FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION
One of the most important considerations for prospective students is how they can finance their education. You know what you want to do, but how do you make it happen? The research and process of financing your education can seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be and we're here to help.
For degree-seeking students, you can complete an undergraduate degree for less than you might think. Our evening courses are discounted at a significant rate and the tuition cost compares favorably with many local universities. Here are our recommended first steps:
- Fill out youras soon as possible. This is your roadmap towards financing your education.
- Veterans may be able to use VA funding to achieve their educational goals. Please contact Amy Rockwell, Veteran and Military Enrollment Services School Certifying Official, to discuss options.
- Tuition Remission information for ֱ faculty and staff (and eligible dependents) can be found on the Human Resources website.
- Tuition Assistance or Employee Reimbursement may be available from your employer. Please contact your HR department to explore available programs.
- Review Financial Aid Instructions, Checklist and Important Dates (Including FAFSA) onֱ's Office of Financial Assistance website.
For students considering a professional education (non-credit) program or course, there are several ways to lessen the financial burden, including:
- Payment Plans (only eligible for select programs, details below)
- Employee Tuition Reimbursement or Employee Tuition Assistance
- Military Benefits - More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government web site at .
FINANCIAL AID & PRIVATE LOANS
If you are matriculated into a degree program, such as the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, and are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or the equivalent per semester), you may be eligible for a government-sponsored Stafford Loan. Degree seeking students should visit theFinancial Aid webpagefor more information.
Certificates and non-credit programs do not qualify for federal student aid. Listed below is a link to our private lender comparison tool.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM PAYMENT PLANS
CPS students enrolling in a professional (non-credit) program and/or any individual professional (non-credit) course lasting 10 weeks or longer, may participate in a payment plan. Payment plans are offered through Nelnet Campus Commerce, and students are encouraged to reach out toNelnet directly through the.
Please note:
- Payments must be made over the course of three months.
- There is an additional $40 payment plan fee for each semester.
- To initiate the use of a payment plan for an upcoming course, contactLisa Weberfor a specific code to submit with the application.
HOW TO PAY
All billing is sent electronically and available via youraccount. Students and authorized users are able to view billing statements and make secured payments electronically. You can also print official invoices for self and employer use. Once you receive your confirmation and VU ID #, you may log ontoto create your V-bill account and then view/pay your bill electronically.
Visit theBursar websitefor payment options and additional information.
REFUND POLICIES
Refunds as a result of official withdrawal will be made according to therefund schedule, as published by the Bursar's Office.
- Withdrawal within 24 hours of first class meeting--No Charge.
- Withdrawal through 2nd week of class--Student charged 25% of tuition.
- Withdrawal after 2nd week of class--Student charged 100% of tuition.
If students follow the drop policy noted in the Dropping a Course section of this document, they are eligible for a 100% refund of tuition, provided they do not register in another class in the current or next session*. The term “refund” includes voiding invoices for unpaid balances. Refunds may require up to 40 days to process. Withdrawals are approved on a case-by-case basis.
If approved, and all tuition dollars were paid by the student to ֱ, a refund will be granted according to the below refund schedule*, see Withdrawal from a Course section in this document for additional details.
College of Professional Studies’ Refund Schedule
Courses that run up to 8 weeks in length:
Week |
Refund |
1stWeek |
100% |
2ndthrough 3rdWeek |
75% |
After 3rdWeek |
No refund |
Courses that run for longer than 8 weeks:
Week |
Refund |
1stWeek |
100% |
2ndthrough 4thWeek |
75% |
After 4thWeek |
No refund |
Pre-College Summer Academy Courses:
Withdrawal | Refund |
Within 24 hours of first course meeting |
100% |
Within 48 hours of first course meeting |
75% |
After 48 hours of first course meeting |
No refund |
OVERDUE ACCOUNTS
Students are responsible for payment of all charges on his/her student account. If a student has an overdue obligation, registration will not be permitted and academic records and certificates will not be released. Overdue obligations may be referred to an outside collection agency or to an attorney for collection efforts and/or legal suit, the debt is increased to cover all reasonable costs of collection including collection fees, court costs and attorney fees.