Admissions & Tuition

Visitation

All prospective students are strongly encouraged to schedule an on-campus visit with an Admissions representative. The Admissions Office is located in the Student Success Center on BC3’s Main Campus. Individual and group campus tours are available and can be arranged with the Admissions Office by calling (724) 284-8501 or toll free at 888-826-2829. Prospective students may also contact the BC3 location closest to them in Brockway, Cranberry Twp., Ford City, Hermitage, or New Castle.

Admissions Policy

Butler County Community College subscribes to an open admission policy and is committed to serve all who may benefit from the academic programs of the institution. As such, the College does not require standardized pre-admissions testing such as the SAT or the ACT. However, if a student provides proof of SAT or ACT scores that meet the prescribed cut-offs it may exempt them from placement testing.

Enrollment at BC3 is open to:

• All high school graduates
• All students who have earned a High School Equivalency Diploma

Individuals who have not earned a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency Diploma may still apply to the college. Their applications will be evaluated by the Dean of Admissions. If admitted, and after successfully completing 30 credits at BC3, they can petition for a Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma. Federal financial aid is not awarded to students without a high school diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, or Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma.

Admissions Procedures

An application, a $25 non-refundable, one-time application fee, and an official copy of the high school transcript are required for admission for first-time applicants to the College. Transfer students must also send an official copy of their transcript(s) from colleges or universities previously attended.

Paper applications are available through the mail, at the high school guidance offices, on the website or in person during an Admissions visit. Students may also apply online and pay the application fee with a debit or credit card. Applicants are notified of their acceptance approximately two weeks from the date of their application.

The Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Nursing (RN), and Physical Therapist Assistant programs are selective and each has special requirements for acceptance. Contact the Admissions Office for specific details. Nursing applications are available from July 1 to October 31 for admission in the following fall semester.

Returning Students

Students previously enrolled at BC3 who wish to return after an absence of one complete academic year (Fall, Spring and Summer) must re-apply to the college to update their information. There is no fee for re-applying.

A student who does not attend for one calendar year or longer will return under the most current program planner and catalog. Requests for exemption may be made in writing to the Director of Records and Registration and/or appropriate Academic Dean.

Placement Testing

Upon admission to the College, students are required to take a placement test. The results of this test are used to assist students in selecting appropriate courses. If test scores indicate a need to strengthen basic skills in reading, mathematics, or English, students will be required to enroll in one or more developmental and/or preparatory courses. Students have the opportunity to retest once in each subject area. No fee is charged for the placement test or for the retests. Students who have a college-level English and/or Math class passed with a “C” or higher or with appropriate SAT/ACT scores, may be exempt from placement testing upon receipt of their transcript and/or official scores.

High School Programming

BC3’s College Within the High School and College Pathways programs are specifically designed for college bound high school students who have demonstrated a strong academic performance by the end of their freshman year. These programs allow sophomores with a 3.25, juniors with a 3.00, or seniors with a 2.75 or higher G.P.A. and the permission of their parents/guardians, school guidance counselor or principal to earn transferable college credits while still enrolled in their high school curriculum.

College Pathways courses are those offered at a BC3 campus location or online, whereas, College Within the High School courses are scheduled and taught at the student’s high school before, during, or after the school day, in the evening, or on a Saturday.

College Within the High School courses use the same syllabus and instructional materials and follow the same semester schedule as do the courses taught at one of BC3’s campuses or online.

High school students concurrently enrolled at BC3 who wish to become degree-seeking after graduating from high school must re-apply to the college. There is no fee to re-apply. For more information, contact the High School Programming Office at 724-287-8711, ext. 8254 or visit www.bc3.edu/admissions.

International Student Admission

Applicants who are citizens of a country other than the United States may apply for admission to Butler County Community College as an F-1 international student. International students must enroll full-time (12+ credits) in a credit bearing Certificate or Associate Degree program for the fall and spring semesters. They may take courses at our Main Campus in Butler or an acceptable satellite campus and will be advised by the PDSO or DSO at their respective location.

In order to be admitted, the student must submit the following:

1. A complete Application for Admission with a $25 non-refundable, one-time application fee in US Dollars.
2. An official copy of their high school transcript (grades) and any other academic records beyond high school at a college, university, training or technical center. They must be translated in to the English language and American education system through World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org) in order to be evaluated toward BC3 degree requirements.
3. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IETLS) if English is not a native language of their country. Students must submit TOEFL test scores at minimum of 61 on the Internet-based or an IELTS score of a minimum of 5. Test scores are good for two years from the time of completion.
4. Obtain and complete the confidential “Certification of Finances” form and the “Oath of Sponsorship” form to determine the ability to finance a BC3 education.
5. Provide a copy of their valid passport.

