College Costs

• 2023-2024 Tuition/Fees/Housing/Meal Plans
• Tools, Uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment 
• Other Charges 
• Tuition Information 
  • Residency Requirements
  • Resident Status
  • Choice Act
  • Tuition Payment Policy
  • Debts
  • Tuition Payment Options
  • Tuition Refunds
• Obtaining Refund of Title IV Funds
• Refund Policy for Cafeteria/Residence Halls 

2023-2024 Tuition/Fees/Housing/Meal Plans

Tuition and fees must be paid by the first day of class effective at the beginning of the fall term.  The following rates are in effect for the 2023- 2024 academic year.

Tools, Uniforms, and Personal Protective Equipment

The hands-on nature of career/technical education Programs of Study at Southeast Community College equips students with the technical skills necessary to be successful in the workplace as well as the professional standards for their chosen career. The College supplies the majority of the tools and equipment used by the students in the programs. However, students in some programs are required to purchase tools, uniforms, and personal protective equipment.

For programs requiring the purchase of tools, uniforms, and personal protective equipment, detailed lists are available for each program in the Campus Store and the Admissions Office. Information about uniforms is available from each program and most uniforms are available through the Campus Store. Tool vendors visit the College throughout the school year.

Students are strongly encouraged to carry insurance for their personally owned equipment.

If you are applying for financial aid, these items are factored into the total cost of attendance for these programs. Please see the Financial Aid section.

Other Charges

• Students should expect costs for books, tools, supplies, uniforms, travel, student activities fees, and other educational items. Costs will vary depending on the requirements of each program and the needs of the individual.
• Cost estimates are available for each Program of Study. Each program has an informational flyer which you can view by clicking on the “Costs and Info” link on the program’s webpage, https://www.southeast.edu/academics/ or students can contact the campus Admissions Office for more information.

Tuition Information

Residency Requirements

To be eligible to register at resident tuition rates at SCC, Nebraska residency must be established according to the provisions of Nebraska’s revised statute Section 85-502 or be a covered individual under the Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 known as the “Choice Act.”

Resident Status

An individual will qualify as a resident of the state of Nebraska for tuition purposes at SCC if the standards set forth in any one of the designated eight (8) categories are met as defined in the statute:

1. An individual who is a graduate of an accredited Nebraska senior high school, or has previously been enrolled at SCC as a resident student.
2. An individual who has married a resident of Nebraska.
3. A person of legal age who is dependent for federal income tax purposes of a parent or guardian who has established a home in Nebraska.
4. A minor whose parent(s) or guardian who for a period of six months has established a home in Nebraska where such parent(s) or guardian is habitually present with the bona fide intention of making Nebraska their permanent place of residence.
5. A person of legal age or an emancipated minor who for a period of six months shall have established a home in Nebraska where they are habitually present, and shall verify by documentary proof that they intend to make Nebraska their permanent residence. (Examples that may satisfy Nebraska residency: voter registration, Nebraska driver’s license, vehicle registration, payroll records, and apartment lease agreement.)
6. An individual who is an alien and who for a period of at least two years has established a home in Nebraska where they are habitually present with the bona fide intention of becoming a permanent resident alien of the United States and making Nebraska their permanent residence.
7. An individual who is a dependent of a permanent full-time staff member of SCC, the University of Nebraska system, one of the Nebraska state colleges, or one of the other community college areas.
8. An individual on active duty with the armed services of the United States who is assigned a permanent duty station in Nebraska, or a dependent of an individual who is a member of the armed services assigned to a permanent duty station in Nebraska.

Any student classified as a non-resident and believes they may qualify as a resident must file a Residency Application form before the end of the fourth week of the term for which the tuition fee was charged. Residency Application forms, as well as further information regarding residency classification, are available from each campus Registration & Records Office. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a change of residency status and provide documentation.

Choice Act

An individual will qualify for resident tuition rates at SCC if eligibility is met under the “Choice Act.” The Choice Act offers in-state tuition rates to qualified veterans and their dependents, regardless of state residency status. The Choice Act ensures access and affordability to postsecondary education for veterans and their dependents.

