What is the cost of tuition and fees?

Tuition – Film and Media Production Program
Term 1 – Academic Year 1: $10,350
Term 2 – Academic Year 1: $9,675
Term 3 – Academic Year 2: $6,925

Fees – Film and Media Production Program
Term 1 – Technology Fee: $190
Term 2 – Activity Fee: $190
Term 3 – Graduation Fee: $80

Application Fee (non-refundable): $25

Is there an application fee?

A non-refundable application fee of $25 is required with the completed application.

Does CCCA require a deposit to confirm my spot in the program?

A deposit is required to reserve a seat in the program upon acceptance. In the event of applicant cancellation prior to the first day of class, the deposit will be refunded less the $25 application fee.

Deposit required for U.S. students (applied toward Term 1 tuition): $500

Deposit required for International students (applied toward Term 1 tuition): $1,500 USD

If a student withdraws from the program and re-enters later, he or she must pay the tuition rate and fees in effect for the current session.

Textbooks, Equipment, and Other Expenses

The textbooks, equipment, and software requirements for the Film and Media Production Program include a MacBook Pro laptop computer, video camera, software, and various texts for reading and lab assignments. Exceptions may apply as long as the student furnishes his or her own equipment meeting CCCA standards. A list of specific items needed is provided to accepted students and also is available here.

Macbook Pro and video camera (approx.): $3,000
Books and software (approx.): $1,000

Students should be prepared for living expenses to fulfill an internship. If that internship is located outside of either the student’s permanent home or the local community, travel expenses will be necessary in addition to living expenses.

A facilitated class trip is optional for any student who remains in good academic and financial standing. These trips take students into the heart of the media industry and may include Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, or Vancouver.

Industry Trip (optional and cost dependent on number of participants) (approx.): $2,000

Financial Aid

Eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined by an analysis of family resources for the most recent calendar year. This is an assessment of a family’s ability to contribute to college costs. To receive federal or state financial aid, the student must demonstrate a financial need, be accepted for enrollment in the Film and Media Production Program, attend Compass College of Cinematic Arts on at least a half-time basis, maintain satisfactory academic progress and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In addition, a student must be registered with Selective Service (or be exempt) and cannot owe a refund on previous Title IV funds received or be in default on any student loan.

A student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based financial aid. The recommended filing deadline for high school seniors residing in Michigan who want to be considered for state aid is March 1. By including Compass College of Cinematic Arts’ federal school code, 041633, the school’s Financial Aid Office will be informed of the student’s interest in financial aid.

For more information about Financial Aid at CCCA, visit the Financial Information section of our website.

Payment Policies

• Application Fee - $25 due with submission of application.
• Remainder of tuition and fees must be paid on or before the scheduled payment due dates or a $30 late payment fee will be assessed to the student’s account.
• Students may pay in advance by cash or check. The student is responsible for any returned checks plus a NSF fee of $30.
• If a student is employed by an organization that will pay the tuition and lab fee directly to Compass College of Cinematic Arts, the employer must provide a voucher or letter of “intent to pay” for the program. The student is responsible for the timely payment of tuition.
• Students who have not paid their account in full by the end of any term for which they are enrolled may be suspended from the program unless other arrangements have been made.
• Students whose account balance is not below 10% of the full program cost will not be allowed to progress into the internship portion of the program until at least 90% of their tuition and fees have been paid.
• Unpaid balances at program completion will require the withholding of the diploma and suspension from enrolling in additional classes and/or programs until account is paid in full.
• Transcripts and diploma will not be released until the student’s account is paid in full.

Payment Plan and Methods

Students may pay tuition open account balances with a check or cash. If the student or parent prefers the use of a credit/debit card, a 3% administration fee will be added to the payment at the time the card is charged.

The Payment Plan available to students, or their parents, directly from CCCA is the ability to pay the tuition charges in three payments. The first payment is due in August, ten days before the first term classes begin; the second payment is due during the first week of January prior to the start of the second term; the third payment is due during the first week of May prior to the start of the third term. This plan requires the appropriate deposit before the first day of classes. Payments are payable by cash, check, or money order to Compass College of Cinematic Arts.

Refund of Tuition

All tuition and fees paid by the applicant shall be refunded if the applicant is denied by the school before enrollment. An application fee of not more than $25.00 may be retained by the school if the applicant is denied. All tuition and fees paid by the applicant shall be refunded if requested within three business days after signing a contract with the school. All refunds shall be returned within 30 days.

Applicants who have not visited the school prior to enrollment will have the opportunity to withdraw without penalty within three business days following either the regularly scheduled orientation procedures or following a tour of the school facilities and inspection of equipment where training and services are provided.

Refund of tuition is based on the number of weeks, or days, the student has attended at the time the student is withdrawn, either by drop or termination, or when the student has notified the office that he or she is withdrawing. A student will be charged again for any portion of the program course that is retaken.

Cancellation/Termination by a Student

If an applicant makes the decision to withdraw, because of the cancellation, a full refund is made to the student.

Cancellation/Termination by the School

A student may be suspended or dismissed from the program if he or she offends the rules of student conduct, is not meeting attendance requirements, and/or is not meeting satisfactory academic progress. Should either of these situations occur, the appropriate instructor(s) will meet with the student to rectify the situation, or to recommend dismissal or suspension. A recommendation for dismissal will be sent to the Academic Dean who will review and approve each suspension or dismissal. The student may appeal the decision if appropriate.

Refund of Tuition Charges Policy for Non-Title IV Recipients

The following refund policy pertains to students who have not been loaned, granted, or used Title IV aid.

Tuition liability means the amount of tuition the student owes even if she/he withdraws or is terminated from class; and it is limited to the term during which the student withdrew or was terminated and any previous terms completed.

If termination occurs during the first or second terms, the school may keep:
Prior to the 1st week: 0%
During the 1st week: 20%
During the 2nd week: 40%
During the 3rd week: 60%
During the 4th week: 80%
After the 4th week: 100%

Only tuition is refundable; student fees are not refundable, nor are travel expenses incurred in conjunction with any college offered trips. Tuition refunds to students will be processed within 30 days of the last day of attendance.

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