Admissions FAQ

What does "self-paced" study mean?

There is no set schedule for courses.* CCU courses are designed to be as flexible as possible to fit into your busy schedule. Our courses do not require group projects, set meeting times, or exam dates. However, students must take a minimum of two weeks to complete the course requirements, before requesting the final examination for a course. Also, students are expected to complete a minimum of 1 course every 6 months to maintain reasonable academic progress. In addition, there are minimum and maximum time limit requirements specific to each program (see below).

* Excludes MYCAA and company direct pay students.

How long does it take to complete a degree program?

The degree programs offered by California Coast University have been designed to allow students to begin at any time and proceed with their studies on their own time and as their ability permits.

Do I have term dates?

While there are no term dates, students must be able to demonstrate the successful completion of a minimum of 1 course every 6 months to remain in good academic standing. Students using MYCAA benefits or some company direct pay are required to enroll in 16-week terms. Be sure to discuss the specifics with your respective employer and contact an Admissions Representative prior to completing an application for admission. Available term dates can be viewed on the Academic Term Calendar. New terms begin approximately every 3 weeks. 

Are there out-of-state tuition costs?

No. CCU charges the same tuition rate to all students.

Can I apply and start any time?

Yes. CCU offers open enrollment, which allows students to apply and begin coursework at any time during the year. However, MYCAA and some company direct pay students must use our Academic Term Calendar for start and end dates. Please contact an Admissions Representative for details.

How do the monthly payments work? Is there a credit check?

There is no credit check. Monthly payments start one month after enrollment and continue until the degree program is paid in full. If all coursework requirements are satisfied before the account is paid in full, the student will have the option to pay their account in full or continue making monthly tuition payments. Please note students are unable to petition for graduation until all coursework for the degree or certificate program has been paid in full and all coursework has been completed. Please contact the Registrar to determine what other items are needed. The University offers low monthly payments to students as a way for them to begin coursework without the need to come up with large amounts of money or take out student loans to complete courses. The monthly payment will remain unchanged as long as the student remains in good academic and financial standing, regardless of how many courses the student has completed.

Are there any hidden fees I should expect while completing my degree program?

No. CCU does not charge additional fees to students in good financial and academic standing. However, the University does charge additional fees for items that are offered outside of the normal course of a program (e.g., repeat examinations, program changes, reinstatements, and returned or late payments). Please see the CCU Costs / Fees, Refunds, and Withdrawal Polices page for a complete list of all non-refundable fees.

Can I use financial aid?

CCU does not participate in financial aid programs. However, the University does accept MYCAA benefits and company paid tuition vouchers. For more information on using MYCAA benefits, visit our Military page. For information on company paid tuition vouchers, please contact an Admissions Representative. 

What is company reimbursement? How does it work?

Many CCU students have received reimbursement from their employer for tuition expenses. Contact your employer to see if you are eligible for financial educational assistance. If your company offers a reimbursement program, please discuss this with an Admissions Representative.

Do I need a Proctor? What is a Proctor?

Yes. Each degree program requires that a Proctor administer the final exam for all Major (or Core) courses and all General Education courses. Elective courses may also be assiged a Proctored final examination to meet minimum Proctored examination requirements. The purpose of the proctored exam is to verify that the person completing the final exam is, in fact, the person who enrolled in the course of study. A Proctor can be any reputable person, other than an immediate family member, someone that resides with you, a current CCU student, a former CCU student, or a CCU graduate. Immediate family is defined as the following: Spouse, Parent, Child, Sibling, Grandparent, and/or Grandchild. 

What if I only have a high school diploma or GED and have no prior college education? Can I still apply?

Yes. If you have earned a high school diploma or GED and have no prior college education, you may still apply to an undergraduate program. Applicants must provide an official transcript of high school completion.

Is it possible to enroll into a bachelor’s degree without completing an associate degree?

Yes. It is possible to be admitted into a bachelor’s degree program without completing an associate degree. For additional details, please contact an Admissions Representative.

Will I automatically earn an associate degree while completing a bachelor’s degree?

No. If you want an associate degree, then you would need to enroll in an associate degree program first and complete all requirements for graduation before enrolling into a bachelor’s degree program.

Do I have to come to California?

No. Although students are always welcome to visit the University, it is not required that students come to the University in person. The only exception is for the doctoral candidates. CCU does require that doctoral candidates appear in person for the oral defense of their dissertation.

Does California Coast University offer online programs?

Yes. All programs are offered online. Alternatively, printed course materials can be mailed to the student upon request. Students outside of the contiguous U.S. (includes AK, AS, FM, GU, HI, MH, MP, PR, PW and U.S. VI) may only receive coursework and grades electronically.

Does California Coast University offer on-campus programs?

No. The University is a distance learning institution and does not offer any on-campus or residential type of programs.

Can I enroll for a single course?

No. At this time, students may only enroll in a certificate or degree program and cannot enroll into a single course.

Is there a graduation ceremony?

No. Because CCU graduates are located all around the globe, we do not hold a formal group graduation. Therefore, most students choose to have their diploma mailed to them. However, we do welcome visitors anytime throughout the year.