Services

Student Engagement

All new students are required to complete an Orientation session before registering for classes. Orientation provides essential information to help students navigate college life, choose the right courses, and understand available support services for academic success.

Orientation Options

Students may complete Orientation in one of two ways:

• In-Person Session - Attend a scheduled session at a Germanna location.
• Online Module - Complete Orientation remotely at your convenience.

Who is Required to Complete Orientation?

• All new students enrolling in more than 15 credits.
• Students beginning a degree or certificate program.

Who is Exempt from Orientation?

• Dual Enrollment students (Orientation is required after completing their high school program).
• Students taking 15 or fewer credits.
• Students who have already earned an Associate or Bachelor’s degree.
• Transfer students who can demonstrate that they transferred in good academic standing from their previous institution.

For more information, visit Germanna Community College’s Orientation page or contact the Welcome Center for assistance.

View orientation details

Student Development Course Requirement

Effective Fall 2014, all curricular students (except those in Career Studies Certificate programs) must complete College Success Skills - SDV 100 or another approved Student Development (SDV) course during their first semester of enrollment at Germanna Community College.

Purpose of Student Development Courses

SDV courses are designed to:

• Foster student success by teaching essential college skills.
• Help students develop strategies for academic and personal growth.
• Prepare students for a smooth transition into college coursework.

Waivers & Course Substitutions

Students may be exempt from the SDV requirement if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Holders of an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution (course substitution available).
• Transfer students who have completed at least 24 credit hours may receive credit by passing the SDV Assessment by Local Examination (ABLE) test.

For more details or to schedule an SDV ABLE exam, students should contact Testing Services at Germanna Community College.

Office of Student Success

Germanna Community College is open to all and is committed to fostering a community where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are core values. The College recognizes its responsibility to create and maintain an academic and social environment that respects all people and ideas.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Community

Germanna is dedicated to:

• Respecting all cultures, experiences, and abilities.
• Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
• Providing opportunities for individuals to thrive in a global society.
• Promoting equity and opportunity for all students.

The Role of the Office of Student Success

The Office of Student Success provides leadership, resources, and structures that support all students across the institution. The office is fully dedicated to ensuring a positive and inclusive college experience for students, faculty, and staff of all identities, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Programs & Services Offered by the Office of Student Success

• Ombudsperson support - Assisting students in resolving concerns fairly and confidentially.
• Support for English Language Learners - Providing resources to help non-native English speakers succeed.
• Student support for Early College programs - Helping high school students transition to college coursework.
• Retention and recruitment initiatives - Ensuring student success from enrollment to graduation.
• Equity assessments - Identifying and reducing barriers to student success.
• Cultural programming and resources - Celebrating diversity through campus events and educational programs.
• Truth & Reconciliation strategic plan & DEI initiatives - Advancing equity and inclusion in college policies and practices.
• Mentoring & onboarding support - Providing guidance and support for new students and employees.
• Student discrimination grievance policy administration - Ensuring a fair process for addressing discrimination concerns.

Germanna Community College remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence, opportunity, and belonging for all members of our community. For more information, students can contact the Office of Student Success.

Office of Accessibility Resources

Germanna Community College is committed to ensuring equal access for all students by providing accommodations and support services through the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR). Students who need accommodations must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation of a disability, such as an IEP or a letter from a qualified professional.

Requesting Accommodations

Students must submit accommodation requests through the Accommodate portal, accessible via the Office of Accessibility Resources webpage. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis and may include:

• Extended time on exams
• Reduced-distraction testing environments
• Note-taking assistance
• Recorded lectures
• Magnified text or adaptive technology
• Alternative classroom seating

Students should request accommodations before the start of the semester to allow for a smooth implementation. However, requests can be made at any time. Accommodations are not retroactive, meaning students cannot retake exams or assignments completed before approval.

Accessibility Services for English Language Learners

Students who require language learning support may also be eligible for accommodations. However, these services are intended to support language learning only and are not guaranteed for all courses. Students must schedule a meeting with the OAR to determine eligibility.

For further inquiries, students can email the Office of Accessibility Resources at disabilityservices@germanna.edu.

Access for Persons with Disabilities

Germanna Community College is dedicated to individual empowerment and total inclusion by ensuring that students with disabilities receive equal access to all aspects of the college experience. Accommodations are provided at no cost and are tailored to meet individual student needs.

Students who feel they have been denied equal access to all programs and services offered by the College may refer to the Access Policy.

Process for Requesting Accessibility Resources

Under postsecondary education guidelines, students must self-identify and formally request accommodations. Once a request is made, the College engages in an interactive process to determine what reasonable accommodations can be provided.

Key Guidelines for Accommodation Requests:

1. Students must have a documented disability covered by law and be qualified for their academic program with or without accommodations.
2. The College is required to provide only reasonable accommodations-it does not have to fundamentally alter its programs.
3. Accommodation requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and not all requests are guaranteed.
4. Temporary accommodations may be available while requests are under review but do not guarantee permanent accommodations.

If an accommodation request is denied, students may refer to the College’s ADA & Section 504 Grievance Policy for the appeals process.

Documentation Requirements for Accommodations

Students must submit documentation that includes:

• Professional credentials of the individual providing the documentation.
• Description of the disability and its impact on learning.
• Assessments, observations, or medical evaluations supporting the diagnosis.
• Recommended accommodations and their expected benefits for the student.

The College reserves the right to request additional documentation if the initial submission is insufficient.

Implementation of Approved Accommodations

Once approved, the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) provides documentation of accommodations to the student and their faculty members. Students are responsible for:

1. Discussing accommodations with faculty members in each course.
2. Reporting issues if accommodations are not being appropriately implemented.
3. Requesting modifications or additional accommodations as needed.

