College Costs

Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Del Mar College Board of Regents.

Tuition and Mandatory Fees

Tuition and fees shown are correct as of the date of printing. Amounts shown for both tuition and fees are subject to change by the Del Mar College Board of Regents.  Residents in the Del Mar College District can register for a full-time course load for about $772 tuition and fees per semester. Persons whose legal residence is outside the district can register for full-time status for as little as $1,972 tuition and fees per semester. Out-of-state residents and residents of foreign countries may register for full-time status for about $2,416 tuition and fees per semester. These estimates provide for 12 semester hours or four regular courses. Additional courses or specialized classes that require special instruction, labs or uniforms cost additional amounts.

Residents in the independent school districts of Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso are included in the College District without exception.

Texas State legislative action may affect the tuition and fee structure of the College. In determining residency, the College will use the same guidelines as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In order for the State of Texas resident’s tuition rate to apply, the student must supply the documentation required.

Students who have not proven their Texas residency at the time of preregistration and/or registration will be considered out-of-state students and billed accordingly.   

Tuition
College Tuition Policy: The Texas resident in-district and out-of-district per-semester credit hour tuition rate shall be the same as determined by the Board of Regents. The tuition for out-of-state residents and foreign students shall be at rates mandated by state statutes.

Tuition and fee charges listed on the next page must be paid at the time of registration, which is not complete until all payments have been made. Course credit and grades may be withheld until all obligations to the College are met. Auditors in all courses must pay the same tuition and fees as those students who are enrolled for credit.

Students will not be sent a bill by mail. Total tuition and fees may be viewed on the Student Information Services Web site. Payment may be made by mail, on the Web or in person at the Business Office in the Harvin Student Center (HC) on the East Campus or in the General Purpose Building (GP) on the West Campus. Payment may also be made with a credit card by phone by calling (866) 546-2399.

Students who do not pay, or make satisfactory arrangements to pay, all financial obligations to the College may have their registration voided and/or they may be removed from all classes; also course credit, grades, degree or certificate may be withheld. Students may be charged for loss of, or damage to, College property for which they are responsible. This includes library books.

Tuition Rebate Opportunity:  Students beginning a baccalaureate degree from a Texas general academic teaching institution in the Fall 1997 semester or later are eligible for a tuition rebate of $1,000. In general, this rebate opportunity is based on the student attempting no more than three semester hours in excess of the minimum required to complete the baccalaureate degree. Complete information concerning this rebate is available from the College Business Office. 

Noncredit Courses
Tuition for typical courses ranges from $2 to $5 per hour of instruction. The College has the discretion to modify the tuition rate for special courses. A $25 general use fee will be charged with all noncredit courses. GED test preparation classes are offered free of charge.

Occupational and Health Sciences Education
Students must furnish their books and hand tools at Del Mar College. Such items may be obtained from sources of the student's choice. A list of required books and tools will be furnished at the time of registration.

Fees Charged to Students
Tuition and fees shown are correct as of the date of printing. Amounts shown for both tuition and fees are subject to change by the Del Mar College Board of Regents.

Building Use Fee: A building use fee of $8 per semester hour will be charged each semester to assist other resources in maintaining, improving, and equipping campus facilities.

Credit Card Processing Fee: May be authorized by the Board of Regents, per statute.

General Use Fee: A fee of $10 per semester hour is charged each registration for college credit courses. This fee is charged to cover the cost of student transcripts, graduation, grounds improvements, student technology centers, credit card processing, campus security, and parking control.

Instructional Support Fee: A fee of $35 per semester will be charged to all students for the support and maintenance of writing, math, and other specialty labs.

Laboratory Fees: A laboratory fee of $8 to $24 will be charged for selected courses in subjects such as art, engineering, foreign languages, kinesiology, sciences, business administration, business technology, health sciences, technology programs, and occupational (industrial) programs.

A special music lab fee of $55 to $165 will be charged for selected courses offered in the music program.

A laboratory fee of $8 to $60 will be charged for selected courses offered by Workforce and Personal Enrichment.

The fee for each course shall be approved by the President of the College, based upon careful analysis of course and lab costs, and recommendations from the Vice President of Instruction.

Late Registration Fee: Students registering after the official registration date will be charged a fee of $10.

Liability or Malpractice Insurance: Required in certain programs.

Matriculation Fee: $8 per semester hour is charged each registration for college-credit courses. This fee is charged to defray the cost of creating and maintaining student records.

