Admissions
General Policy
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) believe in equal educational opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age, handicap or disability in the educational programs and activities it operates.
Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott Community Colleges have an open admission policy, which means that anyone 16 years of age may apply, even without a high school diploma. Admission to the college does not automatically guarantee admission to all programs of study; you will need to meet the specific requirements for your chosen program. The colleges reserve the right to deny admission, re-admission or re-enrollment to anyone who may pose a risk to the best interests of the college community. The colleges reserve the right to guide your placement in programs and courses based on assessment interviews and past academic experience.
All new students must complete an orientation session after registration.
You may take up to six credit hours without providing transcripts from high school or other colleges you have attended, submitting ACT scores or taking entering assessments. But to be officially admitted to a degree or certificate program, you must meet the total admission requirements of the college and the program.
Cross College Enrollment
You may enroll in classes at more than one of our colleges or at one of our colleges and any other institution. If you are receiving financial aid, you must notify the financial aid officers at all institutions in which you are enrolled.
High School Students
Eligible high school students may be accepted for admission to EICC under Iowa’s Senior Year Plus. Approval by your high school is mandatory before you may be accepted under this program.
EICC offers the opportunity for high school students to enroll in credit classes in our College Connections program. High school applicants requesting admission must:
- Complete an Admission Application.
- Submit the written approval form signed by the student, a parent/guardian (if the student is under 18 years old), and the high school counselor or principal.
- Submit a High School transcript.
- Complete entering assessment or submit ACT scores. Course placement will be mandatory based on entering assessment, ACT scores, ALEKS placement, or high school GPA.
- Meet with EICC advisor/high school counselor prior to registration.
Pre-High School Students- Special Status Admission
EICC will consider the admission of a Pre-High School student to credit classes as long as the student is currently enrolled in public or private schools. Enrollment may be considered as enrichment but is not intended to substitute for the public or private school experience.
Students may apply to the college for “special status” consideration for admittance.
Completion of all the steps below is necessary before an admission decision is determined and a student who is not at least a freshman in high school is enrolled.
- Complete an Admission Application.
- Students must provide a current copy of a signed permission agreement by the appropriate school system and the authorizing parent or guardian. Such documentation must be provided to the Dean of Student Development prior to admission to the College.
- Prior to admission, an applicant who does not have a high school diploma will be required to demonstrate that they possess specific prerequisite skills by taking entering assessments or submitting ACT scores.
- The College reserves the right to limit the number of courses and which type of courses a student may take. Additionally, the student will be required to meet with a college advisor when selecting courses for registration. “Special Status” admissions must be approved by the Dean of Student Development.
Home School Students - Special Status Admission
EICC will consider the admission of a student to credit classes who is not attending a public or private school, and is currently enrolled as a home school student. Students may apply to the college for “special status” consideration for admittance. Enrollment may be considered as enrichment to the home school program, but is not intended to substitute for the home school experience.
The following policies and procedures will apply to the enrollment of home school students:
- Students must complete an Admission Application.
- Students must provide a current copy of a signed home school permission agreement between the appropriate school system and the authorizing parent or guardian. Such documentation must be provided to the Dean of Student Development prior to admission to the College.
- Prior to admission, applicants who do not have a high school diploma will be required to demonstrate that they possess specific prerequisite skills by taking the entering assessments or submitting ACT scores.
- The College reserves the right to limit the number of courses and the type of courses a student may take. Additionally, the student will be required to meet with a college advisor when selecting courses for registration. “Special Status” admissions must be approved by the Dean of Student Development.
Application Procedures
To apply for admission to Clinton, Muscatine or Scott Community College, you will need to:
- Submit an application for admission. If you are applying to more than one EICC college, you only need to submit one application.
- Send official transcripts from any other college you have attended if you have previous college credit. Direct your requests for evaluation of transfer credit to the College Registrar.
- Provide assessment scores from ACT, high school transcript, or take the assessment required.
Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
International Student Admissions
In addition to following application procedures, international students will need to supply:
- Evidence of proficiency in the English language (in the form of Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL; EICC requires a score of 500 or better on the paper test, 173 on the CBT, 61 on the IBT).
