CATALOG 2017 - 2018

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition

LACM tuition covers required core curriculum in a specific program and LACM texts for $7,901.25 per quarter. Tuition for domestic and international students is due one quarter (11 weeks) prior to the student’s start date. Students returning to LACM have a tuition deadline of 6 weeks prior to the start date of the next quarter.

Quarterly Tuition: $7,901.25
Student Activity Fee: 200.00
Total : $8,101.25

Suggested Textbook cost per quarter: 300.00 (Suggested budget. May differ program to program.)

TOTAL PROGRAM COST (including all fees, charges, and services)

Bachelor of Music & Arts Programs
(12 quarters): $97,215.00

Associate of Arts Program
(6 quarters): $48,607.50

Diploma program
(4 quarters) is: $32,405.00

LACM tuition includes all full-time students, (12-20 credits). If a student falls below 12 credits, or exceeds 20 credits in one quarter, they will pay by the credit, which is calculated by dividing their quarterly tuition by 12, which is $658 .44. If a full-time student retakes a course or an elective, the cost is $150 per course. Half-time and less than half-time students must pay the per credit cost to retake the course or elective (note: not including private lesson electives). Students can request an additional private lesson with an instructor on any topic, and will be charged per credit. Students are responsible for the total program cost of their program. If financial aid loans are taken, the student is responsible for repaying the loan amount and any accrued interest.

SUMMER COSTS for FULL-TIME BACHELOR STUDENTS

Students may take core courses during scheduled summer break sessions, but will be required to pay per credit fees. See per credit fee in additional fees chart.

Payment Policies

PAYMENT METHODS

Tuition and fees must be paid in United States currency. Payments can be made via personal check, wire transfer, credit or debit card, or cash. LACM accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Check payments must be made out to: Los Angeles College of Music, 300 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105. Receipts will be mailed, emailed, or given in-person at the time of payment.

PAYMENT PLANS

Monthly Payment Plan: LACM maintains a monthly installment payment program that allows students to make equal monthly payments on their tuition and fees. This installment payment program is interest-free and is calculated to pay off each term’s charges by the end of each academic term. The monthly amount is determined as follows:

MONTHLY PAYMENT = DC – FAE

DC = Direct Cost (tuition, books)

FAE = Financial Aid Eligibility

NON-PAYMENT DROP POLICY

If a student fails to pay tuition in full by the week eight deadline, the student will be automatically dropped from all upcoming quarter classes. Once payment is received, the student will be reinstated in all their courses.

STUDENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Registration for any term at LACM signifies agreement to pay all charges incurred during that term, including any assessed late fees. If necessary, the College will employ the services of a collection agency if students fail to meet the monetary terms of their agreement. In addition, it is important that students realize that they are responsible for paying all charges incurred while attending college, even if they do not complete their education or are dissatisfied with their education.

A student who obtains a loan to pay for any portion of his or her educational program will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund.

A Financial Aid Advisor will provide students with information on applying for a deferment or forbearance if students are having difficulty in meeting loan repayment obligations.

ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE

The Cost of Attendance Budget Chart reflects estimated enrollment costs per Quarter.

2017-2018 AVERAGE COST OF ATTENDANCE BUDGET PER QUARTER

Dependent Students Independent Students
Tuition  $7,901.25  $7,901.25
Student Activity fee $200.00 $200.00
Estimate
   Books & Supplies $300.00 $300.00
   Room and Board $1,209.00 $3,132.00
   Transportation $987.00 $987.00
   Personal $897.00 $1,683.00
Total $11,494.25 $14,203.25

TEMPORARY FINANCIAL SUSPENSION

Insufficient payment for an upcoming quarter will lead to a temporary financial suspension and the inability to attend classes as scheduled.

ENROLLMENT CANCELLATION

All students have the right to cancel enrollment agreements in writing to: LACM at 300 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, California 91105, or registrar@lacm.edu. If LACM receives notice of cancellation by Friday at 5pm the end of the first week of classes, students have the right to a refund of all refundable fees paid and are not subject to any penalties or obligations. All refunds will be processed within 45 days of cancellation. If cancellation occurs after the first week of classes the student may be required to pay for a portion of tuition.