Returned Check Fee: $25 will be charged on any personal check returned unpaid by the bank. Any student who places a Stop Payment notice on a check issued to Del Mar College for payment of tuition and/or fees will be dropped from the College without further notice. The returned check fee of $25 will be assessed. Students whose check is returned unpaid by the bank may not pay future financial obligations to the College using a personal check.

Schedule Change Fee: A fee of $10 per schedule change will be charged to all students who change their schedules on or after the first class day of the semester or term.

Special Music Course Fees: $55 per course offering one hour of credit; $110 per course offering two hours of credit; $165 per course offering three hours of credit; piano courses $55 per credit hour.

Special Record Fee: $50 will be charged to establish a transcript at Del Mar College. For those persons who wish either:

1. to convert to semester hours previous noncredit bearing studies in which the applicants have appropriate professional certification, or

2. to take examinations to receive credit for courses offered in the current catalog.

Student Services Fee: $5 will be charged each semester a student enrolls in the College. This fee serves to defray the cost of student cultural programs, intramural sports, student club activities, the student newspaper and other related student programs.

Testing and Evaluation Fees: Fees are established to help defray costs of administering, scoring, recording, reporting, and processing of tests and evaluation-rated services. Those services include but are not limited to:

• Departmental Examinations
• Evaluation of Credentials
• General Education Development Test
• Specialized tests for credit, certification, or licensure
• Correspondence and end-of-course examinations

The fees are approved by the President of the College and are subject to revision when costs to the College change.

A schedule of currently approved fees is available in the Counseling Offices on both East and West campuses.

Vehicle Identification Permits (VIPs)
VIPs are required, are provided by the College, and may require a fee.

Insurance
Students should be aware that they are responsible for their own private health and accident insurance.

Student Liability
Activities during occupational programs and courses may expose students to more than the usual degree of responsibility and liability. Health sciences, cosmetology, criminal justice, law enforcement, fire science, emergency medical services and occupational safety and health students may be required to carry professional liability insurance. $5 per semester will be charged in all of the health sciences courses to provide general liability coverage for students. $21 per semester will be charged in all Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science programs to provide general liability coverage for students.

Refund Policies
In order to be eligible for a refund, a student must complete the withdrawal requirements of the departments involved. The student must complete, sign and file a refund application with the Business Office. Applications for refunds will not be accepted after the end of the semester in which withdrawals are made and refunds will be processed as soon as possible. No cash refunds will be made; a check covering all refunds will be mailed to the address left with the Business Office. Payments made by credit cards will be credited to the respective card account.

A student who withdraws or is withdrawn from Del Mar College may be eligible for a refund of a portion of the tuition and fees paid to Del Mar College for that semester. If the student received financial assistance to cover tuition and fee costs from outside the family, then a portion of the refund will be returned to the grant, scholarship or loan source from which the assistance was received. Please note that students must visit the Office of the Admissions and Registrar and complete the Notice of Withdrawal. This step will allow Del Mar College to refund the maximum possible amount of tuition and fees.

There are several refund formulas used at Del Mar College. The regular Del Mar College refund and repayment policy is applicable to students who attend traditional 16-week semesters and do not receive financial aid funds. The policy is as follows:

Fall and Spring

• Prior to first class day 100%
• During the first 15 class days 70%
• During the 16th - 20th class days 25%
• After 20th class day 0%

Summer

• Prior to first class day 100%
• During the first five class days 70%
• During the sixth and seventh class days 25%
• After the seventh class day 0%
  

The second policy is for financial aid recipients and is mandated by the Higher Education Act Reauthorization of 1998. The formula provides a Return of Title IV aid if the student received Federal Financial Aid in the form of a Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), FELP or Direct Student Loan, or Plus Loan. The amendment states that students who withdraw before completing at least 60% of the semester may have to pay back a portion of their federal funds. The percentage of the refund is equal to the number of days attended divided by the number of days in the semester. The first class day is defined as the “day classes start at Del Mar College and not as the first day a student attends classes.”

The first class day is based on the Texas College and University System Common Calendar as determined by the state. Refer to the current semester credit class schedule for applicable first class date. A 100 percent refund is made for courses dropped prior to the first class day.

If any portion of the student’s refund amount is left after satisfying the federal Return of Title IV Aid, the remaining balance will be applied to Del Mar College funds, state programs and any other sources of financial assistance.

Worksheets used to calculate the Return of Title IV Aid are available at Financial Aid Services upon written request.