- A completed Statement of Financial Support. Forms are available from the Admissions Office.
International students are required to maintain health insurance coverage while enrolled.
Guest International Student Admissions
If you are an international student on an I-20 with another college, you will need to provide the following:
- A copy of I-20.
- A copy of VISA/Passport.
Re-enrollment
To be readmitted to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, you must meet all applicable admission requirements. You may be readmitted to a Career and Technical Education program subject to availability of space in the program and an evaluation of your previous progress.
Special Student Admission
Veterans and Military Personnel
We are a Service members Opportunity College (SOC) and participate in the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP). This program allows enlistees to enroll in college at the same time they are serving in the military.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges have been approved and listed with the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding and the President’s Executive Order of the ‘Principles of Excellence’ as in compliance with the guidelines of best practices to support our Military and Veteran Students and their family members.
We work closely with Education Service Officers from all five branches for active-duty, reservists, and Iowa National Guard members with their state and federal tuition assistance. Our certificate and degree programs are listed on the Army Ignited website.
EICC is named as a CHAMPS (Certified Higher Academic Military Partner School) by the Iowa Home-based initiative signed by Governor Branstad on November 12, 2013.
Our Career and Technical Education certificate and degree programs are listed with the Service Member’s Opportunity College in partnership with the DOD MOU to recruit students into the high-demand jobs per the U.S. Department of Labor.
All of our programs are approved by the Iowa Department of Education for veterans benefits for students eligible under the GI and Post 9/11 Bills. If you are a veteran of the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserve, contact the VA Certifying Official early in the application process to certify your status and benefits. If you have earned credit through civilian or military education, the College Registrar may evaluate that credit for transfer evaluation.
Gold Star family members and spouses/children of Veterans who are 100% disabled due to service connected disabilities are entitled to the Dependent’s Education Assistance program. In addition, there are other financial opportunities for all Veterans/Military and their family members at your campus and in the community.
To receive educational assistance from the Veterans Administration, you must meet “pursuit of education and academic standards” established by the VA and college policy. You are responsible for knowing and following policies that apply to you as a veteran. For information about these policies, including pursuit of education, satisfactory progress, verification, benefit and to answer other questions about veteran students, see your VA Certifying Official.
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Eastern Iowa Community Colleges adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges will not:
- Prevent the student’s enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
- Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
- Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
- Provide a written request to be certified;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Residency Status for Military Personnel and Veterans
Active duty military personnel and military service veterans, as well as their spouses and dependent children, are considered to be Iowa residents for admission, tuition and fee purposes at EICC.
Senior Citizens
If you are 62 years or older and live in our service area, you may register for most on-campus credit courses on a space available basis at a cost of $10.00 per credit hour plus fees. Special registration for seniors is the first five days of classes. Enrollment may be denied in select courses based on prerequisites, high demand, or other criteria.
Guest Students
Guest students are students who intend to enroll with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges on a part-time basis while enrolled in another college or university. The student should be actively enrolled and in good standing with their “home” college or university.
Audit
Audit enrollment in courses provides students the opportunity to attend a class as a noncredit participant, usually as a listener-observer. Students may enroll in most courses on an audit basis with instructor approval. Audit enrollment may be denied in select courses based on prerequisite knowledge or skills, high demand, or other criteria. To audit a class, register as usual; tuition and fees will be the same as if you were taking the course for credit. You won’t receive credit for the course, but your transcript will reflect the audit with an “N” grade. You cannot receive financial aid for a course you chose to audit. The Audit Option is offered only on a space-available basis.
Registration
New Student Bridge Orientation
New students are required to complete a Bridge Orientation. During the orientation, students will be provided an orientation to the College and available services.
Registration Procedures
To enroll in classes you must meet with an advisor for your first two semesters and complete the appropriate forms. After the successful completion of two semesters, you may log on to EICConnect and follow the link to enroll online. Students may enroll in a maximum of six hours before meeting with an advisor.