Faculty members must adhere to all approved accommodations. They cannot grant accommodations that have not been approved by the OAR.

Service Animals on Campus

This policy applies to students, employees, and visitors who require a service animal on campus.

Key Points of the Service Animal Policy:

• Service animals are allowed under Federal and State law.
• Emotional support animals must be registered with the Office of Accessibility Resources.
• Individuals must follow the College’s Service Animal Policy, available on the website.

For additional details, students can refer to the Service Animal Policy or contact the Office of Accessibility Resources.

Germanna Community College remains committed to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students. If you need assistance, please contact the Office of Accessibility Resources at disabilityservices@germanna.edu.

Great Expectations

The Great Expectations (GE) program at Germanna Community College is designed to assist students who are currently or were previously affiliated with the Virginia Foster Care System in their transition to independent living and college success.

Program Benefits

Participants in the GE program receive:

• Guidance on academic programs and career pathways.
• Access to support services such as advising, tutoring, and financial aid assistance.
• Assistance with college and professional aspirations to help students stay on track.
• Opportunities to participate in free social and non-curricular events to build community and engagement.
• Personalized support from GE Mentors to ensure student success and degree completion.

The Great Expectations program aims to provide a strong foundation for foster care-affiliated students by offering resources and mentoring that promote academic achievement and personal growth.

For more information or to connect with a GE Mentor, students can visit the Germanna Community College website or contact the GE Program Office directly.

https://germanna.edu/student-experience/personal-support/great-expectations

Counseling Services

Germanna Community College provides professional counseling services to support students in overcoming challenges that may interfere with their academic success and overall well-being.

Services Offered

• Academic Support: Guidance on study habits, time management, and navigating college processes.
• Personal Development: Assistance in developing new skills to foster academic and personal growth.
• Early-Alert Outreach Program: Designed to help students get back on track when academic difficulties arise.
• Individual Counseling: Students can schedule appointments with a counselor or utilize walk-in services to meet with the first available counselor.

Availability & Access

Counseling services are available at Germanna locations during operating hours. Students are encouraged to reach out for academic, personal, and career-related concerns.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Counseling Services at Germanna Community College.

We also have online counseling available.

Counseling Services website

High School Career Advisor Program

Germanna Community College supports high school students in planning their career and educational paths through the VCCS High School Career Advisor Program.

Program Objectives

• Career Exploration: Helping students define their career aspirations based on their skills and interests.
• Postsecondary Guidance: Providing information about community college programs, apprenticeships, and workforce training.
• Informed Decision-Making: Empowering students with the knowledge to make strategic educational and financial choices.
• Preparation for Success: Assisting students in navigating postsecondary education and training opportunities to ensure long-term career success.

High School Support & Resources

Dedicated Community College employees are based in local high schools to provide:

• One-on-one career counseling
• College and workforce training program awareness
• Assistance with application and enrollment processes

This initiative ensures that students have the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve their educational and financial goals.

https://germanna.edu/enroll-germanna/high-school-career-advisors  

Career & Transfer Center

Germanna Community College provides Career and Transfer Services to help students explore career opportunities and plan for their future educational and professional goals.

Services Offered

• Career Exploration: Resources to help students identify career paths that align with their interests and skills.
• Transfer Guidance: Support for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution after completing coursework at Germanna.
• Decision-Making Tools: Access to career assessments, transfer guides, and academic planning resources.
• Advising & Counseling: One-on-one assistance to ensure students make informed choices about their future.

Location

The Career and Transfer Center is located at the Fredericksburg Campus in the V. Earl Dickinson Building (SP1), Second Floor.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to plan for long-term success in their education and careers.

Career and Transfer website

Career Services

Career Services supports students, alumni, and employers by providing resources and guidance for a successful transition into the workplace. Services include:

• Career Advising & Exploration: Identifying career paths that align with students’ interests and skills.
• Career Assessments: Tools to help students discover their strengths and potential career options.
• Job Preparation: Resume-building, interview coaching, and job search assistance.
• Career Action Plans: Personalized strategies for students to reach their career goals.
• Employment Opportunities: Connects students with job openings through Career and Work-Based Learning Fairs held throughout the year.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and mandatory fees for each academic year are published on the Germanna website:

View tuition and fees

Tuition and mandatory fees do not cover books, supplies, and course materials.  The estimated cost of these items is $700 per semester, depending on the program of study and the number of credits taken by the student. Some courses require materials through the Follet Access program. 

Tuition and mandatory fees are set by the State Board for Community Colleges and are subject to change. If a tuition and fee increase does occur after payment has occurred, the student will be responsible for the difference.

Eligibility for In-State Tuition Rates

The College makes an initial determination of a student’s eligibility for in-state tuition rates based on the information provided by the applicant and/or the applicant’s parent, legal guardian, or spouse on the Application for Virginia Domicile. Eligibility is determined by using State Council of Higher Education guidelines pertaining to Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Generally, in order to be eligible for in-state tuition rates, the student must have been legally domiciled in Virginia for a period of at least one full year prior to the beginning of the planned term of enrollment at the College. Domicile is a technical, legal concept that means more than simple residency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In order to be considered a Virginia domiciliary, a student must demonstrate through clear and convincing evidence his/her intention of remaining in Virginia indefinitely.

Demonstration of intent is usually accomplished through objective evidence. A student under the age of 24 generally assumes the domicile of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), unless the student has been legally emancipated or meets the criteria for independent student status. A student who has been classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes will be notified in writing of the domicile determination. Additional information about eligibility may be obtained from the Admissions and Records Office.