The following “covered individuals” are eligible for in-state tuition rates and fees under the Choice Act:

• A veteran who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
• A spouse or child using transferred benefits who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
• A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of the service member’s death in the line of duty following a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.

Students who are likely to be most affected by the Choice Act are newly discharged veterans planning to attend college in states where they last served on active duty but have not yet established residency. Students also will be impacted if they transfer to a post-secondary institution in another state and do not meet residency requirements there. Dependents of veterans are another group that will be able to take advantage of the Choice Act in-state tuition opportunities and may not have been covered under some states’ policies. For more information visit: www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/factsheets/Setction.702 factsheet.pdf.

Tuition Payment Policy

Full payment of tuition, student services fees, and room and board charges are due no later than the beginning of a term, or according to established campus payment deadlines. Payment is due immediately for class registrations that occur after the beginning of the term. Non-payment of tuition and fees may affect enrollment status. SCC accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards for payment. Through Nelnet Campus Commerce, payment plans and international payments are available. 

Billing

Paper billing statements are not mailed. Students are automatically billed through electronic billing. E-bills are sent out to the student’s email address on or before the 20th of the month. The online billing statement also is available on The Hub.

Debts

All financial obligations to the College must be paid before a student may register for any future courses and before transcripts, awards and credentials may be released. Financial obligations include, but are not limited to, tuition, fees, books, room and board, college loans, and library, housing and parking fines.

However, if an organization or business coordinates customized/contract training with SCC and one of their employees has an existing financial obligation to SCC, that employee is allowed to attend training. After passing the course, a certificate will be provided if one were associated with the class/workshop. This policy only pertains to credit and non-credit classes provided to an organization/business as part of customized/contract training and is not open enrollment for the general public.

The College will charge $30 for every insufficient funds check.

Tuition Payment Options

A payment plan option is available through Nelnet Campus Commerce. A payment plan provides an option for budgeting tuition and other education expenses. Students may enroll in a payment plan at mycollegepaymentplan.com/southeast/.

Nelnet Campus Commerce Payment Plan option(s) allows a student to:

• Arrange for monthly payments
• Make a down payment IMMEDIATELY and arrange for monthly payments
• Pay in full IMMEDIATELY

You will be able to make payment(s) by:

• Automatic payments from your checking or savings account
• Credit/debit card

Cost to Participate (nonrefundable):

• $25 enrollment fee per term
• $30 returned payment fee if a payment is returned

Tuition Refunds

Federal regulations require that an institution’s refund/repayment policy be available to all students. The following information is provided in compliance with federal regulations.

The amount of time the student attends as a percent of the total course length will be the method of the computation.

Calendar Days: All days are included in the computation of calendar days, including Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and weekdays.

Automatic Computer Calculations: The percent of time elapsed is automatically calculated by the College computer system and based on calendar days from the first day of class.

Last Date to Drop a Credit Class and Receive a Tuition Refund

You are entitled to a 100% refund for any credit class officially dropped prior to 7.5% of the time elapsed since the first day of the start of class, including Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and weekdays.

No refund is allowed after 7.51% of the time has elapsed since the first day of the start of class, including Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and weekdays. Your transcript will not show any registration data if you drop prior to the 7.5% point. Specific drop dates for individual classes are published each term in the Credit Class Schedule. For more information, go to The Hub at thehub.southeast.edu/stufinance/tuitrefund.

Please note that refunds are not automatic. To obtain a refund or adjustment on your account, you must drop the class online using WebAdvisor for Students or submit an “Official Drop/Add Form for Credit Classes” to the Campus Student Affairs Office prior to the deadline for dropping and receiving a refund. Refunds will not be granted after these deadlines.

Refunds for classes canceled by the College are automatically processed and you are not required to submit a drop form.

Electronic Refunds

Electronic payment of refunds is the FASTEST, safest and most convenient method for you to receive your refund. You can sign up on The Hub via WebAdvisor for Students for an electronic payment option. Go to The Hub at thehub.southeast.edu/stufinance/Pages/FastRefunds.aspx.