Early Registration
Early registration allows you to choose courses and establish your schedule for the next term if your tuition and fees are paid by the designated due date. For some programs, a non-refundable fee (which will be applied toward tuition) may be required when you register or are admitted.
Changing Your Registration
Adding a Class
To add a class, you may meet with an advisor and complete the appropriate form, or log on to EICConnect and follow the Self-Service link to add the class.
Dropping a Class
To drop a class you may meet with an advisor and complete the appropriate form, or log on to EICConnect and follow the Self-Service link to drop the class. You may drop a class with a grade of “W” until two weeks prior to the first day of final examinations for a full semester class. You have one week prior to the end of the term during the summer or short term sessions. Failure to follow the above procedures will result in your earned grade for the course.
Withdrawing from College
You may meet with an advisor and complete the appropriate form, or log on to EICConnect and follow the Self-Service link to withdraw from all of your classes. NOTE: Check the Tuition and Fees Refund policy for a possible refund.
Course Repeats
Courses must be taken within EICC to be considered repeat courses. The grade and credits earned in the most recent course repeat will be used to calculate your cumulative grade point average and will be applied to your degree or program requirements. Once a degree is awarded, if you choose to repeat a course both grades will be calculated in your GPA. Courses that are repeated are indicated on the student transcript with an “R” designation.
Academic Load
A full-time academic load is 12-18 credit hours per term. You are considered a part-time student if you take 11 or fewer credit hours.
If you’d like to take more than 18 credits in the fall or spring terms or more than 12 credits during the summer term, you will need permission from the Dean of Student Development. Usually the Dean will grant permission only to students who maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and plan to carry no more than 21 credit hours. If you are enrolled in a program that requires more than 18 credit hours per term, you may register without special permission.
Class Attendance
Faculty members determine attendance requirements for their classes. As a student, you are responsible for knowing and following class attendance guidelines.
Graduation
Applications for graduation are due by the fifth day of classes of the semester in which you plan to graduate. For summer graduates, the applications are due by the fifth day of classes of the spring semester.
You are responsible for making sure that all of your financial obligations to the college are paid before you may graduate.
Educational Costs
We work hard to provide the highest quality instruction at the lowest possible cost. Costs at EICC will vary based on your state of residence, fees, books and materials for your program. All costs are subject to change. Please contact the Business Office for a current tuition and fee schedule.
Tuition
Tuition is based on residence and class load. For non-Iowa residents, tuition is 1.5 times the rate for Iowa residents.
Illinois Border County Tuition
The tuition rate for Illinois residents residing in Carroll, Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside counties will be the same rate as the tuition rate for online courses.
Books and Supplies
Your costs will vary depending on the program you choose, but you should expect books and supplies to be a significant expense. Career and Technical Education programs may also require tools or uniforms. Contact the EICC Bookstore for more detailed information.
Transcript Recording Fees
The College charges $9 per credit hour to record credit you have earned through tests and other types of non-traditional credit. For example, if you take a CLEP test and earn three hours of credit in English, you would pay $27 to have that credit recorded on your transcript.
Tuition Refunds
If you withdraw from the College, be sure to complete the necessary withdrawal forms to make sure you do not jeopardize your academic standing. If you are eligible for a refund, tuition dollars will be refunded according to the following schedule:
- Courses that are 16 weeks in length:
100% Prior to the fifth day of classes
50% Prior to the end of the tenth day of classes
- Summer or shorter term courses:
100% Prior to the fifth day of classes
50% During the third through fifth days of the session
See the Registration Center for the specific course dates.
If classes are canceled by the college, tuition and fees will be refunded.
The same refund policy shall apply for individual courses that are dropped through the proper procedures. The amount of the refund will be the appropriate percentage between the tuition charge for the new load and the amount charged for the original load. Certain Title IV recipients will be refunded according to federal guidelines. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details. Contact the Business Office or College Registrar for refund deadlines for short-term programs.
Continuing Education Refund Policies may vary according to class type. Our standard refund policy requires that we be notified at least 3 business days prior to the class start date in order to qualify for a refund. Refunds for checks are given afte the check has cleared. Refunds for checks or cash may take up to three weeks.
