Tuition and Fees

Admission to classes or laboratories is not permissible until tuition and fees are paid. Payment of tuition and fees may be made in cash, check, money order or credit card. MasterCard, VISA, Discover, and American Express are accepted. All students paying by check are warned to exercise due care as all checks are accepted subject to final payment by the bank. Standard withdrawal procedures must be followed in order to obtain a tuition refund and to remove a student’s name from the official class records.

All tuition and fees are subject to change by the Texas State Legislature and the South Plains College Board of Regents.

It is the responsibility of each student attending South Plains College to register under the proper residence classification and pay the correct tuition and fees. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Rule 21.38, requires that students sign an Oath of Residency and provide proper document verification at the time of application, which is part of the admission application.

The South Plains College Board recognizes the authority of the Coordinating Board to set residency policy as authorized by the Texas Legislature and South Plains College will follow the guidelines as set forth by the Coordinating Board.

The residence classification of a student is determined by the student’s LEGAL residence as defined by the statutes of the State of Texas. The following definitions explain and clarify questions concerning residence under the present law. Additional information, if needed, may be obtained from the Dean of Admissions and Records.

Texas Resident:

An adult Texas resident (18 years of age and older) is defined as one who has resided continuously within the State of Texas for 12 months immediately prior to his/her original registration for purposes other than educational. The number of years in college cannot be used towards eligibility for establishing residency. A minor Texas resident is defined as one whose parent(s) or legal guardian has claimed the dependent for federal income tax purposes both at the time of enrollment and for the tax year preceding enrollment. This classification is defined by the State Auditor’s Office and must be adhered to by this institution.

Non-Resident:

A non-resident student is defined as one who does not qualify as a Texas resident (out-of-state, international). A non-resident classification is presumed to be correct so long as the student is in the state primarily for the purpose of attending school. To be reclassified as a resident, after one or more years of residency, the student must show proof of intent to establish Texas as his/her own residency. A student who owns property in the South Plains College District (Hockley County or Whiteface CISD) may be eligible for a waiver of out-of-state tuition. Students who believe they are eligible for such a waiver must contact the Dean of Admissions and Records.

In-District:

Texas resident who physically resides within the geographic boundaries of the South Plains College District (Hockley County or Whiteface CISD), excluding student housing or residence halls. To qualify for in-district tuition, a student must be (1) 18 years of age; (2) have been classified as a Texas resident (12 or more months) and have been a resident of the South Plains College District for a period of six months, excluding enrollment period, before first enrollment. A student may re-classify from out-of-district to in-district status, if eligibility requirements are met and appropriate documentation is provided, after physically residing in Hockley County or Whiteface CISD for six consecutive months, excluding enrollment period, with the intent to make South Plains College District one’s permanent home and for purposes other than educational.

Out-of-District:

Texas resident who does not physically reside within the geographic boundaries of the South Plains College District (Hockley County or Whiteface CISD). Aliens living in the United States under a VISA permitting residence must meet the same requirements for qualifying for resident status for tuition purposes, as do U.S. citizens. A permanent resident must meet the same length of residency requirements as a citizen.

Payment of tuition and fees is due by established payment dates for students who pre-register for classes. Payment is due at the time of enrollment for students who register during periods of open registration. Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express.

Payment by Pre-Registered Students

Payment for early registered students is due by established due dates. Early registered students for Fall 2011 must pay no later than August 18, 2011 at 3:00 pm to avoid the cancellation of registration. The payment deadline for the spring semester and summer terms will be posted in the Business Office and the Office of Admissions and Records. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE PAYMENT REACHES THE BUSINESS OFFICE BY THE ESTABLISHED DUE DATE. ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR MAIL DELIVERY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A BILL OR STATEMENT IN THE MAIL. Failure to receive a bill or statement of account in the mail is not sufficient reason for not making payment of the required amount by the required due date. Payment is due at the time of registration for all CampusConnect registration that takes place after the August 18 early registration deadline for the Fall 2011 semester. Failure to pay will result in cancellation of all classes.

Method of Payments

Tuition and fees may be paid using one of the following options.

Option 1: Payment in full of all tuition and fees

Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express. Failure to make payment will result in the cancellation of registration.

Option 2: Installment Payment Plan

Students may request the option of paying tuition and fees in prescribed installments as provided by state law (Texas Education Code, Section 54.007a). A $30 non-refundable installment fee will be assessed. To enroll in the installment contract, log into MYSPC and go to Student CampusConnect. Select Review/Pay Account, select the term, review you bill and click on Pay by FACTS (Contract). Place a check in the box and e-Cashier opens. Complete the information required and submit. Payment due dates will be included on the contract. Payment will automatically be charged on the predetermined due dates to the credit card or bank account provided at the time you entered into the contract. A $25 late fee will be accessed for each missed payment.

