Tuition

Tuition & Fees

Students are responsible for payment of their tuition associated with registered classes no later than the first day before the classes are scheduled to start for the term.

All tuition and fees below represents USD.

Degree Programs Tuition Rate

For Students Enrolled Fall 2022 and After

Tuition Rates as of April 1, 2022.

The following tuition rates are for any students enrolled in the degree programs, Fall 2022 and later. All students enrolled Spring I 2022 and prior will be locked into the tuition rates as of June 7th, 2018.

Non-Degree Tuition

For Students Enrolled Fall 2022 and After

Tuition Rates as of April 1, 2022.

The following tuition rates are for any students enrolled in the Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Certificate and Trauma Informed Care Certificate programs Fall 2022 and after.

Books and Fees

* As a courtesy to our students upon successful completion of their program, CGI does not charge a graduation fee. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the necessary attire for the commencement ceremony, but the Institute will provide the first copy of the Official Transcript and Diploma at no additional costs.

** This is an estimate based upon our research through online textbook vendors. CGI uses Open Educational Resources (available online at no cost to the student) whenever possible to reduce student cost of attendance. The student will be provided with a list of required textbooks during the initial enrollment process and is responsible for purchasing textbooks and supplies separately.

***Institutional Review Board (IRB) supported through a partnership with the University of New Mexico. Students are responsible for paying for their new project, continuations, amendments, human subjects research determinations, and Just in Time and 118 Determinations. Invoices are sent from the University of New Mexico to CGI upon the IRB’s review of the student’s project. CGI will pay the invoice to the University of New Mexico. Then CGI will invoice the student via Populi. Refunds are not available to any IRB Fee Schedule because the University of New Mexico does not offer a refund to any student/institution, since the invoice is delivered post review. Students will have thirty (30) days to pay the invoice via Populi before being assessed a late fee. If a student fails to pay on time, they will be subject to CGI’s Collection Timeline.

****Beginning Summer 2022, enrolled students will be subject to a credit card processing fee of 2% of credit and debit card payments.

Military Tuition Discount

Students who are active duty military, veterans, or spouses of active duty military or veterans are able to receive a Military Discount at CGI. The Military Discount at CGI is a waived application fee and a 10% in tuition reduction each term enrolled at CGI. Students who are active duty military, veterans or the spouse of active duty military or veteran should inform the Admission Team during the Admission Application and interview process. Documentation is required in order to confirm eligibility. The following documents should be submitted during the Admission Application or to the Institute Registrar at registrar@cgi.edu.

If the student is the active duty military or veterans:

1. DD-124
2. Discharge of active duty

If the student is the spouse/domestic partner of the active duty military or veteran:

1. Marriage certificate to verify the student’s spouse/domestic partner
2. If the spouse/domestic partner each have different last names, please submit both student and spouse/domestic partner identification

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Fees

CGI partners with the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) Office of Institutional Review Board to review human subjects research proposals. Not all DBH Culminating Projects require IRB approval.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) supported through a partnership with the University of New Mexico. Students are responsible for paying for their new project, continuations, amendments, human subjects research determinations, and Just in Time and 118 Determinations. Invoices are sent from the University of New Mexico to CGI upon the IRB’s review of the student’s project. CGI will pay the invoice to the University of New Mexico. Then CGI will invoice the student via Populi. Refunds are not available to any IRB Fee Schedule because the University of New Mexico does not offer a refund to any student/institution, since the invoice is delivered post review. Students will have thirty (30) days to pay the invoice via Populi before being assessed a late fee. If a student fails to pay on time, they will be subject to CGI’s Collection Timeline.

UNM IRB Fee Schedule

• Consultations with a subject matter expert in research design and data analysis planning will be available to students during the second and third Culminating Project cohorts.
• All Advisors and Faculty provide extensive academic support to students on assignments to enhance success in the program.
• The Library has a unique set of LibGuides, which are collections of resources specific to student success in the Culminating Project.

Learn more about Culminating Projects by DBH Alumni.

Tuition Comparison

How to finance a doctoral degree is question on most students’ minds. CGI works hard to make tuition affordable and accessible to all students. Our DBH and MHL programs are some of the most economical online integrated behavioral health degree programs available. With our competitive tuition rates and flexible payment options, it is our goal to make education affordability possible for all of our students.

See below for an outline of tuition costs at CGI in comparison to other comparable online programs.

DBH Program Tuition Comparison

The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies offers the best value DBH program on the market at 51% less than the average cost of comparable programs.

