Tuition Waivers

Out-of-State Tuition Waivers

Students who meet specific requirements in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes may be eligible for in-state tuition waivers under the following conditions:

1. When an employer (other than the armed services) pays the full tuition for an employee who works at a North Carolina business location to attend a community college, the employer may be charged the in-state tuition rate even when the employee does not meet the requirements for in-state tuition.
2. Out-of-state members of the armed forces and the dependent relatives of such members who are stationed at a North Carolina base are eligible to be charged the in-state tuition rate under. The student must submit appropriate documentation prior to initial enrollment and re-enrollment each successive academic year.

In-State Tuition for Veterans and Eligible Individuals

Sampson Community College complies with applicable federal and state laws in providing in-state tuition rates to eligible veterans and individuals using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits.

North Carolina Residency Waiver

The 12-month residency requirement for in-state tuition may be waived for veterans who meet all of the following criteria:

• Served on active duty in the Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable
• Qualify for and are using VA education benefits (e.g., Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®, Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness & Employment, or 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®)
• Meet admission requirements for the College Reside in North Carolina (temporarily or permanently)
• Provide documentation of intent to establish legal residency in North Carolina, if requested

The residency requirement may also be waived for certain dependents using transferred VA education benefits who meet admission requirements and reside in North Carolina. Documentation of intent to establish residency may be requested.

In-State Tuition Under Federal Law

In accordance with Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, as amended by the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 and the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021, the College charges in-state tuition to all “covered individuals” using VA education benefits.

A “covered individual” includes:

• Veterans who served on active duty (including active-duty service after September 10, 2001)
• Individuals using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits
• Fry Scholarship recipients
• Individuals using Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits

Students who are using eligible VA education benefits and who reside in North Carolina at the time of enrollment shall be charged the in-state tuition rate without regard to the length of time they have resided in the state.

Continuation of Eligibility

Students who qualify for in-state tuition under this policy will continue to receive the in-state rate as long as they remain continuously enrolled at the College. Scheduled academic breaks between terms do not affect eligibility; however, students who discontinue enrollment and later return may be required to re-establish eligibility.

Additional Information

Students may be required to provide documentation verifying eligibility for VA education benefits and residency status. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the School Certifying Official in Student Services.