Tuition and Financial Aid

Affording Your Education

At California Arts University, we believe finances should never be a barrier to pursuing your calling. That's why over 90% of our students receive institutional scholarships. Whether you're applying for a merit award, service-based scholarship, or financial-need support, we're here to help you succeed.

Tuition and Fees

Effective Fall 2025

California Arts University (CAU) is committed to providing high-quality, affordable education in the arts. Tuition and fees are reviewed annually and published in advance of each academic year to ensure transparency and financial planning support for all students.

To make education more accessible and predictable, all private lesson fees—previously billed separately—are now included in tuition. This structure allows students to benefit from CAU’s personalized instruction without unexpected additional costs.

All students are encouraged to review the estimated tuition and fees below and plan accordingly.

Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.M.)

Duration: 5 years (120 units)

Tuition

$511 per unit
Full-time enrollment (12 units/semester): $6,132 per semester | $12,264 per year
Total Tuition (120 units): $61,320

Required Fees

Enrollment Fee (one-time): $100
Registration Fee: $100 per semester (10 semesters): $1,000
Technology Fee: $54 per semester (10 semesters): $540
Student Association Fee: $30 per semester (10 semesters): $300
Graduation Fee: $450
Total Required Fees: $2,390

Estimated Total Program Cost: $63,710

Additional Estimated Costs (not billed by the university)

Textbooks & Course Materials (varies by course)
Room & Board: ~$21,760 per year
Personal & Transportation Expenses

Graduate Program

Master of Arts in Contemporary Music Performance (M.A.C.M.P.)

Duration: 2.5 years (45 units)

Tuition

$612 per unit
Full-time enrollment (9 units/semester): $5,508 per semester | $11,016 per year
Total Tuition (45 units): $27,540

Required Fees

Enrollment Fee (one-time): $100
Registration Fee: $100 per semester (5 semesters): $500
Technology Fee: $54 per semester (5 semesters): $270
Student Association Fee: $30 per semester (5 semesters): $150
Graduation Fee: $450
Total Required Fees: $1,470

Estimated Total Program Cost: $29,010

Additional Estimated Costs

Textbooks & Course Materials (varies by course)
Room & Board: ~$21,760 per year
Personal & Transportation Expenses

Doctoral Program

Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)

Duration: 3.5 years (60 units)

Tuition

$912 per unit
Full-time enrollment (9 units/semester): $8,208 per semester | $16,416 per year
Total Tuition (60 units): $54,720

Required Fees

Enrollment Fee (one-time): $100
Registration Fee: $100 per semester (7 semesters): $700
Technology Fee: $54 per semester (7 semesters): $378
Student Association Fee: $30 per semester (7 semesters): $210
Graduation Fee: $450
Total Required Fees: $1,838

Estimated Total Program Cost: $56,558

Additional Estimated Costs

Textbooks & Course Materials (varies by course)
Room & Board: ~$21,760 per year
Personal & Transportation Expenses

Non-Refundable Fees

Fee Schedule Effective Fall 2025

Note: Non-refundable fees are listed for transparency. However, they are not enforceable and will not be charged if the student cancels within the cancellation period, in accordance with California Education Code.

General Fees

Application Fee (one-time) (non-refundable): $50
Enrollment Fee (one-time) (non-refundable): $100
Registration Fee (per semester) (non-refundable): $100
Technology Fee (per semester): $54
Student Association Fee (per semester): $30
Individual/Private Lesson Fee (per semester) (non-refundable): $700
Individual Instruction Fee – Music Students (per hour): $70
Graduation Fee: $450
Student ID Card: $15
ID Card Replacement Fee: $25

Administrative Fees

Late Registration Fee (non-refundable): $100
Late Payment Fee (non-refundable): $30
Readmission Fee (non-refundable): $100
Add/Drop Course Fee (non-refundable): $10
Returned Check Fee (non-refundable): $35

Transcript & Documentation Fees

Transcript / Certificate Fee (Standard): $10
Transcript Express Fee: $20
Transcript Mailing Fee: $5
English Translation Services (per hour): $50

Shipping Fees

Standard Domestic Shipping: $15
Standard International Shipping: $30
Express Domestic Shipping: $40
Express International Shipping: $50

International Student Fees

International Student Service Fee: $300
I-20 Re-Issue Fee: $50
I-20 Extension Fee: $100

Compliance Fee

Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) (non-refundable):
$0 per $1,000 of institutional charges (subject to change).
Current rates published at:
www.bppe.ca.gov

Refund Policy

In compliance with California Education Code §§94919, 94920, and 94927

1. Full Refund

If a course or program is canceled by California Arts University, students are entitled to a full refund of all tuition and fees paid, including any non-refundable charges.

