Financial Information

• Tuition And Fees
• Residency (Non-Resident Fees)
• Refund of Tuition and Fees
• Financial Assistance
• Grants
• Other Forms of Financial Assistance
• Scholarships And Awards

Tuition And Fees

Application Fees - Non-Refundable

All applicants, including auditors, enrolled in day and/or night classes are assessed a nonrefundable application fee. This fee is payable at the time of application. Students who pay the application fee and do not enroll may have their application reinstated for one fiscal year (Fall semester through Summer session). Students who miss a Fall or Spring semester must reapply and pay another application fee unless the fiscal year in which the application fee was paid has not ended.

Tuition

All tuition and registration fees must be paid in full at the time of registration, except when a student qualifies for the deferment plan. A non-refundable $25 service fee is charged to the student account if payment in full is not received prior to the start of classes. During periods of advanced registration, all tuition and fees must be paid in full by the due dates established and posted in the Tuition and Payment Schedule of the Student Handbook.  A student is considered officially registered once: (1) fees are paid, payment arrangements have been made (deferment), or financial assistance has been confirmed electronically or in writing; and (2) he or she has been admitted to the College.  Delgado Community College’s tuition and fees are among the most reasonable in the state. Tuition, which is subject to change at any time by the Board of Supervisors, is assessed as follows:

Fall 2011/Spring 2012 Tuition

 
*Tuition rates do not include the following:

Residency (Non-Resident Fees)

The Board of Supervisors for the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System (LCTCS) has established policies and procedures for determining residency for tuition and fee purposes (LCTCS Policy #2.008 Residency). Eligibility for classification as a Louisiana resident is determined by the Office of Admissions after the completed application for admission and other related documents have been submitted. After enrollment, changes in residency status are made in the Office of the Registrar.

Owning property in Louisiana, paying Louisiana state taxes, or establishing voter privileges in Louisiana do not, in themselves, qualify an applicant for Louisiana residency.

Residency categories are as follows:

• Have lived and worked in Louisiana for at least one full year
• Married to a Louisiana resident (as defined by LCTCS policy)
• A dependent child of a Delgado Community College graduate
• Dependent child of a Louisiana resident
• Dependent child of a Louisiana resident living with a legal guardian
• Permanent resident - must be in possession of Form I-551 (alien permanent resident card) or must show proof of permanent resident approval)

For tuition purposes, a Louisiana resident is defined as one who has, or a dependent person whose parent or legal guardian has, abandoned all prior domiciles and has been domiciled and is employed part-time or full-time in the State of Louisiana continuously for at least one full year (365 days) immediately preceding the first day of classes of the semester of enrollment for which resident classification is sought. Other persons not meeting the 12-month legal residency requirement as defined by the LCTCS may be classified as temporary residents for tuition purposes only if they meet one of the following categories.

Temporary Residency Classification Categories:

• Active Duty Military/Dependent
• Visa categories: A, E, G, I, H, K, L
• Non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted to the United States as Refugee, Amnesty Alien, Temporary Protective Status

Residency Reclassification

Students in the process of working to have their classification as non-residents changed to residents must present satisfactory written documentation that they meet one of the categories to be classified as a Louisiana resident for tuition purposes.

To qualify as a Louisiana resident for tuition purposes, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen; a legal permanent resident; a non-U.S. citizen who can demonstrate that he or she has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; or meet one of the classifications of temporary resident as defined by the LCTCS above.

Non-U.S. citizens must be a permanent resident in possession of Form I-551 (alien permanent resident card) or proof of approval for such status before beginning the process of establishing residency by meeting the criteria to be classified as a Louisiana resident. Non- U.S. citizens not in possession of Form I-551 are referred to International Student Admissions for determination of residency status.

Non-Louisiana Residency Reclassification Applications, which outline the required supporting documentation, are available in the Office of Admissions and on the Delgado web site (www.dcc.edu). The application along with all supporting documentation must be submitted to the Office of Admissions for new students or to the Office of the Registrar for readmit and continuing students within 21 days after the first day of classes. Appeals of denial for reclassification as non-residents must be submitted to the Admissions Review Committee at the student’s home campus.

Education Tax Credit

Certain tuition-related expenses may qualify for the federal HOPE and Lifetime learning tax credits. Please contact your tax advisor for details. The college will mail an IRS 1098-T form to the student’s permanent address by January 31. The form will only disclose that the student was at least a half-time student during the calendar year. The student should retain the receipt(s) provided by the Bursar for the amount of tuition paid to the College.

International Student Fee

An international student fee is charged all non- U.S. citizens who are also non-residents of Louisiana.

Audit Fees and Tuition

Students taking courses for audit are assessed the regular tuition and fees for the audited courses.

Student Activity Fee

The self-assessed student activity fee was approved by the student body in 1980 and increased by student referendum in 1993. The proceeds from this fee go directly to the Student Government Association (SGA), which oversees disbursement of the funds to various student activities. The SGA sponsors annual activities such as dances, films, and speakers. In addition, funds are provided to various academic departments for cultural enrichment, and to clubs and organizations for activities that benefit the entire student body.

Dolphin Card System Fee

The Dolphin Card is the official photo identification card of Delgado Community College, as well as a multifunctional purchasing and access card. The Dolphin Card System Fee is assessed each semester to activate the student’s card. The Dolphin card will be valid for as long as the student is enrolled in classes at Delgado.

