The distinction between "regular" classes and fee-based degree programs has prompted a number of questions from students. This page aims to answer those questions and provide clarity on the topic of fee-based programs.
From a student perspective, almost no differences exist.
In most instances, however, fee-based degree students do follow a different process to apply, register and pay for their programs.
From the University's perspective, the difference is financial. Fee-based programs do not receive direct financial support from the State of Washington. Regular (non-fee-based) classes are funded by both students' tuition and the State of Washington.
Fee-based degrees take place year-round, on- and off-campus, during the morning, afternoon and evening. Most are offered on one of the UW campuses (Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell) and a few can be taken via online learning technologies.
Fee-based degree programs provide another mechanism for the UW to provide access to its many resources. Because the state cannot afford to provide assistance for all of the academic programs designed by the schools and colleges at the UW, fee-based degree programs and individual credit classes were developed that are funded entirely by student fees.
These non-state-funded programs take advantage of the resources of the UW including the wide array of faculty, the robust technical and capital infrastructures, and the brand of the UW. Though paying for these resources, these programs would not be able to offer the quality nor the wide range of content without the existing capabilities of the UW, which the state partially funds.
As with any UW degree, you must apply for admission to the UW. Each degree program has established its own admission requirements. Please see the list of fee-based programs and look under the "Registration" column for details about the proper procedures for applying and registering for fee-based degree programs.
Nonmatriculated students who have not yet been admitted into a degree program may take selected UW fee-based courses through UW Educational Outreach. For a quarterly catalog and information about registration, visit the UWEO Registration website.
No. Students gain admission to the UW in a specific degree program and must apply to other UW degree programs for admission. For example, students admitted into the undergraduate fee-based evening degree program in the College of Arts and Sciences must apply separately for admission to gain entry into the state-funded undergraduate day program in the College.
That depends on a number of factors. Your credit load is one. Tuition for state-funded courses is a flat rate between 10 and 18 credits per quarter. Fee-based programs are not subject to that cap. So a part-time student (fewer than 10 credits/quarter) might pay the same amount, but a full-time student might pay more.
Fee-based courses are more expensive because they do not have a state-supported subsidy. Most fee-based degree programs have a single program fee for residents and non-residents, though a few have higher program fees for non-resident students. Please check the website of the individual degree program.
Resident and non-resident students who have not been admitted to the UW but enroll in a fee-based course generally pay the same course fee.
Students not yet admitted to the UW who enroll and successfully complete undergraduate courses may apply those courses to a UW degree. Students not yet admitted to a UW degree program who enroll and successfully complete a graduate course may apply up to 12 graduate-level credits to a UW degree if they secure graduate nonmatriculated (GNM) status before completing the course. For information about GNM status, please see the Graduate School website.
Each fee-based degree program charges it own per-credit course fee or quarterly program fee, based upon the costs associated with the program. Please see the specific degree program for pricing information.
In some cases, programs accept students each quarter. In others, students can apply to a fee-based degree program only once a year. Please check the specific degree program of interest.
Most fee-based students register through UW Educational Outreach online or by phone and pay their program and course fees upon registration. Others pay through MyUW and their program office registers them. Check with your program office to determine how your program registers and pays.
Financial aid is available to fee-based matriculated students with the exception of aid programs that are funded by state tuition revenue.
If you need financial assistance to complete your degree, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA).
If you have been awarded financial aid and you register through UWEO, you may complete the Financial Agreement form. It allows you to register but delay your payment until financial aid funds are available or the beginning of the quarter, whichever occurs first. Typically, financial aid funds are disbursed at the start of each quarter unless there is a hold on your account or you are not registered for the number of credits your financial aid award requires. Contact the OSFA if you have questions.
Note: In order for financial aid funds to disburse, you must be registered in the UW Student Database. If you do not submit the necessary information to the appropriate office in a timely fashion, there may be a delay in your receipt of aid funds.
Students cannot use tuition exemptions for fee-based degree programs and classes as these programs are not funded by state tuition revenues. A tuition exemption program is a waiver of state tuition revenue.
Yes. In some cases, state-funded degree students can take fee-based courses as part of their load on a space-available basis. In other cases, they may have to pay additional fees for the courses. Likewise, fee-based degree students can take some state-funded courses on a space-available basis. Please see your program adviser for details.
Yes, students in fee-based programs must pay the Student Technology Fee and Services & Activities Fee. These fees fund important aspects of the University and allow you to access student services such as the Intramural Athletics facility, which benefit all UW degree-seeking students.
Because you pay the Services & Activities Fee, you qualify for a U-PASS. And yes, fee-based degree students are eligible for all services available to students in state-funded programs, including student health insurance, financial aid (see above), and student housing.
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