Military Exceptions for In-State Tuition Rate

The following individuals shall be charged the in-state rate, or otherwise considered a resident, for tuition purposes:

• A veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill® - Active Duty Program) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill), of Title 38, United States Code, who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits who lives in the state where the IHL is located, and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service serving on active duty.
• A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• A spouse or child using benefits under Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35) living in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• An individual using educational assistance under Chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence) effective for courses, semesters, or terms beginning after March 1, 2019
• Anyone described above remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same institution. Therefore, the described person must be enrolled in the institution and use educational benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 33, or 35 of Title 38, United States Code.

Each student must submit a Domicile Exception Application to qualify. Contact an Enrollment or Admissions Office on any Germanna Community College campus for more information. The Domicile Exception Application may be accessed on the Germanna.edu website, by searching the keyword: domicile. Current military exceptions to domicile information can be on The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) website at schev.edu.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Domicile Appeal:

A student who disagrees with the initial tuition classification may make a written appeal to an Assistant Registrar within ten business days of the initial notification. The student may be asked to provide additional domicile information to supplement the Application for Virginia Domicile. The Associate Director of Enrollment Services will respond to the second appeal via email notification within fifteen business days.

If the student disagrees with the tuition classification, the student may file a final written appeal with the Registrar for consideration by the Domicile Appeals Committee. The Domicile Appeals Committee shall consist of two members appointed by the Dean of Students and the Registrar. No person who serves at one level of this appeals process shall be eligible to serve at any other level of this review. This written appeal must be made within five business days of the student’s notification of the first appeal. The Domicile Appeals Committee will review the domicile determination to ensure the decision is in compliance with relevant state legislation and state guidelines.

A student who is not satisfied with the outcome of the review by the Domicile Appeals Committee may appeal to the appropriate circuit court. The student must file a petition for review with the court within thirty business days of receipt of the decision made by the Domicile Appeals Committee.

Note: The Guidelines for Determining Domicile and Eligibility for In-State Tuition Rates set forth in Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia will be followed by Germanna Community College throughout the domicile appeals process.

Changing Status: If the student initially enters the College as an out-of-state student and believes subsequently to have achieved Virginia domiciliary status, an Application for Virginia Domicile must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office. If a determination is made in the student’s favor, the student will become eligible for in-state tuition rates for the next semester in which the student enrolls.

Payment Due Date

A Payment Due Date is established for each semester.  Payment is expected by this date.  If enrolling after the payment due date, payment is due at the time of class registration. 

Paying your Tuition

Registration is not complete until the student’s balance is fully satisfied by payment, anticipated financial aid, payment plan, third-party contract, veteran’s benefits, waiver, and/or prepaid college plan.  Germanna conducts administrative drops after the Payment Due Date to remove students with an unpaid balance. Students will not be allowed to register in any succeeding semester until all debts owed to the college have been satisfied. 

Paying Tuition

Tuition payments can be made online (MyGCC) using a credit/debit card or e-check (ACH) payment. 

Germanna has contracted with Nelnet to offer a convenient payment plan with automatic, monthly payments.  Enrollment in the payment plan can be completed online through the student’s MyGCC portal.

Payment Plan

Payments can be made in person with cash, check, or money order. Checks should be made payable to Germanna Community College for the exact dollar amount owed.  Checks and money orders can also be mailed to Germanna Community College, Attn: Cashier’s Office, P O Box 1430, Locust Grove, VA 22508.

Pay for College

Deferred Payment: The College may offer deferred payment dates during specified registration periods. Please refer to the Paying for College page of the Germanna website for payment due dates.

Student Payment Plan: Automatic Payment Plans are available for tuition and fees. These plans are offered through a payment plan service provider that has contracted with the college (Nelnet). Enrollment in the Automatic Payment Plan must be completed online through the student MyGCC Portal.

Automatic Payment Plan details

Failure to make payment in full (either in person, online, or in the form of anticipated financial aid sufficient to cover any balance due) by the time payment is due may result in the student being dropped.

Financial Obligation Agreement 

When first registering for classes at Germanna, students 18 years and older will be required to acknowledge their financial responsibility as follows:

• I understand that tuition, fees, and other charges will be assessed to me by the VCCS for all classes in which I enroll.
• I understand I am responsible for all tuition, fees and bookstore or other educational material charges for all classes I drop or swap after the published deadlines for tuition refund.
• I understand I may be responsible for repayment of Financial Aid funds if I withdraw, drop, or fail to attend or participate in classes (in-person or online) as per the regulatory requirements to be eligible for Financial Aid funds.  The amount to be repaid may be all of the Financial Aid disbursed, or a portion thereof, as determined by the VCCS college financial aid office.
• I understand that I am responsible for all tuition and fees for classes not eligible or approved to be paid by my employer, agency, or military benefits.
• I understand that failure to make a payment for any financial obligation due to the college may result in my account being sent to collections.  All VCCS colleges comply with the Virginia Debt Collection Act (Code of Virginia, Sections 2.2-4808, as amended).  Code 2.2-4805 allows interest, administrative charges, and penalty fees to be charged.  Code 2.2-4806 allows accounts receivable to be placed with a collection agency, administrative offset, or a credit reporting bureau.

Registering for classes is deemed to be acceptance of these terms.