Financial Aid Assistance Programs and Procedures

Del Mar College encourages all students who wish to attend the college and who do not have the financial resources available to pay the cost of higher education to seek assistance through Financial Aid Services. While the family and student are expected to assume a major responsibility for the costs associated with attending a degree or certificate program at the College, there are resources available to supplement their efforts. The assistance available is in the form of gift aid (grants and scholarships) and self-help aid (loans and employment). There are resources available for students with a demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as those who are not able to demonstrate need but who do not have the resources available.

Eligibility Requirements
To receive aid, a student must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen

2. Be registered with Selective Service (male, U.S. citizens, and permanent residents, ages 18-26)

3. Have demonstrated financial need (U.S. Department of Education and Del Mar College will use the information from the Student Aid Report (SAR) to determine the financial need of the student)

4. Attend a school that takes part in one or more of the financial aid programs

5. Be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) in an eligible program as approved by the Department of Education (in some cases, students may receive a Federal Pell Grant for less than half-time enrollment)

6. Be working toward a degree, certificate, or a transferable program

7. Be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by Del Mar College Policy. See "Financial Aid Services Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress at Del Mar College," found in this section and in the Index

8. Not owe a refund on any Title IV (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Grant, or Federal State Student Incentive Grant) or any other Higher Education Grant program received at any institution previously attended

9. Not be in default on any Title IV Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Student Loan, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS), Federal Supplemental Loan to Students (FSLS), or any other Higher Education Act Loan Program received at any institution previously attended.

Application Process
To qualify for financial assistance, including loans and some scholarships, you must first obtain a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at Financial Aid Services at Del Mar College or complete the FAFSA Renewal Application mailed to you by the Department of Education. You may also apply electronically using FAFSA on the Web.

Electronic Alternatives
The U.S. Department of Education has developed electronic alternatives for applying for financial aid. Using one of the electronic procedures, you may reduce the processing time of your application by two to three weeks. Students who applied for the 2006-2007 school year will receive an electronic PIN (Personal Identification Number) from the Central Processing Center. This PIN serves as the student’s electronic signature as well as enabling the student to access their account information. For more information on the PIN, log on to www.pin.ed.gov.

FAFSA on the Web/Renewal
FAFSA on the Web Applying on the Web is the U.S. Department of Education’s newest electronic application process. This procedure allows you to complete the FAFSA over the Internet by providing an easy-to-use format. FAFSA on the Web/Renewal FAFSA on the Web can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  This application procedure is also available in Spanish. 

The questions on the Web application will be listed differently than those on the paper application. Therefore, if you will be filing on-line, it is important to complete a Pre-Application Worksheet instead of a paper FAFSA to guide you as you go along. You can print a copy of the Worksheet from Section I of the FAFSA on the Web home page at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The Renewal FAFSA is a tremendous time saver for students as responses from the prior cycles’ FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA are displayed and the applicant must answer only questions that are likely to have changed from the previous year.

After completing the application on the Web, submit the application electronically and either mail the signature page or utilize the Personal Identification Number (PIN) which serves as an electronic signature. NOTE: Dependent students must have one parent sign the signature page unless their parent has also obtained a PIN. After signing the FAFSA, the student should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within two to three weeks. 

Application Procedures
Students often omit the items listed below. Please pay close attention to them because failure to include these items may cause a delay in the processing of your file.

1. Complete your FAFSA with your correct legal name as it appears on your Social Security Card.

2. Complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA using the actual figures from your 2006 Federal Income Tax Return, annual statements you receive from Social Security, TANF and/or Child Support, including any other documentation of other sources of income. Accuracy is very important when completing the FAFSA, so pay close attention to the items listed:

a. Adjusted Gross income from IRS 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.

b. Income tax paid from the IRS 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.

c. Earned income credit from the Income tax return must be added to the appropriate line on the FAFSA.

d. Additional child tax credit from the income tax return must be added to the appropriate line on the FAFSA.

e. Income received from other sources, such as gift money from family, private sources, housing, food, and other living allowances paid to members of the military, clergy, and others (including cash payments and cash value of benefits).

f. Household size should reflect only those family members who are being supported by the student or the student's parents. (Do not include family members who do not fit the description found in the FAFSA instructions).

g. Number of family members from the household who are in college (Do not include your parents).

h. Cash and savings.

i. Investment and other real estate net worth (Do not include the value of the house in which you or your family live).

j. Dependent student's income.

Inaccurate or missing information may cause a delay in processing your file while corrections are made to this data.

If completing the paper FAFSA, you should mail the application directly to the Central Processor (CPS). An envelope is provided in the instruction booklet. If you apply using FAFSA online, you must print and mail a signature page to the processor within 10-14 days if you do not have a PIN number. The paper application process usually takes four to six weeks, while the online process may take two weeks or less.

