Choosing the right career path is a significant decision, and understanding the financial aspect of your education is a crucial part of that process. At American Career College (ACC), we are committed to providing transparent information about program costs to help you make informed decisions about your future. This article breaks down the various fees and expenses associated with enrolling in ACC programs, ensuring you have a clear picture of the investment required for your chosen career.
Application Fees: Getting Started
To begin your journey at American Career College, there is a non-refundable application fee. For most diploma programs, the application fee is $20. However, for Vocational Nursing and all Associate degree programs, the application fee is $60. This initial fee is a standard part of the enrollment process and helps cover administrative costs associated with processing your application.
Program Fees: What They Cover
Beyond tuition, program fees are an essential component of the overall cost. These fees vary depending on the specific program you choose and are designed to cover a range of resources and materials vital to your learning experience. Program fees at ACC encompass items such as:
- Customized Uniforms: Many healthcare programs require specific uniforms for practical training and clinical rotations. These fees help cover the cost of providing you with professional attire.
- Classroom Consumables: Hands-on training is a core element of ACC programs. Program fees contribute to the cost of consumable supplies used in classrooms and labs, ensuring you have the necessary materials for practical exercises.
- Administrative and Technology Fees: To support a smooth learning environment, these fees cover administrative services and technology infrastructure, including access to learning management systems and other digital resources.
- Campus Safety Resources: ACC prioritizes a safe and secure learning environment. A portion of program fees supports campus safety resources, including training activities, security systems maintenance, security cameras, access control, and emergency broadcast systems.
- Clinical and Degree Program Specific Fees: For programs with clinical components or degree-seeking tracks, program fees may also include costs associated with health and background screenings, test preparation materials, examinations, and licensure or certification fees required for professional practice after graduation.
Books, Laptops, and Supplies: Your Learning Toolkit
American Career College aims to make educational materials accessible and cost-effective. The estimated total program charges include books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other essential supplies. ACC strives to offer these materials to students at prices below competitive market rates, providing convenience and potential cost savings.
Students have the option to opt out of purchasing these materials through ACC and acquire them from other sources. However, it’s important to note that opting out means you are responsible for obtaining all required course materials by the 7th day of class. Furthermore, if certain course materials are exclusively available through the institution, students will not be able to opt out of those required resources.
For students in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, specific fees apply to learning resources. This includes an ATI fee in the first term, along with other program fees and clinical fees distributed across the subsequent terms of the program.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF): Protecting Your Investment
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to protect students from economic loss in specific situations. Unless exempt, students who are California residents or enrolled in a residency program and prepay tuition are required to pay a state-imposed assessment for the STRF. As of April 1, 2024, the STRF assessment rate is zero dollars ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
You may be eligible for STRF protection if you experience economic loss due to circumstances such as:
- Program closure or discontinuation without an approved teach-out plan.
- School closure within 120 days of your enrollment.
- A significant decline in program quality or value more than 120 days before closure.
- The institution failing to provide a Bureau-ordered refund.
- The institution failing to properly manage federal student loan proceeds.
- Inability to collect a student loan-related arbitration or court award from the institution.
- Student loan cancellation due to legal counsel related to institutional violations.
To be eligible for STRF reimbursement, applications must be submitted within four years of the event triggering eligibility. It is crucial to keep records of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, and any documents related to payments made to the school as these may be required when applying for STRF reimbursement. For questions regarding the STRF, you can contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Estimated Total Charges and Additional Considerations
The estimated total charges provided for each educational program generally do not include transportation costs to and from externship or clinical sites. These transportation expenses are the student’s responsibility and should be factored into your overall budget.
Course Credit Costs: Nursing and Science Courses
It is important to note the specific billing rates for certain courses within the Nursing program and related science courses. Nursing Core courses (identified with course codes starting with NURS) are billed at a rate of $1,128 per credit. General Education courses and specific science courses including ANAT111, PHYS111, MICR112, and PHARM113 are billed at a rate of $300 per credit. Understanding these per-credit costs is essential for accurately estimating the tuition component of your program expenses.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Future at American Career College
Understanding the costs associated with your chosen program at American Career College is a vital step in planning your education and career. By breaking down application fees, program fees, material costs, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund, we aim to provide clarity and transparency. Remember to consider transportation costs and per-credit rates for specific courses when budgeting for your education. Investing in your education at ACC is an investment in your future career success. For the most accurate and personalized cost information, please consult with an American Career College admissions advisor who can provide detailed program-specific cost breakdowns and financial aid options.
