Navigating the costs of higher education is a crucial step for any prospective college student. For those considering institutions in suburban areas, understanding the specific expenses associated with “Suburban Cost” is essential for financial planning. South Suburban College provides transparent information regarding tuition and fees to help students effectively budget for their education. Being prepared for these costs ensures a smoother academic journey, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial roadblocks.
Breakdown of Tuition and Instructional Fees
South Suburban College structures its tuition and fees to accommodate various student profiles, including in-district, out-of-district, and online learners. The instructional fees, often referred to as tuition, vary depending on residency and course format.
- In-District or Online: For students residing within the South Suburban College district or those enrolled in online courses, the tuition rate is $152.00 per credit hour. This represents a significant value for local students and those seeking flexible online learning options.
- Special Residency: A special residency rate of $187.00 per credit hour applies to Lake County, Indiana residents and employees. This acknowledges regional educational partnerships and expands access for neighboring communities.
- Out-of-District: Students from outside the college district but within Illinois incur a tuition rate of $350.00 per credit hour. It’s important to note that Illinois residents may be eligible to have the non-resident portion of these fees covered by their home community college district.
- Out-of-State: For students residing outside of Illinois, the tuition is set at $405.00 per credit hour.
In addition to tuition, several mandatory fees contribute to the overall cost of instruction:
- Student Development Fee: All students enrolled in credit courses are required to pay a Student Development Fee of $7.75 per credit hour. This fee supports student services and activities that enhance the college experience.
- Instructional Technology Fee: A technology fee of $10.00 per credit hour is applied to all credit courses, ensuring access to essential technological resources for learning.
- Registration Fee: Each semester, a non-refundable Registration Fee of $25.00 is required to process enrollment.
Incidental Fees: Services Beyond Tuition
Beyond instructional costs, students may encounter incidental fees for specific services. Transcript fees are common for students needing official academic records:
- Transcript Fee: The standard fee for each transcript copy is $9.98.
For expedited transcript services, additional fees apply:
- Immediate Transcript: In addition to the base transcript fee, a $15.00 same-day processing fee is charged, totaling $24.98 per transcript.
- Sending Certified Mail: For transcripts sent via certified mail, a $10.00 certified mail fee is added to the immediate transcript cost, resulting in a total of $34.98.
- Overnight Transcript: Overnight delivery via FedEx incurs a $15.00 overnight fee, bringing the total cost for an overnight transcript to $39.98.
Other potential incidental fees include:
- Educational/Competency Evaluation Program (ECEP) Evaluation: An $8.00 per credit hour fee applies to this program.
- Online and Hybrid Course Fees: Both online and hybrid courses carry an additional $10.00 per course fee to support the unique delivery methods.
- Special Course Fees: Certain courses with specialized materials or services may have additional fees to partially cover these expenses. Students should check course descriptions for details on any special fees.
Payment Options and Avoiding Registration Issues
South Suburban College offers flexible payment methods to accommodate student needs. Tuition and fees are expected to be paid in full at the time of registration unless a different due date is specified through the SSC Self-Service portal.
Accepted payment methods include:
- Cash
- Check
- MasterCard, Visa, or Discover credit cards
Students planning to use financial aid are responsible for verifying that their aid is applied to their account as payment within SSC Self-Service. All financial aid processing is managed at the Main Campus in South Holland. To assist with budgeting, South Suburban College provides a payment plan web page with detailed information and tools. Prospective students can also estimate their potential costs using the net price calculator.
It is critical to address any outstanding financial obligations to the college promptly. Unpaid balances can prevent registration for future semesters and may restrict access to financial aid, transcripts, and enrollment status information. Students are responsible for officially dropping courses if they decide not to attend to avoid incurring unnecessary charges. South Suburban College does not automatically drop students for non-payment.
By understanding the breakdown of “suburban cost” at South Suburban College, including tuition, fees, and payment policies, students can confidently manage their finances and focus on achieving their academic goals. Proactive financial planning and utilizing available resources are key to a successful and affordable college experience.