Financial Aid and Failure to Complete

If a student withdraws (or stops attending classes) from college at any time during the semester, the student may not be refunded any out-of-pocket payment and may be required to repay a portion of any financial aid received.  Financial Aid only pays for classes that are completed.  If you fail or withdraw from one or more classes, then there is a possibility that your aid will be reduced and you could owe money back.  See the Financial Aid Office for assistance on the impact to your financial aid award(s) before making any enrollment change (drop, withdraw, stop attending) or if there is a possibility of failing a class.  For more information, please review the withdrawal information.

Last Day to Drop with a Refund

Students may receive a full refund if they drop the class by the Last Day to Drop with a Refund for each session.  These dates can be found on the Germanna Academic Calendar. Students may drop courses by using the student MyGCC Portal or by submitting a completed Registration Form to any Welcome Center. Whenever possible, Germanna will refund to the credit/debit card previously used to pay on account.  All other refunds will be processed in the name of the student as a check mailed to the address on file in the Student Information System (SIS).  For faster refunds, the student may choose to have refunds credited by direct deposit to their bank account by setting their preference in their SIS Student Center using the “Manage Refunds” link.

Refunds are typically processed within 2 weeks of the Last Day to Drop with a Refund and take approximately 10-15 business days to be received by mail.  Direct deposit refunds can take 5-10 business days.

Refunds will not be authorized after the refund deadline unless extraordinary circumstances are documented and approved by the Registrar.  Students seeking an exception to the tuition refund policy due to mitigating circumstances must contact the Enrollment Services office.  Refunds will be approved per VCCS and Germanna policy.

Note: If a student eligible for a refund has an outstanding debt to another State agency, the Commonwealth Treasurer’s Office may apply the refund to the outstanding debt.

Mandatory Fees

• Student Activity Fee: A student activity fee is charged per credit hour to all students to support student activities.|
• Parking Auxiliary Fee: A parking auxiliary fee is charged per credit hour to all students to support maintenance costs of the parking lots, which cannot be funded with state appropriations.
• Facilities Auxiliary Fee: A facilities auxiliary fee is charged per credit hour to all students to support facilities costs that cannot be funded with state appropriations, such as student centers and parking garages.
• Capital Fee: A capital fee is charged per credit hour to all out-of-state students.

Other Fees and Charges

• Transcript Fees: Germanna has partnered with Parchment Inc. to provide secure online ordering and delivery of transcripts.  Students are responsible for the fees associated with requesting transcripts through Parchment.
• Fees for College/Library Materials:  Students are required to pay charges for any College property that is damaged or lost, such as laboratory or shop equipment, library books, and other equipment.  The college Library may charge students a replacement fee and an administrative charge for lost or damaged items.
• Returned Checks: Returned checks and rejected ACH payments may be subject to a $50.00 fee, and will result in check/e-check payments no longer being accepted by the college.

Refunds

Students may drop unwanted courses by using the MyGCC link on the Germanna homepage or by submitting a Registration Form to any Welcome Center.  The student will receive a full refund if they drop the class by the Last Day to Drop with a Refund for each session.  These dates can be found on the Germanna Academic Calendar.

Whenever possible, credit/debit card payments made online using E-Pay will be applied to the card used to make the payment.

All other refunds will be processed in the name of the student as a check mailed to the address on file in the Student Information System.  For faster refunds, the student may choose to have refunds credited by direct deposit to their bank account by setting their preference in their Student Center using the “Manage Refunds” link.

Refunds are typically processed within 2 weeks of the Last Day to Drop with Refund and take approximately 10-15 business days to be received by mail.  Direct deposit refunds can take 5-10 business days.

Refund Exceptions

Students seeking an exception to the tuition refund policy due to mitigating circumstances must contact the Admissions and Records office. Refunds will not be authorized after the refund deadline unless extraordinary circumstances are documented and approved by the Registrar. Refunds will be approved per VCCS policy.

Note: If a student eligible for a refund has an outstanding debt to another State agency, the Commonwealth Treasurer’s Office may apply the refund to the outstanding debt.

Repayment Upon Withdrawing from College

If a student withdraws (or stops attending classes) from college at any time during the semester, the student may not be refunded any out-of-pocket payment and may be required to repay a portion of any grant aid received. Concerning financial aid repayments, the amount of repayment due is calculated based on the student’s withdrawal date. Repayments from students shall be returned to the programs from which the student received funds, as specified in Federal Regulations. Work Study earnings are not included in the repayment calculation. Students who stop attending class and receive grades of F, U, W, I, or X may be required to repay a portion of the total federal aid received.

Fees

Student Activity Fee: A student activity fee is charged per credit hour to all student categories. This fee supports student activity operating budgets.

Parking Maintenance Auxiliary Fee: A parking maintenance auxiliary fee is charged per credit hour to all student categories. The fee supports the maintenance costs of the parking lots, which are not allowed to be funded with state appropriations.

Facilities Auxiliary Fee: A facilities auxiliary fee is charged per credit hour to all student categories. The fee supports the facility costs that cannot be funded with state appropriations, such as student centers and parking garages.

Capital Fee: A capital fee is charged per credit hour to all out-of-state students, including out-of-state contract students. This fee is to offset bond expenses for capital construction. The college collects this fee but does not retain it.

Other Charges

Fees for Copies of Records: Germanna Community College has partnered with Parchment Inc. to provide secure online ordering and delivery of academic credentials, including transcripts. Students are responsible for the fees associated with requesting their transcripts through Parchment. There is no charge for requested records beyond the transcript fee.

Fees for College/Library Materials:  Students are required to pay charges for any College property they damage or lose (such as laboratory or shop equipment, library books, materials, and other equipment).

While the College Library does not charge fines for overdue materials, students may be charged a replacement fee and an administrative charge for lost or damaged items.