After the steps above have been completed - transcripts, test scores, and financial background will be reviewed and a decision will be made on admission. Applicants may also be subject to a Skype interview. If accepted, the applicant will receive a letter welcoming them to the college and a “Certificate of Eligibility” form (I-20) for immigration purposes. An international student is charged out-of-state tuition/fees and is not eligible for federal financial aid programs. Submission deadlines for materials may be imposed to allow sufficient time. Current deadline dates are June 15 for the fall semester (August) and November 15 for the spring semester (January). BC3 does not have on-campus housing for students or the support of an International Student Services Office.

Senior Citizen Credit Enrollment

Any resident of Butler County who is at least 62 years old (proof of age required) may enroll in credit classes at the College on a space available basis without paying tuition, course fees, or an application fee. However, they must still complete an Application for Admission and are responsible for the textbooks and materials associated with the class(es).

At the time of registration, the student must indicate if they wish to take audited or credit courses. Audit students have the right to attend class, but do not take tests, submit term papers, or receive grades. Senior citizens may register for available classes on the last day before classes begin.

Scholars Program

The Scholars Program is a series of courses designed to reward students who seek a more challenging academic experience at Butler County Community College.  Students who have accepted the Presidential Scholarship are enrolled into the Scholars Program.  In addition to the scholarship and the benefit of early registration for classes, Scholars take four Scholars-only classes - two general education courses in the first year of enrollment and two courses leading to an independent study project in the second year of enrollment.

The independent study program answers a research question under the supervision of a mentor. Students may identify  their own research question/project and then find the appropriate mentor or develop a research question/project under the guidance of a mentor (In addition to a faculty mentor, engagement with industry professionals through the project is allowable with approval of the faculty mentor). Students interested in learning more about the Scholars program should contact the coordinator of the Scholars Program, Michael Dittman mike.dittman@bc3.edu

Registration

All students, new and returning, have several opportunities to register for classes and receive academic advising.

• New students can schedule an individual or group advising session to discuss their educational objectives with a College counselor and to plan their course work for the first semester. Information about these sessions is provided to new students when they submit their application for admission.
• An early registration period is conducted to give returning students the opportunity to meet with their advisors and plan their schedules in advance. Students are notified of early registration dates by email.
• Additional registration periods are scheduled prior to the start of the academic semester. The College will publish the dates and times for additional registration sessions.

Students may register in person at Butler Main Campus, BC3 @ Cranberry, BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, BC3 @ LindenPointe, BC3 @ Brockway, BC3 @ Armstrong or by logging onto the website at bc3.edu.

All students are encouraged to register as early as possible since many classes fill to capacity well before the start of each term.

Only four of the College’s educational programs require special admissions procedures. Students interested in the Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Nursing or Physical Therapist Assistant programs should consult those sections of the catalog for application and admission procedures or call the Admissions Office at 724-284-8501.

Web Registration

Students may register online through the Student Portal. Credit card payments are accepted online. Students may pay for classes after they register online and must do so by the deadline or their scheduled courses will be dropped.

Students can login to the Student Portal throughout the semester to register, pay tuition, add, drop or withdraw from courses, check midterm and final grades.

Priority Registration for Veterans

Act 46 of 2014 requires public institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to provide veteran students, as defined in the Act, with preference in course scheduling. Non-compliance may be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by submitting the Higher Education Student Complaint form found at www.education.state.pa.us.

A veteran student:

• Has served in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component and National Guard
• Was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable
• Has been admitted to BC3
• Resides in Pennsylvania while enrolled at the College

Course scheduling preference means that veteran students are able to start registering for courses sooner than students with the same class standing. The course schedule is available on the College’s website (www.BC3.edu) in advance of the start of registration.

An email will be sent to identified veteran students indicating the dates, times and campus locations. Veteran students must bring proof of service.

This policy will also be on the College website, in the online catalog, student handbook and advising materials distributed to students and advisors before registration begins for fall and spring.

Transfer Credit

Students at Butler County Community College may receive credit for graded courses taken at most other accredited, degree-granting institutions. The Director of Records and Registration in consultation with the V. P. for Academic Affairs and deans, will review incoming transfer of credits. For courses to be accepted in transfer, they must be listed on a college transcript with a grade of A, B, or C. One and only one course with a D grade may be accepted if approved by the V. P. for Academic Affairs. College-level work will be granted transfer credit where applicable to the student’s program.

Students who wish to learn about options for transferring credit from another college or university, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Credit by Examination, Life or Work Experience, Articulation Agreements, or the Advanced Placement (AP) Program should refer to Academic Policies for more information.

