Tuition, Fees, & Financial Aid

Deposits

All new and readmitted students who have been accepted for admission to Castleton are required to submit a non-refundable deposit of $200 to the Admissions Office prior to May 1st, which can be paid online. Students admitted after May 1 should submit the deposit within ten days of acceptance. Deposits should be submitted as soon as the decision to attend Castleton has been made.

A $100 non-refundable room deposit is required of all current returning residential students requesting a room in the Residence Halls. The deposit for Fall 2016 for returning students is due April 15, 2016. Deposits can be paid over the phone or mailed to Financial & Registration Services except where noted otherwise. Tuition bills must have a zero balance or be current on the payment plan to be eligible to make the room deposit

Fees for 2016-2017

A Student Resources Fee of $398 per semester is assessed to help finance the Castleton Student Initiative projects which include an enlarged and renovated Campus Center, enlarged and renovated gymnasium, and improved athletic fields. The fee is assessed at $34 per credit up to 12 credits up to a maximum of $398 per semester for matriculated students.

The Student Association Fee of $135 per semester, established by vote of the Student Association, covers the expense of student government, clubs, activities, and publications for the academic year. This fee is assessed at $12 per credit up to 12 credits up to a maximum of $135 per semester for matriculated students.

A late registration fee of $62 is charged to students who have not completed registration for the semester within ten days following the first day of classes.

Newly admitted students are charged a one time $230 non-refundable registration/orientation/testing fee for fall. Newly admitted spring students are charged $115.

A graduation fee of $95 is charged to cover costs of diploma and activities. Students receiving two degrees at the same graduation ceremony are charged an additional $10 to cover the extra diploma cost. Students receiving two degrees at separate ceremonies are charged the full graduation fee each time. Graduates attending commencement exercises are required to purchase a cap and gown at an approximate cost of $35.

Full-time students should anticipate paying approximately $800 per semester for textbooks. During the first two weeks of class, students are allowed to charge their books and supplies directly to their tuition account if they so choose. Also, some courses require the payment of a fee for supplies, materials or services in addition to tuition and books. The fees are payable in full by students registered in a course at the close of the two week add/drop period. Partial refunds are not made.

Late fees may be assessed on any student account over $200 if not paid by the due date. The following are established rates that will be charged on a monthly basis until the end of the semester:

• balances from $200 to $2,000 will be charged $50 monthly
• balances from $2,001 to $5,000 will be charged $100 monthly
• balances from $5,001 and up will be charged $200 monthly

Add/Drop Fee is assessed after the first two weeks of classes (for full semester classes) to those students who change their schedule. A $24 fee will be assessed for each class adjustment. If a class is dropped after the first two weeks of classes, there will be no adjustment to the tuition account. If all classes are dropped, please refer to the Leave of Absence Policy. If classes are added, the tuition account will be adjusted accordingly.

All non-matriculated students are charged a $50 registration fee at the time they register for courses. Payment is due at the time of registration.

Financial Aid

Although the primary responsibility for financing students' education rests with their families, the Financial Aid Office at Castleton administers a comprehensive financial aid program to help students afford a university education. The financial aid program at Castleton primarily consists of federal funds (grants, scholarships, loans and work-study). The amount of financial aid awarded is dependent upon availability of funds and demonstration of financial need. Financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance (budget) and the calculated resources of the family (EFC). A student's budget usually includes costs for tuition, fees, room and board, and an allowance for transportation, books, supplies, and personal expenses. In some cases unusual expenses such as medical, may be added. Funds received through the various financial aid programs are supplemental to the resources of the family, the efforts of the student and the assistance received by the student from other sources. The federal aid programs are subject to change due to changes in state and/or federal legislation/regulations.

You may apply for financial aid on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Vermont residents should also complete the Vermont Grant application. You may apply for this grant on-line at www.vsac.org. Non-residents should check with their home state higher education agency for state grant information.

The Financial Aid Office may request additional information. Notification of financial aid eligibility will be emailed to all students advising them to go to the Portal/VSC Web Services to actually review the financial aid awarded. The student should respond to any request for additional information immediately. To view documents needed go to the Portal/VSC Web Services. Failure to do so may result in loss or delay of financial aid.

Financial Aid is awarded to accepted new students and to registered returning students. Returning students must be registered or intend to register for the period of time for which they are requesting aid. Please check the Castleton website for preferred deadlines.

The types of financial aid awarded are:

Federal Grants - these funds do not have to be repaid and are based on need. For 2016-2017, Federal Pell Grants range from $598 to $5815. For additional information on the 2016-2017 terms and conditions, please refer to the Financial Aid & Scholarships page.

Federal Work Study - part-time employment. Students are paid directly. Eligible new students are initially awarded up to $1,500; returning students are initially awarded up to $2,000.

