There are a lot of moving parts in the process of getting financial aid. Make sure you have all the information available to navigate this important piece of your education.

See below for available resources and information. 

Health Insurance

The Massachusetts Health Insurance Law requires that every student registered for nine or more credits participate in the student health insurance program. This may be waived only if comparable health insurance coverage can be demonstrated and a student health insurance waiver form is on file in the Student Accounts Office before school begins. Free care is not considered Health Insurance. 

For more information regarding student health insurance please visit Arthur J Gallagher & Company.

All students enrolled in child care, clinical laboratory science, dental hygiene, healthcare information, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, phlebotomy, and medical assisting programs must carry health insurance. 

There is no longer Part-Time Student Coverage or Dependent Coverage through Bristol Community College. Go to Arthur J Gallagher & Company or MA Health Connector for information on how to obtain insurance coverage. for information on how to obtain insurance coverage.

Students who waive health insurance in error and decide they need the school’s insurance please visit Arthur J Gallagher & Company to fill out a petition to add form.

International Students – “Coverage by insurance carriers outside the U.S. and coverage by foreign National Health Service programs are deemed not to be comparable to coverage under a qualifying student health insurance program.  Students with foreign health coverage, other than students who are enrolled in a program requiring health insurance, and students whose coverage is embassy-sponsored that provides comparable coverage, must participate in the Qualifying Student Health Insurance Program.” 114.6CMR 3.04 (3) (c).

Health Insurance Waiver

To waive the Student Health Insurance Plan through Arthur Gallagher Student:

  1. Log on to www.gallagherstudent.com/BCC or AccessBCC Account selecting under the Quick Links Health Insurance Waiver
  2. Click on ‘Student Waive’
  3. Create a user account or Log in (if a returning user)
  4. Select the ‘I want to waive’ button. If waiving the insurance, you’ll need information on your current health insurance ID card. Upon completing your on-line form you will be ask to review the information provided and click ‘submit’ to complete the process. Immediately upon submitting your Online Form you will receive reference number.

Not all plans are considered comparable, such as out-of-state Medicaid plans, regional HMO’s and the following MassHealth plans – Health Safety Net, MassHealth Limited and Children’s Medical Security. 

If you have any questions please contact the Student Accounts Office at 508.678.2811, Ext 2160 or Arthur Gallagher Student at 1.877.306.9102. 

Questions? Contact Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk toll free 1.877.306.9102 or by going to our website and clicking on the Customer Service Link.

Higher Education Tax Credit

1098-T Overview

The U.S. tax code provides a variety of tax incentives for families who are paying higher education costs or repaying student loans. The resources provided here are designed to assist you in understanding the tax benefits that may be available to you.

Institutions may no longer continue to report amounts billed in Box 2 for tax year 2018 and beyond. For tax year 2018 (forms filed in 2019), IRS has determined that all institutions must report amounts paid in Box 1.  Since Box 2 will no longer be used, it is grayed out on the 2018 form. This will make it difficult to compare your 1098-T with prior years.

Please note Student Accounts Office staff members are not tax professionals and given the complexity of the tax code, we, unfortunately, cannot provide tax advice or determine your eligibility for education tax benefits. We can provide you with information about your Bristol account, which you may need to determine your eligibility for tax benefits; however, any questions about your eligibility should be directed to the I.R.S. or a tax professional.

Accessing Your Bristol 1098-T & Supplemental Account

  • Beginning in early January, you may access your 1098-T, and print copies, through Maximus' online system (tra.maximus.com). Download an instructional document if this is your first time accessing your 1098-T through the Maximus system. If you access your 1098-T in Maximus' online system, you will not be mailed a copy. You may print as many copies as you need from the Maximus system.
  • Once your profile is set up, you may access your 1098-T through Maximus' online system anytime.
  • Tuition and payment information is available online for all students through accessBCC.

As detailed below, you may be eligible for tax benefits even if a 1098-T is not issued.

  • A 1098-T is issued to all students that reported qualified charges and payments for the calendar year (January 1 – December 31) and/or if any information reported on a prior year's 1098-T has been adjusted.
  • The 1098-T does not indicate your eligibility for tax benefits. 
  • You may be eligible for certain tax incentives even if you are not issued a 1098-T.
  • You may receive a 1098-T but not qualify for education tax benefits.
  • The 1098-T provides information that you may use to determine your eligibility for tax incentives.
  • For assistance in determining your eligibility for education tax benefits, consult IRS Publication 970 and/or your tax preparer.
  • Not all payments are considered "qualified payments" by the I.R.S. For a detailed explanation of qualified payments, see IRS Publication 970.
  • Your 1098-T will reflect only amounts that were paid to your Bristol student account. Other charges, such as required textbook costs, may be qualified payments but are not reported on the 1098-T because they were not paid to your student account.
  • Many students and families need their 1098-T information from the current and prior calendar year and records of other qualified expenses and their personal payments in order to determine their education tax benefit eligibility.
  • Bristol’s Student Accounts Office staff members are available to assist you in understanding the information reported on your 1098-T but cannot provide tax advice or determine your education tax benefit eligibility.

