Anne Arundel Community College Tuition and Fees: A Comprehensive Guide

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is committed to providing accessible and affordable education. Understanding the tuition and fees structure is a crucial step in planning your academic journey. This article provides a detailed overview of AACC's tuition, fees, payment options, and financial aid opportunities.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

Tuition at AACC is calculated based on credit hours for credit courses. For noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment, job training, or career development, costs are determined by the course itself and are paid at the time of registration. The total cost comprises tuition per credit hour and additional fees that support various college resources and services. It's important to note that tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

Types of Fees

All students enrolling in credit classes are required to pay fees each term. These fees include:

Clinical Fees: These fees offset the cost of clinical placements and supervision required for specific programs.
Lab Fees: Lab fees cover the expenses associated with materials and supplies used in science experiments, computer resources, equipment maintenance, and other specialized materials.
Late Payment Fee: A late payment fee is assessed for each tuition and fee payment made after the scheduled due date.

Residency and Tuition Rates

Your residency status significantly impacts your tuition rate. AACC determines residency based on the information provided in your application and registration form. Regardless of residency, all students must attest to their residency status during the application process and may be asked to verify it periodically. Any changes in residence must be reported to the registrar within 30 days.

In-County, In-State, and Out-of-State Rates: Tuition rates vary depending on whether you are an in-county, in-state, or out-of-state resident.
Maryland Dream Act: Undocumented immigrants who attended high school in Maryland may be eligible for a special tuition rate equivalent to the in-county or out-of-county rate through the Maryland Dream Act. To qualify, students must provide documentation that they meet the requirements.
Out-of-State Tuition Exemption for Veterans: An honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces who registers as an entering student at Anne Arundel Community College is exempt from paying out-of-state tuition differential if the veteran presents the registrar with documentation evidencing that the veteran attended a public or private secondary school in Maryland and the veteran graduated from a public or private secondary school in Maryland or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Maryland.
Active Duty Military: The spouse or child of an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces is exempt from being charged the out-of-state tuition differential if the active duty member of the United States Armed Forces is stationed in Maryland, resides in Maryland or is domiciled (residents of record) in Maryland.
Maryland National Guard: A qualified member of the Maryland National Guard will be considered out-of-county for tuition purposes unless they are a resident of the county.

Tuition Waivers and Reductions

AACC offers several tuition waivers and reductions for eligible students. Students must apply for waivers or tuition reductions each term before the first day of classes.

Read also: Course Guide: AACC Spring

Senior Citizen Waiver: The college waives tuition charges for credit and eligible continuing education courses for Maryland residents who are age 60 years and older by the first day of the term. The waiver is available for tuition charges for up to 6 credits designed to lead to employment, including life skills per semester without declaring a degree or certificate program.
Social Security Tuition Waiver: A resident of Maryland who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and out of the workforce because of a permanent disability as defined by the Social Security Act, the Railroad Retirement Act, or in the case of former federal employees, the Office of Personnel Management. In accordance with state regulations, students enrolled in a degree or certificate program who are requesting the Social Security Tuition Waiver must annually file and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 1st of the award year.
Maryland National Guard Waiver: Students who are members of the Maryland National Guard are eligible for a waiver of 50 percent of their tuition for credit courses at Anne Arundel Community College. To qualify for this waiver, members of the Maryland National Guard must submit their State Tuition Waiver (STW) Letter signed by their unit commander to the Cashier’s office each term.
Health Occupation Shortage Program: Maryland residents enrolled in a state-designated Health Occupation Shortage Program by the first day of the term may qualify for in-county tuition rates for required program courses. This program is available to out-of-state residents who are enrolled, have been accepted in an eligible nursing program and are pursuing a program leading to a nursing degree. If your out-of-state residency is due to a foreign status, you do not qualify for this reduction. Students may apply for a reduction of the out-of-state tuition differential for courses required for program completion. In return, students must sign a promissory note stating that upon completion of the nursing program, they will sit for the nursing licensure exam and work for at least two years on a full-time basis in a Maryland hospital or related institution.
Early College Access Program: Qualified Maryland Public School students, including Anne Arundel County Public School (AACPS) students, with the submission of an Early College Access Program form, will not be charged for tuition, fees, or required course materials.

Payment Options and Third-Party Payments

AACC offers various payment options to accommodate different student needs.

Third-Party Payments: Anne Arundel Community College accepts third party payments for tuition assistance from students’ employers, college tuition trust funds, external scholarships or from other organizations or individuals. For students receiving third party assistance (payments), supporting documentation from the sponsoring agency must be sent to the Cashier’s office prior to or at the time of registration. If payment or third party documentation is not submitted, registration may be canceled for non-payment.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. Understanding the financial aid options available is essential for managing college costs. AACC provides a comprehensive range of financial aid resources, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Completing the FAFSA is the first step in determining your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
Scholarships: AACC offers a variety of scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and specific program enrollment.
Grants: Grants are need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid.
Loans: Student loans are available to help cover educational expenses, but they must be repaid with interest.
Work-Study: The work-study program allows students to earn money by working part-time while attending college.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

Tuition and fees are just one part of the overall cost of attending AACC. The Cost Of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of what it costs a student to attend college. The COA allows for other expenses related to attending AACC to be included in your decision to attend college. Cost of Attendance reflects an average cost for a student attending AACC full time (12 credits per term) for the nine-month academic school year. The maximum adjustment toward the purchase of a computer is $930. This adjustment can be made once each academic school year.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Financial Aid Application Priority Date: Mar 1. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.

Additional Information

Past-Due Accounts: Student bills not paid in full by the due date are considered past-due accounts subject to late fines and collection action. If your account is past-due, it may be turned over to an outside collection agency and you will be held financially responsible for all tuition, fees, penalties, reasonable attorneys' fees and collection costs. In addition, the student will not be able to register for future terms until payment is made in full. Respond promptly to past-due notices. Payment plans are available.
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997: The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 provides educational tax credit programs. Students should consult with tax professionals regarding the educational tax credits.
Drop/Withdraw with a Refund: When you register for a course, you assume a financial responsibility. Non-payment or failure to attend class does not result in an automatic drop from course(s) or the release of financial responsibility. Students may drop the class for two calendar days after the date of the first scheduled class meeting and receive a full refund. After the final drop date, a student may withdraw from a class through the 12th week of the 15th week session.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): Many of our areas of study provide career enhancement that may meet guidelines set forth by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, Anne Arundel County’s WIOA services provider, assists job seekers by delivering career services and workforce training funds. An individual qualifies for short-term workforce training or career development if he or she has been laid off from a job and/or meets WIOA income eligibility guidelines. Determining funding eligibility requires a meeting with an AAWDC staff person prior to course enrollment to establish a training plan. For information, call 410-987-3890 to be directed to an AAWDC location convenient to you.

Read also: Affording ECU

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