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Program & Tuition

01

About The Program

In this immersive 12-month program, you’ll complete 1,000 clock hours across three 15-week semesters, supported by a blend of on-site intensives and online coursework. You’ll attend 15 onsite learning weekends while completing flexible online learning between sessions. Plan for approximately 20+ hours per week as you build hands-on experience, complete internships, and develop mastery in therapeutic bodywork.

01

The Foundation Semester

In your first semester, you begin with a collaborative and integrated introduction to the human body, studying all major systems—including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems—and how they function together as an interconnected whole. You will explore how massage therapy affects each system while building a strong foundation for advanced study in Pathology and Kinesiology. This semester also supports your personal and professional development through ethics, personal effectiveness, and business mentoring. You will learn ethical standards, professional conduct, client boundaries, and legal responsibilities while working through real-life scenarios that strengthen your integrity, communication, and decision-making. The business mentorship component helps you clarify your purpose, values, and vision for a career in massage therapy, whether you are new to the field or transitioning from another profession.

You will also engage in mental wellness, emotional intelligence, and holistic healing practices. You will explore topics such as stress vs. anxiety, the fight–flight–freeze response, cognitive distortions, and resilience while developing mindfulness, emotional regulation, and healthy coping strategies. You will learn about self-care, boundaries, relationships, digital well-being, sleep, nutrition, and movement and their effects on brain health and mood, culminating in the creation of your own personalized mental wellness plan. In addition, you will study the history and foundations of massage therapy, sanitation standards, and professional responsibilities, while beginning hands-on training in UCHA’s Universal Technique—developed and refined over 30 years. This includes general massage and specialized applications for athletes, pregnancy, infants, children, the elderly, hospice, and oncology support. You will also explore integrative wellness approaches such as Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Dr. Andrew Weil’s 8 Weeks to Wellness, meditation, Ayurveda, conscious movement, and somatic awareness to broaden your understanding of whole-person healing.

01

AP101

Anatomy & Physiology

This course is a collaborative introduction to the human body. The systems you  will study in this course include the

Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Lymphatic, Digestive, Endocrine, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems. The course focuses on how the human body works together to function correctly. You will also discover the interdependence of the body systems and the effects of massage on those systems and gain the basic knowledge necessary to progress into the study of Pathology and Kinesiology.

02

APE101

Applied Ethics

This course defines ethics as the study of standards of conduct and moral judgment within the massage profession. The course validates that UCHA believes massage therapists must possess the highest ethical and moral integrity. Although Ethics are integrated throughout the curriculum in other Business, Massage, Wellness, and Pathology courses, this course allows for Personal Effectiveness Training providing numerous problem-solving scenarios. These experiences will enhance the student's ability to respond to various ethical situations they may anticipate in their practice.

03

BA101

Business Arts

You will explore the essence of self-discovery and personal growth while acquiring the essential tools and knowledge to establish a solid foundation for their careers and lives. This course will provide the necessary tools and knowledge to lay a strong foundation for future endeavors. By the end, you will possess a clear sense of self, enabling them to make informed decisions and set meaningful goals.

04

BM102

Business Metoring

The Business Mentoring course will allow you to mentor experienced massage therapists and other related business professionals. It is designed to build confidence in bringing one's unique mission, qualities, values, and visions to the massage and bodywork profession's growing entrepreneurial opportunities. It will not only prepare you to implement your  future vocational plans, but it allows for support and guidance for you. This is a meaningful course for adults with no business background and experienced businesspersons entering a new profession. 

This course follows a sequential structure spanning one to three semesters, with each level building upon the previous. Successful completion of prerequisite coursework is required before advancing to the next level.

05

CT101

Complementary Therapies

In this course, various staff members and guest instructors present diverse methods that complement massage therapy or introduce an area of expertise to which the massage therapist may wish to refer clients. The College is committed to exploring all modalities contributing to healing and wellness. The Topics covered are CAM, Dr. Andrew Weil's 8 Weeks to Wellness, Primordial Sound Meditation, Ayurvedic Medicine, Conscious Movement,  Body Scan, Poetry, and Physical Therapy.

