Tuition and Fees

        The tuition is set by the South Dakota Board of Education.  Tuition and fees are payable at the time of registration.  There is no difference between resident and non-resident tuition.  For current tuition and fee information, request a copy of the current cost sheet from the Admissions office or see it on the MTI website.

Tuition Deposit

        Tuition deposits will be required once a program is full.  The tuition deposit is $200 for Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapy and $100 for all other full programs.  This is a tuition deposit and will be applied to the student's tuition the first semester of classes.  In case a student opts not to attend, the tuition deposit is non-refundable.

Additional Expenses

        Students are required to purchase designated book, supplies, tools and uniforms as assigned by the instructor in each course.  Most programs specify tools and/or uniforms that are characteristic of the occupation for which the student is enrolled.  Many of these materials can be purchased at the MTI Bookstore.  In some cases, students will be advised to purchase tools at MTI-sponsored tool fairs.  Refer to the MTI Estimated Costs brochure for more detailed information.

        Students who enroll need to prepare for some initial expenses at the start of the term.  Books, supplies, and tools will be required for all classes.  MTI and the MTI Bookstore do not allow advances or charging of items from the Bookstore (except with a credit card).  Financial aid loans are not available to first time borrowers until the 30^th day of the term.  Please budget accordingly when making your school plans.

Refund Policy

        Students who leave the Institute and desire a financial refund of tuition should see the Student Handbook for details.

Applying for Financial Aid

        As soon as a student (and his or her parents if financially dependent) has completed a tax return(s) for the most recent year, a free application for federal student aid should be completed.  These forms may be obtained from any high school guidance counselor or the MTI Financial Aid Office.

        The completed application form may be mailed to the processing center or submitted electronically on a personal computer with access to the Internet.  The Internet address is: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

        Approximately three weeks after mailing the financial aid application or about 10 days after submitting it electronically, the processing center will send a student aid report (SAR).  It is used to determine a student's eligibility for need-based financial aid: the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), the Academic Competitiveness Grant, the Federal College Work Study Program, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Stafford Loan.

        When the students receive their copy of the Student Aid Form, they should check the report for accuracy.  If any information is incorrect, the students should contact the Financial Aid Office.

        Upon acceptance to MTI, the Financial Aid Office will send an award letter indicating the amount of financial aid for which the student qualifies and from which specific sources funding will be granted.  All students who are the recipient of a Title IV federal student loan for the first time must attend an entrance counseling session before they can receive any proceeds from that loan.  Time and place will be announced at student orientation.  First-time loan recipients may receive financial aid checks thirty days after the first day of classes.  All other financial aid awards are available to students during the first week of classes.  Returning students will generally receive all financial aid awards during the first week of classes.  To contact the Financial Aid Office at MTI, call (605) 995-3052 or (800) 952-0042 toll-free.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

        Students must show satisfactory academic progress to remain enrolled and to continue receiving financial aid.  See Academic Information for details.  Certain students funded by outside agencies (eg. Veteran's Affairs, BIA, etc.) will have their attendance monitored to assure compliance with that agency's funding regulations.

Student Status

        A full-time student is one who is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during a semester.

        A three-fourths time student is one who is enrolled in 9-11 credit hours during a semester.

        A half-time student is one who is enrolled in 6-8 credit hours during a semester.

        A part-time student is one who is enrolled 5 or less credit hours during a semester.

Financial aid calculations are determined by enrollment status.  Financial aid is pro-rated for students enrolled in fewer than 12 credits in a semester. Courses other than degree-fulfillment courses cannot be used in determining the amount of financial aid awarded. See the Financial Aid office for details. 

Financial Aid Available

Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program is a grant program funded by the federal government.  The Student Aid Reports (SARs) from the processing center tell the MTI Financial Aid Office whether or not you qualify for this grant, and, if so, for how much.  Awards are from $890 to $4731, depending upon the annual federal government funding of the program.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

If you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, you may also qualify for the Academic Competitiveness Grant.  To qualify, you must be enrolled full-time in a degree program, enrolled in the first or second year of the program, and have completed a rigorous secondary program of study as defined by the state of South Dakota.  Second year students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00.  Amounts for students range from $750 for first year students to $1300 for second year students.  Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program

This is also a grant program funded by the federal government.  Students who receive Pell Grants have priority for receiving this grant.  Funding for this program is limited.   Please apply early.  Applicants typically receive funds from $100 to $600.

Work Opportunities

The federal government funds the Federal Work Study Program.  The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility.  If you qualify and funds are available, you are allotted an amount of money that you can earn during the academic year.  Limited summer jobs during non-enrollment periods are also available.  Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.

Off-campus employment opportunities are available.  See the Student Services Office or the Mitchell Area One Stop Career Center/Job Service for listings.

Loans

Student loans are financial aid that must be repaid in the future.  All types of loans are disbursed by the semester.

The Federal Perkins Student Loan

This is a campus-based loan that is federally funded with eligibility determined by the Financial Aid office.  You must have exceptional need to qualify for this loan.  Repayments begin nine months after you leave MTI.

The Federal Stafford Loan Program

This low-interest loan program that allows dependent students to borrow up to $5500 for their first year and $6500 for their second year.  Independent students may borrow up to $9500 for their first year and $10,500 for their second year.  This program is either subsidized or unsubsidized.  If the loan is subsidized, the interest does not accrue until six months after the time you leave MTI.  If the loan is unsubsidized, interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed.  Your award letter will indicate the type of loan for which you qualify.  Funds are borrowed from a bank, credit union, or other lender.

Federal Parent Loans (PLUS)

This program provides an opportunity for parents of dependent students to borrow funds for their student's educational costs.  The Financial Aid office processes applications, but the money is borrowed from a bank, credit union, or other participating lender.  Loan amounts may not exceed educational costs minus other financial aid.

Other Off-Campus Agency and Financial Aid Sources

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - If you are in this program, check with your TANF coordinator to see what assistance you may receive to attend MTI.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) - If you qualify for BIA funds, you should start by contacting your local BIA Agency.  Paperwork completed early will ensure timely arrival of your funding.

Vocational Rehabilitation - Financial aid is available for mentally or physically disabled persons.  Contact your local vocational-rehabilitation office.

Veteran's Benefits - Contact the Veteran's Center at (888) 442-4551 or the Financial Aid office at MTI to request information about the programs for which you may qualify.  Veteran's Administration website: www.gibill.va.gov.

National Guard Benefits - Members of the National Guard may qualify for 100% tuition benefits and monthly stipends under the Chapter 1606 program.  Contact your commanding officer.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - A program funded by the South Dakota Department of Labor.  Economically disadvantaged students may qualify for grants in certain educational programs.  Contact your local Job Service office for details.

Scholarships—MTI accepts other scholarships and will provide assistance.  See the Financial Aid office or the MTI Foundation office for more details.