Past Due Balances, Returned Checks & Late Charges

Returned checks and rejected ACH payments may be subject to a $50.00 fee and will result in check/e-check payments no longer being accepted by the college.

Students with past due balances may be ineligible to enroll or receive transcripts until the debt is satisfied.

If the matter is referred for collection to an attorney or to a collection agency, then the student will be liable for attorney’s fees or additional collection fees of up to 25% (subject to change) of the then unpaid balance. Registering for classes will be deemed to be acceptance of these terms.

Books and Supplies:

Students are expected to obtain their books, supplies, and consumable materials needed for their studies. The estimated cost of these items is $700 per semester, depending on the program of study and the number of credits taken by the student.

Tuition and fees are subject to change with the approval of the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges. All fees are due with payment of tuition.

View tuition and fees

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is happy to assist with applying for grants, loans, scholarships, and the work-study program. The first step to apply for these programs is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must apply online each year. April 1st is the FAFSA Priority Filing Date for Germanna each year. Students should file their FAFSA as early as possible and respond to requests for information promptly which can be found on their Student Center page under To Do List. When completing a FAFSA each year, you must list Germanna for us to receive your information electronically and our school code is 008660. You and your contributor, if applicable, must obtain a Federal Student Aid ID before completing the FAFSA.

Types of Financial Aid that Germanna offers are: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Student Loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Virginia Commonwealth Grant, Virginia Community College System Grant, Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, Germanna G3, Part-Time Assistance Program, President’s Tuition Offset Grant, Federal Work-Study, Germanna Work Study Program, and the Germanna Guarantee Scholarship Program.

Aid eligibility is determined on the “Last Day to Drop with a Refund” date each semester (for the 15-week session for Fall and Spring and 10-week session for Summer) and is based on the number of enrolled financial aid eligible credits. Any changes to your enrollment may cause your financial aid to be adjusted accordingly.

For those students receiving financial aid, the “Bookstore Charging Period” is open for four - six weeks each semester, starting approximately one week before the semester.

Payment for classes is due upon registration. Students need to plan ahead by reviewing payment options and available resources.

What is Financial Aid?

Student financial aid is money received from an outside source to assist the student in paying for the costs of higher education. Financial aid is available from state and federal governments, the Germanna Educational Foundation, and private organizations.

Financial Aid - Staff members are available to provide information and assistance with financial aid programs. Financial aid is awarded based on federal and state guidelines. Rarely are there circumstances that permit colleges to award students that do not meet these guidelines. If you feel that your circumstances are mitigating and should warrant special consideration, please contact the Financial Aid Office. Any circumstances must be documented before special consideration will be given.

Students who have received a financial aid award notice may use their financial aid for payment of tuition and fees. Tuition and fee charges not fully covered by financial aid must be paid before the payment deadline. Financial aid refunds for students who have financial aid more than tuition, fees, and books will be processed approximately six to eight weeks after classes begin. More information on the financial aid programs is available in the Financial Aid section of the Germanna Community College website.

Who is Eligible for Financial Aid?

Federal and State Aid: Students must apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA. The results of the FAFSA will be released to Germanna and must indicate that you have financial need. To qualify for federal and/or state financial aid at Germanna, students must be accepted for admission as a regular student in an eligible program of study, must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), must be enrolled in financial aid eligible credits, and must not be in default on a student loan or owe a repayment to a federal grant. Students must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Students who have not graduated from high school completed a home school program, or received a GED equivalent will not be eligible for federal or state aid. State funds are only available for students domiciled in Virginia. All other federal and state requirements must be met.

Local Scholarship Aid: Qualifications for each local scholarship are determined by the donating organization or business. Current scholarship announcements are available on the Germanna Community College website.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards for Financial Aid Recipients

Students must maintain satisfactory progress to receive any federal, state, or institutional financial aid. SAP  will be evaluated at the end of each term.

View Satisfactory Academic Progress details

Degree-seeking students will have a maximum of approximately 90 attempted credit hours during which time they may qualify for financial aid. (Actual maximum credit hours are 150% of the number of credit hours required to complete the program. This may be slightly more or slightly less than 90 credit hours.) Once a student has reached this maximum credit hour limit, their aid eligibility will be exhausted. Changes of programs do not extend these time limits. All enrollments at the college are counted toward the maximum limit, whether or not the student received aid. Certificate programs are limited to 150% of the number of credit hours required to complete that program.

Repeated courses enable the student to achieve a higher cumulative grade point average. Financial aid can be considered for completed classes that are repeated to achieve a higher grade, but for only one additional attempt. Only the highest grade earned will count toward the cumulative grade point average. All repeated courses are counted toward the maximum credit hour limit. Transfer credits are counted as credits attempted.

Loss and Reinstatement of Eligibility

Students who do not meet these standards will be notified of the reason(s) for the loss of eligibility. A student may appeal the loss of their eligibility, in writing, to the Financial Aid Office by completing a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form. The student’s SAP appeal form will be considered, and the Financial Aid Office will notify the student of the decision via your student’s email account. All appeals must be supported by documentation, or they will not be considered. A student who chooses not to appeal or whose appeal is denied may return at his/her own expense and complete the classes necessary to meet the required standards to reinstate their aid.

Refunds and Repayments for Title IV Financial Aid Recipients: For more information on the impact of drops and withdrawals please see the Financial Aid website.

Change in Enrollment Status during the Full Refund Period

If a student fails to attend class, officially drops a class(es) during the full refund period, or has a class canceled, his/her eligibility for financial aid funds will be reduced accordingly. If the student receives funds based on the higher enrollment level, the student must repay the difference between the amount for the higher enrollment level and the amount for the lower enrollment level. Students who fail to begin attendance in all classes are not eligible for financial aid and will be required to repay all financial aid funds received.