3. About four to six weeks after mailing your FAFSA, or about two weeks after filing your FAFSA electronically, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. If you listed Del Mar College on your FAFSA (code 003563) you are not required to bring the SAR to Financial Aid Services. We will receive an Electronic Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) with your information. Please complete a Del Mar College Information Sheet for financial aid.

4. The U.S. Department of Education may select your application for a process called Verification. If this occurs, a verification worksheet is required, along with a copy of the most current Federal Income Tax Returns of the person(s) whose income is reported on the FAFSA. Verification of other income, including number in college and number in household, may also be required.

5. Academic transcripts of all college credits are needed. A copy of GED scores/certificates is also needed if applicable. High school graduates should have their transcripts on file at the Office of Admissions and Registrar.

Personal interviews may be scheduled with the financial aid personnel at the student's request.

Ability to Benefit
Students who do not have a high school diploma or GED certificate may qualify for financial aid by achieving minimum scores on the ASSET, Accuplacer, or COMPASS test offered at a testing center as follows:

ASSET: Reading (35), Writing (35), and Math (33)
Accuplacer: Reading (55), Writing (60), and Math (34)
COMPASS: Reading (62), Writing (32), and Math (25)

Students meeting this criterion must submit copies of their test scores and the Individual Approval form signed by the appropriate dean to Financial Aid Services before financial aid can be awarded. Students admitted under Ability to Benefit are not eligible to receive loan funds.

Deadlines - Priority
Applications for scholarships and financial assistance will be accepted after January 1 of each year for the following academic year. Priority deadlines are established to allow ample time for the processing of applications. It is recommended that students apply at least two months before the priority deadline for applicable enrollment period.

Financial Aid Program
Academic Year May 1
Spring Only October 1
Summer Sessions February 15

Del Mar College Scholarships
Sophomores (second year) February 15
Freshmen (incoming) April 1

Del Mar College Foundation Scholarships
Academic Year May 1
Spring Semester September 30
Summer Semester March 15

Federal Direct Student Loan Program
Academic Year October 1
Spring Semester March 1
Summer Sessions June 1

All applications received after the priority deadline are awarded according to the availability of funds on a first come, first served basis.

If the scheduled deadline falls on a holiday or weekend, the student has until the next business day to turn in their paperwork.

Return of Title IV Funds
It is important that students consider very carefully the consequences of withdrawing/dropping all their classes at Del Mar College.

Return of Title IV Funds applies to all students that have been awarded assistance from a federally funded loan or grant and have completely withdrawn (officially or unofficially) from Del Mar College. Federal aid is earned in a prorated manner on a daily basis up to and including the 60% point in the semester. After the 60% point, all aid is considered earned and no refunds/repayments are required. The Department of Education considers a student who earns all non-passing grades to have unofficially withdrawn. Your instructor will report your last day of attendance and your Return of Title IV will be calculated accordingly.

• The percent earned is calculated by dividing the number of calendar days completed by the number of calendar days in the semester.

• The earned percentage received in federal assistance is the amount the student is permitted to keep. The unearned percentage (remaining amount) must be returned to the federal government by both the college and the student. This may cause the student to owe both the college and the federal government.

• The percent Del Mar College must return, on the student's behalf, will be returned to the appropriate federal fund program. The Del Mar College Business Office will bill the student for the amount owed to the College. The funds will be refunded to the Federal Funds Program in the following order, if applicable:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loan
3. Plus Loan Program
4. Pell Grant Program
5. Federal SEOG
6. Academic Competitiveness Grant

The student must repay the amount owed to the appropriate federal program within 45 days. After the 45th day, if payment is not received, the student's overpayment will be referred to the Department of Education for collections and to the National Student Loan Database.

The student must then make repayment arrangements with the Department of Education in order to maintain future eligibility for federal funds.

Types of Aid
Del Mar College participates in numerous federal, state, and local financial aid programs. The source and amount of any award will depend greatly on a student's demonstrated need as determined by the U.S. Department of Education and Del Mar College Financial Aid Services. Priority is given to those students whose applications are completed by the priority deadlines, and with the greatest documented need.

Grants
Federal Pell Grant (FPELL): The Federal Pell Grant is available to qualified applicants. FPELL is the largest Federal grant program available. Awards range from $400 to $4,050 per academic year.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): The FSEOG is awarded to qualified applicants who have an exceptional financial need remaining after being awarded the FPELL. At Del Mar College, awards may range from $350 to $700 per academic year.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG):  The Academic Competitiveness Grant  will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time (12 or more hours) students who are U.S. citizens, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education.  Second year students must have completed 24 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.  The program was available for the first time for the 2006-2007 school year for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005.  The ACG award is in addition to the students’ Pell Grant award, not to exceed the student’s financial need.