Additionally, funds are deposited incrementally to the student’s Dolphin Card account at the beginning of each semester at a rate of $1.00 per credit hour enrolled, up to 12 hours, for free printing at all libraries and computer labs. At the time of registration, $6 is deposited automatically into the student’s Dolphin Card account for immediate use in the computer labs and library, and, if applicable, the final amount based on the student’s credit hours is deposited automatically on the 14th day.

If the student chooses to deposit additional money to his/her Dolphin Card, the student will be able to purchase meals at the food court, soda, water, items in vending machines, bookstore merchandise, and copies at libraries and computer labs, all with a swipe of the Dolphin Card. All deposited funds are available to the student as needed; however, refunds are not issued under any circumstances.

Academic Excellence Fee

The academic excellence fee promotes academic excellence at the College by enhancing institutional programs. This fee was approved by the State Legislature in 2003.

Technology Fee

This self-assessed student fee was approved by the State Legislature and ratified by the Student Government Associations in 1997. The proceeds are for the purposes of “implementing, replacing, improving, and expanding technologies to benefit student life and learning” (from Legislative Act 1450, 1997).

Student Life Center Fee

These self-assessed building fees were approved by the student body of the City Park Campus in 1997, and by the student body of the West Bank Campus in 2003. The proceeds are dedicated to the construction and operation of a new student life center on each campus. These fees apply to students registered at the respective campuses.

Operational Fund Fee

Effective Fall 2004, State of Louisiana Legislators and the LCTCS approved an operational fee to be assessed at all state colleges and universities to cover operational expenses no longer covered by the State. 

Enterprise Resource Planning Fee

Effective Fall 2010, the Board of Supervisors for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System approved a fee to support the implementation and continued operation of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. 

Student Services Fee

Effective Fall 2011, the Board of Supervisors for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System approved a student services fee at all LCTCS colleges.

Late Registration Fee

A student who registers after the close of the official registration period may be charged a late registration fee.

Late Payment Fee

Payments received after due date will incur a late fee. Additional fees will be assessed monthly until the account is paid in full. This fee is in addition to all other penalties and fees assessed due to returned checks or unpaid tuition (see Student Handbook).

Motor Vehicle Registration Fees and Fines

A registration fee is charged to all students who park a motor vehicle on campus, or at any other location where the College conducts classes and provides security services. An additional nominal fee is charged to students to register each additional car. Motor vehicle registration must be renewed each fall semester so that students may park in designated student areas. Students who receive tickets for violations must present the ticket and pay the fine at the Bursar’s Office within 48 hours. A student may not receive a parking permit without a valid Delgado identification card or an I.D. card from a cooperating institution. It is important to note that parking decals must be affixed in the proper location on the vehicle’s rear windshield.

Graduation Fee

Students who will graduate in Fall 2011 or Spring 2012 are required to pay a $50 graduation fee in that semester during the period of time established for this purpose. This fee includes a $48 graduation processing fee, which covers the cost of diploma materials and processing, and a $2 fee for a one-year initial membership in the Delgado Alumni Association.  An additional $40 fee will be assessed to students who apply after the established deadline.

Transcript of Records Fee

All admission requirements and financial obligations to the College must be met in full before transcripts are issued. Students who have defaulted on federal student loans secured through a Title IV Student Financial Assistance Office may not receive a copy of their academic record at Delgado until the State Office of Financial Assistance verifies to Delgado in writing that the loan is no longer in default. Transcripts are issued at a cost of $5 per copy. Students requesting immediate service are assessed a $10 fee per copy.

Deferment Plan Service Fee

Students registering for a minimum of six semester hours (and not qualifying for other financial aid) may request a partial deferment of tuition and fees. Under this deferment plan, tuition is due in three installments (two installments in the summer session) by the payment deadlines published in the semester’s Student Handbook. Any exceptions involving alternative payment plans require the approval of the Assistant Vice Chancellor/Controller.

A $25 service fee is charged to students who use the deferment plan. Late or incorrect payments by mail or by express-drop will cause a $25 non-refundable surcharge to be added to the account. Default on installment payments without prior arrangements with the Accounting Office subjects the student’s account to being submitted to a collection agency.

Application for Waiver of Tuition Fee

Students may receive a waiver of tuition if they are active members of the National Guard, New Orleans policemen or firemen; dependents of disabled or deceased-in-the-line-of-duty police; firefighters or military personnel; or students cross-enrolled from Nunez, SLU, UNO, SUNO or LCTCS-District 1. Senior citizens (60 years or older) qualify for one tuition-free credit course each semester. Students who attend Delgado on one of these waivers must be enrolled for credit (not audit). Other waivers may be available; contact Business Affairs for further information. All waivers are subject to change by the Board of Supervisors. The student is responsible for verifying with the funding source all specific academic and financial eligibility criteria as it pertains to waivers.

Under the Louisiana Statute R.S. 29:36.1, certain members of the Louisiana National Guard may be exempted from paying tuition. Even with this exemption, a student must pay the $15 non-refundable application fee. The tuition exemption may be claimed by presenting a Certificate of Exemption during the registration period.

