The College has several special programs for eligible individuals. Some waivers provide individuals with the opportunity to enroll in programs at special tuition rates, while others offer a tuition-free course. Eligible individuals for any of the below programs must pay all corresponding lab, student development, and instructional technology fees. Verification of residence must also be provided. For more information on any of these special programs, visit or call the Office of Admissions.
Free Class
Free Class Waiver (Updated 9/2018)
The Free Class is for first time credit students residing within South Suburban College District 510 or Lake County Indiana. It cannot be used with Federal and/or State Financial Aid, Other Special Tuition Programs or Employer Subsidy Programs. This Free Class applies to tuition only, does not apply to courses of more than 5 credit hours and may not be used for summer term unless you are a high school student. May require Placement Testing prior to registration. The Free Class Form must be verified in Financial Aid for processing before payment due date of the course. Fees on the course that the waiver is applied to must be paid at the end of business that the waiver is processed.
Academic Achievement Waiver
Academic Achievement Waiver (Updated 9/2018)
In June 2004, the Board approved a waiver to all students who previously used a waiver, earning a grade of “B” or better in the class reflected by the past waiver. Recipients must reside within South Suburban College District 510 or Lake County Indiana. It cannot be used with Federal and/or State Financial Aid, Other Special Tuition Programs or Employer Subsidy Programs. This waiver is the Academic Achievement Waiver to recognize the academic excellence of the student in question for that course in particular. This is limited to tuition only for one course and does not apply to courses of more than 5 credit hours. The student is responsible for all books, lab fees, registration fee, student development fees, and instructional technology fees.
Human Success Waiver
In October, 2002, the Board approved a waiver for SSC students who are approved for participation in the Human Success project to complete their high school diploma. A student must complete the Placement Test, the Human Success Tuition Waiver Application form and obtain a signature of an SSC Advisor. This is a one-time offer for tuition only and does not apply to courses of more than 5 credit hours. Students must pay for all fees and books. Applications are available in the Registration, College & Career Success Center and Admissions Centers of the College.
Senior Citizen Waiver
District 510 residents age 62 and over are eligible to enroll in credit and non-credit courses (except Private Applied Music lessons) free of tuition charges only, provided that classroom space is available, and a sufficient number of tuition-paying students enroll to conduct the course. Students using this waiver are still responsible for all student development, instructional technology, registration, laboratory and course fees, as well as books.
In-District Employee Program
Employees of businesses located within District 510, but who reside outside of the District, may enroll in courses at the $152.00 per credit hour in-district tuition rate. Any individual interested in the program must bring a verification letter on official company stationery (each semester) to the Registration Center.
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce
Employees of businesses that are members of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, but who reside outside of the District, may enroll in courses at the $152.00 per credit hour in-district tuition rate. Any individual interested in the program must bring a verification letter on official company stationery (each semester) to the Registration Center.
Lake County, Indiana Residents and Employees
A special tuition rate for residents of Lake County, Indiana was implemented in early 1990 and revised in 1999. Through this program, eligible residents, and those employed in Lake County, Indiana may enroll in classes for only $187 per credit hour, plus all other incidental fees. Call the Admissions or Registration Center for more information.
Non-Credit Courses
Fees charged for non-credit courses are based on nature and length of course. Exact charges are listed on the schedules announcing these courses.
Board of Trustees Academic Scholarship
The South Suburban College Board of Trustees is offering two-year scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors residing or attending a high school within the boundaries of Community College District 510. Awards are based on academic achievement and will be granted to applicants who are in the top 15% of their graduating class or have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale. These scholarships cover a maximum of 12 credit hours per semester. Student must maintain a 3.5 GPA at SSC to continue receiving the scholarship. The annual application deadline is June 30.