Residency
You are considered an Iowa resident for tuition purposes if your legal residence is in Iowa and you have lived in the state for no less than 90 days prior to the start of the term for which residency is being requested. You are responsible for proving your in-state status. If you would like to apply to be reclassified from non-resident to resident status, fill out a Request for Residency Status form in the College Registrar’s office and provide one the following support documents: current rent receipt, utility bill, bank statements (Iowa), or evident of current real estate ownership in Iowa ; and two of the following documents: current Iowa Voter Registration card, Iowa income tax return (most recent tax year), current Iowa motor vehicle registration, or current Iowa driver’s license or state of Iowa photo ID card. The request for residency status must be filed prior to the end of the first week of classes during the fall and spring terms, and by the second day of the summer and short class sessions.
If you are reclassified as a resident, that reclassification becomes effective immediately and does not cover any term for which you previously have been enrolled. International students cannot establish residency while studying in this country on a temporary student visa. Contact the Admissions Office or College Registrar for more information.
Student Health Insurance
We encourage you to have health/accident insurance while enrolled at EICC. Please visit www.healthcare.gov for available insurance coverage.
Financial Aid
Your college education is an investment in your future. We are pleased to provide financial assistance to students who might otherwise not be able to attend college. If you are in need of financial assistance to attend school, please contact the Financial Aid Office. No student should ever withdraw from school for financial reasons without first talking to our financial aid staff to see if help is available.
Financial aid programs are constantly being reviewed by the state and federal governments. The outline below is meant to be a general overview. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Financial Aid General Policy
If you previously attended or are currently attending another institution, you must notify the Financial Aid Office. You cannot receive financial aid from two institutions during the same semester.
For specific information about Satisfactory Academic Progress or other financial aid policies, see the current Student Handbook or contact the Financial Aid Office.
To apply for federal and state financial aid, all students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov.
Federal Assistance
Federal Pell Grant - a federally-funded program based on financial need and enrollment status. Students must not have a Bachelor’s or higher degree.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant - a federally-funded program administered by the College; priority must be given to Pell Grant recipients with the lowest family contribution. Students must not have a Bachelor’s or higher degree. Funding is limited.
Federal College Work Study - federally-funded part-time employment opportunities that allow students to work at an EICC site or at designated off campus locations. Students working at off campus locations will have the opportunity to work in community service positions or at elementary schools through the America Reads/America Counts programs. The amount students may earn is based on their financial need. Funding is limited.
William D. Ford Direct Loan Program - long term, low interest loans available to students and parents. These are also known as Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized). In addition to completing the FAFSA, you must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Counseling. Links to these applications are available at www.studentaid.gov. Federal Direct Parent Loans for undergraduate students (PLUS) is available for parents of dependent students.
Veterans Education Benefits - financial assistance for veterans of the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves, or widows, widowers and children of disabled or deceased veterans. Contact your College Registrar for VA certifying official or eligibility and application information.
State Assistance
Iowa Vocational - Technical Tuition Grant - a state-funded grant for Iowa residents enrolled in Iowa community college Career and Technical Education programs who show financial need and meet the state’s priority deadline.
Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant (Kibbie Grant) - a state-funded program for Iowa residents enrolled in specified Career and Technical Education programs who show financial need and meet the state’s priority deadline.
Future Ready Iowa Skilled Workforce Last Dollar Scholarship Program (Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship)- a non-need based state-funded program for Iowa residents enrolled in specified Career and Technical Education programs at Iowa Community Colleges and eligible private colleges and universities. Scholarships amount to the remaining tuition and institution-wide mandatory fees charged after other federal and state scholarship and grant aid have been awarded.
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship - a state-funded scholarship program available to Iowa residents who begin their initial enrollment at an eligible college or university within two years of graduation from high school. Students must file a FAFSA application and the Iowa Financial Aid application by the state’s priority deadlines.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) - grants available to Iowa residents aging out of the Iowa foster care system. Students must file a FAFSA application and the Iowa Financial Aid application by the state’s priority deadlines.
Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship - financial assistance for eligible members of the Iowa National Guard. Contact your Commanding Officer for an application, eligibility, and deadline requirements.
Karen Misjak Gear Up Iowa Scholarship - a non need-based scholarship program that assists students in the 2.0 GEAR UP Iowa cohort with the cost of post-secondary education.
EICC Programs
EICC Tuition Grant - funded by EICC, this grant assists students who meet certain criteria. Funding is limited.
College Foundation Scholarships - each college provides scholarships from local resources. Contact the Financial Aid or Foundation Office for information.
Other Forms of Assistance - many employers or area organizations (civic, ethnic, religious, etc.) offer financial assistance. Contact the organization or your employer for more information.
State-based Student Complaints Process
The Iowa College Student Aid Commission (the Commission) has overarching, statutory authority under Iowa Code Chapter 261B to determine the registration (i.e., licensure or authorization) status of post-secondary educational institutions that operate at a physical location within the State of Iowa or that offer distance education courses and programs to Iowa residents. In addition, the Commission administers provisions of Iowa’s student consumer protection laws in Iowa Code Section 714, 18, 714.19, 714.23, 714.24 that address financial responsibility for certain educational institutions, and, for proprietary institutions, a tuition refund policy for withdrawn students.
Persons who have questions about a post-secondary educational institution’s compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 261B, and Iowa Code Sections 714.18, 714.19, 714.23, and 714.24 should contact:
Jayne M. Smith, J.D.
Post-secondary Registration Administrator
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
515-725-0959
Jayne.Smith@iowa.gov
In addition, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission maintains a Student Complaint Review process that meets the conditions of federal regulations in 34 CFR 600.9(a)(1). These regulations state that a post-secondary educational institution located in a State is legally authorized by the State, in part, if the State has a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution. The Commission accepts complaints from any student attending any post-secondary educational institution located in Iowa, and from any Iowa resident attending a post secondary educational institution located in any other State.
Iowa College Aid has created a Student Complaint Form to accept a student’s questions, concerns, or complaints related to a post secondary school. A student may also contact Iowa College Aid toll-free at 877-272-4456.
Confidentiality of Student Records
Our faculty and staff use records to meet the needs of individual students and help develop ways to improve programs, services, and academic success. Student records are regarded as confidential. EICC will not provide names and addresses to outside agencies for commercial use or any information about academic records without your written consent or under specific guidelines set out in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.
The College may release the following types of information to the public as the College sees fit, keeping in mind the privacy of the student and the totality of the surrounding circumstances: name, address, telephone listing, email address, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, academic honor rolls, degrees and awards received, full-time/part-time status, most recent previous school or institution attended by the student, and photograph and likeness, artwork, or writing.
Students objecting to the public release of such information must file a written objection with the Registrar’s Office within 30 calendar days of the beginning of the term in which they first enroll during that year. It is necessary for students to renew their objection at the beginning of each school year.
Students wishing to review the entire EICC policy on student rights may request the EICC policy from the Dean of Student Development.
Please consult your current online Student Handbook for more detailed information about the confidentiality of student records.
Deceased Student Records Request
The following requirements protect the confidentiality of academic information upon the death of a former student or alumnus of the college.
The Office of the College Registrar will evaluate each request for the release of a transcript or other academic records of a deceased student on the individual merits of that request and reserves the right to deny the request in whole or to release only part of the academic records that are requested. The Office of the College Registrar does not release academic records of deceased students to the news media or for research purposes.
The closest living next-of-kin may submit a written request along with the following certified documents in English:
- Death certificate of the former student or alumnus
- Photo ID of the requestor
- Obituary of the former student or alumnus, reflecting the relationship between the deceased and the requestor.
If there is no living next-of-kin, academic records may be requested by the executor of the estate or holder of power of attorney for the deceased. A written request along with a notarized copy of the executor statement or power of attorney in English is required.
Online Voter Registration
www.sos.state.ia.us/elections
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