Returned Check/ Credit Card Chargeback Fee

Students will be assessed a fee for all returned checks and/or credit card chargebacks due to insufficient funds, unauthorized use, cancelled card or fraud. The fee is $25 or five percent of the amount of the returned check/ credit card chargeback, whichever is greater. Any student who has a returned check or credit card chargeback on his/her account will have to pay by cashier’s check, money order, or cash for the semester in which the check was written or the chargeback was incurred plus the next semester of attendance. Only in the case of a bank or card issuer error will the returned check/ credit card chargeback penalties be removed. After the College has exhausted its attempts to notify the student, failure to pay the returned check or credit card chargeback and additional charges will subject the student to an administrative withdrawal from classes, and his/her account will be submitted to a collection agency.

Refund of Tuition and Fees

For students reducing their credit hours or officially withdrawing from the College, all or a portion of their refundable tuition and fees may be credited to their account according to a Refund Schedule published each semester in the Student Handbook. Students must complete the drop/withdrawal process prior to the posted deadlines to qualify for a reduction in amounts owed.  Nonattendance does not constitute withdrawal.

If a credit balance remains after all tuition and fees due are deducted from any payments that have been applied, the balance will be returned to the student automatically.  Amounts returned to the student are based on assessed tuition and fees, not amounts paid.

Students who wish to appeal the refund they receive (or lack thereof) must complete a “Refund Request Form” in the Registrar’s Office. A letter stating the reasons the student feels he or she is entitled to a refund must be attached to the refund request form. Distance education students will be afforded the opportunity to submit their tuition refund request forms and supporting documentation through available distance education modalities.

The College is a state agency, and therefore, all refunds must be substantiated and are subject to review by the State of Louisiana Office of the Legislative Auditor. The following are reasons for denial of a refund:

• Non-attendance without sufficient justification;
• Denial of or late application for federal financial assistance after a promissory note has been signed;
• Dropping disallowed credit courses by students on academic probation or suspension (It is the student’s responsibility to know his or her academic status and the classes in which he or she is eligible to enroll before registering.); and/or
• Unsupported or unsubstantiated reasons/justifications.

Refund requests are submitted to the Registrar’s Office and are forwarded to an Appeals Committee, which consists of representatives of the Registrar’s Office, Office of Student Financial Assistance, and the Accounting Department, as well as appointed academic staff representatives. The Committee Chair will notify the student of the Appeals Committee’s decision. A student may make a final appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Business and Administrative Affairs. Requests for refunds for any fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) must be received by June 30 of that fiscal year.

Course/Laboratory Fees

Some courses may require an additional fee.  Also, as authorized by the Louisiana Board of Regents, online course fees are charged to cover the cost of electronic delivery.  All distance education courses (web-based and compressed video) have a fee of $45 per course and may also have additional lab or course fees specific to the individual course.

For a complete list of fees, visit www.dcc.edu/lab_fees/labfeelist.pdf.

Financial Assistance

Delgado Community College believes that no student who wishes to pursue a college education should be denied that opportunity for financial reasons. In determining the need for financial assistance, the Office of Student Financial Assistance is guided by its estimate of each student’s actual expenses and the data supplied by the student in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Each student who is eligible will be offered a “package” containing a combination of grants, loans, scholarships, and/or student employment. FAFSA’s are available from high school guidance offices, the Delgado Office of Student Financial Assistance, or apply over the Internet at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Detailed information on student employment, loans, grants, and scholarships may be secured by contacting one of the following:

Office of Student Financial Assistance
City Park Campus
Delgado Community College
615 City Park Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119-4399
(504) 671-5042

Office of Student Financial Assistance
West Bank Campus
Delgado Community College
2600 General Meyer Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70114-3095
(504) 762-3193/3241

Office of Student Financial Assistance
Charity School of Nursing
Delgado Community College
450 South Claiborne Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 571-1335

Office of Student Financial Assistance
Northshore/Covington Delgado
Community College
317 Jefferson Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 671-6617

Office of Student Financial Assistance
Northshore/Slidell
Delgado Community College
320 Howze Beach Road
Slidell, LA 70461
(985) 671-6614

Formal admission as a degree-seeking student is required before financial assistance can be offered. The student’s file is not considered to be complete and cannot be evaluated until the Financial Assistance Application and all other requested documents have been submitted. The Financial Assistance Office will try to respond to complete applications within 30 days.

The Application Process

At Delgado Community College, we want to provide students with the best financial aid package possible. To start the process, students must complete two forms:

First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. (Delgado’s school code is 004626.)

Second, complete a Delgado Financial Assistance Application and return it to the Office of Student Financial Assistance on the appropriate campus. Students are assigned a campus code when they first register for classes at Delgado. Students must submit all required financial aid documentation to the Office of Student Financial Assistance on the appropriate campus. Financial aid documents are available on Delgado Community College’s web site at: www.dcc.edu under the “Financial Aid Forms” link. (If you don’t know your campus code, call the Office of the Registrar at (504) 671-5021 for City Park and (504) 762-3100 for the West Bank.)

Once the Office of Student Financial Assistance has received the results of student’s Federal application, the Delgado Financial Assistance application, and any other documentation we ask students to provide, we will send the students an official Award Letter. Students may accept all or just a part of the aid offer. If students fail to sign and return their award letters to our office within 10 working days, the offer of assistance might be withdrawn and the funds offered to another needy student. If that happens, and students wish to reinstate their applications, the effective date of the new applications will be the date on which students request that the applications be reinstated.