Del Mar Student Grant (Resident) (DMSG): This institutional grant is designed to provide awards to qualified Texas residents. Awards range from $350 to $700 per academic year.

Del Mar Student Grant (Nonresident) (DMSGN): This institutional grant is designed to provide awards to qualified out-of-state students. Awards range from $350 to $700 per academic year.

Leveraging Education Assistance Program and Special Leveraging Education Assistance Program (LEAP/SLEAP): These federal grants are available to assist students attending public institutions of higher education. To be eligible, a student must be a Texas resident, demonstrate financial need, and be an undergraduate student. Awards range from $350 to $700 per academic year.

Toward Excellence, Access, and Success Grant Program (TEXAS), New and Continuing:This need-based grant is designed for Texas resident students who have graduated from a Texas high school and have completed the Recommended or Advanced high school curriculum or its equivalent, who demonstrate need as defined by the FAFSA, who will be enrolling at least three quarter time (+9 hours) in a degree or certificate program within 16 months of high school graduation and who have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance. For the 2007-2008 award year, students may receive up to $735 per semester for both full-time (12 or more hours) and three-quarter time (9 to 11 hours) enrollment. Students must complete the first year satisfying the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy; thereafter, the student must complete at least 75% of the  hours attempted and  maintain at least a 2.5 overall GPA to continue to receive the Texas Grant.

TEXAS Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) (formerly Texas Grant II): This need-based grant is designed for students who are Texas residents and who are in their first year of college (29 hours). Student must have an Expected Family Contribution of  2,000 and must have graduated from high school, earned a GED, or have completed home school, have no felony convictions and be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours). For the 2007-2008 award year, students may receive up to $735 per semester for at least half-time enrollment. Students must complete the first year satisfying the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy; thereafter, the student must complete at least 75% of the  hours attempted and maintain at least a 2.5 overall GPA to continue to receive the TEOG.

Loans
Loans are available to assist students in meeting their educational costs. All of the loans available are long-term, low interest loans. No loan may be made to a student who indicates an unwillingness to repay the loan. A prior default or delinquency on a loan or an established history of nonpayment of debts may be taken as evidence of unwillingness to repay the loan. The following loan programs are available at Del Mar College:

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program:Del Mar College participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Just as with the Federal Student Loan Programs used at other institutions, the program consists of both the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, however the U.S. Department of Education is your lending institution. You will be responsible to them for all your correspondence and repayments. If interested in applying for a Federal Direct Loan, you must indicate so on the FAFSA.

Financial Aid Services will notate the amount a student can borrow on their Award Letter. After the student accepts the award online or signs the Award Letter and returns it to Financial Aid Services, the loan will be originated. Once a student’s loan is originated, the student will be mailed specific instructions regarding the loan requirements, such as attending an entrance counseling session and the completion of the electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN), along with the anticipated dates of disbursement. In order to complete the Electronic MPN, the student will be required to have their Personal Identification Number (PIN); they may visit the PIN Site Registration at www.pin.ed.gov to obtain one. Student loan amounts will be disbursed in two installments. The Business Office will mail loan checks to the student; therefore, the Admission and Registrar Office must have the student’s current mailing address. The Department of Education will send a Disclosure Statement with the anticipated dates of disbursements.

All first-time borrowers at Del Mar College must attend a loan entrance counseling session before their loan is disbursed. Borrowers who have never received a student loan will receive their loan funds 30 days into the semester, provided they have completed all steps to receive their loan. If the student borrower withdraws, graduates, or does not plan to attend Del Mar College the following semester, they must complete an exit interview.

Reminder: the student must complete the required entrance counseling session and complete the MPN to assure payment. Should the student fail to comply, they may owe funds to the College. 

Terms of the Loan

1. Monthly payments begin six months after the student is no longer enrolled in college at least half-time (6 hours).

2. The minimum payment could be $50 per month. The payment may be larger or smaller, depending on the size of the loan debt.

