility of every student to understand the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid and to monitor his or her own standing. Even if an email notification is not sent (this may occur in cases where a grade is “incomplete” at the end of the grading process), the standards still apply.

Transfer students must meet the established satisfactory progress requirements. Appeals are generally not granted.

Students may appeal their failure to meet the standards of satisfactory progress for financial aid if unusual and mitigating circumstances exist. Unusual and mitigating circumstances include, but are not limited to, a death in the student’s immediate family, medical condition, hospitalization, documented emotional distress or other situations beyond the student’s control.

All supporting documentation will be fully verified to make sure it is from the party it seems to be. Submitting fraudulent documentation is a crime and students submitting fraudulent documentation will be reported to local law enforcement authorities, to Student Conduct and Community Standards, and to the U.S. Department of Education Office of the Inspector General. This may result in a fine of up to $20,000, a prison sentence, or both.

In addition to academic requirements, students whose appeal is approved must meet with an academic advisor and together complete the Advising for Financial Aid Clearance Form. Students must submit the form to the Financial Aid office before funds will be disbursed.

Students whose appeal is denied may request the Financial Aid Appeals Committee review their status. If the student has additional supporting documents, the student must provide the documents before the committee meeting. Students do not meet with the committee, and the decision of the committee is final.

Financial Aid Regulations

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the release of information from a student’s file to third parties without written consent of the student.

Students who want the Financial Aid office staff to speak with any third party, including parents or a spouse, must include a release during onboarding in Workday. This release can be revoked by going into onboarding in Workday and changing the release status.

Student Addresses

All information concerning a student’s financial aid will be sent to the address provided to the Admissions and Records office. All students should keep current address information on file with the Admissions and Records office.

Verification of Information

If a student’s FAFSA is randomly selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, or if any information fails to match with the Social Security Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or other government agency, the student may be required to submit additional documents as specified by the federal government.

Until a student’s file is complete, he or she will not be awarded financial aid.

Should TSC receive an ISIR or FSS after the student has been paid and if the student is selected for verification, and if the SAI changes for any reason, the student will be responsible for repaying any funds that must be returned to the federal or state government.

Failure to complete a file before the end of the semester for which the student is requesting aid means the student may forfeit his or her eligibility. Many federal and state programs require a completed file before the end of the term.

Students who have errors detected on their ISIR or FSS will not receive financial aid until the errors are corrected and a valid ISIR or FSS is returned to the Financial Aid office. If the Financial Aid office has the documents needed to correct the error, the information will be sent electronically to the federal government. If the Financial Aid office does not have the information needed to verify the accuracy and make the correction, then the student will be required to resubmit the information to the federal government.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Benefits

Tallahassee State College is approved by the State Approving Agency for Educational Benefits under the various veterans training laws. The educational benefits for which one may apply are as follows:

• Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®)
• Chapter 33 (Transfer of Entitlement Post 9/11 Dependent)
• Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® ​- Active Duty)
• Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill®​ - Selected Reserve/Guard)
• Chapter 31 (VA Vocational Rehabilitation Employment)
• Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents of Deceased or Disabled Veterans)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires each applicant for VA educational benefits be formally accepted to an approved curriculum (degree or program) before initial certification can be sent to the VA.

Formal acceptance is achieved by completing the following steps:

1. Submit admissions application (This should be completed and submitted to Admissions and Records before any other steps are taken) to Admissions and Records
2. Submit official high school transcripts, official copies of GED diploma and test scores to Admissions and Records
3. Submit official transcripts from all other colleges attended
4. Meet with an academic counselor for plan of study preparation
5. Contact the veteran affairs coordinator in the TSC Veterans Affairs office well in advance of registration to obtain information about your VA Education Benefits.
6. Use the GI Bill® ​Comparison Tool on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ website to help determine which GI Bill®​ benefit to use
7. Submit the Electronic Submission Confirmation Form or Certificate of Eligibility from the VA to TSC Veterans Affairs Office
8. Report enrollment to the TSC veteran affairs coordinator each semester - via online request for certification of enrollment
9. Report all add/drop and/or withdrawals immediately to the veteran affairs coordinator

Priority Registration for Eligible Veterans and Dependents

All student veterans and dependents who are eligible and using VA education benefits can now register as early as the first scheduled registration date. The student must submit the necessary VA documentation to establish an active VA file with the veteran affairs coordinator.

Certification of Enrollment Period

Upon enrollment, students receiving VA educational benefits are required to pay tuition and fees just as other students are. Entitlement to benefits administered by VA cannot be established nor award action taken until the Enrollment Certification is properly completed by the school and received by the VA. Eligibility for educational assistance benefits cannot be determined until the VA receives satisfactory evidence of active duty service.

