Sliding Scale Tuition
Don’t let cost be a barrier
COCA offers a sliding scale tuition program for qualifying students.
Application Period for 2024–2025 School Year: Now Open
This application period is for Summer Classes and Summer Arts Camps 2024, Fall 2024 Classes, Winter/Spring 2025 Classes, and Spring Break Arts Camps 2025.
We will notify applicants within 5 business days of application submission of their sliding scale tuition status. Applicants must reapply each year.
Once the sliding scale tuition amount is issued, you may register at the sliding scale tuition rate. Registrations that occur prior to receiving a sliding scale tuition rate cannot be refunded.
Sliding scale tuition is available regardless of race, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. It is based on need. Sliding scale tuition will not be available to an applicant with a past due balance on their account.
Application Requirements
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Return completed and required documentation to the Registration Office, including:
- A completed and signed application form.
- 2023 Federal Income Tax Return (2022 will be accepted for Summer Arts Camp and Summer Class applications submitted before April 15) for all members of the household. COCA does not use Social Security numbers; you may conceal this information. If you do not file taxes, a W-2 or paycheck stub can be provided. Please provide copies as these will not be returned. COCA does not have a public copy machine and cannot provide copies.
- A copy of any State/Federal benefits that members of your household receive, such as housing assistance, social security, SNAP, etc.
- Documentation of any child support and/or alimony received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which programs are covered by sliding scale tuition?
Sliding scale tuition is available for classes/camps in:
- Summer Classes, Summer Arts Camps
- Fall Classes
- Winter/Spring Classes, Spring Break Arts Camps
Each student may use a maximum participation (at sliding scale tuition rate) in:
- For Class: 3 classes, per student, per semester
- For Camp: 1 full week of camp (2 half days, or 1 full day); Before Care & After Care for 1 week are also eligible for the sliding scale tuition
If I apply now, do I have to apply again for future semesters?
You only apply once per year, which covers the following semesters:
- Summer Classes, Summer Arts Camps
- Fall Classes
- Winter/Spring Classes, Spring Break Arts Camps
How do you calculate my sliding scale tuition?
Sliding scale tuition is an income-based program. We look at the total income coming into the household and divide it by how many people are living in the household. We compare that number to our scale, which is updated annually based on the HUD guidelines.
What if my income doesn’t accurately reflect my current financial situation?
Check the box on “Part 3: Financial Information” on your application. This will prompt a conversation with one of our Registrars, giving you the opportunity to let us know what those factors are. We will take these into consideration when calculating your sliding scale tuition.
Who can use the sliding scale tuition issued?
Sliding scale tuition may only be used by the persons listed on this application. Sliding scale tuition cannot be applied to another person or held over from one semester to the next.
We value participation and want to ensure that enrollment spots are well utilized, thus, consistent attendance is a consideration for continuation of the sliding scale tuition. Accounts must not have an overdue balance to receive sliding scale tuition for the next semester.
What costs can I expect?
Registration fees are exempt from sliding scale tuition. All fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.
For a student registering for more than 3 classes per semester, or more than 1 week of camp, any additional classes or camps will be charged at the full tuition amount.
Sliding scale tuition may only be applied toward 3 classes per semester and 1 week of camps.
After you receive your sliding scale tuition code, you are responsible for the remaining amount of tuition (which can be put on a payment plan if you wish).
Sliding scale tuition is not eligible for:
- Master classes and other special offerings
- Transportation, clothes, shoes, or supplies needed for the class
What happens after I submit my completed application?
Sliding scale tuition amounts will be emailed within 5 business days after submitting the application with instructions on how to register at the sliding scale tuition rate.
Registration forms should be submitted AFTER you are notified about your sliding scale tuition. We cannot apply sliding scale tuition to previous registrations, or register for the class at the same time we accept the application for sliding scale tuition.
When do I need to apply again?
Sliding scale tuition applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. All applicants must submit a new sliding scale tuition application each year during the application period. The next application period will open January 27, 2025 (this application period will cover 2025 Summer Arts Camps, 2025 Summer Classes, 2025 Fall Classes, 2026 Spring Break Camps, and 2026 Winter/Spring Classes).
Sliding scale tuition is issued on a first come, first served basis, as funds allow. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Sliding scale tuition is formerly known as COCA’s tuition assistance program.
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