3. Interest rates are fixed and are adjusted every year on July 1. The interest rate for 2006-2007 was 6.80%. 

William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized Loan (DLSUB):This is a federal long-term loan designed to help students who have difficulty meeting college expenses. The U.S. Department of Education is your lending institution. Del Mar College originates the student’s loan and the Department of Education makes the loans to the student. The maximum amount a student may borrow under the Sub/Unsub loan is $3,500 for first-year students and $4,500 for students in the second year of their program. Interest is not charged on a Direct Subsidized Loan while borrowers are enrolled in school at least half-time (6 hours) during grace period and during deferment periods. Additional Unsubsidized loans are no longer available at Del Mar College. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (DUNSB):This loan program is only for students who do not qualify for the Direct Subsidized Loan. The terms and conditions are the same as for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan as it applies to the loan limits, deferments and interest rates. Interest is charged on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods (starting on the day the loan proceeds are disbursed).  This includes periods while borrowers are enrolled in school at least half-time (6 hours), during grace period and during deferment and forbearance periods.  Therefore, borrowers will pay more interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan than on a Direct Subsidized Loan.  

Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS):Parents of a dependent undergraduate student may borrow funds under this loan program on behalf of the student. Parents can borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial aid the student may have received. Parents must have a good credit history to qualify. Lending institutions, along with a guarantee agency, administer the loan program. The interest rate for the FPLUS is fixed, adjusted annually. The interest rate for 2006-2007 was 8.50%. Payments begin within 60 days from the date of disbursement, with a $50 minimum payment per month. Loan regulations allow at least five but no more than ten years to repay this loan. The parent borrower may prepay the whole or any part of the loan at any time without penalty or may defer payments of the principal if the student is attending school full-time. Please note that although the principal may be deferred, the interest continues to accrue or must be paid. The FPLUS loan disbursement will be made co payable to the College and the parent borrower. The parent should contact Financial Aid Services for check release procedures. For detailed information about applying for a FPLUS Loan, go to www.delmar.edu/finaid/fplus.html.

Alternative Loans
Alternative loans are private loans offered by lending institutions. They are not part of the federal government guaranteed loans and should only be used when all other options have been exhausted. Research all possibilities for scholarships, grants, work-study and federal loans before borrowing from an alternative loan program.
What should you look for in an Alternative Loan?
•    Annual Percentage Rate (APR)         
•    Loan Limits
•    Repayment Terms                                  
•    Cosigner Requirement
•    Repayment Incentives                               
•    Interest Capitalization
•    Lender for Federal Loans
For detailed instructions in applying for an alternative loan, go to   www.delmar.edu/finaid/aloans.html.

Employment
Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP): Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP): The FWSP provides employment opportunities for students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours), have financial need and would prefer to earn money to help pay their educational expenses. Priority is given to those students who demonstrate the greatest financial need. Students are paid $6 per hour and may work 12-15 hours per week. The majority of the students are employed on campus. However, some off-campus community service opportunities are available. If interested in working with a participating community service organization, contact Financial Aid Services. Current or previous employment does not guarantee continued employment.

Texas College Work-Study Program (TXWKS): The TXWKS is primarily the same program as the FWSP with the same conditions; however, the community services opportunities are not available. This program is funded by the State of Texas, and the student must be a Texas resident.

America Reads:Del Mar College students who qualify for Federal Work-Study can elect this off-campus community service option. Students are paid $8 per hour and may work 10-12 hours per week. Interested applicants must enjoy reading to/with elementary school-aged children and must have dependable transportation. Contact Financial Aid Services for more information.

Student Assistant Employment Program:Campus employment may be available for students who would prefer to work on campus but do not demonstrate financial need. Students should inquire with the different departments on campus. Students are paid $6 per hour and may work 12-15 hours per week. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours).

Scholarships
Del Mar College offers numerous scholarship opportunities to students. Scholarships consist of money provided by organizations, individuals, memorial funds and foundations. These funds are awarded to students on the basis of scholastic achievement and in some instances, financial need. The value of the scholarship award and the awarding process varies according to the discipline or department in which the student is applying.

There are several types of scholarships at Del Mar College:

• Del Mar College Scholarships
• Del Mar College Foundation Scholarships
• Departmental Scholarships
• State-funded Scholarships

For additional scholarship information and deadlines, please pick up and review the “Scholarships Available at Del Mar College” booklet that is available at Financial Aid Services. One of the largest free scholarship search Web sites is located at www.fastweb.com. Other search Web sites are also listed in the scholarship booklet or Del Mar College links.

General:Memorial scholarships have been established in memory of Del Mar College teachers and others by their families and friends. Individuals, clubs and organizations have made available a number of these scholarships to Del Mar College students. The Board of Regents has also established a Regents Merit Award Fund for exceptional graduates of high schools in the College’s service area. A student must exhibit high scholastic achievement and enroll full-time to be eligible, although financial need may also be a consideration. The Faculty Scholarship Committee selects recipients. To apply, students must submit a Scholarship Application and high school and/or college transcripts to Financial Aid Services. Freshmen applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their high school counselor/principal. Students applying for a Music Scholarship should contact the Office of the Music Department chairperson. See Financial Aid Deadlines in this section.