TUITION REFUND POLICY

Students retain the right to withdraw from the College. A student who submits a signed Program Withdrawal form or who is withdrawn by the College for cause, such as lack of attendance, is entitled to receive a prorated refund of tuition paid. If a student has completed more than 60% of the quarter, the student is not entitled to receive a refund. Fees are non-refundable. The withdrawal date for refund calculations is the last date of recorded attendance of the student. Refunds will be issued within forty-five days of the official date of withdrawal as required by applicable laws and regulations.

  • Week 1: 100% refund
  • Week 2: 81% refund
  • Week 3: 72% refund
  • Week 4: 63% refund
  • Week 5: 53% refund
  • Week 6: 44% refund
  • Week 7: Tuition is no longer refundable

The student has the right to cancel and receive a refund. Cancellation is effective the date LACM receives a written cancellation notice. LACM delivers the full amount of refunds within 45 days of the written cancellation notice.

Fees

Enrollment Fee: Initial $150.00

Student Activity & LACM Textbook Fee: $200

Student activity fees cover the student ID, graduation ceremony tickets for the student and one guest, annual memberships to Grammy U., campus clinics, parties, and other student events. The LACM Textbook Fee covers LACM instructor copy-written curricula. Additional texts and supplemental learning materials may be selected by an instructor to enhance coursework. All books covered under the LACM textbook fee are available for download on LACM’s learning management system (Populi). Bachelor student general education textbooks are not included in the LACM textbook fee.

LATE FEES

Late Registration Fee: Students who do not complete quarterly registration forms on time during registration periods will be charged $50.00 for late registration processing.

Late Tuition Fee: Late tuition fees will be applied to student accounts who do not meet tuition deadlines. Once the Tuition Deadline has passed, students will be charged $100.00 per week for each week past the deadline until the balance is paid. Students have until the eighth week of classes to pay their tuition in full.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FEES: $185

  • I-20 Preparation Fee: $100
  • I-20 Additional Post & Administration Fee: $85.00

ADDITIONAL FEES

  • Official Transcript Fee: $10.00
  • Student ID Replacement Fee $15.00
  • Graduation Diploma Replacement Fee: $15.00
  • Test Rescheduling Fee: Varies, minimum $100.00
  • Course Repeat Fee: $150.00
  • Elective Course Fee: $150.00
  • Optional Early Return Fee for LOA Students (per repeated week): $100.00

HOUSING

LACM is located in Pasadena, California adjacent to numerous apartment buildings, condominiums, and homes with convenient rental offerings. An average 1 bedroom apartment costs $2,000/month. LACM’s Roommate Connection List helps students to connect with potential roommates before they start their first quarter. The LACM Housing staff is helpful in assisting incoming students in their search for affordable housing. LACM also provides an off-campus dormitory located 3 miles from campus. For more information about housing options please refer to the Housing Guide on LACM’s website.

Financial Aid

The Finance Department at LACM assists eligible students in finding appropriate funding to meet their educational goal. LACM participates in Title IV from the U.S. Government’s Federal Student Aid program. The aid consists of grants and loan opportunities. To be eligible, students must enroll in one of LACM’s eligible programs and be diligent regarding previous student loans. Students will not be considered for federal aid if they has previously defaulted or exceeded the annual/ aggregate student aid loan limits. The Financial Aid Administrator will simplify the process of identifying and applying for grants, loans and work-study funds, helping students along the path through college. Alternative forms of financial assistance are also available. Regardless of source, the College encourages students to make every effort to minimize their reliance on student loans, as those loans will ultimately require repayment. Financial aid is available to those who qualify and provides an equal opportunity to all students.

APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

Prospective students are strongly encouraged complete the financial aid process. Federal financial aid applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • U.S. Citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
  • Valid Social Security number
  • Registration with the Selective Service
  • Not in default on any federal educational loan
  • No outstanding repayment due on a federal educational grant

If selective service registration is required, students must be registered to receive financial aid. Supporting documentation may be required.

