Students from selected counties in north Georgia and Alabama are again eligible for a regional tuition credit at UTC in fall 2008.
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees has approved the plan to allow eligible students from Catoosa, Dade, Fannin, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia and Jackson county in Alabama to pay a reduced tuition amount beginning in fall 2008. To receive the regional tuition credit, students must have completed 60 credit hours (either at UTC or another accredited college or university) and be admitted to UTC as an undergraduate student in good academic standing.
“We are pleased with the level of participants the program received in the short time it was available to eligible students for fall 2007,” said Yancy Freeman, Director of the Office of Admissions. “We believe many more students will be interested in the program, and we are pleased that the UT Board of Trustees has given us additional time to demonstrate the need for this program.”
Eligible students pay the full amount of in-state fees plus 25 percent of out-of-state tuition. Students can continue to receive the tuition credit as long as they maintain good academic standing. Students who are placed on academic probation may regain their eligibility for the tuition credit if they return to good academic standing.
At this time, the regional tuition credit is only available to undergraduate students with at least 60 hours of college credit; it is not available to graduate students.
For more information, call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (423) 425-4662.
Regional tuition credit frequently asked questions
Who is eligible?
Students from Catoosa, Dade, Fannin, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia and Jackson county in Alabama who have completed 60 credit hours (either at UTC or another accredited college or university) and have been admitted to UTC as an undergraduate student in good academic standing are eligible for the credit.
When does it go into effect?
The credit will be available beginning fall 2008.
What do these students actually pay?
Students who receive the discount rate pay the total in-state rate plus 25 percent of the out-of-state tuition (a 75 percent credit on out-of-state tuition).
Is there an age limit?
The only limit is determined by the number of hours completed (at least 60). Adult students can receive the discount rate.
Can part time students get the discount rate?
Yes, as long as they have completed 60 hours and are in good academic standing.
What if a student does not have 60 hours?
Students can attend UTC at full out-of-state rate and after they earn 60 hours, they will be eligible for the reduced rate. They can transfer credit from other colleges, including Georgia and Alabama institutions. They may also be able to attend Chattanooga State at in-state tuition because Tennessee has different laws governing tuition at community colleges.
Can graduate students get it?
No, not at this time.
What if a student’s parents live in Georgia but the student lives in Tennessee?
The student can get the reduced rate if the parents claim the student on their income taxes. Residency is determined by where the student lives on the first day of classes.
What if a student lives in Georgia but the student’s parents live in Tennessee?
If the parents claim them as dependents, they may be able to qualify for in-state tuition. If the student is an independent resident (parents don’t claim on income taxes), they may be able to qualify for the regional tuition credit. Residency is determined on where the student lives on the first day of classes. All questions about residency classification should be referred to UTC Undergraduate Admissions.
What if a student goes on academic probation?
They may be eligible to continue to attend UTC at the regular out-of-state rate. If they return to good standing, they can again qualify for the regional tuition discount.
Why are there limits on who is eligible?
UTC has a financial responsibility to the taxpayers of Tennessee not to enter into any agreement that is not financially sound. Since we have capacity in the upper level classes, we can accommodate students in these classes without hiring more faculty members. Freshmen and sophomore classes are fairly full now and would require hiring more faculty members, which would cost more money and make the plan not financially feasible. We hope that if enough students participate in the program, we can expand it to include all students in the future.
What is the difference between the provision for out of state students who are full-time employees working in Tennessee (Paragraph Four) and the Regional Tuition Rate Program?
Students under Paragraph Four are charged the in-state tuition rate but are limited to part-time hours (maximum 11 hours each semester). The regional rate is granted to full- and part-time students and they pay the full in-state rate plus 25 percent of out-of-state fees.
How do students apply for the regional tuition rate?
Students should download an application at www.utc.edu and submit it to:
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
203 Guerry Hall
Department 5105
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
