Paying for School
Note: The following material is informational only. The Providence College School of Continuing Education does not endorse or recommend any particular financial resources or organizations.
There are many resources available to help finance your college education. If you would like to meet with an SCE adviser to review your options, please email us to schedule an appointment. Or call 401-865-2487
.
Tuition, Fees and Refunds
The different types of Providence College financial aid are described on the
Financial Aid site - 2012-2013 SCE/Grad Award Letter Information. To contact the Providence College Office of Financial Aid: email
Office of Financial Aid or call
401-865-2286.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
While Providence College requires SCE students to file their FAFSA six weeks before the semester they plan to enroll, you are encouraged to complete your FAFSA by your state's deadline in order to be fully considered for state grants. Rhode Island requires the FAFSA to be filed no later than March 1 and Massachusetts no later than May 1.
NOTE: If you recently lost your job or have reduced income this year, ask the financial aid office about a "professional adjustment," as aid is based on income from the previous year.
The Barnes & Noble College Booksellers Scholarship provides funds for textbook purchases each year. Contact your adviser for more information.
Web Resources
- WaytogoRI offers excellent tools and financial aid information for adults who are interested in returning to college.
- The College Planning Center of Rhode Island offers free one-on-one college counseling and includes scholarship information.
- FinAid is free public service with resources such as repayment calculators, needs analysis, and information about savings tools and plans.
- Student Aid on the Web is the U.S. Department of Education's site for free information on preparing for and funding college education. Select "Applying for Financial Aid" on the left, then "Funding Your Education."
- Career One Stop: financed by the U.S. Labor Department and includes information on retraining and other types of education-related aid and programs.
Tuition Discounts
(please contact SCE for details at 401-865-2487)
- Alumni: A 25% standby discount is offered for alumni taking SCE courses for credit.
- Religious and Clergy: A 25% standby discount is available on all SCE credit courses (does not apply to audited courses).
- Persons 65 and Over: On a standby basis, persons 65 and over may take SCE courses for $100 per course, plus any lab fees.
Tax Benefits for Education
(Note: Check first with your financial adviser)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides an
Information Center that explains the various tax credits, deductions and savings plans available to assist with college expenses. Check out the IRS informational
You Tube Video. The
American Opportunity Credit Tax Break allows you to claim up to $2,500 on your tax return for college tuition and related expenses such as textbooks, other materials, and fees that are not covered by scholarships or grants.
The
Section 529 college savings plan can help you finance your own education. Anybody enrolled in at least half-time college study can participate in a 529 plan regardless of age or income. According to the federal government, "Earnings in 529 plans are not subject to federal tax, and in most cases, state tax, so long as you use withdrawals for eligible college expenses, such as tuition and room and board." And you can use these funds to help pay for a computer for your coursework.
Cash your Bonds: If you have Series 1 or EE bonds (issued after 1989) and redeem them in the same year in which you have qualified education expenses, you do not have to pay taxes on the interest income that you collect at redemption. The bond's owner must be at least 24 years old on the bond issue date.
You are permitted to withdraw money from a traditional or Roth IRA for qualified higher education expenses - tuition, books, fees, supplies and equipment - and avoid the 10 percent penalty levied on people under the age of 59 1/2. If you are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree program, the money withdrawn can also be used for room and board.
Company/Third Party Reimbursement
Many companies and organizations offer tuition assistance/reimbursement. Some of the companies currently providing tuition benefits to SCE students are Americorps; Bank of America; Citizens Bank; CVS; and Verizon. Employers can provide up to $5,250 annually in tax-free tuition reimbursement. Check with your company's Human Resources office for more information.
Support for Members of the Military and their Families
- Military.com provides information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, and helps you compare which option is best for you.
- Military One Source is a resource outlining free services for eligible military servicemembers and families.
- My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) provides information about benefits for military members, spouses, and their families.
See also our web page for the Military.
Resources for Unemployed Students