This course follows a sequential structure spanning one to three semesters, with each level building upon the previous. Successful completion of prerequisite coursework is required before advancing to the next level.

06

MTP101

Massage Theory & Practice

Massage Therapy 101 reviews massage as one of the earliest practices of humankind and outlines the historical developments in massage therapy. It explores massage as a natural and intuitive means of relieving pain. It will provide comprehensive information on the effects, benefits, indications, and contraindications of massage. There will be an understanding of the laws, rules, regulations, limitations, and obligations concerning massage therapy. It will provide opportunities and guidance in establishing a code of ethics as a massage professional. It will speak to professional sanitation and health habits. During on-site learning weekends, you will practice a basic routine and movements for massaging the body. This routine has been developed and perfected by an experienced teacher of massage therapy. This method is named the universal technique in honor of the Universal College of healing Arts. It has been timed tested for over 30 years. It is recognized and embraced by clients, employers, and alumni. Through close one-to-one support and direction, you will review how to choose and combine basic massage movements according to specific situations. It will include special training for athletes, pregnacy, infants, children, elderly, hospice, patients and indivduals with cancer.  You will also be introduced to the awareness of breathing, centering, rhythm, and pressure.

06

W101

Wellness

This course explores practical strategies, scientific concepts, and personal development practices that support long-term mental wellness. You will begin by exploring mental health definitions, stigma, and the mental health continuum, then move into understanding stress versus anxiety, the fight–flight–freeze response, and the impact of chronic stress. You will examine healthy and unhealthy coping strategies and foundational self-care practices while developing emotional awareness, emotional intelligence, and regulation skills. The course also introduces mindfulness and meditation, helps you identify and reframe cognitive distortions, and builds resilience through understanding grit, growth mindset, and how to bounce back from setbacks.

You will explore the role of relationships and social support, including setting boundaries and recognizing healthy versus toxic dynamics, as well as how sleep, nutrition, and movement impact your mood and brain health. Additional topics include digital well-being and social media habits, gratitude and positive psychology, self-compassion and managing the inner critic, and assertive communication when setting boundaries. The course culminates with you creating a personalized mental wellness plan, followed by reflection, sharing, and setting future wellness goals to support continued personal and academic well-being.

02

The Practice Semester

In your second semester, you will deepen your skills through advanced study of muscles and movement, including muscular origins, insertions, and actions, and how these influence posture, biomechanics, and muscular imbalances. This phase shifts your learning from traditional massage into collaborative bodywork, where you partner with clients to improve tensegrity and explore the body–mind connection at a deeper level. You will study biomechanical distortions caused by repetitive stress, trauma, and poor posture, including compensation patterns affecting alignment and movement, while refining precise, client-specific techniques through continued work in Applied Kinesiology with Structural Integration. Through one-on-one consultation, you are supported in integrating skills from Massage Theory & Practice into more advanced therapeutic application.

Alongside your clinical training, you will develop essential business and entrepreneurial skills in preparation for professional practice. You will study business laws and structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, while designing a complete business and marketing plan for your future practice. A strong emphasis is placed on marketing and social media, including branding, target audiences, value propositions, ethical online presence, content creation, platform selection, analytics, and paid promotion. Business mentoring with experienced professionals supports you in confidently bringing your unique mission, values, and vision into the massage and bodywork profession.

You will also study foundational pathology and clinical safety, reviewing disease processes, universal precautions, infection prevention, and professional recordkeeping. Students learn to safely apply massage for specific conditions, recognize contraindications, and determine when treatment is appropriate. CPR, First Aid, and Airborne/Bloodborne Pathogen certification through the National CPR Foundation are included. Additionally, you will be exposed to integrative and complementary disciplines such as physiatry, nature therapies, life coaching, organic gardening, ear candling, and music therapy. A supervised internship is required and may occur in UCHA’s student clinic or approved external sites including hospitals, chiropractic offices, spas, rehabilitation centers, physical therapy clinics, and community-based practices. The program follows a sequential structure over one to three semesters, culminating in a practical examination demonstrating mastery of the five strokes of Swedish massage.

