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FAQ’S

General Information

Is Compass College an accredited college?

Yes, Compass College of Cinematic Arts is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. More information is available at www.accsc.org and the Accreditation section of our website.

Where is Compass College located?

Compass College is located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, an artistic, exciting, and highly awarded mid-size city in West Michigan. Some recent recognitions of Grand Rapids include:

● #3 Safest College Town in America, Safewise

● #20 of “52 Places to Visit Worldwide,” New York Times

● #18 of “21 Super Cool Cities Ranked,” Expedia Travel Blog

● #19 of “100 Best Places to Live in the USA,” U.S. News & World Report

● #5 most Hipster U.S. Metro Areas, Infogroup

● #1 U.S. Place to Visit, Groupon, 2016

Learn more in the Explore Grand Rapids section of the website, or find our address in Contact Us

Admissions

When is Compass College's next program start date?

The next start date is in the fall of 2021. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

How do I set up a tour of Compass College of Cinematic Arts?

To schedule a campus tour, contact us at 616-988-1000, admissions@compass.edu, or complete the online Visit Form and a representative will contact you.

Does CCCA accept transfer credits?

Transfer credits are accepted on a case-by-case basis depending on the classes we offer and the descriptions and requirements of the courses a student has already taken. To find out if any of your classes transfer, please complete this form and return it to the Registrar’s Office.

Does CCCA accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits?

Compass College will grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP tests. In order to receive credit, the student must request that the College Board send score reports to the Compass College Office of Admissions. To learn more about how credits apply, we encourage you to check out our AP Equivalency Chart.

Does Compass College accept International Students?

Yes! Students have come from all over the world to attend Compass College. Learn more about the International Student admissions process here.

Does CCCA have scholarships?

Scholarships vary from year to year. Please contact our Financial Aid Office at 616-988-1000 or finaid@compass.edu for more information.

I have G.I. Bill benefits. Can I use those to attend CCCA?

Yes, we’re honored to acknowledge the service and contributions made to our country by the members of our Armed Forces. To learn more about enrolling at Compass College and activating your educational benefits, contact our Admissions Office at 616-988-1000 or admissions@compass.edu.

Are there any student employment opportunities available on campus?

Compass College offers an on-campus work study program on a limited basis. For more information, contact Ken Boersma, Director of the Center for Excellence at ken.b@compass.edu or 616-988-1000.

Where can I sign a FERPA form, so my parents can talk to the school about my education?

You can click on this link to download the form. In order for the form to be valid, you must physically sign it and drop it off or mail it to the school at:

Attn: Admissions Manager

41 Sheldon Blvd. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Programs

What degrees does Compass College of Cinematic Arts offer?

Compass College offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic and Media Arts and an Associate of Applied Science in Film and Media Production.

What makes Compass College's programs different from other film colleges?

Compass is set apart by its hands-on curriculum, competitive tuition rates, and the real-world internship opportunities offered to qualifying students in the Bachelor’s program.

Learn more about our programs here.

Does Compass College offer classes or programs for high school students?

Yes! Each summer, CCCA offers an action-packed, week long Film Camp and an Acting Camp for students ages 13-18. Learn more about our camp programs here.

Will I be required to provide my own equipment?

Students are required to provide some of their own equipment (see required equipment). Professional-grade film equipment needed for larger projects is provided by the college.

What will my class schedule be like while attending CCCA?

Classes can meet at any time. We try to keep classes Monday-Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm but evening or weekend classes and labs are possible, especially when we’re filming.

Student Affairs

Does Compass College offer housing for students?

CCCA does not offer on-campus housing for students. However, there are a variety of housing options within walking distance from the campus. You can learn more by viewing our Grand Rapids Housing page or contact Compass College.

What types of services are available to CCCA students?

Through The Center for Excellence, CCCA offers academic advising, mentoring, Story Writing Club, movie critique nights, Bible studies, and other campus events. CCCA also has a Career Services Office that helps prepare students for success in the industry through mock interviews, resume workshops, networking events, internship opportunities and more.