Tuition Waivers for Purple Hearts Recipients

TSC will waive tuition and related fees for recipients of the Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence who meet all the following criteria:

• Are enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an undergraduate program of study leading to an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or career education certificate
• Are currently, and were at the time of military action that resulted in award of the Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence, a resident of Florida
• Have submitted the DD 214 form issued at the time of separation from service as documentation that the student has received a Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence to Admissions and Records

This tuition waiver may be used toward 110 percent of the required credit hours of the degree or certificate program the student is enrolled in. This information is submitted Admissions and Records.

Veterans Out-of-State Tuition Waiver

State and federal law extends out-of-state tuition waivers to students who are honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces, The United States Reserve Forces, the National Guard or Eligible veteran dependents using VA educational benefits, regardless of these student’s state of residency, as long as they physically reside in Florida during their time in school.  The waiver program also includes Active Duty members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. residing or stationed outside of Florida.  Those members stationed in or living in Florida should qualify for residency under the Office of Admissions and Records.

The Veteran Out-of-State Tuition Waiver Program for Florida college and universities:

• Is classified as a tuition waiver (out-of-state portion only)
• Exempts eligible students from being held to the 12-month residency rule for out-of-state students
• Cannot be granted to students who live outside of Florida except in the case of active duty service members
• Requires documentation that students who receive the waiver reside in Florida, again, except in the case of active duty service members

Documents that verify you reside in Florida must include the student’s name and current address. Examples include: a signed lease, declaration of domicile, utility bill, driver’s license, voter’s registration card or vehicle registration.

TSC students who are honorably discharged former military members to include National Guard and Reservists and have lived in Florida for less than 12 months must submit to the Admissions and Records Office:

• The Member 4 copy (or Service copy 2) of the veteran’s DD 214 showing their character of discharge as Honorable will not be required for future semesters (DD 214 is only required once). Depending upon what documentation is provided, documentation that the student veteran currently resides in Florida may be required each semester.
• Active Duty Service members only- must provide either a copy of their most recent Leave and Earning Statement (LES) or their military ID Card.

Monthly Attendance Verification

Monthly Attendance Verification is required for Chapters 30, 33, and 1606. Veterans must verify their monthly enrollment before the next GI Bill® payment will be issued. Students can verify their attendance the last day of the month by calling the toll-free number and following the instructions: 1-877-823-2378. Verification can also be submitted through the VA.gov website. Follow the link to “W.A.V. E” (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment).

Request for Certification or Recertification

Once your schedule is final, you may complete TSC’s Request for Certification for VA Educational Benefits online. Once you have submitted the form, you will receive a confirmation email to your TSC email account stating the request form has been received by the TSC Veteran Affairs Office.  You must complete a new Request for Certification for VA Educational Benefits to continue receiving VA educational benefits each semester. Complete the online Request for Certification for VA Educational Benefits via Workday’s TSC College Forms app.

1. Login to Workday
2. Select TSC College Forms app
3. Select TSC College Forms
4. Select Submit New Form
5. Under Financial Aid you will find the ‘Request for Certification for VA Educational Benefits’ form

VA Deferment or Third-Party Contract

A deferment or Third-Party Contract is a method of extending the tuition payment deadline. Students are placed in a “hold” status for unpaid tuition on their account. If, for some reason, a deferment or Third-Party Contract is placed on an account and the anticipated funds do not arrive, it is the responsibility of the student to pay all accounts in full. A deferment is not a payment and will show as a financial hold until the tuition and fees are paid. Students are encouraged to check their TSC Accounts often in order to avoid any unexpected pitfalls that may arise around deferments. 

Students using FTA or EDD must provide an Agency Billing Form/Approved TA/EDD Application form to the Office of Veterans Affairs to obtain proper military deferment.

Qualified student veterans may defer payment of their tuition and fees until 60 days from the first day of the term during fall and spring semesters. Students enrolled in the summer terms may defer payment of their tuition and fees until 10 days before the end of the term in which they are enrolled. 

Note: Receipt of VA educational benefits does not relieve students of the obligation to pay their deferred tuition and fees by the due date. Failure to pay the deferred amount will result in appropriate administrative action pursuant to policies for collection of delinquent debts. Students will not be permitted to attend or re-enroll at TSC for any future course until the VA deferment is paid in full. Unless the student officially drops or withdraws from all classes in or before the published drop/add refund period ends, the student is still obligated to pay the deferment. Should the student receive any type of financial aid disbursed by the College, all financial obligations will be satisfied with financial aid, including a VA deferment.