01

AKSI101

Applied Kinesiology with Structural Integration

This Course will progress into an advanced study of muscles and movement.  As you learn origins, insertions, and actions.  We will be shifting the paradigm of massage to bodywork; passive to collaboration and partnership to improve the tensegrity and explore body-mind connection at a deeper level. We will discover biomechanical issues relative to repetitive stress and compensation mechanisms due to trauma or poor posture. You will learn new techniques and how to combine them to address client-specific needs. There will be a focus on dynamic movement and repetition ensuring graceful fluid movement and preventing injury for your clients. Primary Objective:

– Lower Body: TOUCH!, Lower Crossed Syndrome – anterior tilt of the pelvis, lordosis, unstable pelvis. Addressing Iliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Hamstrings, Lumbar Erectors, TFL, Adductors, Piriformis, QL, Rectus Abdominus, Gluteal, Vastus Medialis/Lateralis, Transverse Abdominus, and more!

02

BE103

Business Exploration

This course nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset while guiding you through the essentials of starting and growing a successful business. You’ll build a strong foundation to help your future practice stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Students will learn key business laws and compare common business structures such as sole proprietorships, independent contractors, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.

A major focus of the course is Marketing and Social Media Strategy. You will explore core marketing principles—target audiences, branding, value propositions, and customer retention—along with practical skills in platform selection, content creation, analytics, and paid advertising. You’ll learn how to build an ethical online presence, boost engagement, and promote your services effectively.

Ethics, professionalism, and social responsibility are integrated throughout, along with real-world insights from spa, healthcare, group, and private practice environments.

By the end of the course, you will have developed a complete business and marketing plan—including a social media strategy—setting you up for long-term success and financial stability.

03

BM103

Business Mentoring

Continuing from the first semester, the Business Mentoring course builds upon the foundational concepts already introduced and moves you into a more applied, guided learning experience. In this course, you will engage in mentorship with experienced massage therapists and related business professionals, gaining real-world insight and perspective. The focus is on strengthening confidence in articulating and developing your unique mission, values, qualities, and long-term vision within the expanding entrepreneurial landscape of the massage and bodywork profession.

This course not only supports the practical implementation of your future vocational and business plans, but also provides ongoing guidance and individualized support as you transition from learning to action.

04

CT102

Complementary Therapies

In this course, various staff members and guest instructors present diverse methods that complement massage therapy or introduce an area of expertise to which the massage therapist may wish to refer clients. The College is committed to exploring all modalities contributing to healing and wellness. The Topics covered are Physiatry, Organic Gardening, Candling, Life Coach, Death Coach, Nature Center,  Trees, and Music Therapy.

This course follows a sequential structure spanning one to three semesters, with each level building upon the previous. Successful completion of prerequisite coursework is required before advancing to the next level.

05

GP101

General Pathology

This course you will review basic pathology terms and diseases that cause changes to the body's systems. You will become familiar with universal precautions to prevent the spread of infections and keep professional records. You will also become familiar with applying massage to a particular condition, know if massage may be beneficial for that condition, and recognize if massage is contraindicated.  Plus, you will become certified in CPR & First Aid, and Airborne-Bloodborne-Pathogens brought the National CPR Foundation.

06

H101

Hydrotherapy

This course will provide you with an in-depth history of hydrotherapy. It will show hydrotherapy's role in the history of medicine and its current use in today's medical world. You will be introduced to the basic properties of water and its effect on the body. The course allows for an introduction to the science of various hydrotherapy techniques. An introduction to both essential oils and carrier oils for use in massage therapy is included.

