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 a one-time $20 fee when registering, as well as 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 Student Help Center at (708) 210-5718.

Acrobat Reader required for all forms listed on this page

25 and Over Tuition Waiver
Individuals age 25 and over who live in District 510 and have never taken a credit course at the College are eligible to enroll in one credit course with free tuition only. This waiver does not apply to courses of more than 5 credit hours. Individuals must not be receiving any state or federal financial aid or employer subsidies. Waiver applications are available in the College’s Admissions & Registration Center and the Student Help Center. Eligible students must provide proof of age & residency in addition to signing the waiver. This waiver may only be used once. The student is also responsible for all registration, student development, instructional technology, laboratory and course fees, as well as books.

Academic Achievement Waiver
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. 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. This waiver cannot be combined with state or federal financial aid or employer subsidy programs.

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 $90.00 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.

Elementary/High School Personnel Tuition Incentive Waiver
In January of 2000, the Board of Trustees approved a waiver for all employees of Elementary and High Schools in District 510 and Northwest Indiana for one course, tuition-free. The employee must work in the area at a school and complete the special waiver form with the signature of his/her school official and the signature of the Manager of Admissions, or Director of Enrollment Services. The waiver does not apply to courses below the 100 level or greater than 5 credit hours. This is a one-time only opportunity and may not be used in conjunction with any state or federal financial aid. The student must pay all fees and book costs.

ESL Student Waiver
In December 2001, the Board approved a waiver for English as a Second Language Students. The student must complete the Placement Test, the ESL Special Application Waiver, and secure a recommendation from the South Suburban College Community Education ESL staff and an SSC Counselor. The waiver does not apply to courses below the 100 level, or those greater than 5 credit hours. This is a one-time only opportunity for any recommended SSC ESL student. Students may not use this waiver in conjunction with any state or federal financial aid and must pay all fees and book costs. Applications are available in the Registration, Community Education and Student Help Centers of the College.

GED Student Waiver
In December of 1999, the Board of Trustees approved a waiver for any resident of District 510 who has scheduled to take the GED test, or has recently completed the test, for one course, tuition free. Documentation of test date or a copy of a GED transcript will serve as proof. The student must complete the Placement test, complete the GED Special Application Waiver, and secure a SSC counselor's signature. The waiver does not apply to courses below the 100 level, or those greater than 5 credit hours. This is a one-time only opportunity within one year of the test/transcript date. Students may not use this waiver in conjunction with any state or federal financial aid and must pay all fees and book costs.

High School Tuition Waiver
High school seniors who live within District 510 or are enrolled at a public or private high school located within District 510, have an opportunity to enroll tuition-free in one (100 level or above) college credit course. The waiver is available to any high school senior the summer prior to senior year, or the fall or spring of the senior year, or summer immediately following senior year. An application form, signed by the respective high school counselor and an SSC counselor, must be completed and approved prior to course registration. Application forms are available in local high school counseling centers, as well as the Admissions & Registration, Counseling, and Student Help Centers of the College. This waiver does not apply to Telecourse classes or courses that are below the 100 level or greater than 5 credits. It is a one-time only waiver and the student is responsible for all fees and books. All high school students must have completed Placement testing to utilize this waiver, unless the student is registering for a physical education class.

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 Counselor. 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, Counseling and Student Help Centers of the College.

In-District Employee Program
Employees of businesses located within District 510, but who reside outside of the District, may enroll in courses at the $90.00 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.

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.

South Suburban College Foundation - Scholarship Opportunities
These scholarships have been established through the generosity of businesses, associations, and individuals. The criteria for each scholarship vary. Eligibility requirements have been established by the donors. Scholarship announcements will be made by May. In some cases, scholarship recipients must maintain eligibility requirements for each semester the scholarship is awarded. Scholarship recipients will be featured in college publications and local newspapers, and will also be invited to attend the Honors Convocation in the Spring of each year.

Veterans Tuition Waiver
In April, 2003, the Board approved a waiver for Veterans who are registering for their first class at the College and who are unable to access any veteran’s benefits. The veteran must present his/her DD214 paperwork as proof of Veteran status. The veteran must complete the waiver application, take the Placement Test and obtain a signature of an SSC Counselor. This is a one-time offer for tuition only 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 fee.

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

Tuition and Payment Information

Scholarship Opportunities at SSC