Method of Payment to VA Students

Upon certification by the College and the VA, educational benefits are paid monthly to students. Payments are prorated for less than full-time training and training that is less than a full month. Payments are always issued after the month is complete. Summer term benefits may vary according to the length of the term in weeks and days. A standard semester is 15-18 weeks. An accelerated, or nonstandard, term is shorter than a standard semester. Enrolling in an accelerated term will affect the training rate. Training time is computed as follows:

Fall and Spring Terms
12 or more semester hours = full-time
9-11 semester hours = three-quarter-time
6-8 semester hours = half-time
Less than 6 semester hours = tuition and fees only

Summer Main Term
8 or more semester hours = full-time
5-7 semester hours = three-quarter-time
4 semester hours = half-time
Less than 4 semester hours = tuition and fees only

Summer May Express and June Express Terms
4 or more semester hours = full-time
3 semester hours = three-quarter-time
2 semester hours = half-time
1 semester hour = tuition and fees only

Clock-hour Equivalents
18 clock hours per week = full-time
13-17 clock hours per week = three-quarter-time
9-12 clock hours per week = half-time
5-8 clock hours per week = less-than-half-time

Note: Because the first VA checks are delayed, it is advisable for veterans to be prepared to meet all expenses for approximately two months.

VA students can certify attendance online through the VA website. Follow the link to “W.A.V. E” (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) or by calling (877) 823-2378.

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

For Post 9/11 GI Bill® -(Chapter 33) student veterans and Veteran Readiness and Employment students (Chapter 31), our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679€ which means Post 9/11 and Veteran Readiness and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments.  For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill® -student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and Veteran Readiness and Employment students must provide the approved Purchase Order Invoicing Form. Student veterans and dependents using educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 must:

• Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of education for which the individual has indicated they wish to use these entitlements for educational assistance.
• Submit a Request for Certification for VA Educational Benefits form
• Provide additional information necessary to the proper certification of enrollment to TSC

Note: This policy does not apply in cases where the student veteran or dependent owes additional payment to the school beyond the amount of the tuition and fee payment from VA to Tallahassee State College.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

Monthly housing allowance for Post-9/11 (Chapter 33): The full Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is payable for all pursuit that is more than 50 percent of full-time pursuit. For example: where 12 semester hours would be full-time, the full BAH would be payable for all pursuit of more than 6 semester hours. Active duty members, individuals training at 50 percent pursuit or less, and individuals pursuing only distance learning/independent study are not eligible for a housing stipend. BAH for individuals pursuing only distance learning/online/independent study will receive the benefit at a reduced rate.

Accelerated Sessions

Tallahassee State College offers split sessions referred to as accelerated sessions by the VA. This means the VA will accelerate pay status in proportion to the rate of the split sessions. A full-time course load will be different for students enrolled in the split sessions. For this reason, veterans should check with the veteran affairs coordinator to be sure of the actual rate of acceleration. The number of hours needed to be full-time for the school and financial aid purposes may differ from the VA hour requirement as well.  Veterans should check with the Financial Aid office on their credit-hour requirements for full-time status.

Developmental Courses

Under VA regulations, developmental courses offered online (even partially) cannot be approved. For assistance with developmental courses, see the veteran affairs coordinator.

Program of Education/Objective

VA educational benefits will be paid only for coursework leading to an associate degree or certificate at TSC. Once a student fulfills his or her elective requirements, he or she may not be paid benefits for any more elective courses, even if these courses are required for acceptance into a bachelor’s degree program.

Exceptions

• During a student’s last term before graduation, a VA student may take nonrequired courses along with his or her final required course(s). Under rare circumstances a student may use this procedure twice in the same degree program. This can be done when a student has two courses remaining to be taken to complete his or her program and the courses must be taken in sequence, rather than concurrently. In this situation, a VA student could take nonrequired coursework in his or her final two semesters. If a VA student fails the required course(s) needed to graduate, VA will then pay education benefits to retake the required course(s) but will not pay again for nonrequired courses.
• If a VA student has completed his or her elective requirement, but still needs to take prerequisite elective coursework or a corequisite General Education requirement, VA will pay educational benefits for the prerequisite elective course or corequisite requirement.
• If a VA student has completed his or her associate degree and is pursuing courses at TSC to become a degree-seeking student at the junior-year level of an upper division or four-year school, the student may be eligible to receive VA educational benefits. The VA student must contact the veteran affairs coordinator to obtain the necessary information that is required to receive VA Educational Benefits.