07

MI201

Massage Internship

Through one-on-one consultation, you  are assisted in blending the skills mastered in Massage Theory & Practice and the continued learning in Applied Kinesiology with SI. The internship is a specifically designed experience for each student approved and advised by the massage instructor. Internship sites for the student may be developed based on a student's interests and abilities. UCHA provides its own student clinic and also allows for external sites such as major hospitals, Chiropractic Offices, Spas, Rehabilitation Centers, Physical Therapy clinics, and many community-based massage clinics. The student dedicates a specific number of hours each week to their clinical practice of massage in a supervised setting. You will take a practical exam at the end of the program, demonstrating how they have mastered the five strokes of Swedish Massage.

This course follows a sequential structure spanning one to three semesters, with each level building upon the previous. Successful completion of prerequisite coursework is required before advancing to the next level.

03

The Implementation Semester

In your third semester, you will build on the foundation established in AKSI 101 by exploring how the body functions best in a state of balance, structure, and order. You will study the interconnected muscular, neurological, fascial, and skeletal systems and continue shifting from traditional massage toward collaborative, integrative bodywork. This semester deepens your understanding of biomechanical imbalances caused by repetitive stress, trauma, and postural compensation patterns. You will refine advanced techniques and learn how to integrate them into client-specific care, emphasizing dynamic movement, repetition, and fluid sequencing to promote graceful motion, prevent injury, and support holistic healing. You will also have the opportunity to participate in an optional cadaver lab experience under the guidance of a Doctor of Anatomy & Physiology at a local medical university.

Professional growth continues through advanced Business Mentoring, where you will work with experienced massage therapists and business professionals to strengthen your confidence, clarify your mission and values, and prepare for launching or expanding your practice. You will be exposed to a wide range of complementary modalities and healing disciplines, including Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Chiropractic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Herbology, Exercise Physiology, AUM, and Intuitive Counseling. This interdisciplinary exposure allows you to understand referral networks and create a more integrated approach to client care. Throughout this semester, the program continues to follow a sequential structure, with each level building upon the last and prerequisite coursework required for advancement.

This final semester also prepares you directly for professional licensure and clinical practice. You will review anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, ethics, business, hydrotherapy, and massage theory while studying state laws and licensure requirements. You will participate in ABMP Exam Coach, complete multiple practice exams, and take a final comprehensive written exam to strengthen your test-taking skills. You will also complete a final practicum and supervised internship, practicing massage in clinical and community-based settings such as hospitals, chiropractic offices, rehabilitation centers, physical therapy clinics, spas, or UCHA’s student clinic. Through a focused case study project, you will research and specialize in one condition of interest, conduct hands-on applications, and develop professional documentation. Your semester concludes with a final practical examination demonstrating mastery of the five Swedish massage strokes and your readiness for professional practice.

01

AKSI102

Applied Kinesiology 
with Structural Integration

Building on the foundation established in AKSI101, this course delves deeper into how our bodies function best when in a state of balance and order, focusing on the interconnected systems that support movement: the muscular, neurological, fascial, and skeletal systems. We'll continue shifting from traditional massage to a more collaborative form of bodywork, fostering a partnership between practitioner and client to enhance tensegrity and continue to explore the body-mind connection on a deeper level. Through this course, we will continue investigating biomechanical issues related to repetitive stress and compensation patterns that develop due to trauma or poor posture. You’ll continue learning advanced techniques and how to integrate them effectively to meet specific client needs, with a strong emphasis on dynamic movement and repetition. The goal is to promote graceful, fluid movement, prevent injuries, and ensure a holistic approach to client care. Also, there is a option for cadaver lab exsperience under the direction of a Doctor of Anatomy & Physiology at a local medical university.

 

Primary Objective: – Upper Body: TOUCH!, Upper Crossed Syndrome – shoulder elevation and shoulder protraction, deep neck flexors, Addressing Pectoral, Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, SCM, Scalene, Suboccipital, Subscapularis, Latissimus Dorsi, Longus Capitis/Colli, Hyoids, Serratus Anterior, Rhomboids, and much more!

