Financial Information

• Tuition and Fees
• Non-Residents
• Refund of Tuition and Fees

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

Upon registration, all tuition and registration fees must be paid to secure classes. Alternatively, classes may also be secured with confirmed financial aid, enrollment in a payment plan through Delgado’s contracted vendor, or by having an exemption or contract applied to the account.   During periods of advanced registration, classes must be secured by the due dates established and posted in the Tuition, Fees and Payment section of the Student Handbook.  A student is considered officially registered once: (1) he or she has been admitted to the College; and (2) all tuition and fees are paid, or payment arrangements have been made with Delgado’s contracted vendor for payment plans, or financial assistance has been confirmed electronically and/or in writing. 

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 LCTCS Board of Supervisors, is assessed as follows:

Fall 2012/Spring 2013 Tuition

 
*Tuition rates do not include the following:

*Non-refundable Fees:
Non-refundable fees are only refunded if the student reduces hours or withdraws through the 100% refund period. 

Online Tuition and Fees

Combined tuition and fees for all online courses are assessed at $122 per credit hour ($119 per credit hour tuition and $3 per credit hour ERP fee), with an additional $40 online registration fee assessed per semester (not per course). Assessment of tuition and fees for online courses is not capped at 12-hours each semester; the 12-hour assessment cap applies only to in-person classes and special sessions.

Payment Plan

Delgado has an established contract with a third-party vendor to provide a payment plan for students (formerly offered directly by Delgado as a “deferment plan”). To participate in the Payment Plan, students must enroll online, and the number and amount of payments depends on how early the student enrolls in the plan. Fees for participating in this plan are set by and paid directly to the vendor. For more information, students should see Payment Plan Options in their LoLA (Logon Louisiana) account.

Non-Residents

Students classified as non-residents of the state of Louisiana are assessed non-resident tuition and fees according to the rates established by the LCTCS Board of Supervisors. Student residency is established at the time of application to the College. Residency classification is determined by the Admissions Office based on criteria set forth by the LCTCS Board of Supervisors and the information provided on the student’s application. If a residency reclassification is necessary or required, students must make requests through the Registrar’s Office. For more information, see Residency.

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 of $45 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 Government Association (SGA) Fee

The self-assessed SGA 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.

Charity Student Activity Fee

This self-assessed student fee is charged to all Charity School of Nursing students and dedicated to Nursing traditions and student activity programs.  The proceeds from this fee go directly to the Student Government Association (SGA), which oversees disbursement of the funds to various Nursing student activities. This fee was adopted by the former Charity Hospital School of Nursing and maintained upon transfer of the school to Delgado Community College in 1990.

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 2012 or Spring 2013 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.

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 Student Accounts Receivable Office 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. 

Course/Laboratory Fees

Some courses may require an additional fee to cover additional resources required to teach the course.  For a complete list of fees, visit Course Fee List  .

Tuition Increase / Fee Hardship Appeals

When legislation for a fee or tuition increase specifies that students may apply for tuition/fee hardship waivers, the College provides an opportunity for students to appeal the fee or tuition increase.  Tuition/fee hardship waivers are allowed for only when specified by legislation, including but not limited to the Academic Excellence fee and Operational fee. Students wishing to file an appeal must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  This federal financial aid process will determine individual student financial need.  If the student receives grants, scholarships, and/or waivers in an amount that meets or exceeds tuition, then the appeal will be closed.  If the student has no eligibility for need-based aid, the appeal will be closed unless the student can document very unusual circumstances. See the College’s Tuition Increase/ Fee Hardship Appeals policy for more information.

 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.  Students who have classes secured through any means, including pending financial aid, must withdraw from the College if they decide not to attend. Students with secured classes may have a financial obligation to the College if they do not withdraw, even if they never attend.

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.

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 a Refund 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 Refund 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.