After the Refund Period

Students who stop attending class and receive grades of F, R, U, W, I, or X may be required to repay a portion of the total aid received. Students who receive grades of F, R, U, W, I, or X may lose eligibility for further financial aid funds, too. Students may have to repay financial aid funds under the following circumstances:

1. If a student withdraws from all classes after the refund period, or
2. If a student fails to begin attendance in one or more classes, or
3. If a student stops attending all classes for the semester.

Types of Financial Aid at Germanna

Federal Pell Grant: Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Eligibility is primarily based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC, 2023-24) or the Student Aid Index (SAI, 2024-25) from the FAFSA, but it is also affected by enrollment status. Students must be enrolled in an eligible program of study and financial aid-eligible classes.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: A student who is not eligible for a Pell Grant, but whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.

Eligible students must be under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death. The grant award is equal to the amount of a maximum Pell Grant for the award year - not to exceed the cost of attendance for that award year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants: This is a federal grant for undergraduates with exceptional needs. Since these funds are limited, only Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFC or SAI will receive these grants. Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time (six financial aid-eligible credits) per semester. Priority is given to out-of-state classified students.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan: Direct Stafford Loans, from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, are low-interest loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education. A minimum of six financial aid-eligible credit hours per semester is required. Annual limits are based on class level and dependency status and range from $5,500 to $10,500 per year at community colleges.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan: Parents of dependent students may apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan to help pay their child’s education expenses if certain eligibility requirements are met. The annual limit on a PLUS Loan is equal to the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives.

Virginia Commonwealth Grant: The Commonwealth grant provides grants to qualified students who are domiciled residents of Virginia. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six-semester credits) in an eligible program of study and financial aid-eligible classes. The award amount cannot exceed the cost of tuition and fees.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program: Full-time (12 or more credits) Virginia-domiciled student who graduated from a Virginia high school with at least a 2.5 grade point average or completed a home school program with an SAT verbal and math combined score of at least 980 or ACT Composite score of at least 19, may apply for this state grant program.

Germanna G3: G3 is a tuition assistance program for any Virginia resident, regardless of any prior degree received, who qualifies for in-state tuition and whose family income falls below an identified threshold. Germanna G3 can be used for designated programs in five of Virginia’s most in-demand industries: Early Childhood Education, Healthcare, Information Technology, Public Safety, and Skilled Trades.

Part-Time Assistance Program: This grant is to assist undergraduate, part-time students with financial need to pay their tuition and fees. For an undergraduate student to be eligible for an award, a student must be a domiciled resident of Virginia and be enrolled for one to eight financial aid-eligible credits in an approved program of study.

Federal Work-Study: This program provides part-time jobs for students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time (six credits per semester) in financial aid-eligible classes. Student class schedules, curriculum and job skills are considered in assessing eligibility. Most employment is on-campus; however, additional employment opportunities have been established for off-campus community service employment. Students are paid bi-weekly.

Germanna Work-Study Program: This program provides employment opportunities to students who do not qualify for need-based Federal work-study. Students must meet the same academic standards as Federal work-study students. Students are paid bi-weekly.

Germanna Guarantee Scholarship Program: The Germanna Community College Educational Foundation may award scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need. Scholarships aid with tuition, books, or other educational expenses.

The Rich Gossweiler Student Emergency Fund: This fund provides students with emergency financial assistance above and beyond normal grants and other aid to help remove some of the barriers for students who may be in financial need. The intended purpose of these funds is to pay for something that falls outside of tuition, fees, or required supplies for college. Recipients must be enrolled at Germanna and a Single Stop appointment is required.

State Tuition Assistance Programs

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program: A spouse or child between the ages of 16 and 29 of a qualifying Veteran may be eligible for educational assistance.

Registration Information

Students may register in person at any Germanna campus or center or ONLINE via myGCC. All students are encouraged to register for classes as early as possible. Registration is not complete until tuition is paid.

View registration information

View class schedule

View registration dates

New/Readmit Students: A new/readmit student is one who has not enrolled in credit courses at GCC in the last three years.

1. New students must submit an Application for Admission. Students can complete the free application by going to www.germanna.edu. Paper applications are also available in the Admissions and Records Office. At the end of the application process, you will be issued a student ID number.
2. College Readiness Assessment. Students who have completed a previous college-level English and/or math course with a grade of C or better, have SAT or ACT scores that meet Germanna’s requirements, have graduated or earned their GED within the last five years, have completed developmental coursework at a regionally accredited college, or are military/veteran affiliated may not need to take placement tests. For current score requirements, contact Counseling Services. Students who do need to take a placement test must have a current application for admission to Germanna Community College on file, and present a valid state-issued ID and Germanna Community College student ID number when coming to the test. All test scores are valid for 5 years.
3. Students should have official copies of scores and/or college transcripts sent to Germanna for their official records. However, unofficial copies of scores can be used for advising and registering purposes and should be brought with students to advising and registration appointments.
4. Make arrangements so that your official high school, GED, and/or college transcripts are sent to the Admissions and Records Office at Germanna. To officially transfer college credit, you will need to submit a Request for Evaluation of Transfer Credit form to Germanna’s Admissions and Records Office.
5. After completing the required New Student Orientation, new students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for the first time to review program requirements, determine an appropriate course load, and clarify educational goals and objectives. If you are under the age of 18 and do not possess a high school degree or GED, you will need to meet with a counselor to discuss enrollment. Students who select a program of study will be assigned a faculty advisor during their first year.
6. After meeting with an academic advisor, students may register online through myGCC SIS. Students needing assistance with registration may also submit a registration form to Admissions and Records.
7. All students must pay tuition by the posted deadline. Payments can be made in person at each campus location or electronically via myGCC. Additional payment options include a payment plan, financial aid, and student loans.