Students enrolled in a DEGREE program may not transfer in any more than forty-five (45) credits in any program. This may be done separately or combined with other methods of credit for prior learning.

Students enrolled in a CERTIFICATE program must take fifteen (15) credits in the Certificate program at Butler County Community College. The remainder may be accepted in transfer (separately or combined with other methods of credit for prior learning).

Estimated Tuition & Fees - 2017-2018

BC3 has adopted a full-time tuition rate. The full-time tuition rate is a flat rate for students taking 12-17 credits. Fees will remain on a per credit basis. For more information about the full-time tuition rate, visit bc3.edu.

The Director of Records and Registration can determine county, state, and participating district residency at the time of registration.  In addition to the costs listed above, students should allow for commuting costs, clothing, food, and other personal expenses.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the Board of Trustees. Fees for other services (such as testing, transcripts, graduation, and noncredit courses) will continue to be set by the administration. Contact the Admissions Office for up-to-date costs.

Financial Responsibility Agreement

All students are bound by the Butler County Community College (BC3) Student Financial Responsibility Statement upon course registration. The Statement outlines the financial terms and conditions associated with your registration. By registering for classes, you assume financial responsibility and agree to the terms of the Statement. If you have questions or would like more information about the BC3 Student Financial Responsibility Statement, please contact the Finance Office at 724-287-8711, ext. 8239 or studentaccounts@bc3.edu.

Student Payment of Fees/Promise to Pay Statement
Below is a copy of the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement that a BC3 Student agrees to when they register for classes. 

I understand that when I register for any class at BC3 or receive any service from BC3 I accept full responsibility to pay all tuition, fees and other associated costs assessed as a result of my registration and/or receipt of services. If I’m not planning to attend, it is my responsibility to drop my classes as BC3 will not automatically cancel my registration. I further understand and agree that my registration and acceptance of these terms constitutes a promissory note Statement (i.e., a financial obligation in the form of an educational loan as defined by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code at 11 U.S.C. §523(a)(8)) in which BC3 is providing me educational services, deferring some or all of my payment obligation for those services, and I promise to pay for all assessed tuition, fees and other associated costs by the published or assigned due date.

I understand and agree that if I drop or withdraw from some or all of the classes for which I register, I will be responsible for paying all or a portion of tuition and fees in accordance with the published tuition refund schedule. I have read the terms and conditions of the published tuition refund schedule and understand those terms are incorporated herein by reference. I further understand that my failure to attend class or receive a bill does not absolve me of my financial responsibility as described above.

Delinquent Account/Collection
Financial Hold: I understand and agree that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing BC3 by the scheduled due date, BC3 will place a financial hold on my student account, preventing me from registering for future classes, requesting transcripts, or receiving my diploma.

Late Payment Charge: I understand and agree that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing BC3 by the initial term and monthly scheduled due dates, BC3 will assess a $20 late payment fee to my account for each late payment.    

Collection Agency Fees: I understand and accept that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing BC3 by the scheduled due date, and fail to make acceptable payment arrangements to bring my account current, BC3 may refer my delinquent account to a collection agency. I further understand that I may be responsible for paying all collection agency fees which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 30% of my delinquent account, together with all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, necessary for the collection of my delinquent account. Finally, I understand that my delinquent account may be reported to one or more of the national credit bureaus.

Communication
Method of Communication: I understand and agree that BC3 uses academic email as an official method of communication with me, and that therefore I am responsible for reading the e-mails I receive to my BC3 academic email account on a timely basis.

Contact: I authorize BC3 and its agents and contractors to contact me at my current and any future cellular phone number(s), email address(es) or wireless device(s) regarding my delinquent student account(s)/loan(s), any other debt I owe to BC3, or to receive general information from BC3. I authorize BC3 and its agents and contractors to use automated telephone dialing equipment, artificial or pre-recorded voice or text messages, and personal calls and emails, in their efforts to contact me. Furthermore, I understand that I may withdraw my consent to call my cellular phone by submitting my request in writing to the applicable contractor or agent contacting me on behalf of BC3.

Updating Contact Information: I understand and agree that I am responsible for keeping BC3 records up to date with my current physical address, email address, and phone number. Upon leaving BC3 for any reason, it is my responsibility to provide BC3 with updated contact information for purposes of continued communication regarding any amounts that remain due and owing to BC3.

Financial Aid
I understand that my Financial Aid Award is contingent upon my continued enrollment and attendance in each class upon which my financial aid eligibility was calculated. If I drop or withdraw from any class before completion or I fail to attend, I understand that my financial aid eligibility may decrease and some or all of the financial aid awarded to me may be revoked. I agree to repay any revoked aid amounts disbursed to my account that resulted in a credit balance that was refunded to me.

