Student Catalog and Handbook 2024-2025

Tuition and Fees

A student must be a United States Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen, and a resident of the state of Georgia for 12 months immediately preceding the first day of classes for a given term to qualify as an “in-state resident” for admission and tuition purposes.The tuition and fees listed below are assessed according to the policies established for all technical colleges governed by the Technical College System of Georgia. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

Residents of Chambers, Cleburne and Randolph counties in Alabama will be considered “in-state residents” for admission and tuition purposes. Residents of these counties must also provide documentation of lawful presence to be considered for tuition reciprocity.

Lawful Presence
TCSG Procedure 6.2.2p: “Each college shall be responsible for the verification of the lawful presence in the United States of every successfully admitted student applying for Georgia resident tuition status as required by state and federal immigration laws.”

How can a student verify lawful presence?

• Students who file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and are eligible for federal student aid will have their lawful presence verified as part of the FAFSA process.

• A clear copy of an original or certified U.S. Birth Certificate showing the student was born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, A U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (DS-1350) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240). The copy must very clearly show the raised or written seal to be acceptable.

• A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570).

• A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561).

• A current U.S. Passport.

• Unexpired Georgia and select out of state Driver’s license and state ID cards can be accepted under certain conditions. It must be a Real ID and not contain any of the verbiage in the State DL/ID requirements for Acceptance found below. If the copy received has the top portion of the card cut off the document will not satisfy lawful presence.

• A current military ID (service member only, not dependent). Documented using the Confirmation of Review of Military ID Worksheet - A photocopy is not acceptable.

• A current, valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form I-151 or I-551). We require both the front & back sides of your Permanent Resident Card to be submitted. It must not expire before the first day of class of the term the student will start classes.

State DL/ID Requirements for Acceptance

Alabama Must NOT be marked “FN”

Alaska Must NOT be marked “Limited Term”

California Must NOT be marked “Limited Term.” Instruction Permits, Commercial Learner’s Permits, and temporary licenses cannot be accepted.

Delaware Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” or “Temporary”

Florida Must NOT be marked “Temporary”

Georgia Must NOT be marked “Limited Term”

Idaho Must NOT be marked “Limited Term”

Iowa Must NOT be marked “Limited Term”

Kentucky Must NOT be marked “Not for REAL ID purposes”

Louisiana Must NOT be marked “Limited Term”

Maryland Must NOT indicate “T” restriction

Proof of GA Residency.

Any student who cannot be verified as lawfully present in the United States is not eligible to be considered for in-state tuition, regardless of how long he or she has lived in Georgia. In addition to being lawfully present in the United States, students must meet the in-state tuition requirements as outlined in TCSG Board Policy and Procedure V.B.3 to warrant an in-state classification. Students that are initially classified as out-of-state, and successfully petition to have their residency changed to in-state, also have to meet the verification requirement.

Any student who cannot be verified as lawfully present in the United States is not eligible to be considered for in-state tuition, regardless of how long he or she has lived in Georgia. In addition to being lawfully present in the United States, students must meet the in-state tuition requirements as outlined in TCSG Board Policy and Procedure V.B.3 to warrant an in-state classification. Students that are initially classified as out-of-state, and successfully petition to have their residency changed to in-state also have to meet the verification requirement.

Fees are charged to cover the cost of registration and other incidental items necessary to maintain the operational activities of the college. The following fees will apply:

Application Fee : Students applying for admission must pay a one-time nonrefundable application fee of $25.

Registration Fee : All students must pay a $75 registration fee each semester.

Student Activity Fee : Students are required to pay a student activity fee of $60 each semester.

Tuition : All students will be assessed fees at the rate of $107 per credit hour for tuition for diploma and degree programs, up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Certificate fees may vary, depending on program.

 

Graduation Fee: All graduating students must pay a $40 graduation fee.

Student Accident Insurance Fee : Students are required to pay a student accident insurance fee of $6 each semester. All students enrolled in a credit program are covered while on campus by the student’s accident insurance.

Out-of-State Tuition: Out-of-state students are charged tuition twice that charged for in-state residents. Out-of-state students pay applicable fees equal to that charged for in-state residents. Student residency is determined at initial enrollment. (Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog for definitions). Residents of Chambers, Cleburne and Randolph counties in Alabama will be considered as in-state residents for fee purposes.

International Tuition : International students pay tuition four times that charged for in-state residents. International students pay applicable fees equal to that charged for in-state residents. Student residency is determined at initial enrollment. (Please refer to Admissions section of this catalog for definitions).

Instructional Support Fee : An instructional support fee of $60 will be charged each semester to every full-time and part-time student.

Technology Support Fee : A fee of $110 will be charged to all students each semester regardless of how many hours a student is enrolled. These funds will be used to increase instructional resources and technology.

Textbooks: Students will be expected to purchase necessary text books, materials for personal projects, and other items required for each course. For the convenience of the students, the college maintains a bookstore on each campus where textbooks and supplies may be purchased. Every student is required to have books, tools, uniforms, and other equipment appropriate to the program of study; in most instances these items will be usable in the student’s employment following graduation. All required books and supplies may be purchased from the College bookstores or online.

Check Return Fee: A check return fee of $30 is charged for handling each check returned to the College.

Late Registration Fee : A fee of $45 will be charged to students registering during Late Registration.

Facilities Fee : A fee of $50 per semester will be charged to all students regardless of how many hours a student is enrolled. These funds will be used to update and maintain the facilities of the college. 

Campus Safety Fee : A fee of $60 per semester will be charged to all students regardless of how many hours a student is enrolled. These funds will be used to support West Georgia Technical College's POST-Certified Police Department, consisting of full- and part-time officers, providing police protection to WGTC students, faculty, staff and facilities. Additionally, the campus safety fee is used to support training activities, acquisition and maintenance of security systems, and police equipment including but not limited to security cameras, access control and emergency broadcast systems. 

Lab Fee : A fee of $40 will be charged to students for each term for the areas listed below. These funds will be used to support lab operations and supply costs.

Lab fee is assessed to the following programs:  

  • All programs in the School of Health Sciences
  • All programs in the School of Trade and Technology with the exception of Commercial Truck Driving and welding
  • The programs of Early Childhood Care and Education, Cosmetology, Barbering, and Esthetician

Students may reference the WGTC Website (www.westgatech.edu) for a complete listing of programs by School within the College, under the tab of Academics.