Cost is a big deal when it comes to your education. Compass College of Cinematic Arts is committed to making your education as affordable as possible. Our college offers the most affordable private, accredited film program in the country.
Compass College of Cinematic Arts offers a highly competitive tuition model and the opportunity for federal aid. To better understand the tuition and fee breakdown for our programs, please view the chart below.
tuition + fees
2020 – 2021 Academic Year
$16,800/year
Technology fee: $300 per semester
Description | Living with Guardian | Living on Own |
Tuition and Fees | $16,800 | $16,800 |
Room and Board | $1,600 | $7,200 |
Books and Equipment | $500 – $4,000 | $500 – $4,000 |
Transportation | $1,800 | $1,800 |
Personal | $900 | $900 |
TOTAL Estimate | $21,600 – $25,100 | $27,200 – $30,700 |
*Based on taking 30 credits per year. The numbers above are based on estimations and assumptions about your cost of living. They serve as a guide, but students can pay more or less depending on the decisions they make regarding their standard of living. |
Cost per credit hour: $556
Technology fee: $300 per semester
Textbook fee: $200 per year
Description | Living with Guardian | Living on Own |
Tuition and Fees | $17,480 | $17,480 |
Room and Board | $1,600 | $7,200 |
Books and Equipment | $500 – $4,000 | $500 – $4,000 |
Transportation | $1,800 | $1,800 |
Personal | $900 | $900 |
TOTAL Estimate | $22,280 – $25,780 | $27,880 – $31,380 |
*Based on taking 30 credits per year. The numbers above are based on estimations and assumptions about your cost of living. They serve as a guide, but students can pay more or less depending on the decisions they make regarding their standard of living. |

Don’t Overpay for your Film Education
Our Commitment to affordability is unmatched. Compass College of Cinematic Arts is the most affordable private, accredited film school in the US. That cost savings means fewer student loans and more freedom to take opportunities as they arise. Don’t pay the high tuition rates of other school. Get a premium education at the best price on the market.
Required Equipment
This guide will help you understand which equipment is best suited to help you learn and create during your time at Compass. As always, if you have any questions, please call us at (616) 988-1000 or email info@compass.edu.
Payment Plans
Payment for first term is due in August and the second term in December. Students attending for the third term must submit payment by May. On occasion, the college may offer other payment arrangements. All plans require the appropriate deposit before the first day of classes. Please call the Financial Office at (616) 988-1000 with questions.