Tuition and Fees

Tuition

*Tuition and fees are subject to change

Full-time students are charged a flat rate for up to eighteen (18) credits, and an additional per credit charge for each credit above eighteen (18). Full-time students are those registered for twelve (12) or more credit hours of coursework per semester.

Part-time students are charged on a per credit basis. Part-time students are those registered for less than twelve (12) credit hours of coursework per semester.

You can view current tuition rates on our website.

Be sure to contact the Cashier’s Office to be sure your balance is clear. You can always request a copy of your account history.

The College shall apply service charges standard for the industry for returned checks.

Should an account need to be referred to a collection agency, the student will be responsible for all collection charges and legal fees standard for the industry. The current collection fee percentage can be obtained through the Cashier’s Office.

Payment of Tuition

• 50% of your balance is due approximately 45 days prior to the start date of the semester, 25% of your balance is due the first day of the semester; and 25% of your balance is due 30 days after the start date of the semester. Current dates for the academic year are on our website.
  A $15 deferred option fee is charged against all accounts with a balance still due after the first installment date has elapsed.
• Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, sponsor payment, or financial aid. The student will be held responsible for all charges incurred at RACC.
• The College reserves the right to drop students (at its discretion) from courses for failure to meet the payment schedule.

Tuition Refunds

Students dropping a course before the semester begins for which s/he is enrolled will receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees. The student must submit the Schedule Change Form to the Records Office, Berks Hall, Room 107 or drop the course(s) online at www.racc.edu.

Once the first day of the semester begins, students dropping a course before 10% of the time has elapsed between the starting and ending date of the course will receive a 95% refund of tuition and fees. Students dropping a course before 20% of the time has elapsed between the starting and ending date of the course will receive a 50% refund of tuition and fees. There will be no refund for any course dropped after the 20% date has elapsed.

Failure to officially drop a course will result in a forfeiture of any refund and will result in a failing grade (“F”) for all courses in which the student was enrolled.

Unemployed Policy

Students must be either (a) residents of Berks County at the time of layoff, or (b) affected by a Berks County business or industry plant closing or layoff. Students may enroll for a maximum of one semester on a tuition-free basis. Students enrolling in a noncredit course or program can receive a maximum tuition waiver equivalent to the cost of fifteen (15) credit hours of instruction (tuition only) in one (1) credit semester of instruction (tuition only). College staff will assist students in an attempt to secure the necessary financial aid to continue their education.

Costs such as fees, textbooks and supplies must be paid by the students. Students must have been laid off, permanently or indefinitely, within twelve (12) months prior to the time they make application for the program.

Senior Citizens Tuition

Senior citizens from Berks County are eligible to take one course per semester in the credit division tuition-free. Courses may be audited or taken for credit.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. The student must be 65 years of age or older and present proof of age, such as Medicare Card, Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, etc.
2. Clinical sections in the Health Professions Programs are excluded. The requests for tuition-free courses by senior citizens will be honored on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be governed by seats available in any given class.
3. Enrollment of senior citizens must not cause the class size to exceed College enrollment limitations.
4. Individual costs such as textbooks, supplies and fees must be paid by the senior citizen.

If enrollment totals cause senior citizens to be ineligible, these students shall be notified before the first day of classes. Non-credit courses cannot be included in this offer.

Sponsorship Students

It is the responsibility of the student to present proof of third party sponsorship to the Cashier’s Office prior to registration. RACC will then bill the sponsor.

Fees

*Tuition and fees are subject to change

Capital Outlay Fee: Payment of this fee is required of full-time and part-time students who are non-residents of the Berks County area. The capital outlay fee is charged to offset the cost of College facilities and equipment.

Credit By Examination: The cost of credit by institutional examinations is equivalent to 1 (one) credit hour of instruction for either residents or non-residents.

Culinary Arts Program Laboratory Fee: A laboratory fee will be charged for both CUL 102 - Basic Food Preparation and Safety and CUL 126 - Food Preparation Theory.

Graduation Application Fee: A one time fee will be charged to cover the cost of caps, gowns and diplomas.

Health Professions Program Fee:  Due to the higher cost of health professions programs, an additional fee is charged for NUR, PNP, RES and MLT.  

Institutional/Activity Fee: This fee supports the general operating budget related to facilities and functions, cocurricular activities, various special programs and some student-related operating costs.

International Student Fee: An International Fee will be charged to students who are citizens of a country other than the United States and who enter on nonimmigrant visas.

Malpractice Insurance Fee: This fee for Health Professions students provides coverage for one year from the time of payment. The premium will be assessed at the time students complete their registration process in the Business Office. The amount of the fee will be set by the insurance carrier each year. Coverage ceases if the participant withdraws.

Health Professions Resource Fee:  This fee covers the cost of contracted online or other resources along with standardized assessment testing in specified health professions programs. 

Official Transcript: A fee will be charged for each transcript. Tech Prep Articulation Fee: A per course fee will be charged for the awarding of credit for courses taken during high school that are identified in the Tech Prep Articulation Agreement.

Technology Fee: The technology fee is used to maintain existing services and to implement new technology initiatives.

Science Lab Fee: A $50 fee will be charged for selected science classes in the Science/Math Division.

Special Fees

External Evaluation of Credits for Nonstudents

Individuals needing courses such as military credits, etc., evaluated for posting on an official transcript from an accredited postsecondary institution may request an evaluation by contacting the Coordinator of Assessment and Articulation.

Additional Costs

Students enrolled in all Health Professions Programs will incur additional costs for program requirements such as an annual physical examination, immunizations, textbooks, special equipment, malpractice insurance, health insurance, uniforms, and transportation to clinical facilities.

Any students enrolled in programs in which some class instruction and educational experiences are provided at off-campus facilities may incur additional expenses for transportation and parking.

Typical Personal Expenses

(Per Academic Year)

Students should expect to incur personal expenses in addition to tuition and fee expenses. The expenses will include books and supplies, transportation and meals on campus. Actual costs vary greatly from student to student. The Financial Aid Application provides examples of student expenses for different types of students (single, self-supporting, married, etc.).

Cost Adjustments Due to Course Load Reduction or Withdrawal from College

Students who drop a course prior to the end of the semester or officially withdraw from the College must complete the Change of Schedule Form which may be obtained from the Advising Center or drop course(s) online at www.racc.edu. Failure to officially drop a course will result in a forfeiture of any refund and will result in a failing grade (“F”) for all courses in which the student was enrolled.

It is important to discuss your intentions with a Financial Aid Specialist since withdrawal from the College may result in a recalculation of your financial aid award if it occurs prior to the 60% cut off date for the semester.