02

BM104

Business Mentoring

In the third and final semester, the Business Mentoring course serves as a capstone experience that brings together everything you have learned throughout the course. At this stage, the focus shifts from exploration and development to refinement and readiness. You will work closely with mentors to finalize your professional direction, strengthen your business identity, and align your mission, values, and vision with practical, real-world application in the massage and bodywork profession.

This final semester emphasizes confidence, clarity, and transition into practice. You will receive targeted guidance as you prepare to launch, expand, or integrate your services into the professional community, with attention given to ethical practice, sustainability, and long-term growth.

03

CT103

Complementary Therapies

In this course, various staff members and guest instructors present diverse methods that complement massage therapy or introduce an area of expertise to which the massage therapist may wish to refer clients. The College is committed to exploring all modalities contributing to healing and wellness. The topics covered are Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Chiropractic, Aum, Herbology, Exercise Physiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Intuitive Counseling.

04

CI200

Curriculum Integration

This course is structured to help the student prepare for the MBLEx. You will review previous studies in Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology, Business, Ethics, Hydrotherapy, and Massage. They will also review state laws and regulations related to Massage Therapy. The course allows for the psychology of a test question and how to take an exam for success. The student will be given a series of tests with the multiple-choice format to practice analyzing the question format used in the exams.

Students will take part in the ABMP Exam Coach. You will be administered a comprehensive exam on the last day of class. The Bodywork student preparing to graduate will also participate in a Final Practicum demonstrating mastery of massage. 

05

H102

Hydrotherapy

This course will provide you with several techniques used by therapists in spas, wet rooms, athletic facilities, and massage and bodywork clinics. Applications such as aromatherapy, body wraps, scrubs/frictions, facial massage, and hot stones will be discussed and practiced. You will also focus on these services' history, benefits, indications, and contraindications. Additional hydrotherapy information will be built upon and reviewed from the lessons from Hydrotherapy 101.

06

MI202

Massage Internship

Through one-on-one consultation, you  are assisted in blending the skills mastered in Massage Theory & Practice and the continued learning in Applied Kinesiology with SI. The internship is a specifically designed experience for each student approved and advised by the massage instructor. Internship sites for the student may be developed based on a student's interests and abilities. UCHA provides its own student clinic and also allows for external sites such as major hospitals, Chiropractic Offices, Spas, Rehabilitation Centers, Physical Therapy clinics, and many community-based massage clinics. The student dedicates a specific number of hours each week to their clinical practice of massage in a supervised setting. You will take a practical exam at the end of the program, demonstrating how they have mastered the five strokes of Swedish Massage.

This course follows a sequential structure spanning one to three semesters, with each level building upon the previous. Successful completion of prerequisite coursework is required before advancing to the next level.

07

PR102

Pathology Research

This course is a wonderful opportunity for a self-directed and flexible learning experience. You will gather information to form an expertise in applying massage therapy for a specific condition. You  will also choose one condition based on a desire as a focus group for your future professional practice. This might be a condition they deal with personally, or possibly a family member or friend.

You will conduct research on their chosen topic, becoming familiar with medical research resources in the community.

You will practice hands-on skills specific to your client’s condition and, through a case study, develop a paper on your findings.

04

Required for Massage Therapy Diploma Semester Courses

Course Code
Course Name
Clock Hours
AP101
Anatomy & Physiology
100
AE101
Applied Ethics
20
AKSI101
Applied Kinesiology SI
90
AKSI102
Applied Kinesiology SI
90
BA101
Business Arts
15
BE103
Business Exploration
25
BM102
Business Mentoring
15
BM103
Business Mentoring
15
BM104
Business Mentoring
15
CT101
Complementary Therapies
15
CT102
Complementary Therapies
15
CT103
Complementary Therapies
15
CI200
Curriculum Integration
30
GP101
General Pathology
50
H101
Hydrotherapy
50
H102
Hydrotherapy
50
MI201
Massage Internship
100
MI201
Massage Internship
105
MTP101
Massage Theory & Practice
120
PR102
Pathology Research
50
W101
Wellness
15
Total Clock Hours
1000

05

Tution,  Payment Plans, Veterans Benefits

01

Plan 1

Payment Plan I - Peace of Mind Option
To help make your journey into healing arts as smooth as possible, this option allows you to take care of your tuition in one simple step. Students choosing Payment Plan I submit a full payment of $9,000.00 by March 1, 2026, giving you one less thing to worry about as you focus on your growth and success.