Data in table above sourced from university websites on September 27, 2021.
Arizona State University: source 1
Freed-Hardeman University: source 1, source 2
Grand Canyon University: source 1, source 2
Walden University: source 1, source 2

CGI works hard to make tuition affordable and accessible for our students. CGI developed several payment programs to accommodate all budget types. Programs are administered by CGI. Please contact the Student Billing Department at 480-285-1761 or at finance@cgi.edu for more information on payment plans.

Students utilizing CGI payment programs are responsible for timely payment of tuition and fees. Students must recognize this may mean they are responsible for their financial obligations to the Institute before receiving reimbursement from the student’s tuition assistance source.

Payment Options in Detail

After students are enrolled in their courses, the Student Billing Department will assess their term invoice to their student Populi account. All invoices will show full tuition amount due for the term and all invoices, regardless of how students intend to pay, CGI will break down the full payment into payment plans according to the term they are enrolled. For the Spring 1, Spring 2, and Fall term the full total amount of tuition will be broken into three (3) payments. For the Summer term, the full total amount of tuition will be broken into two (2) payments. All invoices will show the payment due dates and amount due on that payment due date. Students may choose to pay tuition in full on or prior to the start date of the term or pay tuition based upon the payment plan on their term invoice.

Additionally, for the Spring 1, Spring 2, and Fall term, all courses students register for, regardless of seven (7) or twelve (12) weeks will be totaled for a term total and then broken into three (3) payment plans.

For example, if a student who was enrolled in the degree or non degree program Spring I 2022 or prior, enrolls in one, 3-credit hour course for the Spring I Term, their full term tuition total would be $1,050. The first payment of $350 is due on or prior to the start of the first day of the term, the second payment of $350 is due thirty (30) calendar days from the first payment due date, and the third payment of $350 is due sixty (60) calendar days from the first payment due date.

For example, if a student who was enrolled in the degree or non degree program Fall 2022 or after, enrolls in one, 3-credit hour course for the Spring I Term, their full term tuition total would be $1,200. The first payment of $400 is due on or prior to the start of the first day of the term, the second payment of $400 is due thirty (30) calendar days from the first payment due date, and the third payment of $400 is due sixty (60) calendar days from the first payment due date.

Financial Assistance Options

CGI accepts private scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships and grants are gift awards that do not need to be repaid. A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest.

CGI understands the critical importance of the availability of financial assistance for completing the degree. As such, financial assistance may be available for those who qualify through private lenders. CGI will not work with any outside companies. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the outside company.

Financial Assistance Disclosure

CGI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). CGI is not qualified for Title IV funds and does not have a IFAP School Code.

Prior Education Loan Deferment

CGI is not qualified to accept Title IV funds, which means students enrolled at CGI are not eligible to defer prior loans from other degrees or education.

Private Educational Loan Information

CGI accepts payment from a Private Education Loan. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure payment from the Private Educational Lender is applied towards the tuition in full or by each term. All CGI students who choose to participate in outside Private Educational Loans are responsible to pay back all monies to the student’s Private Education Loan lender for the agreement amount. CGI will not communicate directly with the Private Lender in any matter regarding student finances. It is the students full responsibility to ensure payment is received by CGI in accordance with its payment deadlines policies.

Employer Reimbursement/Third Party Payments

Any employer reimbursement or assistance can be used to cover tuition and fees. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for payment to CGI and with the employer for reimbursements regarding continuing education. CGI will not communicate directly with the third party or employer in any matter regarding student finances.

Private Scholarships and Grants

CGI accepts private scholarship and grant dollars to cover part or all of a student’s tuition. If a student has been awarded a private scholarship or grant, the student must make arrangements with the Student Billing Department to use the funds to pay for tuition costs by the tuition deadline each term. Students who receive private scholarships disbursed to their personal accounts are responsible for using these funds appropriately to pay for the intended educational expenses, including tuition, books, supplies, and conference attendance costs.

Institutional Scholarships

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies offers institutional scholarships to both returning and first-year students enrolled in degree seeking programs.

Learn more about institutional scholarship opportunities.

Questions about institutional scholarships can be directed to scholarships@cgi.edu.

VA Education Benefits

As of December 31, 2022 CGI is no longer able to accept or authorize to certify VA Benefits. This change is because of a new law implemented on August 1, 2021 that requires schools to participate in Title IV. CGI is not eligible to accept Title IV funding at this time.

Importance of Meeting Financial Obligations

CGI considers all financial obligations payable immediately, unless otherwise stated. A student may not be issued official transcripts, letters of recommendation, certificates of completion or have the ability to register for future certificates until all finances are paid in full. Upon completion of the certificate, any outstanding financial balance is due and payable immediately

Financial Obligations for Withdrawn Students

A program withdrawal constitutes a drop from all courses and departure from the program. Withdrawing from the program does not eliminate the student’s financial obligations to CGI. Students are responsible for any charges owed to CGI at the time of withdrawal as determined by the Refund Policy. Any outstanding financial balance at the time of withdrawal is due and payable immediately. All refunds will be refunded according to the Refund Policy.

