Understanding the financial investment required for your nursing education is a crucial step when considering an RN program. At American Career College (ACC), aspiring nurses can pursue their dreams through a comprehensive Registered Nursing (RN) program. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the American Career College Rn Program Cost, helping you plan your educational finances effectively.
Application Fees for the RN Program
Starting your journey at ACC involves a non-refundable application fee. The amount varies depending on the program type you’re applying for. For the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which is often the pathway to becoming an RN, there is a $60 non-refundable application fee. It’s important to note that this fee is paid upon enrollment and is separate from other program costs. Diploma program applicants, except for Vocational Nursing, pay a smaller $20 application fee.
Comprehensive Program Fees Explained
Beyond tuition, program fees at American Career College cover a range of essential resources and services designed to enhance your learning experience and ensure your safety. These fees are program-specific and encompass items such as:
- Customized Uniforms: Professional attire required for clinical rotations and campus activities.
- Classroom Consumables: Necessary materials used during hands-on training and lab sessions.
- Administrative and Technology Fees: Support for administrative services and access to campus technology.
- Campus Safety Resources: Investment in security systems, including cameras, access control, and emergency broadcast systems, to create a safe learning environment.
- Clinical and Degree Program Specific Fees: For ADN programs, these fees further include costs associated with:
- Health and Background Screenings: Ensuring student safety and compliance with healthcare facility requirements.
- Test Preparation: Resources to help students prepare for crucial nursing exams.
- Examinations: Costs related to administering and evaluating program assessments.
- Licensure and Certification: Fees associated with obtaining your RN license after graduation.
For the ADN program specifically, be aware of additional fees like the ATI fee in the first term, amounting to $3,685, along with other program fees of $390 and clinical fees of $775 spread across terms 2 through 8. These costs are integral to the comprehensive nature of the RN program.
Material Fees: Books, Laptops, and Supplies
American Career College includes the cost of books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other necessary supplies within their program cost estimates. This inclusive approach aims to provide students with all the tools they need for success from day one. While ACC offers these materials at competitive market rates, students do have the option to opt out and purchase these items from other sources by the 7th day of class. However, opting out means you are responsible for securing all required materials independently, and ACC is not obligated to provide alternative delivery methods. It’s crucial to understand that for materials exclusively available through the institution, opting out is not possible.
Understanding the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
If you are a California resident enrolling in the RN program, it’s essential to 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. While the STRF assessment rate may fluctuate, effective April 1, 2024, it is set at zero dollars ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges for students with first payments scheduled after this date.
Who Pays the STRF?
California residents enrolled in an educational program who prepay all or part of their tuition are generally required to pay the STRF assessment, unless specifically relieved of this obligation.
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.
STRF Protection Eligibility:
To be eligible for STRF reimbursement, you must meet specific criteria and experience economic loss due to circumstances such as:
- Closure or discontinuation of the institution or program without an approved teach-out plan.
- Enrollment within 120 days before institutional closure or program discontinuation.
- Enrollment more than 120 days before closure if the Bureau determines a significant decline in program quality more than 120 days prior.
- Failure of the institution to pay a Bureau-ordered refund.
- Institutional failure to manage federal student loan proceeds correctly.
- Inability to collect a student loan-related monetary award from an arbitrator or court.
- Student loan cancellation due to legal counsel.
Applications for STRF reimbursement must be received within four years of the event triggering eligibility. Keeping detailed records of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, and payment receipts is crucial for any potential STRF claim. For questions regarding STRF, you can contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education in Sacramento, CA.
Tuition Costs per Credit
The cost per credit hour at American Career College varies depending on the type of course. Nursing Core courses (NURS coded) are billed at a rate of $1,128 per credit. General Education courses and specific science courses like ANAT111, PHYS111, MICR112, and PHARM113 are billed at a lower rate of $300 per credit. Understanding this distinction is important when calculating the overall tuition for your RN program, as the majority of your nursing-specific coursework will fall under the higher per-credit rate.
Additional Costs to Consider
It’s important to remember that the estimated total charges for the RN program typically 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.
By understanding each component of the American Career College RN program cost – from application fees to tuition per credit and STRF – you can gain a clear picture of the financial commitment involved in pursuing your nursing career at ACC. For the most up-to-date and personalized cost information, it is always recommended to directly contact American Career College’s admissions or financial aid department.
