What is the Self Pay Tuition Installment Plan (TIP)?
The Self Pay Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) lets students pay their tuition over time instead of in one lump sum. It's a great option for students paying out of pocket or waiting on financial aid or other funding. Unlike student loans, TIP doesn’t have interest.
What does the Self Pay Tuition Installment Plan cover?
The Self Pay Tuition Installment Plan covers your tuition and class fees for each quarter you’re enrolled in the plan. It does not cover books, supplies, or fines.
How do I enroll in the Self Pay Tuition Installment Plan?
- Online: You can enroll through your ctcLink account. When you choose the payment plan, your first payment and a $25 non-refundable fee will be due at the time of enrollment.
- In Person: Our Student Financials Accountant will help set up your plan, including contracts and payments, and guide you through the process.
To complete your TIP enrollment, the cashiering office must receive your first installment. You can pay the first installment and the non-refundable enrollment fee using a personal check, cash, or credit card (VISA or MasterCard).
Reminder: Your first payment is due when you enroll in the Self Pay Tuition Installment Plan.
Contact Us
253-589-5651
TIP@cptc.edu
Building 17, Room 141
Lakewood Campus
Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am to 7pm
Friday 7:30 am to 12 pm
| TIP Important Dates | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | Winter 2026 | Spring 2026 |
| Ideal 1st Payment Due Date | Upon Enrollment | Upon Enrollment | Upon Enrollment | Upon Enrollment | Upon Enrollment |
| 2nd Payment Due Date | March 20, 2025 | June 17, 2025 | September 15, 2025 | December 18, 2025 | March 16, 2026 |
| Last Day for a 3-Payment Plan | March 19, 2025 | July 8, 2025 | October 3, 2025 | January 9, 2026 | April 3, 2026 |
| Final Payment due Date | April 19, 2025 | August 19, 2025 | November 19, 2025 | February 24, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone with an out-of-pocket expense for classes may enroll.
Please call or email the Student Financials Accountant at tip@cptc.edu or 253-589-5651.
Visit https://www.cptc.edu/how-to-tip for instructions self-enrolling in TIP on ctcLink.
There is a one-time non-refundable enrollment fee of $25 for the TIP program.
You must notify the Student Financials Accountant at tip@cptc.edu or 253-589-5651 when you drop or add a class.
The CPTC refund policy for dropped classes still applies and payments will be adjusted accordingly.
Yes, students enrolled in TIP that are making on-time payments are protected from being dropped.
Failure to make payments while on TIP will result in a drop for non-payment.
If you are late on a payment, a block will be placed on your account until payment is received.
Failure to make payments while on TIP will result in a drop for non-payment.
You are responsible for payments if funding doesn’t come in, and you cannot register for future classes or receive transcripts until the account is paid in full.
The CPTC Foundation offers some emergency funding through the Student Emergency Assistance Program. Visit https://www.cptc.edu/foundation/student-emergency-assistance-program-se… to learn more.