Important: After submitting all requested documents, if students have not been notified within 30 days of their award status, they should make an appointment to see a financial aid counselor.

Deadlines

1. Priority Processing - Applications of students who have submitted all requested documentation by the established deadline dates listed below will be given priority. Students will be notified before the start of the semester/session if they qualify for Federal Title IV aid.
   Fall semester              May 1
   Spring semester        October 15
   Summer semester    April 1
2. Documents received after priority processing date - If students do not submit all the requested documents by the deadline date, financial aid may not be processed by the start of the semester. However, the Financial Aid Office will attempt to process students within 30 days of receipt of the last document submitted.
3. Late Applications - Students who apply for financial aid after the deadline date or fail to submit all documents on or before the deadline will be responsible for securing their class schedules, either by paying or by making payment arrangements at the Bursar’s Office.
   If students register during early registration, they must make payment arrangements no later than the Friday preceding the first day of regular registration.
   If students register during regular or late registration, they must make payment arrangements before the close of business on the day they register.
4. Loans - Before students can apply for an educational loan to help pay the cost of attending school, they must indicate their interest in a loan on their Free Application for Federal Financial Assistance and on Delgado Financial Assistance Application. Once the loan is approved, students will receive a school-certified master promissory note in the mail at the address on the FAFSA. The promissory note must be signed and forwarded to the lender immediately.

Financial Aid Eligibility

In general, a student must meet the following requirements to qualify for Title IV Financial Aid:

1. Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans);
2. Be a high school graduate, have a GED, or pass an independently administered test approved by the Secretary of Education, or meet other standards your state has established that are approved by the U.S. Department of Education;
3. Be either a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen;
4. Be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program;
5. Make satisfactory academic progress in a course of study;
6. Not be in default of any educational loans at any school attended; or if in default, must have made satisfactory repayment arrangements;
7. Not owe a refund on grants at any school attended;
8. Register with the Selective Service if required (you can use the paper or electronic FAFSA to register);
9. Have a valid Social Security Number.

General Information

Delgado Community College has a comprehensive financial assistance program to help meet the cost of education. The College offers seven major student financial assistance programs:

     Federal Pell Grant 
     Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
     Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
     Federal College Work-Study (FCWS)
     Direct Unsubsidized Loans
     Direct Subsidized Loans
     Direct PLUS Loans for Parents

Financial Assistance is the economic assistance available to help students meet the difference between what they can afford to pay and what it will actually cost to go to school. This assistance is provided in one of the following forms:

1. Grants - Grants are a form of nonrepayable assistance sometimes referred to as gift aid (free money). Grants are awarded based on the student’s need and availability of funds.
2. Scholarships - Academic scholarships are awards based on academic achievement. Participation in student activities or special talents are required for Leadership Scholarships. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.
3. Loans - Loans are financial awards with a low interest rate made to students attending at least half-time, which must be repaid to your lender. Some loans can be cancelled if students meet certain program regulations. Repayments usually begin 6 months after graduation, withdrawal from school, or when a student drops to less than half-time. All first-time loan recipients must complete an online pre-loan counseling session at www.mapping-your-future.org before receiving student loan funds. In addition, Delgado’s Federal Default Management Program requires that all funds for first-time loan recipients be delayed thirty (30) days from the first day of class.
4. Employment - Employment opportunities are provided through the Federal College Work-Study Program, the Federal Community Service Program, and the Campus Work-Study Program.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is an entitlement program. It is awarded to help undergraduates pay for their college education. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree are ineligible for a Pell Grant. To qualify for a Pell Grant the student must have financial need and be enrolled in a degree-seeking program on a full- or part-time basis.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG money is limited and available only for those who have exceptional financial need. Students with exceptional financial need are those who are eligible for a Pell Grant, have the lowest expected family contribution, enrolled at least half-time, and still have unmet financial need.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP, formerly SSIG)

The LEAP grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for those students who meet the requirements stated below. The priority deadline is May 1. Funds are limited. The amount awarded is determined by the funds available in a given year.

To be eligible for consideration, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Be a Louisiana resident for at least one year.
• Have graduated from high school with at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA, or a minimum average score of 45 on the GED, or at least a 20 on the ACT or a cumulative postsecondary GPA of at least 2.00
• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.
• Annually apply for federal and state student aid.
• Have financial need of at least $199
• Not be in default on an educational loan nor owe a repayment on an educational scholarship or grant.

Federal College Work-Study (FCWS)

The College Work-Study Program provides jobs to earn money for school expense. The amount of award is based on need and availability of funds. College Work-Study pays at least the minimum wage, and the student is paid approximately every two weeks.

Community Service Work-Study involves working on- or off-campus in a community service position.

FCWS Requirements:

In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements, students wishing to be considered for FCWS:

1. Must have financial need as determined by FAFSA, and
2. Be enrolled (at least half-time) in a course of study leading to a degree or certificate.

Campus Work-Study

The Campus Work-Study Program is a state funded program that does not require financial need to apply. Students may apply by completing the application for student employment. In addition, students must be enrolled at least half-time.