02

Plan II

Payment Plan II – Gentle Step-by-Step Option

We understand that committing to your education is a big step, and we want to make it feel as comfortable and supported as possible. This plan allows you to break your tuition into three manageable payments, giving you more flexibility while staying on track with your goals.

Payment Schedule:
• $3,100.00 due on or before March 1, 2026
• $3,100.00 due on or before July 1, 2026
• $5,551.60 due on or before November 1, 2026

A $100.00 processing fee is included with each payment, for a total of $300.00 in processing fees.

This plan is designed to support you while keeping things simple and transparent, so you can stay focused on learning, growth, and calling.

03

Plan III

Payment Plan III – Monthly Support Option

We understand that steady monthly payments can make your educational journey feel more manageable and less overwhelming. This option allows you to spread your tuition across twelve months, offering structure, consistency, and peace of mind as you move forward.

Students choosing Payment Plan III will submit 12 monthly payments of $850.00, due on the 1st of each month.
Each payment includes $750.00 toward tuition and a $100.00 processing fee, for a total of $1,200.00 in processing feesover the course of the plan.

This plan is created with care to support your financial comfort while you stay focused on your training, transformation, and future as a healing professional.

04

Plan IV

Payment Plan IV – Personalized Care Option

We understand that every student’s financial situation is unique. This option allows you to propose a personalized payment plan that works best for your life, your responsibilities, and your timeline.

All customized plans must include a $100.00 processing fee with each scheduled payment.

We are happy to review your proposal with care and consideration, supporting you in finding a path that makes your education feel achievable, not stressful.

05

Additional Student Expenses

 (Not Covered Under Tuition)
To support transparency as you plan your educational investment, please note that textbooks, massage tables, and clinical supplies are not included in tuition and must be purchased separately by the student.
This allows you the flexibility to choose the options that best fit your needs, budget, and long-term use.
For planning purposes, the approximate textbook costs are:
• 1st Semester: $150.00
• 2nd Semester: $200.00
• 3rd Semester: $60.00
Massage tables and clinical supplies may vary in cost depending on the quality, brand, and supplier you choose. We are happy to provide recommendations and guidance if needed, while still supporting your freedom of choice.
Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, prepared, and supported every step of the way.

06

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

For Veteran Students Utilizing VA GI Bill® Education Benefits

 

 

Consistent with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, Section 103,

Universal College of Healing Arts will not impose any penalties due to the delayed disbursement of payment by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs on recipients of Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 VA Benefits. Universal College of Healing Arts will permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on

 

which the individual provides Universal College of Healing Arts a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33, and ending on the earlier of the following dates: 1) The date on which payment from the VA is made to the institution or 2) 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the

 

COE (Certificate of Eligibility).

 

 

Additionally, Universal College of Healing Arts will not require that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to Universal College of Healing Arts due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs under chapter 31 or 33. A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation, or chapter

 

33, Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits, and has been verified by the school certifying official as benefit eligible. This requirement is limited to the portion of funds paid by the VA.

07

G.I. Bill®

Qualification for a G.I. Bill® is determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Students and prospective students may go to the VSO for assistance in completing the Application for VA Education Benefits.