State of Texas Nursing Scholarship:Applications and information may be obtained at the Department of Nursing Education at Del Mar College and at Financial Aid Services in May. The College is allocated a specific number of applications every year to submit to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for selection. To be considered, a student must complete an application, submit a current academic transcript and have a Student Aid Report on file in Financial Aid Services. This requires the student to have applied for financial aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

State Scholarship Programs for Registered Nursing or Vocational Nursing:
Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a Texas resident, be enrolled at least halftime, be accepted for or enrolled in a program leading to licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse or in an associate degree program in Registered Nursing, and must have financial need. Maximum award is $1,500 for Vocational Nursing and $2,000 for Registered Nursing.

Scholarship Programs for LVNs becoming RNs:
Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a Texas resident, be enrolled at least halftime, be accepted for or enrolled in a program leading to an associate degree program in Registered Nursing, must be previously licensed to practice as an Licensed Vocational Nurse, and must have financial need. Maximum award is $1,500.

General LVN Scholarships:
Eligibility requirements:

• Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in the Vocational Nurse Education program, must have a 3.0 or higher grade point average, must have financial need as determined by Financial Aid Services. Maximum award is $1,500 per year.

State of Texas Tuition Exemptions and Waivers:
These are some of the programs available for reduced tuition and/or fees:

• Early high school graduate from a Texas public school pursuing a degree in teacher education

• Blind/deaf student

• A student who was in foster care or other residential care under the supervision of the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services

For more information about the specific requirements to qualify for each of these programs, visit the Coordinating Board's Web site at www.collegefortexans.com. There are time limits for qualifying for the exemption or waiver.

Financial Aid Services Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Del Mar College has adopted the following Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (Be advised these standards apply to all financial aid programs unless the terms of a particular program indicate otherwise):

Federal/State Regulations require students to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress at the time they receive financial assistance.  All financial aid recipients must be enrolled in a program of study leading to an Associate’s degree, a certificate, or is enrolled in a transferable program towards a Baccalaureate Degree.  All course work attempted at Del Mar College will be evaluated, regardless of whether the student previously received assistance. All transfer course work will be counted towards the 63/90 hours maximum time frame.

A student’s academic progress is evaluated after each long semester and at the end of  the summer session.  The evaluation includes all coursework attempted for the semester/sessions (Withdrawals, incompletes and “R” grades will be included in determining the total number of hours for which the student enrolled).  It also includes all periods of the student’s enrollment, even those for which the student did not receive financial aid.  (Rapid Track semesters, mini-semesters and Maymesters will be included in the semester in which they began.)

The Progress Standards required shown below:

• Complete the minimum number of hours as stated below:
  - Students enrolled for a full-time course load, 12 hours or more, will be required to pass a minimum of nine (9) semesters hours of the courses enrolled.
  - Students enrolled for three-quarter time, 9 to 11 hours, will be required to pass a minimum of six (6) semesters hours of the courses enrolled.
  -  Students enrolled for half-time, 6 to 8 hours, will be required to pass six (6) hours of the courses enrolled.
  - Students who enroll for less than 6 hours must complete all hours attempted. 
• Must have a 2.0 or better GPA on the minimum number of hours required to pass.
• Must maintain an overall 2.0 GPA at the end of the second academic year (4th long semester)

• Complete a certificate program of (1) year or less within 63 attempted hours or complete a degree or two (2) year certificate program within 90 attempted hours.

Good Standing

Students who meet the above requirements are considered to be in good standing for financial aid purposes.

• Financial aid probation is a warning that the student is jeopardizing future eligibility but can still receive financial aid.
• The first time the minimum standard is not met, the student will be placed on financial aid probation.
• A cumulative 2.0 GPA must still be maintained for students who have attended four or more longer semesters.

Financial Aid Suspension

• Financial aid suspension is a cancellation/denial of awards or disbursements of financial aid.
• The second time the minimum standard is not met, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension.
• Students placed on Academic Suspension by the Registrars Office will automatically be placed on financial aid suspension.  This financial aid status will continue should the student be granted permission to enroll after an Academic Suspension appeal.  Students under this status must meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards in order to get back on financial aid.
• Students placed on enforced scholastic suspension the last time they were enrolled will be on Financial Aid Suspension.
• Any student exceeding the 63/90 maximum time frame will be placed on financial aid suspension.