Continuing Students: A continuing student has enrolled for credit courses at GCC within the last three years.

1. Continuing students are encouraged to meet with an advisor regarding your program of study regularly. Students who have been assigned a faculty advisor may make an appointment with their academic advisor during their posted office hours.
2. Students may register online via myGCC, in person with an advisor/counselor, drop-off (a drop box is provided outside the Admissions & Records Office at each campus), or by mail.
3. Pay tuition. Payment can be made in person at each campus location or electronically via your myGCC student account. Germanna also has an Automatic Payment Plan that the Business Office can assist you with. In addition, the Financial Aid Office at each campus can assist with the financial aid application process.

NOTE: ALL STUDENTS MUST MEET COURSE PREREQUISITES

Navigate

Navigate Student is a mobile advisor that helps students get the most out of their college journey. Through the app, students can choose the right major, navigate requirements ranging from financial aid to course registration, and stay on top of important dates and deadlines, all from their phones. Navigate makes it easier to stay on top of important tasks and decision-making. It is the ultimate guide to build and stay on the path to graduation.

Why Use Navigate?

• Get step-by-Step Guidance: Navigate is a free mobile app that will help you thrive at Germanna Community College. Navigate can help students at all levels, whether you are just getting started or nearing graduation. It is your own personal advisor, right in the palm of your hand.
• Have Answers at Your Fingertips: Find the information you need without the wait.
• Make Connections: Whether you are looking for academic advising, tutoring or a campus activity outside of the classroom, Navigate will connect you to the right people and resources.
• Appointment Scheduling: Navigate helps you schedule appointments with academic advisors and tutors quickly and easily.
• Major Explorer: Match your interests and career goals with the right major and look at transferable skills and career options for each major.
• Class Schedule: View your class schedule and easily connect with professors.

Navigate Student can be found by logging on to MyGCC and clicking on the Navigate Student and Chrome is the recommended browser for Navigate Student and Navigate Student is not supported by Internet Explorer.

Academic Advising

Following their initial enrollment with their Admissions Coach, all new students are expected to see an Academic Advisor before beginning classes at Germanna. During this initial advising session, the student’s educational and career goals are discussed about their academic program. Students are encouraged to continue meeting with an Academic Advisor to clarify program requirements and course selection. During their first semester, all curricular students are assigned an Academic Advisor and a Faculty Advisor. Curricular students may consult with their Faculty Advisor for help with program-specific and career-related questions throughout their time at Germanna. Students who have not selected a curriculum may continue to see an Academic Advisor for academic advising.

After completing 30 credits, students in good standing may choose to continue to meet with an Academic Advisor each semester or may choose to self-advise. Students who self-advise agree to accept full responsibility for their course selection decisions and for following curriculum requirements for graduation. All students are responsible for consulting the College Catalog and Student Handbook for course corequisites and prerequisites before registering for a class. 

Students who are pursuing a course of study in Nursing should go to the Welcome Center to start the admissions process. While at the Welcome Center, the student should (1) officially select the Health Professions Preparation Career Studies Certificate or Health Science major to have it recorded in SIS, (2) complete registration and enrollment for classes; and (3) have transcripts from all other colleges evaluated with the result recorded in SIS.

Auditing a Course

Students who wish to attend a course without taking examinations or receiving credit may do so by registering to audit that course. Students may register to audit a course, with permission from the appropriate Dean of Instruction. The regular tuition rates apply to audited courses. Audited courses carry no credit and do not count as part of the student’s course load. Changes from audit to credit or from credit to audit must be made by the official last day to drop with a refund. Students who later wish to earn credit for a previously audited course must re-enroll in the course for credit and pay normal tuition fees. (Financial aid will not pay for audited courses).

Adding a Course

Students may enter a new class or change sections through the published “Last Day to Add a Class.” Students may add a class via myGCC or by completing a registration form available online or at the Welcome Center. For more information, please see the section entitled “On-Time Registration.”

Withdrawing from a Course

A student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty and receive a grade of “W” during the first 60% of the semester or session. The date identified as the “Last Day to Withdraw without Academic Penalty” for each semester or session is published in the current catalog and is available on our website. Appropriate paperwork must be received and processed by the Admissions and Records Office on or before the published deadline. Students using financial aid are encouraged to speak with the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from a course.

After that time, if a student withdraws or is withdrawn from a course, a grade of “F” shall be assigned. Exceptions to this policy may be considered under mitigating circumstances if the student was making satisfactory academic progress in the course when their attendance or participation ceased. Mitigating circumstances must be documented by the student in a formal written petition and submitted with the appropriate withdrawal form to the appropriate Dean of Instruction for review and consideration. A copy of this documentation will be placed in the student’s academic file.

Note: Mitigating circumstances are defined as instances in which the student was unable to complete the course due to serious illness, death in the immediate family, full time employment or shift change, or move from the area.

Dropping a Course with a Refund

Students may drop a course with a refund through the published “Last Day to Drop with Refund” date. Classes dropped by this date will be removed from the student’s academic record. Students may submit course drops online via myGCC. Registration Forms may be obtained at any Welcome Center or our website.

Tuition refund information

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On-time Registration

On-Time Registration policy prohibits students from adding or swapping courses after the posted deadline except under special circumstances. Documentation to support the mitigating circumstance as well the permission of an authorized designee is required. Please visit the Welcome Center for more information.