Other Forms Of Financial Assistance

Direct Loans

You may be eligible for a Direct loan if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen,
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; and
• Plan to attend an eligible postsecondary school at least half time.

There are two kinds of Direct loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized.

You are required to begin repaying Direct loans six months after you leave school or drop below half-time status.

Subsidized Direct Loans

Loans that are available to students who meet certain financial need criteria. If you qualify for this type of loan, the federal government will pay the interest on the loan while you are in school, during a six-month grace period, and during times when you qualify for an authorized deferment, which is one way of postponing loan payments. The maximum amount a student may borrow is $3,500 per year for the first year of study and $4,500 per year for the second year, given financial need.

Unsubsidized Direct Loans

Loans that are available to students who meet certain financial need criteria for a subsidized Stafford loan or who do not qualify for the full annual limit of a subsidized Stafford loan. You are responsible for paying the interest that accumulates on an unsubsidized loan during school or you may defer payments. If you defer, the interest will be added to your principle balance.

Direct PLUS Loans for Parents

Your parent may be eligible for Federal PLUS loans if:

• You are an undergraduate and dependent on your parent;
• You are enrolled in school at least halftime; and
• You and the parent borrower are U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

The parent applying for the loan is responsible for repaying the loan. In this case, parent means your parent, adoptive parent, or step-parent.

A PLUS loan is available without regard to financial need and may include the full cost of education minus other forms of financial aid. The lender is required, however, to verify that the parent borrower does not have an adverse credit history. Your parent is required to begin repaying within 60 days after the loan if fully disbursed.

Mandatory Exit Interview

Each loan recipient is required by federal regulations to participate in an exit interview at the time the student ceases to attend Delgado Community College at least half-time. Students should go to the Financial Assistance office at their respective campus for this exit interview before the student withdraws, graduates, drops to less than half-time, or completes his/her last semester at Delgado. Students can also complete an exit interview on the internet at www.mapping-your-future.org.

Veterans’ Benefits

Discharged servicemen, reservists, those currently in the armed forces, or qualified dependents who plan to attend Delgado must apply for certification to the regional Veterans Administration through Delgado’s Veterans Affairs Office. Services which are provided to qualified recipients include:

1. Counseling—academic
2. Tutoring
3. Liaison with personnel from the Veterans Administration

Students eligible to receive veterans benefits enrolled at the Slidell Learning Center should contact the City Park Campus.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Credit-Hour Recipients of Title IV, Student Financial Assistance (SFA)

In order to remain eligible to receive Title IV, Student Financial Assistance (SFA) program funds while attending Delgado Community College, a student must make steady progress toward the chosen academic goal.

The Title IV, Student Financial Assistance Programs include:

     Federal Pell Grant
     Federal College Work-Study (FWS)
     Federal Direct Loan
     Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
     Direct Unsubsidized Loan
     Direct PLUS Loan for Parents
     Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The requirement that a student progress toward his or her academic goal is known as the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirement. The Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy appears here for the academic year.

Standards: The SAP policy has three standards that a student must meet in order to remain eligible to receive Title IV, SFA—a qualitative standard, a quantitative standard, and a time standard. Delgado’s qualitative standard is the student’s cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The qualitative standard requires that as the number of hours a student has attempted increases, the student’s CGPA increases.

Delgado’s qualitative standard is as follows:

Credit Hours Attempted        1-29    30-59    60 & above
Minimum CGPA Required      1.50     1.75            2.00

Federal Regulations require that a college have a cumulative quantitative standard in its SAP Policy. Delgado’s cumulative quantitative standard requires that a student satisfactorily complete (earn a passing grade and credit hours) a given number of credit hours for a given number of credit hours attempted. Delgado’s cumulative quantitative standard is as follows:

Delgado’s time standard specifies the maximum time frame during which a student is permitted to reach the student’s chosen academic goal. The maximum time frame is measured in credit hours attempted (not weeks, months, or years). A student receiving SFA program funds is expected to reach the student’s chosen academic goal by the time the student has attempted 150% of the number of semester hours required for the student’s degree or certificate.

Moreover, a student may receive SFA program funds while the student is enrolled for no more than 30 semester hours of developmental or remedial courses.

A student enrolled in a limited enrollment program must be admitted to that program before the student’s appeal for exceeding the maximum time frame will be considered. A student whose appeal for relief from the maximum time frame requirement is granted must satisfactorily complete all additional hours attempted in order to remain eligible to receive aid.

All courses attempted, including hours for remedial course work and hours in different majors, are counted in the maximum time frame. Since most certificate programs require 33 semester hours, a student whose chosen academic goal is a certificate will be limited to attempting 50 semester hours while receiving Title IV, SFA program funds. Most degree programs require 66 semester hours; therefore, a degree-seeking student will be limited to attempting 99 semester hours while receiving Title IV, SFA program funds. Hours attempted will include all hours—earned, dropped with a “W,” incomplete (I), and failed. All courses attempted count toward the maximum time frame, even those hours attempted when the student was not receiving Title IV, SFA program funds.

Loss of Eligibility: Once a student has received Title IV, SFA program funds at Delgado Community College, the student’s satisfactory academic progress will be monitored during all periods of enrollment (even those during which the student receives no financial aid).

