Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost to attend Springfield Technical Community College?

Please see our Tuition and Fees Information page. Students may be eligible for Federal Aid, State Grants, scholarships, and loans. For further information please contact our Financial Aid Office at (413) 755-4214.

Can you give me an explanation of your Tuition and Fees?

Please see our Tuition and Fees Information page.

Are students billed by semester?

Yes, students are billed by semester, i.e. fall, spring, and summer. Payment deadlines can be found on our deadlines page.

Does Springfield Technical Community College offer a monthly payment plan?

A monthly payment plan is available for the fall and spring semesters, please refer to the Payment Options section for additional information.  Monthly payment plans are not available for the summer sessions.

Where and how can I pay my bill and what methods of payment do you accept?

Detailed information about bill payment can be found on our Payment Option page. We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Checks, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.

What age must one be to be considered a senior citizen? What discount would one receive?

A student must be 60 or older to be considered a senior citizen. A senior citizen taking day classes would receive a 100% waiver of tuition and fees. A senior citizen taking an evening/distance learning classes would receive a 100% waiver of tuition only.

If I moved whom should I notify of my address change?

You need to notify the Registrar's Office in writing via email at registrar@stcc.edu or on Web Advisor under "My Profile".

What is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?

In accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (Section 438 of the General Education Provision Act, 20 USC 1232G), commonly referred to as the "Buckley Amendment," Springfield Technical Community College has adopted the regulations below to protect the privacy rights of its students. Revisions and clarifications will be published as experience with the law and the institution's policy warrants.

A student's bill can only be discussed with students only. Parents are welcome to come to Springfield Technical Community College with their son/daughter to discuss his/her bill.

I received my bill but my company will be paying for my educational expenses. What do I need to do?

You need to bring in a letter from your employer with the following information on it: Student's name, SS#, semester company will be paying for, and specific dollar amount if applicable. Letters must be on company letterhead and not include any restrictions, i.e. that the company will only pay if the student receives a C or better.

I received my bill, and I applied for Financial Aid, but have not been awarded. What do I need to do?

If your have not received a Financial Aid Award letter you need to stop by the Financial Aid Office to see if you qualify for a Financial Aid Deferment. If you do, you need to bring the deferment form to the Bursar's Office so we can record it on your account.

I have withdrawn from/dropped classes. What refund do I qualify for?

Information regarding refunds can be found on our Refund Policy page.

I paid for my classes in full but withdrew in time to receive a full/partial refund. When will I be refunded?

Refunds will be mailed each semester approximately 6 weeks after the first day of classes.

What is a Bookstore Authorization?

A bookstore authorization is a voucher allowing you to purchase books and supplies at the STCC Bookstore against your financial aid award.

The Financial Aid Office will mail a voucher to you before the start of each semester if you:

  • Are awarded financial aid
  • Received notification of your award (Financial Aid Award Letter from the STCC Financial Aid Office)
  • Enrolled for at least 6 credits
  • Have at least fifty $50.00 remaining after financial aid is applied to your tuition and fees
  • And if awarded a Student Loan; signed the Promissory Note

I do not need the student health insurance being offered. What should I do?

You can waive the College's health insurance only if you have comparable insurance.  You may go on-line to www.universityhealthplans.com and click on the Massachusetts Community Colleges.  Next, click on Springfield Technical Community College, select the Student Accident and Sickness Plan, click on waiver form, and complete the waiver.  Please note, the last day to waive the student health insurance for the Spring 2008 semester is February 29, 2008.

What is the Hope & Lifetime 1098T tax credit?

Under the Federal Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, taxpayers may be able to take advantage of The Hope Scholarship Tax Credit Program and/or The Lifetime Learning Credit Program on their Federal Income tax return. The program has been designed by Congress to offer tax credits for qualified tuition and fee payments. Additional information can be found on web page http://www.ed.gov/inits/hope/  or by calling 1-800-4FED-AID. The IRS also provides information in IRS Publication 970 - Tax Benefits for Higher Education and on the IRS information telephone line 1-800-829-1040.

Springfield Technical Community College is required by law to furnish every student with a 1098T form by January 31 of ach year.

Please note - Springfield Technical Community College cannot advise you on any tax matters. You will need to contact the Internal Revenue Service or your tax consultant.

I have not received my 1098T form and need a copy. Who do I call?

You need to call Pat Burns at 413-755-4347 and leave the required information specified and a 1098T form will be mailed to you within a few days.

I tried to register for classes but I have a Bursar hold on my account. What should I do?

You need to contact the Bursar's Office at 413-755-4696 so we can review your account with you.

What will happen if I still have an outstanding balance at the end of the semester?

A hold will be placed on your account. No grades, transcripts, recommendations, degrees or other services will be provided to you with an outstanding obligation. Failure to pay will result in your account being turned over to an approved collection company and the Commonwealth Intercept Program, and you will be responsible for all collection costs and other fees incurred in the collection of the debt.

What do I need to bring to the V.A. office at STCC to start my benefits?

You need to bring a copy of your DD214 (Discharge must be under honorable conditions) in order to receive benefits.

  • National Guard: You need to bring your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) and your Tagma to receive your benefits and tuition and fee waiver.
  • Reserves: You need to bring your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) in order to receive your benefits and a copy of your DD214 if you have been on active duty for other than training purposes.