Tuition and Fees

Most courses also have individual fees that vary by course. These fees are displayed when viewing the details of a course on our online schedule or via Self Service.

Students 62-64 years of age who are residents of Rock Valley College District 511 qualify for a reduced tuition rate of $25 per credit hour. Students age 65 and over who are district residents may attend credit classes tuition free. All other fees will be assessed at a full rate for students in both age categories. The tuition reduction is not applicable for enrollment in non-credit seminars, classes, or programs.

*In order for a student to receive this discount they must inform the Records and Registration office of their senior citizen status prior to enrolling in the course.

The Registration and Payment dates calendar for each semester lists the last day for refunds for 16-week courses. Tuition refunds are issued based upon the official drop date. To receive a full refund students must drop by completing the appropriate steps with the Records and Registration office on the second floor of the student center no later than the final refund date. The college reserves the right to make the final decision on all refunds.

Rock Valley College has determined students may receive a tuition refund upon dropping credit courses based on the following guidelines. In each case if the student drops courses by the specified date, all tuition and fees are refunded. There is no prorated schedule for tuition and fee refunds.

Tuition refund requests should be made to the Records & Registration office during normal business hours.

Refunds will be made according to the following schedule:

• 16-week course (fall-spring) – 100% refund: Before or during first nine business days of semester. No refund given after the ninth business day.

• 4-15 week course – 100% refund: On or before fourth business day from start of semester. No refund given after fourth business day.

• Less than 4 week course – 100% refund: On or before third business day from start of semester. No refund given after third business day. 

• Please refer to the college calendar to determine the deadline for your given short-term course (anything less than 16 weeks).

Please note:

• The college reserves the right to make the final decision on all refunds.
• It is the student's responsibility to know the refund dates for their courses.
• Non-attendance does not constitute a drop in a course nor qualify students for a refund.
• Failure to drop a course properly may result in a failing grade.
• No refunds will be granted when a student is dismissed or suspended from the college for disciplinary reasons.
• It is the student's responsibility to drop themselves from a course.
• Saturdays are scheduled course days and are used in the calculation of business days.

Appeals:

No tuition refund will be granted following the refund date. If extenuating circumstances exist (i.e., military activation, death of immediate family member, or a serious medical condition) a student may submit a Tuition Appeal Form with supporting documentation to the Records & Registration office. An appeal does not automatically result in a refund. Appeals must be made no later than the term in which the course occurred.

The student’s cost to attend college, known as "Cost of Attendance" (or COA), includes tuition and fees, as well as such living expenses as food, housing, and transportation while attending school. The school estimates the cost of attendance following guidelines established by federal regulation.

Financial need is determined by an equation that balances the cost of attendance with the student’s expected family contribution. The federal government computes the expected family contribution from information provided on the FAFSA application. When the expected contribution is less than the cost of attendance, the student has demonstrated a “need” for financial assistance.

The following table outlines the estimated cost of attendance for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, based on in-district enrollment of thirty (30) total credit hours per year.

If you have any of the following expenses, you can provide proof of purchase or expenditure. The Financial Aid Office will include that cost in your overall cost of attendance and then determine if it will impact your financial aid eligibility. If there is an adjustment to your award, you will receive an email directing you to the new financial aid award. 

• Computer Cost: an allowance for the purchase of a computer for educationally related usage.
• Dependent Care Expenses: an allowance based on the estimated actual expenses incurred for dependent care, based on the number and age of such dependents. Such allowance must not exceed the reasonable cost in the community in which such student resides for the kind of care provided. The dependent must be included in the student’s household size, care is required for the student to attend school and the student incurred or will incur dependent care expenses. The period for which dependent care is required includes, but is not limited to, class-time, study-time, field work, internships, and commuting time.
• Disability-related Expenses: an allowance for expenses associated with a student's disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred and not provided by other agencies.

To submit Additional Allowances for 2023-2024 Cost of Attendance, please email [email protected].