I agree and authorize BC3 to allow Title IV and other financial aid sources I receive to pay any permissible charges assessed to my student account including but not limited to tuition, fees, insurance, bookstore charges, service fees and fines, and any other education related charges, including prior year educational charges up to $200, unless rescinded by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Method of Billing
I understand that BC3 issues bills via email on a regular basis and I am responsible for reviewing and paying my student account bill by the scheduled due date. I further understand that failure to receive my bill does not constitute a valid reason for not paying my bill on time.

Billing Errors
I understand that administrative, clerical or technical billing errors do not absolve me of my financial responsibility to pay the correct amount of tuition, fees and other associated financial obligations assessed as a result of my registration at BC3.

Returned Payments/Failed Payment Statements
If a payment made to my student account is returned by the bank for any reason, I agree to repay the original amount of the payment plus a returned payment fee of $25. I understand that multiple returned payments and/or failure to comply with the terms of any payment plan or Statement I sign with BC3 may result in suspension of my eligibility to register for future classes at BC3 and certified funds may be required for future payments.

Withdrawal
If I decide to completely withdraw from BC3, I will follow the instructions provided at http://www.bc3.edu/paying/financial-aid/policies/withdrawal-policies.html which I understand and agree are incorporated herein by reference.  

Privacy Rights & Responsibilities
I understand that BC3 is bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which prohibits BC3 from releasing any information from my education record without my written permission. Therefore, I understand that if I want BC3 to share information from my education record with someone else, I must provide written permission by following the procedure outlined at: http://www.bc3.edu/directory/human-resources/pdf/student-information-release-authorization.pdf. I further understand that I may revoke my permission at any time as instructed in the same procedure.

IRS Form 1098-T
I agree to provide my Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN) to BC3 upon request as required by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations for Form 1098-T reporting purposes. If I fail to provide my SSN or TIN to BC3, I agree to pay any and all IRS fines assessed as a result of my missing SSN/TIN. I consent to receive my annual IRS Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, electronically from BC3. I understand that I can withdraw this consent and request a paper copy at any time.    

Student Age
I understand and agree that if I am younger than the applicable age of majority when I execute this Statement that the educational services provided by BC3 are a necessity, and I am contractually obligated pursuant to the “doctrine of necessaries.”

Entire Statement
This Statement supersedes all prior understandings, representations, negotiations and correspondence between the student and BC3, constitutes the entire Statement between the parties with respect to the matters described, and shall not be modified or affected by any course of dealing or course of performance. This Statement may be modified by BC3 at any time.  

Tuition Payment Plan

The College offers the BC3 EZ-Pay Payment plan giving students convenient and managable payment options. Plan details can be found in the Enollment Guide and on the Student Portal.

• Go to the Student Portal
• Click on the BC3 EZ-Pay link under Financial Information
• Click on the Payment Plan tab to select a plan

Refund Policy

1. If you notify the College of complete withdrawal during the first five (5) work days of the semester, your tuition and fees will be refunded.* In the first five (5) College work days, there will be no penalty for partial withdrawal.
2. If you withdraw completely or partially from the sixth through the tenth College work days, 75 percent of the applicable tuition will be refunded.
3. There will be no refund after the tenth College work day.
4. The application for admission fee, the application for graduation fee, and the payment plan fee are non-refundable.
5. Refunds for financial aid recipients must be calculated according to federal and/or state refund regulations.
6. To request a Medical Withdrawal, submit a completed Medical Withdrawal form before the week of final exams. Your refund will be 50 percent for Medical Withdrawal between the eleventh class day and midterm. There will be no refund for Medical Withdrawal after midterm. All Medical Withdrawals must be submitted before the last class day of the semester. The Medical Withdrawal form must be returned to the Director of Records and Registration.
7. If you are a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and your military unit is called to active duty for deployment, you may request a full refund of tuition and refundable fees. You must provide a copy of your deployment orders to the Office of Records and Registration.
8. If you believe that your circumstances may warrant an exception from these rules, submit a written appeal with appropriate documentation to the Office of Records and Registration during the semester in question.

*For six, eight, or ten week sessions, you must notify the College of complete withdrawal during the first three College work days of the session for a 100 percent refund. If you withdraw completely or partially from the fourth through the sixth College work days, 75 percent of the applicable tuition will be refunded. There will be no refund after the sixth College work day. For three week sessions, if you withdraw completely before the second College work day, you will receive a 100 percent refund. If you completely or partially withdraw during the second College work day, 75 percent of the applicable tuition will be refunded. There will be no refund after the second work day.