Choosing the rightRadiologic Technology (RT) program is a significant step towards a rewarding healthcare career. At American Career College (ACC), prospective students often want to understand the investment required for their education. This guide breaks down the tuition and fees associated with ACC programs, providing clarity on what you can expect financially. While this information is generally applicable to various ACC programs, it is crucial to confirm the specific tuition costs for the Radiologic Technology program directly with ACC admissions or financial aid departments, as tuition and fees are subject to change.
Understanding the Application Fee at American Career College
When you apply to American Career College, it’s important to be aware of the non-refundable application fee. For most diploma programs, excluding Vocational Nursing, there is a $20 non-refundable application fee upon enrollment. Students applying for the Vocational Nursing diploma program or any Associate degree program will encounter a $60 non-refundable application fee. This fee is a standard part of the enrollment process and should be factored into your initial costs.
Decoding American Career College Program Fees
Beyond tuition, American Career College programs include various fees that cover essential resources and services. These fees are program-specific and can include items such as customized uniforms to maintain a professional learning environment, classroom consumables necessary for hands-on training, and administrative and technology fees that support the learning infrastructure.
These fees also contribute to campus safety resources, which are vital for a secure and conducive learning environment. This encompasses the training and activities related to campus safety, as well as the acquisition and maintenance of security systems. These systems may include security cameras, access control measures, and emergency broadcast systems designed to protect students and staff and ensure a safe learning environment for everyone pursuing their career goals, including those in the RT program.
For programs with clinical and degree components, additional fees apply. These cover costs associated with mandatory health and background screenings to ensure student safety and compliance within healthcare settings. Furthermore, these fees may include expenses related to test preparation, examinations, and professional licensure and certification upon graduation, all of which are critical steps in launching your career after completing your RT program or other healthcare-related studies.
Book, Supplies, and Digital Resources Costs
American Career College includes the cost of books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other necessary supplies within their overall program charges. This inclusive approach aims to provide students with all the tools they need for their studies from day one. Interestingly, ACC states they can offer these resources at below competitive market rates, potentially providing a cost-saving benefit to students.
However, students have the option to opt out of this inclusive package and purchase these materials from other sources if they prefer. It’s crucial to note that opting out means you become responsible for acquiring all required course materials independently by the 7th day of class. ACC is not obligated to provide alternative delivery methods if you opt out. It’s also important to be aware that for certain proprietary course materials only available through the institution, opting out may not be possible. Therefore, especially for specialized programs like Radiologic Technology, it’s advisable to understand specifically what materials are included and their costs to make an informed decision about opting in or out.
Understanding the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) in California
If you are considering enrolling at American Career College and are a California resident, it’s essential to understand the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). The STRF is a state-established fund designed to protect California residents from economic loss in specific situations related to educational programs.
Who Needs to Pay STRF?
Unless specifically exempted, if you are a California resident enrolled in an educational program at ACC and you prepay all or part of your tuition, you are required to pay a state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or have it paid on your behalf.
Who is Exempt from STRF?
Non-California residents or those not enrolled in a residency program are not eligible for STRF protection and are not required to pay the STRF assessment.
Keep Your Records:
It is vital to maintain copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documentation, payment receipts, and any other documents that verify the amount you have paid to the school. These documents are crucial if you ever need to make a claim from the STRF.
What Economic Losses are Covered by STRF?
The STRF is designed to relieve economic loss under specific circumstances, including:
- School Closure: If ACC, or the specific program you are enrolled in, closes or is discontinued, and you do not participate in or complete an approved “teach-out” plan.
- Closure Proximity: If you were enrolled within 120 days before the closure of the institution or program discontinuation.
- Program Quality Decline: In cases where the Bureau determines a significant decline in program quality or value more than 120 days before closure.
- Unpaid Refunds: If ACC is ordered by the Bureau to pay a refund but fails to do so.
- Loan Issues: If ACC fails to properly handle federal student loan proceeds.
- Legal Awards: If you win a legal or arbitration award against ACC for violations but cannot collect it.
- Loan Cancellation Legal Counsel: If legal counsel results in student loan cancellation, and you have related invoices.
STRF Application Timeline:
To be eligible for STRF reimbursement, your application must be received within four years of the event that makes you eligible for recovery. There are specific provisions for revived loans extending this period under certain conditions. Importantly, no claim can be paid without a social security number or taxpayer identification number.
For any questions regarding the STRF, you can contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education directly.
Additional Costs Beyond Tuition and Fees
When budgeting for your education at American Career College, particularly programs that involve externships or clinical rotations like Radiologic Technology, remember that the estimated total program charges typically do not include transportation costs to and from these off-campus sites. Commuting to externship or clinical locations is the student’s responsibility and should be considered an additional expense.
Understanding Course-Specific Tuition Rates
While overall program tuition is a primary concern, it’s also helpful to understand potential variations in course costs at American Career College. Specifically, Nursing Core courses (identified with course codes starting with “NURS”) are billed at a higher rate per credit compared to some other courses. As an example provided in the source text (though rates are subject to change and program specific), Nursing Core courses were billed at $1,128 per credit.
General Education courses and certain science prerequisites like ANAT111, PHYS111, MICR112, and PHARM113 may be billed at a different, often lower, per-credit rate. Again, as an example from the original source, these were mentioned at $300 per credit. It is important to confirm current per-credit costs for all course types relevant to the Radiologic Technology program directly with ACC.
Conclusion: Planning Your Investment in Your RT Career at American Career College
Understanding the tuition and fee structure at American Career College is a crucial step in planning your education and career in Radiologic Technology or any other program they offer. By being aware of application fees, program fees, costs for materials, the STRF, potential additional expenses like transportation, and variations in per-credit course costs, you can create a more accurate financial plan.
For the most precise and up-to-date information regarding the American Career College Rt Program Tuition, it is always recommended to directly contact the American Career College financial aid or admissions department. They can provide you with specific details related to the Radiologic Technology program you are interested in and answer any personalized questions you may have about financing your education and taking the next step towards your healthcare career.