Payment in Person

Payment may be made in person at the Levelland Campus Business Office in the Administration Building, the SPC Reese Center Business Office in Building 8, or the Business Office at the SPC Plainview Extension Center.

Payment by Mail

Payments for eaclasses may be mailed to one of the following addresses: South Plains College, Business Office, 1401 S. College Avenue, Levelland, TX 79336 or South Plains College, Business Office, 819 Gilbert, Lubbock, TX 79416. Do not mail cash. South Plains College does not accept responsibility for cash sent through the mail. Include Driver’s License number on check.

Telephone Credit Card Payments

MasterCard, VISA, Discover, and American Express credit card payments are accepted over the phone by calling (806) 716-2408, (806) 716-4676, (806) 716-2409, or (806) 716-4617.

CampusConnect Payments

Credit card and check payments may be made on CampusConnect You may pay in full by credit card or echeck or you may enter into an installment contract (see installment payment plan in section above) and make partial payment. To pay in full, select review/pay account, select the term and click on Full Payment by Credit Card or Full Payment by echeck.

Payment at Open Registration

Payment of tuition and fees is required at the time of enrollment during periods of open registration. Students may pay for tuition and fees in full during open registration or may pay using the Payment Installment Plan explained in the previous section. Failure to make payment will result in cancellation of your schedule.

Reinstatement Fee

Students who are withdrawn from classes for nonpayment and are found to be attending classes will be charged a $50 reinstatement fee when they re-enroll in the class.

Tuition rates at South Plains College are set by the Board of Regents of the college in accordance with the provisions of Texas statutes. Tuition rates are subject to change without notice by action of the State Legislature or the Board of Regents. Tuition will be charged according to the following schedule:

Fall and Spring Semesters

In-District Texas Resident: $26 per semester hour, with a minimum tuition charge of $52.

Out-of-District Texas Resident: $48 per semester hour, with a minimum tuition charge of $96.

Non-Resident: $64 per semester hour, with a minimum tuition charge of $384.

Five-Week Summer Sessions

In-District Texas Resident: $26 per semester hour, with a minimum tuition charge of $52 per summer session.

Out-of-District Texas Resident: $48 per semester, with a minimum tuition charge of $96 per summer session.

Non-Resident: $64 per semester hour, with a minimum tuition charge of $256 per summer session.

Students enrolling on the Levelland Campus are subject to the following fees. These fees are set by the Board of Regents of the college in accordance with the provisions of Texas statutes. Fees are subject to change without notice by action of the State Legislature or the South Plains College Board of Regents.

Students enrolling at the SPC Reese Center or the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center are subject to the following fees. These fees are set by the Board of Regents of the college in accordance with the provisions of Texas statutes. Fees are subject to change without notice by action of the State Legislature or the South Plains College Board of Regents.

All Campuses

Additional fees for specific courses will be charged according to the schedule shown below.

These tuition and fee tables are provided to assist students in estimating the cost of enrolling at South Plains College. The tables provide cost totals for each SPC campus location for in-district resident students, out-of-district resident students, and  non-resident students. In-district students are those whose legal residence is within the boundaries of the South Plains College District (Hockley County and the Whiteface Independent School District). Students whose legal residence (not school address) is outside the college district are required to pay out-of-district tuition. Students who are not legal residents of the State of Texas are required to pay non-resident tuition. The cost figures presented in this table include tuition and applicable fees, including instructional support fee, student accident insurance and student health services fee. The table does not include special course or equipment fees charged for specific classes, books and supplies, or room and meals. Tables include tuition and fee estimates for fall and spring semesters only.

All students enrolled in three (3) or more semester hours for the fall or spring semester are required to participate in an accident insurance plan. Students enrolled in one (1) or more hours in the summer session are required to participate in an accident insurance plan. This plan provides 24-hour coverage on and off campus for medical expenses up to $2,000 resulting from accidental injury.

This is an accident policy, not a health insurance plan. Students will be charged $10 per semester or $5 per five-week summer term. There is a $10 charge for a 10-week summer term.

Students who enroll in the following programs and/or courses on either a full-time or part-time basis will be subject to a program liability insurance fees follows $15 Fall; $15 Spring; $10 per summer term. Students enrolling in Emergency Medical Services will be charged a liability insurance fee prorated as follows: $60 fall; $60 spring; $25 per Summer term.

All students enrolled in six (6) or more semester hours for the fall or spring semester on the Levelland Campus participate in the Student Health Services program. The fee is not assessed during summer sessions.

Students enrolled in online classes will be charged an additional $12 per credit hour.

Students who are enrolling in a class for the third or more time, will be charged an additional $75 per credit hour for that class. This new fee is the result of the state legislature’s decision to no longer fund public colleges and universities for classes repeated three or more times. Some courses may be exempt from this new rule. Please check with your advisor for additional information.