View On-time Registration Policy

Veterans Information

“This institution is approved to offer GIBill^®  educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency.”

“GIBill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”

The Germanna Community College Military Connected Services Center (MCSC) provides military-affiliated students with tailored services, including enrollment, academic advising, advocacy, education benefit processing, and social engagement. We provide support to students who are eligible for education benefits under the Montgomery GIBill^®, Post 9/11 GIBill^®, Veteran Readiness & Employment, MYCAA scholarship program, Tuition Assistance, and Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. The Germanna MVSC provides information to active-duty military, veteran, and reservist students and their families, assists with the benefit application process, and serves as a liaison with the VA Regional Processing Office.  

For students using Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GIBill^® or Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness & Employment benefits of 100%, Germanna will not prevent the student from enrolling, will not assess a late penalty fee, will not require alternative or additional funding, and will not deny access to any college resources that are available to other students that have paid. Students wishing to utilize veteran’s benefits must submit a Military Benefit Certify eForm for each term of enrollment.  The form can be submitted electronically by signing into MyGCC and submitting the Military Benefit Certify eForm through the Student Information System (SIS) portal. For Chapter 33 students, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility will also be required; for TA students, a copy of the Tuition Assistance approval will be required, after meeting with the Education Services Officer (ESO).

Through programming and direct services, we provide active-duty military, veterans, reservists, and their families with a coordinated system of service delivery to ensure a meaningful transition to civilian life and a positive educational experience. New students utilizing benefits for the first time must submit a Germanna Admissions application found at www.germanna.edu, meet with an academic advisor, and review a degree or certificate program checklist. Please provide copies of military transcripts for evaluation of transfer experience.

• Veteran students must complete the VA form 22-1990 and may need to provide a certified copy of his/her discharge papers (DD-214).
• Dependent students (transferred benefits), VA form 22- 1990E must be completed.
• Students who believe he/she is eligible for survivor and dependent benefits should complete the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance applications, VA form 22-5490.
• Veteran students who previously utilized benefits at another college or university must complete a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training VA form 22-1995.
• Dependent students who previously utilized benefits at another college or university must complete a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training VA form 22-5495.
• Active military students must contact the Education Services Officer (ESO) to initiate the application process for Tuition Assistance (TA). Each branch has its own application process, forms, and Tuition Assistance benefits.
• Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) must use the myVMSDEP portal to establish an account and submit an online application.

VA forms and documents may be completed at www.va.gov. Tuition Assistance forms and documents are handled by branch affiliation. VMSDEP forms and documents can be found on the Department of Veteran Services website. Please provide a copy of the confirmation document or approval to the GCC Military Connected Services Center representative.

Enrollment Changes - All enrollment and curriculum changes must be promptly reported to a GCC Military & Veteran Services Center representative. Changes include an increase/decrease in course load, withdrawal, suspension, dismissal, and a change in degree plan. If you change your degree plan, please meet with an Academic Advisor to receive a new degree or certificate checklist and complete a Request to Change Program of Study form. Educational benefits will not be given for audited course(s) or course(s) from which the eligible student withdraws, is administratively withdrawn, or receives a final grade of “W”, unless VA finds mitigating circumstances involved in the withdrawal. Educational benefits are only available for courses required in the eligible students’ degree or certificate plan of study or for developmental courses required in preparation for meeting degree requirements. Online developmental courses are not eligible for funding.

Per section 1019 of Public Law 116-315, if an enrollment change creates an overpayment of tuition and fees, VA will not collect these debts from the student. Rather VA will collect the debt from the College. The student will be responsible for repaying any debts associated with the monthly housing allowance and book stipend to the VA. The College may require the student to pay any outstanding balance for tuition and fees and may contact the student regarding the debt.  

Work-study for Veterans and Dependents - Eligible students may qualify for the Veterans’ Work-Study Program if they are enrolled at a three-quarter time rate. More information can be obtained at the Military Connected Services Center.

Standards of Satisfactory Progress - Veterans Affairs Education Benefits will not be affected due to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) until you are placed on Academic Suspension or Dismissal. Students on an Academic Suspension or Dismissal must meet with an Academic Counselor and if you are approved to enroll in courses, ONLY courses listed on your Success Plan will be certified to the VA. If you are on Academic Dismissal you are unable to register for courses, and therefore unable to utilize your Veterans Benefits.

Grievance Procedure - “The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. Our office investigates complaints of GIBill^® beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email saa@dvs.virginia.gov .”

Military Service Mobilization/Deployment Policy - Students in military service (whether voluntary or involuntary) on active duty in the Armed Forces, including such service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, when mobilized or deployed for more than 30 days are eligible for special consideration concerning tuition refunds, credits and reinstatement.

Dependents of military members may also be given consideration under this policy. Dependents are defined as any civilian qualifying as a military dependent under 37 USC 401 currently or as otherwise amended.

Should a student request to be withdrawn from the College after the census date, the student may elect to be either deleted from the registration file and be awarded a full refund of tuition and fees or be administratively withdrawn with no refund and assigned a grade of “W”.

The student may elect to receive a refund, or request that refund may be retained and applied toward tuition and fees charged in the semester or term in which the student returns to study.

Students have the opportunity to receive an incomplete grade “I” for courses in progress when mobilized or deployed. In such cases, all course requirements shall be completed within one year from the date of release from active duty or mobilization.

Additionally, students may be given the option of taking their examinations before the regular exam schedule.

Students should consult the Military & Veterans Service Center with any questions about their eligibility before seeking approval from the Registrar.