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CVCU's in-person, traditional college classes are geared toward students ages 16 to 22, though we may  on occassion accept an exceptional 14 or 15-year-old student who is able to keep up with the work load and expectations of the Socratic classroom. The traditional in-person model is our signature college experience, but CVCU also offers adult studies (ages 25 and older) as well as online studies (all ages). See the drop-down menu for more on these programs. 

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A Model of Affordability for Traditional Students

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CVCU is structured on a model of affordability, competitively priced with state universities in California at a tuition price point of $14K per year. Classes are built on a two-day model, and students are encouraged to work, intern, and serve in their local church on off-days so that they remain connected to the larger whole instead of developing a “college bubble.” CVCU is able to maintain this price point by utilizing a flattened hierarchical model that both enhances organizational communication flow and creates a fiscally responsible business model.

 

Student loan debt is a national crisis that has now surpassed credit card debt in the United States. In California alone, there are 3.7 million student borrowers who owe a total of $141.9 billion in student debt. CVCU was modeled on a system that is designed to empower students to achieve their educational dreams without being encumbered by the burden of loan debt. Through its unique tutorial methodology, its student-driven modality, and its creative fiscal model, CVCU is able to offer tuition rates that run lower than the average California private college tuition rates and parallel with the average California state college tuition rates (despite the fact that state colleges receive funding and private colleges do not). CVCU students pay monthly and graduate debt-free.

 

According to the US Department of Education, CollegeCalc, Private School Review, and Cal Matters, comparative numbers for private high school institutions in California and in Chula Vista specifically are as follows:

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Analysis of Comparative Costs

 

Average private high school tuition in California: $19K

Average private high school tuition in Chula Vista: $13K

Average private college tuition in California: $39K

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CVCU's annual tuition is only $14K a year, which is about 1/3 of the cost of many private colleges in California! 

 

How does it work? A student who is paying for his or her own tuition without the support of parents, grandparents, or scholarships will work an average of 20 hours a week on non-class days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) to fully cover tuition and graduate debt-free. Of course, many students have the support of their families who help cover tuition, reducing the hours a student will need to work outside of class. That arrangement is left to the discretion of the family.

 

CVCU's tuition rate includes not only tuition but also mentorships, internships, student life fees, all GE loaner books, and career placement support. To put that all-inclusive rate in perspective, the average annual cost of textbooks alone at a four-year university is $1,140. Highly motivated students who wish to graduate with their BA or BS degree in three years instead of four can add summer courses to their schedule for an additional fee, explained below saving over $7K on their total tuition fees (and graduating in three years instead of four!). 

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Click the Apply to College tab now to begin the application process.

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CVCU does not accept government funding or offer student loans. Instead, students are encouraged to work part-time so that they or their families can pay for their program on a monthly or annual basis. Classes are scheduled two days per week in order to create margin for work, internships, and community engagement. 

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It's important to note that private schools in the United States do not receive tax dollars. Though private schools represent the same student base and offer the same educational programming, the government gives tax money only to secular, "public" institutions, not to private or "faith-based" institutions. This is an important distinction, as many students and parents are unaware of the driving factors behind the high cost of private education in the United States. Despite these hurdles, CVCU is committed to providing affordable, debt-free college education that keeps students unencumbered by the emotional and psychological burden of loan debt.

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Program Length and All-inclusive Cost Structure ​​

CVCU’s program length is equivalent to the national norm for undergraduate degree programs. Students must successfully complete 120 credits for their undergraduate degree, and if they stay on pace with the prescribed schedule, they will complete this course of study in 4 years. Accelerated students who wish to graduate early must take one year’s worth of credits (30 units) over three summers of study at a cost of $10,000 over three summers ($388 per credit unit).
 

Pricing and fees are as follows:

Deposit upon acceptance: $200 (year one only)

Annual tuition fee for students entering the 2025-2026 $14,000 (includes all textbooks for freshman and sophomore GE classes). This payment is billed monthly at 1/10th the total bill on the 10th of each month.

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For students enrolling in 2025 and graduating in 2027 or 2028, the $14,000 tuition fee is all-inclusive. With the exception of the deposit and junior/senior mentorship books, the following is included in the all-inclusive fee structure: 

 

Annual tech fee (Learning Management System access) 

​One student trip (fall national park hiking trip or spring day trip)

Administrative Fee: which includes student support coaches, extra mentors, administrators, career networking and placement assistance, and viability costs such as marketing, student support, building fees, registrar, librarians, and other non-faculty positions. ​

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Total monthly payment amount for full-time enrollment: $1400/month (ten months)

Total monthly payment amount for half-time enrollment: $700/month (ten months)

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Fees Not Included in the All-inclusive Rate

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Lab Fees: Certain lab courses may require additional materials (range: $50 to $100).​

 

Early Graduation: Students who wish to graduate on a three-year track instead of four-year track will have an additional fee of $2K - $3K per year for summer courses in place of their fourth-year tuition rate. To graduate early, students must attend summer courses all three years. 

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Travel Fees: Students will be responsible for fees incurred by missions trips, field trips, and study-abroad programs.  

 

Residency Fees: CVCU students are encouraged to live with family, as a healthy family is the cornerstone of a healthy culture (and a healthy college). As Harvard University’s Family Involved Network of Educators study has repeatedly demonstrated, the most accurate predictor of a student’s socio-academic success from kindergarten to college is an involved parent. However, for students who are attending CVCU from out of state, or for students in challenging family environments, students may apply to live with a local Christian family approved by CVCU leadership. Residential rates are determined by the host family, but they generally average $1,000 a month for room and board. 

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