Third Attempt to Enroll in a Course

Additional Tuition for Multiple Course Attempts 

An additional tuition charge of $50 per credit hour applies to courses attempted three or more times. The additional tuition charge is subject to change each year upon action of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. 

Why higher tuition for third attempts? 

In 2002, the Texas Legislature eliminated funding to higher education for courses that are attempted three or more times. 

State regulation allows an institution of higher education to compensate for this loss by charging a higher tuition rate to a student whose hours can no longer be submitted for state funding. 

When does the third attempt rule apply? 

The higher tuition rate may apply when a student: 

• Takes the same or substantially similar course content

• Attempts a course more than twice 

Are there exceptions?  

Yes. Some courses are exempt from the additional tuition charge. Exceptions to the policy may include: 

• Audit 

• Developmental 

• Repeatable courses (including courses intended to be taken multiple times to increase proficiency, as defined in the ACGM Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual and stated in the current catalog’s course descriptions)  

• Special Topics Courses (when the topic changes, as defined in the Workforce Education Course Manual) 

• Required courses for degree during final semester before graduation (student should complete the Dallas College Tuition Refund Petition and explain this reason) 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• What if I receive financial aid? 

Students receiving financial aid may use it to cover the additional tuition charge. 

• What if I drop a course? 

When a student withdraws from a course after the official semester census date and is awarded a “W”, the course counts as an attempt. Therefore, students should consider the consequences when dropping a course .