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Tuition Payment and Refund Policies

Payment Policies

Payment schedule

Tuition and other fees are payable at the time of registration, normally on the day before the beginning of classes for the Quarter. Returning students who have not taken advantage of Pre-registration during the previous Quarter will be charged a Late Registration Fee.

Five Year Deferred Payment Plan

Students who have financial difficulty in meeting tuition payments may apply for a deferment of these expenses from the office of the Academic Dean/ administration. Application for deferment should have official recommendation of the pastor or the chairman of the consistory of the student's church. A contractual arrangement will be made for the repayment within five years of graduation. Payment must begin no latter than one year after graduation.

Installment Payment Plan

Students desiring to pay tuition and fees in installments must pay one-third (1/3) at the time of registration, one-third more on the first day of the following month, and the final one-third on the first day of the next month.
Failure to keep accounts current will render students ineligible to attend classes or receive grades or transcripts. Students will not be permitted to register for courses for a new quarter unless all financial obligations to the Seminary have been settled, or satisfactory arrangements have been made. Students should make arrangement with the administration if they are facing special strains in making timely payment.

Refund Policies

Refund Schedule

Students who withdraw from the Seminary, either by mail, in person, or by phone, permanently or for a quarter, will be granted refunds on tuition according to the following schedule. No refund will be granted if a student leaves without official withdrawal. No refund will be given to a student who leaves under discipline. When refunds are granted, they will be prorated as follows:

100% to the end of the first week
75% to the end of the second week
50% to the end of the third week
25% to the end of the fourth week
No refunds will be given after the fourth week

Policy on Student Rights

California law stipulates that a student has the right to cancel his/her enrollment at any time during the cancellation period and receive a full refund of any monies received minus a fee not to exceed $100. A student also has the right to withdraw from his/her program at any time. If a student chooses to cancel or withdraw, he must notify the International Theological Seminary in writing. The withdrawal or cancellation will become effective as of the date the Seminary approves it. If a student withdraws after the cancellation period, he/she may be entitled to a refund. This will be calculated in accordance with the school refund policy and the student will be notified.

Process for Addressing Student Grievances

Students who have a complaint or are experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the teacher directly to attempt to resolve the complaint. In the event that this contact does not resolve the complaint, the student is encouraged to make an appointment with the Academic Dean so that the complaint may be officially registered and solutions discussed. Students who have serious grievances should submit his complaint in writing to the Academic Dean. The Executive Faculty shall discuss and act on the matter in its next available meeting. A written response will be developed and forwarded to the student within ten days after the meeting. The decision of Executive Faculty is final.

State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund

California law requires that, upon enrollment, a fee be assessed in relation to the cost of tuition (Education code Section 94343). These fees support the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF), a special fund established by the California Legislature to reimburse students who might otherwise experience a financial loss as a result of untimely school closure. Students may be reimbursed by STRF only for prepaid, but unused, tuition moneys. Institution participation is mandatory.

To be eligible, you must be a "California Resident" and reside in California at the time the enrollment agreement is signed or when you receive lessons at a California mailing address from an approved institution offering correspondence instruction. Students who are temporarily residing in California for the sole purpose of pursuing an education, specifically those who hold student visas, are not considered a "California Resident."

To qualify for STRF reimbursement you must file a STRF application within one year of receiving notice from the council that the school is closed. If you do not receive notice from the council, you have four years from the date of closure to file a STRF application. If a judgment is obtained, you must file a STRF application within two years of the final judgment.

It is important that enrollees keep a copy of any enrollment agreement, contract, or application to document enrollment, tuition receipts or canceled checks to document the total amount of tuition paid, and records which will show the percentage of the course which has been completed. Such records substantiate a claim for reimbursement from STRF, which, to be considered, must be filed within one year following school closure. For further information or instruction, contact:

Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
1027 Tenth Street, Fourth Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 445-3427