After a student has applied for a G.I. Bill® and enrolled in appropriate courses, they must complete a Request for Certification of Benefits from student services per federal regulations, only required courses for a declared major can be certified by the institution. For additional information/ clarification, please contact the VSO. The G.I. Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

 

 

 

"GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

08

Veteran and Eligible Person Addendum

Standards of Progress Policy

A veteran and/or eligible person must make satisfactory progress toward an approved educational objective leading to

employment. Veteran and/or eligible person's Standard of Progress will be determined utilizing the Satisfactory Academic

Progress Policy as listed in the college catalog consisting of overall grade point average, pace, program length, the

maximum time for completion, attendance, and/or conduct.

09

GI Bill® Comparison Tool

Learn about and compare your GI Bill benefits at approved schools, employers, and VET TEC providers   https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

06

Paying for School: Loan & Payment Options

There are several ways students can pay for school, including private education loans, personal loans, credit union financing, monthly payment plans, and employer tuition assistance. Below is a simple guide to common funding options students may explore to help cover tuition, fees, books, and required supplies.

01

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and private lending organizations. These loans are commonly used to help students pay for school when they need a structured education-based loan. (UCHA has no affiliation with lenders)

Where students can apply:

National and online student loan lenders (examples):

Traditional banks may also offer education loan programs, depending on availability:

  • PNC Bank

  • Citizens Bank

  • Local or regional banks in your area

Loan programs and eligibility requirements can change. Students should review lender websites or speak with a representative for the most current information.

02

Credit Union Education Loans

Credit unions often provide competitive rates, flexible terms, and helpful local support. Many students find credit unions to be a great place to explore loan options especially with a co-signer.

Where to apply:

  • Your local credit union

  • Credit unions connected to your employer

  • Credit unions you already bank with

Examples of larger credit unions that may offer education loan options include:

  • Navy Federal Credit Union (membership required)

  • Alliant Credit Union

  • PenFed Credit Union

Students can contact their credit union and ask if they offer education loans or financing options for school expenses.

03

Personal Loans Used for Tuition

A personal loan may be used to pay for tuition and other education expenses. This option is often chosen by students who want flexibility in how the money is used.

Where students can apply:

Banks and credit unions

  • Local bank branches

  • Credit unions

Online personal loan providers (examples):

  • LightStream

  • Upgrade

  • LendingClub

  • Prosper

04

Monthly Payment Plans (No Loan Required)

Some students prefer to avoid borrowing and instead choose a monthly tuition payment plan. Payment plans allow students to break tuition into manageable monthly payments during the program.

Benefits:

  • Predictable monthly payment amounts

  • Helps with budgeting

  • May reduce or eliminate the need to borrow

If you would like to explore tuition payment plans, contact our admissions team to ask what options are available.

05

Co-Signer Option (Helps Students Qualify)

Many students do not yet have established credit history. In that case, applying with a co-signer can help improve approval chances and may provide better interest rates.

A co-signer may be:

  • A parent or guardian

  • A spouse

  • A trusted relative

A co-signer agrees to share responsibility for loan repayment if payments are missed.

06

 Employer Tuition Assistance

Some employers offer educational benefits that can help pay for school, including:

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Education assistance programs

  • Career training support

If you are currently employed, ask your employer or HR department if education support is available.

07

Steps to Secure Education Funding

If you are exploring loan or payment options, here is a simple process to follow:

Step 1 — Know Your Total Cost

Be sure you understand the total cost of:

  • Tuition and fees

  • Books and supplies

  • Equipment/uniforms (if required)

Step 2 — Review Your Budget

Consider how much you can comfortably pay monthly and whether you will need financing.

Step 3 — Compare Options

Compare lenders and financing programs by reviewing:

  • Interest rate (APR)

  • Fixed vs. variable interest

  • Repayment options

  • Fees

  • Co-signer release options

Important Remider

Abstract Money Flow

Borrowing can be helpful, but it’s important to borrow responsibly.

  •  Borrow only what you need

  • Understand the monthly payment before signing

  • Compare multiple lenders

  • Avoid high-interest “quick cash” lenders

If you have questions about tuition, payment plans, or the documentation needed for loan approval, please contact our admissions office for support.

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