Federal Direct Student Loans - these funds must be repaid. All Federal Stafford Direct Loans are borrowed from the Department of Education/US.Treasury. These loans are repayable for an extended period of time. Click here for more information about Direct Loan levels.

The Perkins Loan program is a separate loan program from the Federal Direct loan program. The funds for this program are limited and distributed based on exceptional need and availability of funds. For 2016-2017 the amount awarded is up to $2,250. Click here for more information about the Federal Perkins Loan program.

First Year Student Scholarships (for new, transfer, and international students)

1. Castleton Honors Scholarship Program awards renewable scholarships that do not have to be repaid and are based on merit.
2. Recognition Scholarships (Academic Achievement, Citizenship, and National Scholars) are awarded to new students entering in fall 2016. The Academic Achievement scholarship for Vermont residents is based on merit, the Citizenship Scholarship is based on merit and financial need, the National Scholars Scholarship is for students whose permanent residence is outside Vermont and within the U.S., and is based on merit.

• Incoming first year students: click here to see 2016-2017 scholarships for first year students.
• Incoming transfer students: click here to see 2016-2017 scholarships for transfer students.
• Incoming international students: click here to see 2016-2017 scholarships for international students.

These scholarships are renewable. To remain eligible for these scholarships please review the Renewable Scholarship Eligibility criteria.

Returning Student Scholarships - these funds do not have to be repaid and are based on merit and/or financial need. Students must complete a Castleton University Returning Student Scholarship Application. The Castleton Scholarship Committee awards these scholarships.

Initial awards, either estimated or actual, of financial aid are based on information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants who believe that circumstances exist which could change their eligibility for financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid Office.

Detailed information concerning the application process, eligibility, the award process, the types of assistance available, the refund and repayment process, satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes and aid recipient responsibility, is available on the Financial Aid web page under "Scholarships for Returning Students," or you may contact Financial & Registration Services. All information regarding a student's application for, or receipt of, financial assistance is confidential. The Financial Aid Office, therefore, will not release financial aid information to anyone outside of Castleton/VSC, except as required by the Department of Education, the various state grant and loan agencies that the student has applied to, or by court order, without the written consent of the student. By signing the FAFSA you give the university specific rights to discuss your application with certain agencies. Students are cautioned to carefully read all documents they sign.

Emergency short-term loans of up to $50 are available from the Alumni Loan Fund. These loans are non-interest bearing; however, a service charge of fifty cents ($.50) is made for each loan. Loans from these funds are usually granted for emergencies that arise. Students are generally asked to repay the loan within thirty (30) days.

Academic Standing for Financial Aid Purposes

To be eligible for financial aid at Castleton a student must be in good academic standing and must be making satisfactory progress (SAP) toward completion of a degree. These standards may change during the student's enrollment period.  Click here for a full explanation of the SAP requirements.

Identification Cards

All students are required to have photo identification cards that are issued by the Public Safety Office. The initial card is free. Replacement cards cost $35. Broken cards are replaced for $10. Broken cards should be returned to Public Safety. Arrangements for replacement cards can be made with the Public Safety Office. Identification cards are required for access to the resident halls and by a number of departments offering student services. These include the library, dining hall, and athletic department.

Per Credit Rates

Students registered for fewer than 12 credits are considered part-time students and are charged on a per credit basis. Students registered for more than 18 credits will be charged for each additional credit of overload. All non-matriculated undergraduates are charged on a per credit basis regardless of the number of credits for which they are registered.

Vermont undergraduates pay $427 per credit, nursing $555. Non-resident undergraduates pay $1,069 per credit, nursing $1,197 per credit.

Refunds for Resignation or Leave of Absence

In the event of withdrawal, dismissal, resignation, leave of absence, or the dropping of classes in a manner that affects student charges, including tuition, course/lab fees, the Student Association Fee, and room and board charges, any refund will be calculated on a daily prorated basis using the same schedule utilized to determine the amount of Federal Title IV returns, with the following exceptions:

1. If a student withdraws during the first seven calendar days of the semester, the amount of refund of all student charges (tuition, fees, room, and board) will be 100 percent.
2. If a student withdraws after the 60 percent point of the semester, the amount re-funded for charges for tuition, fees and room will be zero.
3. Fees paid to acquire university health insurance are NOT refundable.

NOTE: Ceasing to attend classes does not constitute the dropping of classes or withdrawal from Castleton. In order to be eligible for a refund/repayment pursuant to the above schedule, a student MUST notify the office of the academic dean of his/her withdrawal.