The College recommends that you sign up to have refunds transferred electronically to your existing bank account. If you do not currently have a bank account, the College has arranged with Union Bank & Trust Company of Lincoln to provide the option of a Simply Free Checking account or a Union Bank Savings Account. You may start the process of opening a Union Bank account via WebAdvisor, or you may stop at any Union Bank branch office to open an account. Students are not required to open an account with Union Bank and are free to open an account at the bank of their choice.

If you do not sign up for electronic payment of refunds, a check will be processed at the same time that funds are electronically transferred to other students. Depending upon the day of the week, holidays, and the speed of mail delivery, paper checks may take up to 10 days or more to reach you. Checks are processed off-site and are not available for pickup. Paper checks will be mailed to your current address on file with SCC.

If you are having your check deposited electronically, please check your bank account online (if your bank provides online access) to verify when your refund was deposited.

Non-credit Class Refund

You are entitled to a 100% refund for any non-credit class officially dropped prior to the start date of the class. No refund is allowed if the class is dropped on or after the start date of the class.

Official Withdrawals

Title IV (federal) financial aid funds are awarded under the assumption that a student will remain in classroom attendance for the entire period for which funds were awarded. Students who receive federal funds and who do not remain in attendance through the end of the period for which the funds were awarded could be responsible for repaying a portion of the financial aid originally received.

Federal regulations require a recalculation of financial aid eligibility if a student:

• completely withdraws,
• stops attending before the semester’s end,
• does not complete all modules (mini-sessions) in which the student is enrolled as of the start date of the module.

When a student officially withdraws from ALL classes before 60% of the term has elapsed, the Financial Aid Office is required to determine the percentage of aid “earned” and return the “unearned” portion to the appropriate federal aid programs.

Students called to non-training active military duty should provide documentation to the Dean of Students.

Unofficial Withdrawals

A student who receives all “F” grades or a combination of all “F,” “W,” or “NP” grades is considered to have UNOFFICIALLY withdrawn from classes. A student receiving federal Title IV financial aid funds who drops out without notifying the College is considered to have made an unofficial withdrawal.

In the case of either an official or an unofficial withdrawal, the College must complete a Return of Title IV Funds. 

Return of Title IV Funds

Federal Title IV Refund Calculation (R2T4): The Financial Aid Office determines, based on the federally mandated formula, the amount of FSA/Title IV assistance a withdrawn student has earned, based on their determined withdrawal date. 

The Return of Title IV Funding (R2T4) calculation policy is outlined below:

Step 1: The first step is a series of formulas to determine the amount of aid that must be returned. Following the determination of the last date of attendance, the school must calculate the number of days attended and the total number of days in the term; weekends count, and any period of no classes that is five days in length or greater are excluded. Days attended are then divided by days in the term to calculate the percentage completed. That percentage is multiplied by the total aid for which the student is eligible to determine the amount of aid earned (% completed x total aid = earned aid). Total aid - earned aid = unearned aid (aid to be returned).

Step 2: The next step is for the school to determine total institutional charges and multiply that figure by the percentage of unearned aid (100% - %completed = %earned). It makes no difference which type of resource paid the school bill; the law assumes that Title IV  aid goes first to pay institutional charges. Institutional charges x% unearned = amount returned by the school ( up to the amount indicated as unearned in Step 1).

The school must then return the amount of unearned aid up to the maximum received, to each of the Title IV programs in the following order:

1. Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Federal PLUS Loan
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Step 3: The school then calculates the amount for which the student is responsible by subtracting the amount returned by the school from the total amount which is unearned. That remaining amount is the student’s share and is allocated in the same order as stated above. Total amount unearned - amount returned by school = $$ for which student is responsible. 

Once the school determines dollar amounts and which individual programs must be repaid, the student will be notified of any amounts they owe. Funds that must be returned by the student to the loan programs can be paid in full by normal loan repayment terms. For grant dollars that must be repaid, the amount due from a student is limited to the amount by which the original grant overpayment amount due from the student exceeds half of the total Title IV grant funds received by the student.