A student whose eligibility to receive SFA program funds is suspended because of the student’s failure to meet the qualitative or quantitative standards may regain eligibility to receive SFA program funds in a future semester by earning the appropriate cumulative grade point average and semester hours for the hours attempted.

Appeals: A student may appeal the loss of eligibility for Title IV, SFA program funds if the student believes the loss of eligibility occurred because of mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances include—personal illness, injury, undue hardship, and death in the student’s immediate family. Mitigating circumstances do not include—a change of major, change in job assignment, or similar changes. An appeal of the loss of eligibility for Title IV, SFA program funds must be made in writing to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Appeals must be submitted on an Appeal Form that can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Along with the appeal form, the student must submit documentation of the extenuating circumstance(s) that are the grounds for the appeal. Each appeal will be considered on its own merits. A student whose appeal is granted, might be required to sign an Academic Contract that specifies the conditions a student must meet in order to continue receiving aid.

In order to receive Title IV, SFA program funds during a fall or spring semester for which a student has lost eligibility, an appeal must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance within 30 days after classes begin. In order to receive Title IV, SFA programs funds during a summer for which a student has lost eligibility, an appeal must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance within 10 days after classes begin.

Important: If a student submits an appeal later than ten days before the start of regular registration, financial aid can not be used to secure the student’s classes. The student must make individual arrangements to guarantee the payment of school charges or the student will be dropped from classes.

Transfer Students: A transfer student’s eligibility for Title IV, SFA program funds will be evaluated according to the same standards as other Delgado students.

A transfer student’s hours attempted will include all transfer hours accepted towards certificate degree, credit hours earned, and grade point average at Delgado Community College. A student who has received financial aid benefits while attending a non-accredited school will be treated as a new student because Delgado Community College does not accept credit hours earned from a non-accredited school. A transfer student who wishes to receive aid for their second semester at Delgado in time for that aid to hold the student’s classes must ensure that the Office of Admissions receives official transcripts of all previous postsecondary work by the deadline established by the Admissions office.

Withdrawals, Non-Credit, Remedial Courses and Incomplete Grades: A grade of “W” will not be used in calculating a student’s grade point average. However, in measuring a student’s adherence to the SAP standards, all credit hours for courses in which a student receives a “W” will be included in the number of semester hours attempted.

A student will be allowed to repeat a course according to the policies stated in the College Catalog. However, in measuring a student’s adherence to the SAP standards, all credit hours for repeated courses will be included in the total hours attempted.

Non-credit courses or audited courses will not be counted in hours attempted. However, in measuring a student’s adherence to the SAP standards, semester hours for developmental or remedial courses will be counted as hours attempted.

An incomplete (I) grade will not be used in calculating a student’s grade point average. However, the semester hours for courses in which a student receives an “I” will be included in the number of semester hours attempted.

Probation and Suspension Policy

Procedures for Implementing the Probationary and Suspension Policies: At the end of each fall and spring semester, the Office of Student Financial Assistance will notify each student who fails to meet the minimum standards set forth in this policy. If this is a student’s first time at Delgado, he or she will be placed on probation.

A student who is on Federal Financial Assistance and is not a first-time student at Delgado will be suspended from financial aid if he or she fails to meet the minimum SAP standards and will be informed by the Office of Student Financial Assistance at the end of the appropriate enrollment period.

A student may regain eligibility to receive Title IV, SFA program funds by earning the appropriate cumulative grade point average and semester hours for the hours attempted while attending the college with no assistance from the Title IV, SFA programs.

Important: The Office of Student Financial Assistance does not monitor the progress of students not eligible to receive Title IV, SFA program funds. Therefore, students who believe they have reestablished their eligibility to receive Title IV, SFA program funds must notify the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will then re-evaluate and restore eligibility where appropriate.

Financial Assistance Credits

The Office of Student Financial Assistance will post appropriate credits to your student account. Students whose financial assistance credits satisfy the minimum payment will be considered registered by the payment due date. If you decide not to attend, you must cancel your schedule. If you fail to follow this procedure, you may receive grades of “F” for the semester, possible financial obligations to the College, and the loss of future financial aid.

If your financial assistance is reduced or eliminated after the semester’s bills are mailed, you are responsible for paying the adjusted balance by the fee payment deadline or your classes may be cancelled.

Financial Aid Payments in Excess of Tuition/Fees/Books

At the time financial aid is credited to your account, applicable outstanding charges will be deducted and any excess credit balance will be refunded electronically via Direct Deposit or Delgado Direct Card within 14 days after classes have begun. You must complete an enrollment application for Direct Deposit or Delgado Direct Card. Enrollment applications may be picked up at the Accounts Receivable Office in Bldg. 2, Room 205, the Business Office, or the Bursar’s Office at your respective campus.

Return of Federal Title IV Funds

When a student completely withdraws from the College during an academic period for which he or she is a recipient of Title IV funds, the College is required to determine whether the return of Title IV funds must be made according to statutory and regulatory requirements. The rules that govern the return of Title IV funds assume that a student earns his or her aid based upon the period of time that the student remains enrolled.

During the first sixty percent (60%) of an enrollment period, a student “earns” Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time that he or she remains enrolled. The percentage of time during an academic period that a student remained enrolled is the percentage of disbursable aid for that period that the student earned.