Repayment of Financial Aid

Students receiving financial assistance from the Federal Pell Grant program, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, the Federal Perkins Loan program, or the Federal Direct or Federal Family Education Loan Program (subsidized, unsubsidized and PLUS parent loans), who change their enrollment status in such a way as to cause a reduction in their university charges or non-university expenses (room, board, books, supplies, personal expenses, travel, etc.) will be required to repay all, or a calculated portion, of the assistance received. 

Click here to see the Withdrawal & Return of Financial Aid policy.

Room and Board

Residential students are required to pay the room charge of $2,974 per semester, as well as the board charge for the meal plan selected. Commuting students who wish to eat in the dining hall may pay for the meals individually or purchase a commuter meal plan in Huden Dining Hall.

Senior Citizens

Castleton waives a significant portion of the tuition rate for individuals aged 65 and older so they can take undergraduate courses and thereby increase their knowledge and skills and enhance their quality of life and potential to contribute in new and different fields of work and community service. 

Any student aged 65 years or older:

• may audit one CU course per semester free of charge.
• may take additional courses without limitation, up to and including completion of a certificate or undergraduate degree, at 50% of the charged tuition. (Such persons may not take the place of full tuition paying students in courses with enrollment limits.)

Course specific fees, including registration fees, shall be the responsibility of the student.  All other student fees are waived.

Student Statements

Student account statements will be paperless and may be viewed anytime online. An email will be sent to your university-issued email address periodically as a reminder to view your bill. Other options available online include: making a payment, setting up authorized users (parents, e.g.) receiving refunds electronically.

Transcripts

Students or former students may obtain a copy of their transcript by filling out the online order form available through the Financial & Registration Services tab on the Castleton website.

Tuition

Below is a schedule of basic charges for full-time students. Full-time students are those who register for twelve (12) to eighteen (18) credits per semester. Vermont residents are students who meet the criteria of the Vermont Residency policy. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the charges, fee descriptions, payment and refund policies that are detailed below.

The following schedule lists full-time tuition and basic charges in effect for the 2016-17 academic year. Tuition, fees, room and board charges are subject to change without notice due to reconsideration by the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees.

*Based on double occupancy, if space permits, single rooms are available for $7,534 per year.

**This amount reflects the charge for a full meal plan (Gold Plan). There is also a 12 meal plan, $1,945 per semester, and an 8 meal plan, $1,870 per semester. Participation in a board plan is required of all resident students.

***Health and accident insurance is mandatory for all matriculated full-time students not otherwise covered under a comparable plan. The charge for coverage for the entire 2016-17 year is TBD. For students attending only the Spring 2017 semester the charge is TBD. Students may be exempted from paying the insurance fee by submitting a selection form electronically through web services certifying that they are covered by a family insurance plan. Deadlines for form submittal are, for the Fall 2016: September 30, and for the Spring 2017 only semester: February 15. Insurance brochures are available online from the Financial & Registration Services website.

Vermont Residency

To qualify as a Vermont Resident for purposes of tuition, a student must meet criteria established by the Board of Trustees. The policy of the Board is as follows:

1. The applicant shall be domiciled in Vermont, said domicile having been continuous for one year immediately prior to the date of application for a change in residency  status. Changes in residency status shall become effective for the semester following the date of application.
2. Domicile shall mean a person's true, fixed and permanent home, to which he intends to return when absent. A residence established for the purpose of attending an educational institution or qualifying for resident status for tuition purposes shall not of itself constitute domicile. Domicile shall not be determined by
   the applicant's marital status.
3. The applicant must demonstrate such attachment to the community as would be typical of a permanent resident of his age and education.
4. Receipt of significant financial support from the applicant's family will create a rebuttal presumption that the applicant's domicile is with his family.
5. An applicant becoming a student at an institution of higher learning in Vermont within one year of first moving to the state shall have created a rebuttable presumption of residence in Vermont for the purpose of attending an educational institution.
6. A student who is eligible for tuition purposes to enroll as a resident student in another state shall not be enrolled as a ''Vermont Resident''.
7. The director of admissions shall classify a student enrolling at Castleton as a resident or non-resident for admission and tuition purposes. The decision by the director of admissions shall be based upon information furnished by the student and other relevant information. He/she is authorized to require such written documents, affidavits, verifications or other evidence as is deemed necessary.
8. The burden of proof shall in all cases rest upon the student claiming to be a Vermont resident and shall be met upon a showing of clear and convincing evidence.
9. A student with resident status will lose that status if he/she, at any time, fails to meet the above requirements. In this event, resident tuition and other charges shall continue in effect only until the end of the academic year.
10. The decision of the director of admissions on the classification of a student as a resident or non-resident may be appealed in writing to the dean of administration.

A student who wishes to declare a change in his residence of record must apply to the dean of administration. Appeal of residency decisions by the dean of administration may be made in writing to the Office of the Chancellor, Vermont State Colleges. The decision of the Office of the Chancellor shall be final.