Applicants to LACM may receive an initial financial aid packet during their financial aid overview. This packet includes pertinent forms related to the financial aid application process.

We encourage applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Please contact 1-800-4FED-AID (800-433-3243) if you have FAFSA submission questions.

Supporting documentation may be required to complete the financial aid application, including, but not limited to:

  • U.S. IRS Federal Tax Transcripts (if required to file a tax return) and/or W-2 forms/IRS DRT
  • Verification worksheet
  • Statements from any agencies from whom the applicant has received benefits

Federal regulations prohibit offers of financial aid to any individual who under IRS regulations is delinquent in filing a federal tax return. If a tax return has not yet been filed but is not delinquent, estimates may be used when applying. However, it is the student /parent responsibility to make sure They file on a timely manner.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Financial need is determined by applying a formula to the information provided in the student’s FAFSA. The formula determines the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount of money the applicant and family are expected to be able to contribute toward the applicant’s educational expenses and is used to determine the amount of federal student aid the applicant may obtain. LACM’s Financial

Aid Administrator will calculate financial need, using the following formula:
FINANCIAL NEED = COA – EFC – FPG – OTHER

COA = Cost of Attendance
EFC = Expected Family Contribution
FPG = Federal Pell Grant (if eligible)
OTHER = All Other Aid/Resources

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a projection of funds determined to be available for the cost of attendance and other financial obligations.

Eligibility is determined one award year at a time. Students should renew their FAFSA applications annually as soon as possible after January 1.

VA policy requires that VA benefits be terminated if a student fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress for two consecutive terms.

The US Department of Education conducts database matches to determine whether a student meets certain eligibility criteria for financial aid. The result of these matches will appear on your Student Aid Report (SAR). These include matches with: Selective Service, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Social Security Administration (SSA). LACM will only disburse financial aid if a student successfully passes all database matches. If there is a failure of any database matches, LACM cannot disburse ANY type of financial aid until the status from these matches has been confirmed and resolved. Failure to resolve any conflicting database matches during the federally required time frame will result in cancellation of estimated financial aid awards.

Federal Aid Programs: Full descriptions are provided in the booklet, “The Student Guide” published by the Department of Education. These booklets are available from the Student Finance Department. Grants are funds that do not need to be repaid. Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.

Federal Pell Grant: A Pell Grant is a federal need-based grant program. Award amounts depend on appropriations by Congress, student eligibility, and the student’s level of enrollment. These funds are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to help pay for their education. The award for full- time enrollment in the 2016/17 academic year is approximately $5,815. These are grants that do not need to be repaid. Not all students will qualify, but all are encouraged to apply for the Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): FSEOG is a need-based grant awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional need in regard to possessing the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Pell eligible students are given priority for receiving FSEOG awards. Federal SEOG funds are very limited as the federal government gives the college a set amount of money to use each year based on the federal budget.

Federal Work-Study (FWS): This need-based program offers part-time campus-based jobs. The student’s salary is funded by the federal budget, with the College contributing a percentage of matching funds. To participate, the student must be awarded FWS as part of his or her financial aid package.

Federal Direct Loan–Subsidized: This program is available to students with financial need. This “subsidized” loan accrues interest, but the federal government pays all of the interest on the student’s behalf while he or she is in school. This loan program allows a student to borrow up to $3,500 during the first academic year, $4,500 during the second academic year, and $5,500 in the third, and fourth, academic years of undergraduate study. The interest rate for the in-school period in 2016/17 is 3.76%. The subsidized loan has a fixed rate set by July 1st of the year. The loan is financed by the US Department of Education.

Federal Direct Loan–Unsubsidized: This loan program is available for all eligible students, regardless of income or assets. However, this loan accrues interest while the student is attending school; accrued interest must be paid until the loan payments are finalized. Students may choose to defer payment of the interest until six months after leaving school. In addition to borrowing from the subsidized Stafford loan, an independent student may borrow up to an additional $6,000 per academic year. The interest rate for the in-school period in 2016/17 is 3.76%.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): The PLUS loan is available to parents of dependent students as a supplemental source of funds to be used toward their child’s educational expenses. The loan is not need-based. Approval is determined by credit history. Parents who are eligible may borrow up to the cost of attendance.