Understanding Your 1098-T

  • Box 1:  Payments Received for Qualified Tuition:This box will show payments received for eligible charges for qualified tuition and related expenses in the year 2018. 
  • Box 2 (Qualified Amounts Billed): This box is blank. 
  • Box 3: Bristol Community College has changed their reporting method for 2018.                 
  • Box 4 Adjustments to Qualified Tuition from a Prior Reporting Period:Any changes to a prior tax year that resulted in a reduction of payments toward previously reported qualified tuition will be reported in Box 4. For example, if Bristol reports $500 in payments in 2018, but a student retroactively drops a course from 2018 in the 2019 year without fee liability, the dropped value will appear in Box 4. Your tax preparer should be consulted.

Note:  Since 2018 is the first year of the payment reporting method, Box 4 on 2018 1098-T will be empty

  • Box 5 Scholarships and Grants Received: Scholarships, grants, third party payments or waivers posted to a student account in the year 2018 are reflected here. This may also reflect scholarships or grants from a previous year that were received late. 
  • Box 6 Adjustments to Scholarships and Grants Reported in a Prior Year: Similar to Box 4, Box 6 reports adjustments to previously reported scholarships and grants from a prior year. If a scholarship or grant is retroactively revoked, the value of the scholarship or grant will be reported in Box 6. Your tax preparer should be consulted.

Links & Resources

Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center
W-9S Request for Student\'s TIN
I.R.S. Publication 970
How to View your Tuition Payments Statement (1098-T)
Tuition Payments Statement (1098-T) FAQ

Tuition Payments Statement (1098-T) FAQ:

What is QTRE? 

Qualified Tuition and Related Expense (QTRE) is tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of a student for courses of instruction at an eligible educational institution.  

What is I.R.S. Form 1098-T?

A 1098-T is a statement of “QTRE” in the preceding tax year.  The 1098-T is provided to assist you in determining if you are eligible any higher education tax benefits. 

Why didn't I receive a 1098-T?

A 1098-T is not issued for non credit courses. A student must have qualified charges and payments on their account to receive a 1098-T. 

What tax benefits am I eligible for?

Unfortunately, given the complexity of the U.S. tax code, we cannot determine your eligibility for education tax benefits or provide tax advice. The 1098-T does not indicate your eligibility for tax benefits; rather, it provides you with information about your account which you or your tax preparer may use to determine your education tax benefit eligibility. Many students and families report that in order to determine their education tax benefit eligibility, they need 1098-T statements from the current and prior calendar years and records of other qualified expenses and records of payments made. For more information, we encourage you to see I.R.S. Publication 970(PDF), or consult your tax advisor. 

What will most students see on Form 1098-T?

Most students will see two boxes populated on their 1098-T, box 1 and box 5. Some students may have box 4 and box 6 populated as well. All transactions on the 1098-T reflect activity that occurred within a calendar year, regardless of the year or term that the transaction affected. 

Why are my scholarships / grants for next year reported on my 1098-T this year?

The 1098-T only displays transactions that are posted to a student account within a calendar year, regardless of the year that the transactions affect. For example, your Box 5 value for Scholarships and Grants may be higher than what you actually received in a year if your department or third party payment provider pays your future term tuition in the current year. This often happens when the tuition for the spring semester of next year is calculated in December of current year, and if the department /3rd party pays that tuition in December of the current year it will appear on the current tax year Form1098-T. 

Why does my reported payment amount in Box 1 not match my receipts?

Tuition at Bristol Community College may include health fees, etc., which are not considered qualified expenses under IRS code. These fees are removed from reporting in Box 1, and can make it appear that less was reported than what you paid. Also, not all fees at the University are reported in Box 1, only those related to tuition-- no housing, no dining, no books, etc.

Do I need to report my scholarships as taxable income?

Scholarships that pay for QTRE are not taxable to the student. However, if any portion of your scholarships paid for non-qualified expenses, then you may be responsible for reporting such portion as taxable income on your tax return. For further guidance, please review IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education or consult with a tax professional.

Foreign students who are nonresident aliens for tax purposes should also review IRS Publication 519, US Tax Guide for Aliens.

Are loan proceeds reported on my Form 1098-T?

The IRS is changing the reporting requirements for the 2018 tax year, therefore loans may be reported. For the purposes of tax reporting, if the loan proceeds were credited to the student’s account then they are assumed to pay QTRE first.  Under the rules, you may assume that all payments received go first toward QTRE, and then to non-qualified expenses. The amount reported in Box 1 should not exceed QTRE charged.

