Tuition & Funding

1. Getting Started with Financial Aid

TBCC encourages all students to apply for federal and state aid. Eligibility is determined annually by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the ORSAA (for Oregon residents).

  • TBCC School Code: 041949
  • Priority Date: Apply as early as possible on or after October 1st each year for the following academic year.
  • Formula: Awarding is based on: COA (Cost of Attendance)−SAI (Student Aid Index)=Need.
  • Communication: Check your TBCC student email regularly. The Financial Aid Office (FAO) will contact you there for any additional documentation.

Financial Aid Recipient’s Responsibilities

By accepting aid, you agree to:

  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
  • Notify the FAO of changes in address, name, marital status, or enrollment status.
  • Report any outside assistance (scholarships, fellowships).
  • Attend and pass all classes; notify the FAO if transferring schools.

2. Financial Aid Programs

Grants (Do not require repayment)

  • Federal Pell Grant: Based on SAI and enrollment level.
  • Federal SEOG: For Pell-eligible students with exceptional need (limited funding).
  • Oregon Opportunity Grant: For eligible Oregon residents (6+ credits).
  • Oregon Promise: A tuition grant for eligible Oregon residents (6+ credits).

Loans (Must be repaid with interest)

  • William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan: Available to students enrolled at least half-time (6+ credits).
    • Subsidized: The government pays interest while you are in school.
    • Unsubsidized: You are responsible for interest from the time of disbursement.
  • Borrowing Limits:
    • First-Year (0-45 credits):
      • Independent: $3,500 Subsidized/ $6,000 Unsubsidized
      • Dependent: $3,500 Subsidized/ $2,000 Unsubsidized
    • Second-Year (46+ credits):
      • Independent: $4,500 Subsidized/ $6,000 Unsubsidized
      • Dependent $4,500 Subsidized/ $2,000 Unsubsidized

3. Veteran & Military Benefits

Veterans, disabled veterans, and dependents may be eligible for benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA).

Tuition & Protection Policies

  • In-State Tuition: Under Public Law 115-251 and the Choice Act, eligible Veterans and dependents using Chapter 30, 31, or 33 benefits are charged the in-state tuition rate, regardless of formal state residence.
  • Protection from Penalties: Per 38 USC 3679(e), TBCC will not impose late fees, deny access to classes/libraries, or require additional borrowing due to delayed VA funding for Chapter 31 or 33 recipients.
  • Waivers: Tuition waivers are available for Oregon veterans with a 50% or higher service-connected disability, and for dependents of fallen or 100% permanently disabled Oregon service personnel.

VA Academic Requirements

  • Transcripts: You must submit official transcripts from ALL previous schools (including Joint Service Transcripts) by the end of your first term.
  • SAP: Must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in your declared major.
  • Reporting: You must notify the School Certifying Official (SCO) of any schedule changes.

4. Paying for College

Tuition & Fees (2026–2027)

CategoryCost
In-State Tuition$118 per credit
Out-of-State Tuition$134 per credit
Universal Fee$29 per credit
Special Course FeesVaries (Art, Science, MIT, etc.)
 

Payment Options & Due Dates

Payments and/or payment plans are due by the end of the first week of each term.

  • Payment Plans: Available via MyTBCC for balances of $300 or more.
  • Third-Party Billing: Available if written authorization (e.g., from an employer) is received by the first week.
  • Holds: You cannot register for a succeeding term until your prior balance is paid in full.

Tax Credits

  • 1098-T: Available by January 31 each year for eligible payments.
  • Credits: Look into the American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit to help offset costs.

5. Academic Eligibility & Refunds

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To remain eligible for financial aid, you must:

  1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  2. Complete two-thirds (66.67%) of all attempted credits.
  3. Complete your degree within 150% of the required credits (e.g., 135 attempted credits for a 90-credit degree).

Two-Thirds Completion Chart

To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), you must successfully complete 66.67% of the credits you attempt. Use this table to determine your minimum completion requirement:

Credits AttemptedMust Successfully Complete
1913
17 – 1812
1611
14 – 1510
139
11 – 128
107
8 – 96
75
5 – 64
43
2 – 32
11
 

Important Definitions:

  • Passing Grades: A, B, C, D, and P (Pass).
  • Non-Completion Grades (3 attempts or until successful): F, NP (No Pass), W (Withdraw), and I (Incomplete) are considered "attempted" but not "successfully completed."

Policy on Drops & Withdrawals

  • 100% Refund: Charges are removed only if you drop within the first week of the term.
  • Return of Title IV (R2T4): If you withdraw before the 60% point of the term, you have not "earned" all your aid. You may be required to repay a portion of your grants or loans to the federal government.
  • Tuition Forgiveness: If circumstances beyond your control prevented completion, you may submit a Student Account Petition to the Business Office for a potential tuition voucher.

The TBCC Financial Aid Office is located in the Student Learning Services Building (SLS). You can also contact them by phone at (503) 842-8222 ext. 1130 or tbccfinancialaid@tillamookbaycc.edu.