Aid is “disbursable” if a student could have received it at that point of an academic period when the student withdrew from the College. Total disbursable aid includes aid that was disbursed and aid that could have been, but was not, disbursed as of the student’s date of withdrawal.

A student who remains enrolled at the College beyond the sixty percent (60%) point of an academic period is presumed to have earned all aid for that period. Unearned Title IV funds, other than Federal Work Study, must be returned.

Unearned aid is the amount of disbursed Title IV funds that exceeds the amount of Title IV funds earned under statutory and regulatory guidelines.

The responsibility to repay unearned Title IV funds is shared by the College and the student in proportion to the Title IV funds each is assumed to possess.

The College will notify, in writing, a student who is required to repay and return unearned Title IV funds prior to the end of the enrollment period.

Scholarships And Awards

For New Students

In general students must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements for each new student scholarship listed below:

1. Must be a high school graduate from an accredited or state approved school or have a GED equivalency.
2. Must be a full-time student (12 semester hours, excluding Developmental Studies and English as a Second Language courses) in the semester the scholarship is used.
3. Must be seeking a degree or certificate.
4. Must be a Louisiana resident as defined in this Catalog.
5. Must maintain required grade point average (GPA) in order to have scholarship renewed for additional semesters.
6. Must successfully complete at least 12 hours each semester to maintain scholarship.

Note: In the event of extenuating circumstances such as personal illness, injury, undue hardship, or death in the immediate family, a student may appeal to the Scholarship Committee for exception to requirements #5 and #6.

Academic Scholarships: Delgado Community College offers academic scholarships each year to outstanding Louisiana high school graduates. Selection is based on high school grade point average, ACT composite score of 20, and recommendations. Recipients of this scholarship must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and successfully complete 12 credit hours per semester (excluding Developmental Studies & English as a Second Language courses) in order to retain a $2,800 award for a two-year period.

Honors Scholarships: Students who wish to enroll in the Honors Program may qualify for an Honors Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees. Honors Program requirements include an ACT composite score of 22 and a high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or an ACT composite score of 20 and a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and placement in college-level courses. To retain the Honors Scholarship, continuing students must successfully complete at least 12 hours of college-level courses per semester (excluding Developmental Studies and ESL courses), enroll in at least one Honors course each semester, and maintain a 3.4 cumulative GPA per semester.

Leadership Scholarships: Leadership scholarships are awarded to high school graduates who have demonstrated strong leadership as student government leaders, yearbook/newspaper editors, club officers, etc. The amount awarded is $400 per semester for 2 years (four semesters, summer excluded). Recipients of this scholarship must maintain a 2.5 GPA as a full-time student enrolling in and successfully completing 12 credit hours each semester (may include Developmental Studies and English as a Second Language courses). Verification of each recipient’s participation in a Delgado student organization is also required to renew eligibility each semester.

Delgado “Dolphin Jazz” Dance Team Leadership Scholarship: This fund provides Scholarship awards of $400 per semester for one year. Students interested in being a member of the Delgado Dolphin Jazz Dance Team must audition and be selected by a panel of judges. These students must possess a 2.0 minimum GPA in high school and submit a letter of recommendation and an ACT Test score. All students must successfully complete 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. In addition, students must be active members of the Dolphin Jazz Team throughout the semester to be eligible for subsequent semester assistance.

Adult Scholarships: Part-time as well as full-time students may apply for the adult scholarships. The applicant should show outstanding performance at work and have never attended a regionally accredited college or university. A recommendation from the student’s employer or a community leader is also required. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on qualifications. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and successfully complete 12 credit hours per semester for fulltime and 6 credit hours for part-time (may include Developmental Studies and English as a Second Language courses). The scholarship is for two years.

Music Scholarships: Each semester, scholarships ranging from $100 to $400 are awarded to new and continuing students with exceptional talent in music. To receive this scholarship, a student must participate in the College Chorus, Concert Band, or Jazz Ensemble and maintain a GPA of 2.0, and at least half-time status with no grade lower than a “C” in a required major course. Applications are accepted continuously, but awards are made prior to the end of registration each semester. Scholarship recommendations are made by a faculty committee from the Music Department following an audition/interview. Applications should be sent directly to the Music Department on the City Park Campus. (Continuing students also are eligible.)

Athletic Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded for participants in baseball and basketball. Each year there are men’s and women’s full basketball scholarships which cover tuition, books, and fees. There are also scholarships available for baseball each year. In order to be awarded a scholarship, the student must be eligible to attend or continue enrollment at the College and must be in compliance with all admission requirements. All athletic scholarships are awarded and administered under the eligibility rules of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Selections of recipients are made by the coaches on the basis of their recruiting and scouting observations or student performance at annual tryouts. Inquiries should be directed to the Athletic Department on the City Park Campus. (Continuing students are also eligible.)

Cheerleader/Mascot Scholarships: Students interested in being Delgado cheerleaders may be awarded $400 per semester if chosen by the selection committee at annual tryouts. These students must successfully complete 12 credit hours each semester and maintain a 2.0 GPA. (Continuing students are also eligible.) In addition, students must be active on the cheerleading squad throughout the semester to be eligible for subsequent semester assistance.

