What is the Self Pay Tuition Installment Plan (TIP)?
The Self Pay Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) allows you to pay your tuition and class fees in smaller, manageable payments over the course of the quarter, rather than paying the full amount all at once. This plan is ideal for students paying out of pocket or those waiting for financial aid, scholarships, or other third-party funding to arrive.
TIP is not a loan, so there’s no interest and no credit check required. It simply gives you more flexibility and time to cover your educational costs each quarter.
What Does TIP Cover?
TIP covers:
Tuition for the quarter
Class-related fees (e.g., lab or course fees)
TIP does not cover:
Textbooks or course materials
Supplies or equipment
Parking permits
Fines or late fees
Make sure you budget separately for items not included in the plan.
TIP is available to most enrolled students, including:
New students starting their first quarter
Continuing or returning students
Part-time or full-time students
How to Enroll in TIP
You can enroll in TIP either online or in person:
Log in to your ctcLink student account.
Navigate to the Student Homepage and click on Financial Account.
Choose the Payment Plan option.
Follow the prompts to enroll in the plan.
Your first payment and a $25 non-refundable enrollment fee are due at the time you sign up.
In-Person Enrollment
Visit our Student Financials Analyst in Building 17, Room 141.
Set up the installment plan
Complete and sign your contract
Make your first payment
This is a great option if you have questions or need one-on-one help.
Payment Methods
To complete your enrollment in TIP, your first installment payment (plus the $25 enrollment fee) must be received by the Cashiering Office. You can pay using:
Cash
Personal check
Visa or MasterCard
Mobile wallet (Apple Pay or Google Pay)
Payments must be made on time according to the dates listed in your plan. Missing a payment may result in holds on your account, late fees, or removal from the plan.
Contact Us
253-589-5651
TIP@cptc.edu
Building 17, Room 141
Lakewood Campus
Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am to 7pm
Thursday 8 am to 12 pm
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 | When you enroll in the plan (Includes $25 fee) | When you enroll in the plan (Includes $25 fee) | When you enroll in the plan (Includes $25 fee) | When you enroll in the plan (Includes $25 fee) | When you enroll in the plan (Includes $25 fee) |
| 2nd Payment Due Date | March 20, 2025 | July 17th, 2025 | October 19, 2025 | January 17, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
| Final Payment due Date | April 19, 2025 | August 18, 2025 | November 18, 2025 | February 17, 2026 | May 16, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Please call or email the Student Financials Analyst 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. This fee is automatically added to your first installment payment when you enroll in the plan.
For example, if your first scheduled installment is $300, your total amount due at the time of enrollment will be $325 ($300 payment + $25 enrollment fee).
Your enrollment in TIP is not complete until both the first installment and the $25 fee are received.
You must notify the Student Financials Analyst 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 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.