Additional Information

• There is a limit of 30 semester hours of developmental course work that may be eligible for financial aid.  Any developmental hours beyond this 30 hour limit will not be eligible for financial aid consideration.  All developmental course work will be counted toward the 63/90 maximum time frame.
• All repeated course work will count toward the 63/90 attempted semester hour maximum time frame.
• Transfer work:  All transfer work will be counted towards the maximum time frame.  Students will be required to have an appropriate advisor evaluate the transfer hours and certify on the DMC Transfer Credit Evaluation Form (TRCR), the number of transfer hours applicable towards their current educational objective.  A signed degree plan must also be submitted along with the TRCR.  Financial Aid Services will adjust the total attempted semester hours accordingly.
• Transient students (students transferring for the Summer Term only) are not eligible to receive  any financial aid from Del Mar College.

Regaining Eligibility
A student may regain eligibility for financial aid by:

• Paying for expenses related to enrollment from personal resources until the student has satisfied the minimum Standards of Academic Progress (SAP).
• Students placed on financial aid suspension while enrolled for six (6) or more hours must enroll for six (6) or more hours and meet the minimum requirements as stated above.
• Students placed on financial aid suspension while enrolled less than six (6) hours may enroll for less than six (6) hours, and must complete all hours with a 2.0 grade point average or better. The suspension status will only change to probation.
• File a written appeal with Financial Aid Services within 10 business days from receipt of the Suspension Letter.

Financial Aid Suspension Appeal Procedure
Federal regulations provide for hardship waivers based on the death of a relative, personal injury, illness (self and family) or other extenuating circumstances that prevent the student from making progress. Students must complete a Financial Aid Appeal Form and a narrative detailing the circumstances that prevented SAP and attach supporting documentation such as:

• Death Certificate

• Letter from a doctor on official letterhead

• Other verifiable documents that support the student's claim.

• A statement indicating what provisions have been made to ensure the circumstances), if any, will not interfere with future progress.

Students who wish to appeal their suspension status, must do so within two business weeks of notification from Financial Aid Services of the financial aid suspension status.

Maximum Time Frame Appeal
A student appealing due to having exceeded the maximum time frame (63/90) must complete the maximum time frame appeal form along with a narrative explaining the reasons why the time frame was exceeded.  A signed copy of an up-to-date degree plan along with a  degree plan summary sheet must also be submitted to Financial Aid Services.

A student enrolled in a transfer program must submit a degree plan by a university advisor where the student is transferring from.  The degree plan must list the accepted DMC hours and the remaining DMC hours required to complete the transfer program.

Financial Aid Services will notify the student of the findings and recommendations within three (3) weeks of submission of the student’s financial aid appeal.

Should the appeal be denied, the student has the right to appeal in writing to the Vice President of Student Development within eight (8) business days from the date of the denial letter.  The decision of the Vice President will be based solely on the review of the student’s record and shall be final.

During the Appeals Process, the student must be prepared to pay for expenses such as tuition, fees, books and supplies and/or other educational related expenses from personal resources.

Vocational Rehabilitation Aid
The Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) offers assistance for tuition and nonrefundable fees to students who have certain disabling conditions, provided their occupational objectives have been approved by a TRC counselor. Examples of such conditions are orthopedic deformities, emotional disorder, diabetes, epilepsy and heart conditions. Applications for services should be made at one of the offices of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. 

Former Students' Association
The Del Mar College Former Students’ Association undertakes special projects to enhance the welfare of students and the College.  General association meetings are scheduled throughout the year.  Membership in the Former Students’ Association is encouraged for all individuals who have attended the College.  For more information, contact the Office of Development and Foundation at (361) 698-1317.

Del Mar College Foundation, Inc.
The Del Mar College Foundation, Inc. provides financial resources to assist the College in meeting the educational goals of students. The Foundation, composed of community leaders, provides student scholarships, instructional needs, capital funds and other funds to address college priorities not funded through state appropriations or local taxes.  Scholarship applications can be obtained online at www.delmar.edu/finaid/scholapp06.pdf, from the Office of Development and Foundation located at the Center for Economic Development, in the Harvin Student Center first floor display or through Financial Aid Services. Call (361) 698-1317 for information.

Semester-Hour Courses: College Credit, Any Session 

*2007 and 2008 tuition correct as of date of printing, but is subject to change by the Board of Regents.  

Out-of-District Fee- A student whose legal residence is outside the Del Mar College District shall be charged an out-of-district fee of $100 per semester hour.
    • Noncredit courses - out-of-district tuition/fee not applicable to these students.