To request a full refund:

Submit a written cancellation request by email or in person.
Include your full name, program, reason for cancellation, and intended withdrawal date.
The university administrator will review the request and respond within 10 business days.
If approved, a full refund will be issued within 45 calendar days of receipt.

2. Student Financial Aid Notice

California Arts University does not currently offer federal or state financial aid programs.

If such aid becomes available in the future:

Students will be entitled to a refund of any amounts paid out of pocket, not covered by aid.
If a student defaults on a government loan, the federal/state agency may take legal action to recover the debt (e.g., wage garnishment or tax refund withholding).
A defaulted student may also be ineligible for future financial aid until the debt is paid in full.

3. Withdrawals & Pro Rata Refunds

Students who officially withdraw from the university before completing 60% of the course or program may be eligible for a pro rata refund of tuition based on the length of time attended.

Refund Formula:

Amount Owed = (Total Tuition & Fees ÷ Total Program Days or Hours) × Days or Hours Attended

Refund = Amount Paid – Amount Owed

Example:

Total cost: $750
Program length: 45 hours
Hours attended: 18
Refund = $750 – ($750 × 18 ÷ 45) = $450 refund

4. Withdrawal & Refund Request Process

To officially withdraw and request a refund:

Complete and submit a withdrawal or add/drop form to the Registrar’s Office.
Obtain required signatures from faculty, academic advising, and financial aid (if applicable).
Your official withdrawal date is the date the signed form is submitted.
If eligible, refunds are disbursed within 30 days of the official withdrawal date.

5. Additional Refund Guidelines

Cancellation Date: Takes effect the day written notice is sent.
Refund Timeline: Refunds are processed within 30 days of cancellation.
Non-Refundable Fees: Application, registration, materials, activity fees, and STRF are not refundable.
Instruction Threshold: No refund will be issued if more than 60% of the course has been completed.
Prorated Refunds: If 60% or less of the course is completed, a prorated refund applies.
Failure to Officially Withdraw: May result in additional charges and a failing grade.

Reminder: Always refer to the Academic Calendar for official withdrawal deadlines and refund eligibility.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Affordable Education with Comprehensive Support

We are committed to making arts education accessible and affordable. That’s why we offer a range of scholarships—covering up to 50% of tuition—to help you pursue your passion with peace of mind.

All-Inclusive Tuition

Effective Fall 2025, California Arts University (CAU) offers an all-inclusive tuition model—designed to give you everything you need to succeed.

Private lessons
Studio access
Performance opportunities
Ensemble and recital participation
Academic advising and support

Scholarship Opportunities

We encourage all students to explore the following scholarship categories, each designed to support your academic and artistic journey:

Merit-Based Scholarships (Performance or Academic based)
Need-Based Financial Assistance
Church & Ministry Scholarships
Global Leadership
Community Service
Work-Study Opportunities

Award Process

Scholarship applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee, which is composed of:

The University President
Student Dean
Academic Dean
Director of Admission

All scholarships are awarded as tuition credits, applied directly to eligible students’ accounts.

Eligibility & Application Guidelines

To be considered for scholarship awards, students must meet the following criteria:

Open to both new and returning students.
Must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units (undergraduate) or 6 units (graduate) per semester.
Students must submit an application annually, if required.
Must provide documentation verifying participation in ministry, community service, or other qualifying activities (if applicable).
Must remain in compliance with the university’s attendance policy and uphold the Student Code of Conduct.
Scholarship awards cannot exceed the total tuition charged for the semester.
Students may receive only one scholarship per semester.

For additional information or to begin the application process, please contact finance@cauniv.edu.

Start Your Musical Journey Today!

Apply Now

Priority
Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: March 1st

Spring Semester: October 1st