Note: Audited coursework is not authorized for payment by the VA. Students must submit a Request for Change of Program/or Place of Training if changes are made to the program objective or the place training (primary school.).  The forms are housed at VA.gov.

Credit for Military Service

Active duty members of the military and veterans may request credit for experience gained during service, as defined by s 1004.096(f), F.S.

In order to receive these credits, students should submit a written request to the Admissions and Records Office for the credits to be posted to their academic record, together with either proof of active duty status or a copy of their DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).

In addition, credit may be awarded for military training and education in accordance with the American Council of Education’s (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Active or former military service members, depending upon their branch of service, may submit any of the following documents for review: 

• Joint Services Transcript (Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy)
• Community College of the Air Force

College credit may be awarded based on ACE recommendations, but such recommendations are subject to faculty review to establish equivalency. The College awards only those credits appropriate to the student’s degree program.

Most credits for military experience will be recognized as electives only; students should seek guidance from a TSC advisor before requesting this credit.

Veterans Standards of Academic Progress

All veterans receiving VA educational benefits for training at TSC are subject to the College’s Standards of Academic Progress. This qualification addresses only VA benefits and does not have any direct impact on the student’s academic standing with the College itself. Failure to maintain the College’s Standards of Academic Progress will result in suspension of VA education benefits. All questions regarding this policy should be addressed to the veterans affairs coordinator.

Academic Progress

The law requires that educational assistance benefits to a veteran or other eligible person be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completion of his or her training objective. Any VA student who fails to earn a 2.0 GPA at TSC for two consecutive academic terms will be reported to VA for unsatisfactory progress, and VA educational benefits will be terminated.

The VA student must see the veteran affairs coordinator to obtain an Unsatisfactory Academic Progress form, which he or she must have completed by an academic counselor. This document must be completed before the veteran affairs coordinator can once again certify the student’s enrollment to VA for payment purposes. If the VA student’s GPA is less than 2.0 at the end of the next term of enrollment, the VA student will once again be reported to VA for unsatisfactory progress. VA educational benefits will again be terminated and another Unsatisfactory Academic Progress form must be completed.

Note: Chapter 31 students must contact their Veteran Readiness and Employment Case Manager for approval to retake a course or to take a developmental education course (remedial course).

Repeating Courses

Payment of educational assistance may be authorized if repetition of a course is specifically required by the institution for attainment of the student’s approved program objective. There is no limit on the number of times an eligible person may repeat a course for which a failing grade (or a grade that does not meet the minimum requirements for graduation) was received, as long as the grade assigned to the repeated course at the end of the term is punitive, i.e., it is a factor in computing the student’s GPA. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for information about state restrictions on repeating courses.

Electives for which a failing grade (or a grade unacceptable for graduation) has been assigned may be repeated until a passing or acceptable grade is received, as long as each grade is punitive when it is originally assigned.

Note: If the student repeats an elective course and has not already met the elective requirement for his or her degree program, VA benefits may be paid for the repeated course. If the student does not need additional electives to meet his or her degree requirements, but chooses to repeat an elective, no benefits may be authorized unless the repetition takes place during his or her final term and is taken in order to fill out the student’s course load to full-time.

Changes in Enrollment Status

Failure to report any change in enrollment status may result in an overpayment and discontinuance of VA benefits. Benefit payments will be authorized to a VA student based on the information provided by the VA coordinator in the initial Enrollment Certification for a scheduled period of attendance. Changes in the VA student’s enrollment that occur after the Enrollment Certification is submitted may increase or decrease his or her entitlement to monetary benefits.

If a VA student makes certain enrollment changes, he or she may receive one or more benefit checks in amounts that exceed his or her actual entitlement. When this occurs, the VA will make a retroactive adjustment to the student’s award, and the student will be charged with a debt to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

If a student drops a course, unless he or she can show the VA that there are mitigating circumstances, the student must return all the money paid to him or her for pursuit of that course from the start of the term, not merely from the date the student dropped the course. Generally, the student will be required to submit corroborative evidence to substantiate a claim of mitigating circumstances.

Mitigating circumstances are unanticipated and unavoidable events or situations beyond a student’s control that prevent the student from completing a course with a creditable grade. Mitigating circumstances will be considered to exist without explanation by the student in the first instance of withdrawal from a course or courses totaling not more than six semester hours.

All changes made after the initial application or certification will be forwarded to the VA Regional Processing Office and should be brought to the attention of the Veterans Affairs office so that those changes can be reported in a timely manner.