Veterans: LACM is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to enroll veterans and eligible persons for education benefits. Students who believe they qualify for veterans’ educational benefits should contact the College School Certifying Official (Mary Olmos) at 626-568-8850 ext. 207, veterans@lacm.edu. Information and forms are also available online at www.gibill.va.gov.

Verification: LACM is required by The General Provision regulations to verify all applicants selected for verification by the Central Processing System (CPS). The Financial Aid Administrator may choose to verify these applicants if he or she has reason to believe that the information provided is inconsistent. All conflicting information must be resolved before any funds are disbursed. The Verification requirements are applicable to all financial aid recipients under the following Student Financial Assistance Programs:

  • Federal Pell Grant Program
  • Federal Direct Student Loan Program’s approval from the program if the requested documents are not received within the specified timeframe
  • Federal SEOG
  • Federal Work Study (FWS)

If an applicant is selected for verification, the Financial Aid Administrator will notify the student immediately. The Financial Aid Administrator can either email or mail out a notification letter or notify the student by phone. The applicant must submit all documents requested on or before the due date specified by the Financial Aid Administrator. The processing of the student’s federal aid will be delayed and temporary hold of registration from the program if the requested documents are not received with the specified time frame. The verification is completed when the verification process shows that all of the student’s verifiable information reported on the FAFSA is correct, and there are no outstanding issues or conflicting information in the file. If there are any changes that would affect the student’s eligibility as a result of the verification, then the Financial Aid Administrator will notify the student in writing or by phone that he or she is required to sign a revised Award Notification.

Verification Deadlines:
The following deadlines, regulated by the U.S. Department of Education, will be followed at LACM. If Verification documents are not provided as soon as possible but no later than the end of the quarter/ term in attendance, the student may become a cash paying student and tuition may be due immediately.

Processing Procedures

Financial aid applications will be processed in the order received. Submitting the application by LACM’s stated deadlines is essential to have timely processing. Only complete files containing the required documentation will be processed. A financial aid file is complete only after the following documents and information have been received:

  • Confirmation of Admission status in an eligible program.
  • A valid FAFSA containing LACM’s federal school code 038684 (LA Music Academy).
  • Any other documentation requested by the Financial Aid Office required for completion of the verification process. Financial aid awards are for one academic year and it is the responsibility of the student to re-apply each year if additional aid is needed.

Notice to Recipients of Federal Grants and Loans

The Higher Education Amendment of 1998 requires continued eligibility for federal grants and loans to be based on a student’s satisfactory academic progress and successful completion of the studied program. If a student withdraws from school, the amount of financial aid available to pay expenses will be prorated based on the amount of time spent in attendance (If the student has completed 60% or less of the quarter. LACM must return excess funds to Title IV programs in the sequence required by the U. S. Department of Education. Students should be aware of the remaining responsibility for all appropriate charges not covered by Federal Student Aid due to withdrawal.

Institutional Scholarships & Need Based Grants

LACM Scholarship and Need-based Programs:

LACM is proud to offer scholarships and Need-based grants to qualifying applicants (such as educationally and economically disadvantaged students). Scholarships are designed to supplement, but not replace, federal aid. Awards are credited directly to the student account. The number of scholarships disbursed depends upon the availability of allocated funds. LACM tries to provide as many scholarship opportunities as possible.

Institutional Scholarships:

LACM offers merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to both domestic and international students demonstrating exceptional musical potential determined by the Scholarship Committee. Candidates are evaluated based on academic transcripts, professional reference, scholarship essay, and an overall muscianship. Students awarded an LACM scholarship, the award amount will be applied directly to tuition and divided over the course of the program. To maintain a scholarship award, students must achieve a 3.2 cumulative GPA . Details of scholarship will be included in scholarship award letter. Students may only apply for scholarships during the application process. To learn more about how to apply for scholarships, contact the Office of Admissions.