South Plains College maintains these additional fees. These fees are set by the Board of Regents of the college in accordance with the provisions of Texas statutes. Fees are subject to change without notice by action of the South Plains College Board of Regents.

The refund policy of South Plains College is based on the fact that student tuition and fees provide only a fraction of the cost of providing educational opportunities. When a student enrolls in a class, he or she reserves a place which cannot be made available to another student until he or she officially drops the class. Also, a student’s original enrollment represents a sizeable cost to the college whether or not the student continues in that class. All withdrawals or dropped courses after the late registration period must be initiated in person through the Admissions and Records Office at the appropriate campus location. Students who officially withdraw from the college or drop classes shall have their tuition and mandatory fees refunded according to these schedules:

South Plains College reserves the right to automatically credit any calculated refund amount allotted for return to a student if the student owes a repayment of non-institutional funds or has unpaid charges that he or she owes to South Plains College. South Plains College will cover only those charges that the institution has earned for the portion of the period of enrollment for which the student was in attendance.

All refunds, including payments made by credit card, are directly deposited to the Texan Card unless otherwise instructed by the student.  To sign up for your refund to be deposited to a bank account other than the Texan Card, go to CampusConnect and click on Designate Direct Deposit.

South Plains College contracts with Texas Book Company to provide bookstore services on its campus locations. Texas Book Company repurchases textbooks provided they will be used again, they are needed and are in salable condition. The bookstore follows the standard buy back procedure of buying for one-half the sale price at the end of the semester during finals week. However, there is no guarantee either expressed or implied that textbooks will be repurchased. This depends upon the condition of the book when offered for sale, whether or not it will be used again and the number of books in stock.

Books purchased for classes that do not make will be fully refunded upon presentation of the book and receipt of purchase. This refund period takes place during the first two weeks of the fall and spring semester and the first week of each summer session. New books must not be marked in or defaced in any manner.

Texas law and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules provide eligible students with a rebate of tuition up to $1,000 (less if the student paid less in tuition to the institution granting the degree). Eligibility criteria include, but may not be limited to the following: enroll for the first time in the 1997 fall semester or later, request the rebate for the first baccalaureate degree received from a Texas public college, be a Texas resident, attempt all course work at a Texas public institution, have paid Texas resident tuition at all times, and attempt no more than three hours in excess of the minimum required for the degree. Additional information may be obtained from the THECB rules (Sec. 13.91-98) or the Business Office.

In the event of nonpayment of debts owed to the college, one or more of the following actions may be taken: a.) withholding the student’s official transcript, b.) withholding of a degree to which the student would otherwise be entitled and c.) involuntary withdrawal of the student, and d.) account turned over to collection agency with possible legal action to follow.

South Plains College is not responsible for debts contracted by individual students or by student organizations. The college expects all students and student organizations to conduct themselves honorably in all commercial transactions. The college will not assume the role of a collection agency for organizations, firms and individuals to whom students owe bills, nor will the college adjudicate disputes between students and creditors over the existence or the amount of debts.

A student will be responsible for all unearned Title IV funds returned to the federal government, including the portion paid by South Plains College. (See Repayment of Unearned Aid on page 42.) The student will have a “financial hold” placed on their records until payment is made in full. This hold will prevent the receipt of grades and transcripts, as well as future enrollment at the college. The account may be turned over to a collection agency if payment is not received from the student in a timely manner. Additional fees may be charged by the collection agency.

It is the policy of South Plains College to accept checks given by students, personal or otherwise, in payment of tuition and fees, room and meals, and bookstore purchases. Any such check that is returned unpaid by the bank on which it is drawn will be viewed by the college as nonpayment of debts owed to the college. There will be a $30 charge for all checks returned unpaid.  In order for a returned check to be covered, payment must be made in the form of cash, credit card, money order or certified check. Unpaid checks will be turned over to the Hockley County Attorney’s Office for possible legal action. Additional fees will be charged for checks turned over to the County Attorney’s Office. Payment by check will not be accepted from students after two checks have been returned unpaid, or one check has been sent to the County Attorney’s Office.

Returned Checks for Tuition and Fees

A student who fails to cover the check may be denied credit for the work done that semester. Until the returned check is covered, the student will be barred from receiving grade reports, having transcripts forwarded, and future enrollment at the college.

Returned Checks for Room and Meals

Any student who gives a check in payment of room and meals that is subsequently returned will be given a maximum of 10 business days to cover the check. If the returned check is not covered at the end of the grace period, the student will be required to vacate college housing and surrender any meal cards presently held.

Returned Checks for Other Purchases

Any student who gives a check in payment of any merchandise sold or services rendered by the college that is subsequently returned will have a “financial hold” placed on their records. Until the returned check is covered, the student will be barred from receiving grade reports, having transcripts forwarded, and future enrollment at the college.