This policy is separate from the institutional refund policy. Unpaid balances due to Southeast that result from amounts returned to Title IV programs and other sources of aid will be charged back to the student. If a student does not begin attendance in all classes or ceases attendance during the 100% refund period, aid may have to be reduced to reflect the appropriate status before calculating the Return of Title IV Funds. Before withdrawing or stopping attendance in classes, the student should be aware of the proper procedure for withdrawing from classes and the consequences of either withdrawing or stopping attendance.  

For Students Enrolled in Modules: A student is considered withdrawn if the student does not complete all of the days in the payment period that the student was scheduled to attend. If a student withdraws from a course in a later module, while still attending a current module the student is not considered as withdrawn. However, a recalculation of aid based on the change in enrollment status may be required.

If a student provided written notice to the Financial Aid Office at the time of withdrawal from a current module that they plan to attend a later module in the same payment period, they are not considered a withdrawal. If the student does not provide that written confirmation, the R2T4 recalculation of aid will be done. However, if the student does return in a later module in the same payment period, regardless of whether prior written confirmation was received, the R2T4 process will be reversed and the student will be awarded the funds that they are eligible to receive at the time of return.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement: If the student did not receive all of the funds that were earned before withdrawing, a post-withdrawal disbursement may be due. If the post-withdrawal disbursement results in the student’s being eligible to receive either Direct Loans Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan proceeds, they will be contacted via their SCC and a “third-party” email on file. If the student does not have a “third-party email on file, a letter is sent via US Postal Mail. A written authorization or electronic acceptance via Self Service from the student will be requested and is required before loan proceeds can be processed and disbursed to the student. 

Southeast will automatically use all or a portion of the post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for any outstanding charges for tuition, fees, and room and board charges. Students will be notified of post-withdrawal disbursement eligibility within 30 days of the date of withdrawal determination and Southeast will return any unearned funds within 45 days.

If a student remains enrolled only in non-Title IV- eligible courses: A student’s schedule sometimes includes courses that the student is taking for credit and for which the student may not receive Title IV funds. If a student ceases attendance from all of their Title IV eligible courses and remains enrolled in only non-Title IV eligible courses the student is considered a withdrawal for Title IV purposes.

Any questions about Return to Title IV Funds may be addressed to the Financial Aid Office. Questions regarding withdrawal should be addressed to the Admissions and Registration Office. 

Refund Policy for Cafeteria/Residence Halls

The cafeteria/residence halls refund policies are separate from tuition refund policies.

Termination:

If a student wishes to terminate a residence hall contract, they must secure approval of termination before a refund can be made. Detailed information regarding refunds of housing deposits or fees can be found in the Housing Reservation Contract or by contacting the Residence Life Office.

Disciplinary action:

No refund will be made if a student is suspended or expelled from the residence hall and/or cafeteria due to disciplinary action.

Refunds for Approved Releases of Housing Contracts:

Residence hall/cafeteria refunds for those who pay, enter, and withdraw from the College will follow this specific refund schedule. The non-refundable portion will be charged to the student’s account. Students should contact the Residence Life Office in writing or via email to cancel a contract.

Refunds for approved releases for housing payments are calculated from the first day of the full term. They are:

• 1-7 calendar days (Week 1): 100% will be refunded.
• 8-14 calendar days (Week 2): 80% will be refunded.
• 15-21 calendar days (Week 3): 60% will be refunded.
• 22-28 calendar days (Week 4): 40% will be refunded.
• 29-35 calendar days (Week 5): 20% will be refunded.
• 36 calendar days or later (after the 5th week): no refund.
• For 8-week Co-op sessions, the calendar days begin at the start of the semester in which the Co-op session is included, regardless of whether it is a first 8-week or second 8-week Co-op session since the room arrangements for all Co-op students must be made before the beginning of the semester.
• For 8-week, 5-week, or 3-week summer sessions, the calendar days begin at the start of the summer term since room arrangements are made before the beginning of the first day of the summer term.
• Exceptional circumstances, such as no longer being eligible for coursework in a second 8-week session, may be considered for an approved release by the Residence Life Manager or Campus Dean of Students.

Contracts must be canceled 30 days or more in advance of the term for students to receive a refund of any housing deposit paid. Cancellations within 30 days or after the start of the semester will result in a forfeit of the deposit. Cancellations must be sent to the Residence Life Office in writing or via email.