Need-based Grants:

LACM offers need-based institutional grants. Institutional grants are awarded to both domestic and international students demonstrating financial need. To maintain an institutional grant, students must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA. To learn more about how to apply for need-based grants, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

LACM does not discriminate against ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Students should consider applying for outside scholarships and grants offered by private and public agencies around the country. Information on grants and scholarships can be obtained at public or collegiate libraries. There are several excellent research sites on the Internet, such as www.salliemae.com under “Plan for College” tab, www.finaid.org and www.fastweb.com. In addition, LACM offers excellent scholarships and need based grants. The Student Finance Department makes every effort to inform students of available outside resources and deadlines. The College cautions students to avoid any scholarship research service that promises to locate sources for a fee.

 

Financial Aid Appeal Process: A student who loses FSA eligibility because of a failure to make satisfactory progress may appeal that result based on significant cause, such as major injury or illness, the death of a relative, or other special circumstances.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) FOR ENROLLMENT AND FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY

Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain enrolled at Los Angeles College of Music. Per federal regulations, financial aid recipients are required to maintain SAP toward their degree or diploma program in order to maintain financial aid eligibility. SAP is determined by:

  1. Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA): Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0 throughout their enrollment. CPGA is reviewed at the end of each quarter.
  2. Incremental Completion Rate (ICR) of 67%: Students must stay on pace. ICR is calculated by dividing the total attempted credits by the total earned credits. Your ICR must be above 67% in order to maintain SAP.
  3. Maximum Time Frame (150%): Students must complete all graduation requirements within 150% of the length of the degree or diploma

FAILURE TO MEET SAP STANDARDS

Academic Warning

Students who fail to meet or exceed any of the SAP Standards for the first time will be placed on Academic Warning. Students in Academic Warning are given one additional quarter of enrollment and financial aid eligibility to meet SAP Standards. Students must meet with their Academic Advisor to create an Academic Recovery Plan.

Dismissed with Appeal and SAP Probation

Students who fail to meet SAP Standards after being on Academic Warning will be Dismissed with an option for appeal. If the appeal is granted, students will be placed on SAP Probation for the subsequent quarter and will still be eligible for financial aid. If the appeal is not granted, the student will be dismissed from LACM. The student will have an opportunity to re-apply to LACM in one year.

Academic Dismissal

Students who fail to meet SAP Standards after being placed on SAP Probation will be Dismissed from LACM with no option to appeal. The student will have an opportunity to re-apply to LACM in one year.

For Full-Time Enrollment: In order to remain in their program, full-time students at LACM must demonstrate “Satisfactory Academic Progress” (SAP) which is a function of the following components:

  • Achieve the minimum Incremental Completion Rate of 67%: Incremental Completion Rate (ICR) is calculated by dividing the total credits a student completed per quarter by the number of credits attempted per quarter. When this calculation falls below 67%, a student is no longer on pace to graduate on time and is ineligible to receive financial aid.
  • Meet the minimum 2.0 Cumulative GPA Requirement.
  • Complete the program within the maximum allowable timeframe.

— Diploma (60 credits): within 6 quarters

— Associate (90 credits): within 9 quarters

— Bachelor’s (180 credits): within 18 quarters

Students failing to maintain SAP requirements will be dismissed with the opportunity to appeal. LACM reserves the right to modify the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy at any time.

For Part-Time Enrollment: In order to remain in their program, part-time students at LACM must demonstrate “Satisfactory Academic Progress” (SAP) which is a function of the following components:

Achieve the minimum Incremental Completion Rate of 67%: Incremental Completion Rate (ICR) is calculated by dividing the total credits a student completed per quarter by the number of credits attempted per quarter. When this calculation falls below 67%, a student is no longer on pace to graduate on time and is ineligible to receive financial aid.

  • Meet the minimum 2.0 Cumulative GPA Requirement.
  • Complete the program within the maximum allowable timeframe.

— Diploma (60 credits): within 10 quarters

— Associate (90 credits): within 15 quarters

— Bachelor’s (180 credits): within 30 quarters

Students failing to maintain SAP requirements will be dismissed with the opportunity to appeal. LACM reserves the right to modify the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy at any time.