Further information about scholarships for new students may be obtained from:

Office of Enrollment Services
Delgado Community College
615 City Park Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119-4399
(504) 671-5091

Bill Panter Scholarship: The Delgado Federation of College Teachers provides a $200-per-year award for a deserving student of a labor-affiliated family. Recipient to be chosen by the donor.

For Continuing Students

Applications are available through the Financial Assistance Office on each campus. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is February 15th. Continuing students may apply for the following scholarships and must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements unless otherwise stated:

1. Must be a high school graduate from an accredited or state approved school or have GED equivalency.
2. Must be a full-time student (12 semester hours, excluding Developmental Studies and English as a Second Language courses) in the semester the application is submitted and maintain full-time status during the period of the scholarship unless otherwise stated. Exceptions to the full-time status requirements are made for students in Allied Health or Nursing programs, if their degree programs dictate a less than fulltime load after they are admitted to the program.
3. Must have earned at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point on the 4.0 system at Delgado Community College.
4. Must be seeking a degree or certificate.
5. Must be a Louisiana resident as defined in this Catalog.
6. Must maintain required grade point average (GPA) at the end of the Spring Semester in which the scholarship is awarded and during the period of the award. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GRANTED FOR TWO SEMESTERS.
7. Must successfully complete at least 12 hours each semester to maintain scholarship (exception noted in #2).

Note: In the event of extenuating circumstances such as personal illness, injury, undue hardship, or death in the immediate family, a student may appeal to the Scholarship Committee for exception to requirements #6 and #7.

SGA Scholarships: The Student Government Association of each campus provides scholarship awards of up to $600 per semester to students in each of that campus’s divisions. These awards are in recognition of outstanding academic performance at Delgado Community College. Only applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are considered. The student must have successfully completed 15 hours at Delgado to be considered.

Edward Kennedy Memorial Scholarships: The Student Government Association of the City Park Campus provides funds for a scholarship of $500 per semester to a deserving student from the City Park Campus. This award is in recognition of outstanding academic performance at Delgado Community College and is based on cumulative GPA, activities, and service at Delgado Community College. Only applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or better are considered.

Seymour Weiss Memorial Scholarship: This fund provides scholarship awards of $500 per semester to students in each of the College’s divisions. These awards are in recognition of outstanding academic performance at Delgado Community College and are based on successful completion of at least 15 hours at Delgado, cumulative GPA, activities, and service at Delgado Community College. Only applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are considered.

Delgado Tuition Assistance Program (GAP): The GAP Text Book Scholarship was established by the Delgado Community College Foundation Board.  The scholarships are funded through personal contributions from the College’s faculty and staff and also through fund-raising efforts of the Foundation.  GAP scholarships are provided to eligible students to assist with the cost of textbooks.  Out-of-state and international students who meet the criteria are also eligible. (ONE TIME AWARD)

William B. Stanfield Memorial Scholarship: This fund provides scholarship awards of $250 for part-time and $400 for full-time students each semester. Awards are in recognition of high scholastic achievement at Delgado Community College, and are based on financial need. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA to be considered.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship: This fund provides a scholarship of $350 per semester. Recipients are chosen by the scholarship donor.

Coleman B. Curtis Memorial Scholarship: The Construction Specifications Institute provides scholarships of $500 per semester to a full-time student majoring in an engineering construction-related field and who has financial need.

Overture to the Cultural Season Scholarship: This organization provides two scholarships of $750 annually to a student majoring in Visual Communications, Fine Arts, Interior Design, or Music who has earned a GPA of 3.0 or more after completion of 12 hours and shows a need for financial aid. New and transfer students may also be considered.

Tom Ireland Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship of $300 per year is awarded to a student majoring in Care and Development of Young Children who has maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Madelyn Blanchard Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship of $300 per year is awarded to a student majoring in Care and Development of Young Children who has maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

National Association of Women in Construction Scholarship: A scholarship of $750 is provided to a student who is a citizen of the United States and who is pursuing a construction-related field. The student may be full or part-time and must have completed 50% of the courses in his degree program.

Experiential Education Scholarship: A scholarship of $500 is awarded to a student who is currently enrolled in at least nine semester hours and whose total semester hours and clinical setting or on-the-job hours are at least twelve. A 3.5 GPA and a full-time equivalent enrollment must be maintained during the period of the scholarship.

The following scholarships are also available for continuing students:

• Honors Scholarships
• Athletic Scholarship
• Music Scholarship
• Cheerleader Scholarships
• Dolphin Jazz Dance Team Scholarships

(See “Scholarships and Awards - For New Students,” above.)

Jacqueline “Jinx” Vidrine Scholarship: This scholarship provides $250 per year to a fulltime student seeking an Educational Interpreting for the Deaf degree who has maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, has earned at least 30 credit hours, and has financial need. The recipient is selected by the donor.

The Barbara Rose Memorial Scholarship: This fund provides a scholarship award of $150.00 per semester for one continuing student majoring in music and enrolled in an applied music piano with a GPA of 2.5.

C.B. “Lum” Ellis Scholarship: This fund provides a scholarship award of $250 per semester to a student with 30 or more credit hours majoring in behavioral or social sciences who has an interest in studies beyond the associate degree leading to a career in social services.

NOTE: Full-time faculty and staff are not eligible for Delgado Scholarships.