Forbearance and Deferment Options

CGI is proud of its ability to provide a doctoral degree program in an online environment at a highly competitive price. Students and prospective students should contact the Student Billing Department or their lenders to discuss forbearance or other deferment options.

There are several deferment options, including active military, public service, economic hardship, and others. While CGI does not offer any of these options, if there are any questions, please contact CGI’s Student Billing Department with any questions at finance@cgi.edu or call 480-285-1761

Default of Financial Obligation

If a student’s financial obligations are in default (defined as not paying a financial obligation by the due date), CGI Finance Department will follow the following Collections Timeline:

1. Tuition is due according to the student’s term invoice. Payment options are listed below:

• Spring I, Spring II, and Fall terms have a 3-payment plan
• Summer term has a 2-payment plan.
• The first payment is due on or by the first day of the term. The second payment is due on or by the thirty (30) calendar days from the term start date (the specific due date is predetermined by the Student Information System, Populi). If applicable, the third payment is due on or by thirty (30) calendar days following the second payment plan due date (the specific due date is predetermined by the Student Information System, Populi).
• If a student is paying their tuition in full, it is due, in full, on or by the start of the term.

2. All students are given one (1) email reminder one week (7 calendar days) prior to the payment due date.

3. If the student has not made payment on or by the due date, the student is assessed a late fee of $25 on the following business day. In addition, the Finance Department will put a financial lock on the student’s Populi account. At that time, the Finance Department will reach out to the student via email notifying them of the late fee and financial lock.

4. Students who have not paid their outstanding tuition within seven (7) calendar days, the Finance Department will notify the Registrar who will put a Registration Lock on the student’s account in Populi, which prevents them from being able to register for courses. In addition, the Finance Department adds a Financial Lock to the students account and emails the Librarian to remove the student from their courses in the Learning Management System.

5. Upon a student making payment to their student account to bring it current, the Finance Department will:

• Remove the financial lock on the student’s account
• Notify the Registrar to remove any registration locks on the student’s account due to financial reasons
• Notify the Librarian to re-activate the student into their courses in the LMS.

6. Reminder emails of delinquent accounts will be sent every thirty (30) calendar days until payment is received.

7. After ninety (90) calendar days of unpaid tuition and fees, the student’s account will be deemed uncollectible and the student will not be able to continue in the program. The student will be given notice via email and certified mail of this enrollment change due to lack of payment. The balance will remain on the student’s account and then the Institution will document the tuition as uncollectible and it will either be sent to collections or written off the balance within its company books.

Note:

• If a student needs assistance or has questions, please reach out to the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer will work with students to make accommodations when difficult times arise in the student’s life.
• In the event a student account is delinquent, CGI, as well as outside agencies working on its behalf, have the right to communicate with the student via email and/or phone regarding an outstanding balance. When an account is turned over for collection, the student is obligated to pay CGI’s collection expenses. If a lawsuit or other action is filed, litigation falls under Arizona state jurisdiction and the student agrees to pay CGI’s attorney’s fees as fixed by the trial court. If any party appeals any part of the trial court’s decision, the student agrees to pay CGI’s attorney’s fees for the appeal as fixed by the appellate court. Any disputes, mediation, or legal proceedings will be held in Maricopa County in the State of Arizona.

Holder in Due Course Statement

Any holder of this consumer credit contract is subject to all claims and defenses which the debtor could assert against the seller of goods or services obtained pursuant hereto or with the proceeds, hereof Recovery hereunder by the debtor shall not exceed the amount paid by the debtor (FTC Rule effective 5- 14-76).

Institutional Scholarships for Degree Seeking Students

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies offers institutional scholarships to both returning and first-year students enrolled in degree seeking programs.

Learn more about institutional scholarship opportunities.

Questions about institutional scholarships can be directed to scholarships@cgi.edu.

Private Scholarships and Grants for Degree Seeking Students

CGI accepts private scholarship and grant dollars to cover part or all of a student’s tuition. If a student has been awarded a private scholarship or grant, the student must make arrangements with the Student Billing Department to use the funds to pay for tuition costs by the tuition deadline each term. Students who receive private scholarships disbursed to their personal accounts are responsible for using these funds appropriately to pay for the intended educational expenses, including tuition, books, supplies, and conference attendance costs.

Explore external scholarship opportunities.

Refund Policy

CGI strives to provide a fair and equitable refund policy in compliance with the state. All money due to a student for a cancellation request will be due thirty (30) calendar days after the request is submitted, regardless of materials being turned into CGI.