Will I receive a form 1098-t if I made qualified payments but withdrew from classes?

Yes, per IRS regulations, you will receive a Form 1098-T for only the amount of qualified expenses that have not been refunded.

 

Useful Links

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Web
You may use this website's online form to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

Federal Student Aid ID Web Site
The FSA ID serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. It also acts as your official signature in Federal Student Aid applications and promissory notes.

National Student Loan Data System
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid. NSLDS provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and Pell grants that are tracked through their entire cycle; from aid approval through closure.

Federal Student Aid
This is a portal to access many of the federal financial aid information sites: FAFSA, Publications, Loan Information and much more.

Loan Counseling
This will link you to the entrance and exit counseling for Direct Loans or the TEACH Grant.

Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance
Information about financial aid programs for Massachusetts residents.

Fastweb
Fastweb has a scholarship search database of more than 180,000 scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans.

Selective Service Registration
Register for Selective Service or print out documentation of registration. Almost all male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the U.S., who are ages 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.

Internal Revenue Service
Information to obtain a federal tax return transcript.

Bristol Community College Tuition Payment Plan
A monthly payment plan for tuition and fees is available to Bristol students.

Book Advances

The Campus Card is needed for the book advance program. Book Advances are only allowed to be used at the Bristol bookstore ( in person or online). Book advances give students the opportunity to use some of their financial aid funds in advance of the first disbursement to purchase course materials, supplies and technology (i.e. computer) at the Bristol Bookstore. To be eligible for a book advance, you will need to have a complete financial aid file, have received a financial aid award letter, and have a pending credit balance on your bill. A book advance is not a grant and is not in addition to your financial aid award package. 

There are no cash refunds on items returned that were bought with a book advance. Also, you don’t need to spend your entire book advance. All book advance charges are added to your tuition bill. If your eligibility changes and/or your financial aid award is not enough to cover the book advance charges, you are responsible for repaying the charge. Also, if you drop a class or fully withdraw from Bristol Community College and used the book advance, you may be responsible to pay back all or part of the book advance.

To use your book advance you will need to have your campus card with you at the time of purchase.

Eligibility

The book advance amount is based on enrollment level, authorized financial aid, and charges. The maximum value is listed below:

  • $1,300 for full-time students (12 or more credits)
  • $1,100 for 3/4-time students (9-11 credits)
  • $900 for 1/2-time students (6-8 credits)
  • $700 for 1/4 time students (less than 6 credits)

A student may meet the eligibility requirements, but not be eligible for the maximum value. An example would be a full-time student with a $200 pending credit balance. Although the full-time limit is $800, the student will be eligible for only a $200 book advance.

Exchanges and Returns 

Book exchanges and refunds can be made in store with the original receipt within the bookstores return policy. Please stop in store for additional information at the beginning of each semester. If you drop a course during Bristol’s add/drop period, you can return your books to the bookstore for a refund.    
 
In addition, if you purchase books from sellers other than Follett, you may have difficulty returning if the required book changes or if the course is canceled. Don't waste time or money. Buy your books with confidence from the Bristol campus bookstore.

Price Match 

Find a Lower Price? We’ll Match it! 

  • Purchases may be made in-store or online; Price Match must be transacted at the campus store. 
  • Price matched against Amazon, Barns & Noble, or a local campus competitor 
  • Excludes peer-to-peer marketplaces, Amazon’s Warehouse Deals, Deals of the Day, Lightning Deals, “Amazon Deals”, aggregator sites, digital books and publisher-direct prices.
  • Online sites must be located in the United States. 
  • The book must be in stock with us and with the retailer advertising the lower price. If the book is rented, the rental period must be the same as the bookstore’s. 
  • The lower-priced item must match the exact book ISBN and edition purchased or rented, including accompanying CDs, online access codes, student materials etc. 
  • Price adjustments provided at time of purchase. 
    • Ad must be dated not more than 7 days prior to intended purchase date.
    • Printed screenshot of ad.
    • Ad shown via mobile device.
    • Hard copy of ad. 
  • Price adjustment after purchase. 
    • Within 7 days of the original transaction. 
    • Must have original receipt. 
      • Must state if book was purchased new, used or rented.
      • Price adjustment will only be provided for the same format (new/used, rented/purchased). 
  • Purchase and price adjustment differences will be provided on a Follett Bookstore Gift Card
  •  Maximum of $100 per item and $1,000 per customer. 
  • Other exclusions: 
    • Prices that require minimum quantity purchases.
    • Misprinted or inaccurate prices.
    • Prices from auctions or requiring memberships.
    • Bundle offers, instant rebates, mail-in offers, offers that include financing.
    • Price Match gift cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards.