Choosing a career in nursing is a significant decision, and understanding the financial investment involved is crucial. American Career College (ACC) offers various nursing programs, and this guide breaks down the costs associated with these programs to help prospective students make informed decisions. While specific costs can vary and are subject to change, this overview provides a comprehensive look at the types of fees you can expect.
Application Fees: A Necessary First Step
When applying to an ACC diploma program, it’s important to note the nonrefundable application fee. For most diploma programs, excluding Vocational Nursing, this fee is $20. Students interested in the Vocational Nursing program, as well as all Associate degree programs, will encounter a $60 nonrefundable application fee. This initial fee is a standard part of the enrollment process and covers the administrative costs of processing your application.
Program Fees: Covering Essential Resources and Services
Beyond tuition, program fees are a significant component of the overall cost. These fees at American Career College are designed to cover a range of essential items and services that support your education. This includes customized uniforms, which are often a requirement for nursing students in clinical settings, as well as classroom consumables necessary for hands-on learning.
Administrative and technology fees are also encompassed within program fees, ensuring students have access to the necessary infrastructure for a modern learning experience. Furthermore, these fees contribute to campus safety resources, which are vital for maintaining a secure learning environment. This investment in safety includes training activities and the acquisition and maintenance of security systems, such as security cameras, access control, and emergency broadcast systems.
For students enrolled in clinical and degree programs, program fees extend to cover crucial health and background screenings. These are mandatory to ensure patient safety and meet industry standards. Test preparation resources, examinations, and fees associated with licensure and certification are also typically included, helping students navigate the process of becoming certified nursing professionals.
Course Materials and Supplies: Options and Opt-Outs
The cost of books, supplies, and course materials is another factor to consider. American Career College includes an estimated cost for these items, which may encompass physical books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other necessary supplies. Importantly, ACC offers a convenient package for these materials and often provides them at rates below competitive market prices.
Students have the option to opt-out of purchasing these materials through ACC and acquire them from other sources. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the deadlines. If you choose to opt-out, you are responsible for obtaining all required course materials by the 7th day of class. It’s also important to verify if course materials, particularly digital or electronic ones, are exclusively available through the institution. If a required material is not available elsewhere, students will not be able to opt-out of purchasing it through ACC.
Understanding the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
California-based students or those in residency programs should be aware of the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). Established by the State of California, the STRF is designed to protect students from economic loss in specific situations, such as institutional closure.
STRF Assessment: As of April 1, 2024, the STRF assessment is set at zero dollars ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges for students with a first payment scheduled after this date. While the assessment rate can change, it’s a mandatory fee for California residents or residency program students who prepay tuition, unless specifically relieved of this obligation.
STRF Eligibility and Protection: To be eligible for STRF protection, students must be California residents or enrolled in a residency program, have prepaid tuition, and have paid or been deemed to have paid the STRF assessment. Protection applies in cases of institutional closure, program discontinuation, significant decline in program quality, failure to provide refunds, and other specific circumstances outlined by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Filing a Claim: To qualify for STRF reimbursement, applications must be received within four years of the event that makes the student eligible. It is crucial to keep records of enrollment agreements, financial aid documents, and payment receipts as documentation for any potential STRF claim. For questions regarding STRF, students can contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education directly.
Additional Cost Considerations
Beyond the fees mentioned, there are other potential costs to factor into your budget. The estimated total charges for the entire nursing program at American Career College do not include transportation costs to and from externship or clinical sites. These transportation expenses are the student’s responsibility and should be planned for accordingly.
Furthermore, it’s important to understand the tuition structure for different types of courses. Nursing Core courses (identified by course codes starting with “NURS”) are typically billed at a higher rate per credit compared to general education and specific science courses like ANAT111, PHYS111, MICR112, and PHARM113. Understanding the per-credit cost for different course types is essential for accurate financial planning. As an example, Nursing Core courses are billed at $1,128 per credit, while General Education and the listed science courses are billed at $300 per credit.
In Conclusion
Understanding the various components of the American Career College Nursing Program Cost is vital for prospective students. By carefully reviewing application fees, program fees, material costs, the STRF, and other potential expenses like transportation and varied tuition rates, students can create a realistic financial plan for their nursing education journey. For the most up-to-date and program-specific cost information, it is always recommended to directly consult with American Career College’s admissions and financial aid departments.