Admissions Application Cancellation

Applicants have the ability to cancel an application any time prior to application submission. Applicants can request to cancel their application in any manner to the Institution, but it is preferred that cancellations are emailed to the Admission Coordinator or Director at admissions@cgi.edu. A canceled application will remain on file for twelve (12) months. If a student wishes to reactivate a canceled application for a future term, they may do so by contacting the Admission Coordinator by email, fax, or phone.

Denied Admission Refund Policy

An applicant who has submitted all required admissions materials but was denied by CGI for Behavioral Health Studies will not be refunded the Application Fee.

Five-Day Enrollment Cancellation Period

A student who provides notice of cancellation within five (5) business days of signing an Enrollment Agreement is entitled to a refund of all monies paid. Notice of cancellation may be conveyed to any CGI staff member in any manner available to the student. Cummings Graduate Institute prefers to receive Enrollment Cancellations via email. Other options may include – Mail: Cummings Graduate Institute 2111 East Baseline Road, Suite E1, Tempe, AZ 85283; Email: info@cgi.edu; Phone: 480-285-1761; or Fax: 480-999-5641.

The effective date of cancellation will be determined by the date in which the student first reached out (i.e. via phone, fax, email, or by postmark indicated on request letter through the mail). Any monies paid to CGI, including the Application Fee, will be refunded. The refund will be distributed to the student within thirty (30) calendar days of notification.

All Other Courses Refund Policy

CGI considers the week in a term, starting on a Monday through the following Sunday.

A student who chooses to withdraw from a course more than five (5) calendar days after signing an Enrollment Agreement will follow this refund schedule:

1. Before beginning one or more courses, meaning prior to the start of the first day of the course, the student is entitled to a refund of 100% of the tuition minus the Program Fee and Application Fee.

2. After the commencement of one or more courses, the tuition refund, minus the Program Fee and Application Fee, amount shall be determined as follow:

7 weeks course refund schedule

Refund examples for the tuition rate for students enrolled Fall 2022 or later

7-week Refund Sample: If a student withdraws from a 7-week course during the second week, the student will be refunded 60% of their tuition paid excluding the application fee and program fee. The refund amount would be: $400 (tuition cost for one (1) credit hour course) x 60% (refund percentage) = $240 (amount refunded to the student). This refund is mailed to the student within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of withdrawal.

7-week Military Discount Refund Sample: If a military student withdraws from a 7-week course during the second week, the student will be refunded 60% of their tuition paid excluding the application fee and program fee. The refund amount would be: $360 (tuition cost for one (1) credit hour course) x 60% (refund percentage) = $216 (amount refunded to the student). This refund is mailed to the student within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of withdrawal.

7-Week TA/RA Discount Refund Example: If a student, on TA/RA contract, withdraws from a 7-week course during the second week, the student will be refunded 60% of their tuition paid excluding the application fee and program fee. The refund would be $200 (tuition cost for one (1) credit hour course) x 60% (refund percentage) = $120 (amount refunded to the student). This refund is mailed to the student within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of withdrawal.

b. 12 weeks course refund schedule

Refund examples for the tuition rate for students enrolled Fall 2022 or later

12-week Refund Sample: If a student withdraws from a 12-week course during the second week, the student will be refunded 70% of their tuition paid excluding the application fee and program fee. For a student qualified for standard tuition, the refund amount would be: $1,200 (tuition cost for one (1) three (3) credit hour course) x 70% (refund percentage) = $840 (amount refunded to the student). This refund is mailed to the student within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of withdrawal.

12-week Military Discount Refund Sample: If a student withdraws from a 12-week course during the second week, the student will be refunded 70% of their tuition paid excluding the application fee and program fee. For a student qualified for military tuition, the refund amount would be: $1,080 (tuition cost for one (1) three (3) credit hour course) x 70% (refund percentage) = $756 (amount refunded to the student). This refund is mailed to the student within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of withdrawal.

12-week TA/RA Discount Refund Example: If a student withdraws from a 12-week course during the second week, the student will be refunded 70% of their tuition paid excluding the application fee and program fee. The refund would be $600 (tuition cost for one (1) three (3) credit hour course) x 70% (refund percentage) = $420 (amount refunded to the student). This refund is mailed to the student within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of withdrawal.

Financial Hardship

If a student is going through a difficult time, and is worried about being able to pay tuition, the student should reach out to the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer will listen to the student’s issue and work with the student to find the best resolution. CGI wants to support its students as best as it can during their hardship. While the support will be different for each instance, we commit to doing whatever we can to help you through the hardship, while staying enrolled at CGI. The Chief Operating Officer can be reached by email at operations@cgi.edu or by phone at (480)-285-1761.