The most common changes are noted below:

• Orders for active duty service
• Change of program of study/objective
• Cancelation or late withdrawal for mitigating circumstances
• Addition of a second program of study
• Change in type of hours (online or classroom setting)
• Complete withdrawal from school
• Enrollment in an accelerate term
• Enrollment in another school
• Addition of classes not in degree program
• Audit of course
• Change of address or phone number
• Stop attending classes
• Failure to take the final exam
• Use of any type of tuition and fee waiver(s) while using the Post 9/11 benefit

The law prohibits payment of VA benefits for a course from which the student withdraws, or for a course that the student completes but for which the grade will not be used in computing requirements for graduation.

Tutorial Assistance

Tutorial assistance through the VA is available to veterans, reservists and survivors of veterans who find that they need additional help in order to obtain passing grades in their coursework. To qualify for tutorial assistance, a VA student must meet the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a postsecondary program of education
• Be enrolled on a half-time or greater basis
• Show proof that the individual tutorial assistance is essential to correct a deficiency in a specified unit subject or subjects required as a part of, or which is prerequisite to, or which is indispensable to the satisfactory pursuit of, the approved program of education
• Show proof that the tutor selected is qualified
• Complete the designated form to be reimbursed for the charges for such tutorial sessions

Acceptable evidence of the need for tutorial assistance includes failure of a first-class test or assignment; poor SAT, ACT or other standardized test scores for the particular subject matter; retaking a unit subject that was previously failed; and instructor’s evaluation after the first course meeting of the unit subject. The student must be registered for and pursuing that unit subject at the time he or she is being tutored for it. A student cannot receive VA assistance for tutorial sessions conducted before the class commences or after it ends. The school certifying officials will make the final determination of need.

Note: Chapter 31 students must contact their Veteran Readiness and Employment case manager regarding tutorial assistance. Prior approval for tutoring is required.

VA Work-Study Program

The VA Work-Study Program allows student veterans to earn the federal or state minimum wage (whichever is higher) for up to 1,300 hours per year (25 hours per week). This program is available to veterans, reservists and survivors who train at the three-quarter or full-time rate. The types of work allowed include the following:

• Outreach services for VA
• VA paperwork
• Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries
• Work at VA medical centers or state veterans’ homes
• Other VA-approved activities

Note: Chapter 1606 work-study students may perform work on Department of Defense facilities (e.g., military bases, reserve centers and National Guard facilities) that relates to the Chapter 1606 program.

VetSuccess on Campus

The VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program is a collaborative effort between TSC and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VSOC program aims to help veterans, service members and their qualified dependents succeed and thrive through a coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling, leading to completion of their education and preparing them to enter the labor market in viable careers. Under this program, an experienced vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) works on campus with TSC veteran and dependent students, assisting them with navigating their educational and other VA benefits. The VSOC serves as a “one-stop liaison” for veterans, active-duty military and their dependent family members who attend or plan to attend TSC.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the release of information from a student’s file to third parties without written consent of the student.

Consortium Agreement with Another Educational Institution

According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who wish to study at another institution may be eligible to apply for a consortium agreement so they can receive financial aid through TSC while at the other school.

To determine if a student is eligible for a consortium agreement, he or she must consult with the Admissions and Records office to complete the form titled Receiving Financial Aid While Attending Another Institution. To qualify for financial aid while participating in transient study, a student must be a degree-seeking, fully admitted, regular student at TSC; take courses that will apply toward a degree at TSC; and be enrolled in at least six credit hours at the host school, or a combination of six hours at TSC and the host school. Students also need to complete attendance requirements requested by the TSC Financial Aid office for host school classes. Upper division credits cannot be counted for receiving financial aid under consortium agreements. Upper division courses are junior and senior level courses.

Students who are on consortium agreements must be prepared to pay for all expenses at the host institution until TSC is able to disburse funds under the guidelines specified above. At the end of the term on the consortium agreement, students are required to have the transcript from the host institution sent to the Admissions and Records office at TSC. Grades earned as part of the consortium agreement will be used in determining the student’s satisfactory academic progress for financial aid.

Students who are taking classes at TSC but who are earning their degree from another institution are considered transient students for financial aid purposes. Financial aid must be awarded by the institution from which the student is earning the degree.

Note: Students who are participating in distance learning with another institution and students who choose to attend traditional classes at another institution will be able to complete the Financial Aid Consortium Agreement online as part of the application process to take classes at another institution through Florida Shines (FloridaShines.org). Students who use this option will receive a message to their TSC email account approving or denying financial aid for transient study.