Take a look at some frequently asked questions about financing your graduate coursework.
How do students pay for their graduate work at AOEU?
- Pay for one course at a time
- Leverage tuition reimbursement and salary increases
- Explore private loans and scholarship options
The Art of Education University does not currently participate in Title IV or federal financial aid programs.
Pay-As-You-Go
At AOEU, tuition is billed on a per-credit-hour basis. You can easily find the tuition cost and required materials for each course on our website. Great news: You can register for courses without having to pay upfront. Just keep in mind that tuition is due in full by the start date of the course. Students with a remaining tuition balance on the start date will be dropped from their course.
We understand that everyone has different needs, which is why AOEU’s degree programs are designed to be flexible. Take coursework at a pace that fits your budget and timeline, with the option to graduate in two, three, or four years. You have the freedom to control your tuition expenses each year based on how quickly you choose to advance in your degree journey.
- Map out your personalized plan. Schedule time with our admissions team.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many employers and school districts are enthusiastic about supporting lifelong learning and may offer tuition reimbursement programs. This means that you can pay for your tuition upfront, and once you complete your course, your employer may reimburse you for all or part of those expenses.
It’s a great idea to check with your human resources department to see if your employee benefits include tuition reimbursement for any of your tuition costs.
Learn more - Watch the tuition reimbursement webinar!
- Need help creating a plan for reimbursement? Schedule time with our admissions team.
Salary Increases
If your district offers increased salary with post-graduate credits, it may be worthwhile to complete coursework sooner so you can start earning a higher salary. Even completing your BA+15 may yield enough money to cover part or all of your annual tuition at AOEU.
This article walks you through the 3 steps to leverage your salary increase:
1. Get familiar with your salary schedule.
2. Figure out when you'll break even.
3. Determine your return on investment.
You don't have to crunch the numbers - use AOEU's ROI Calculator to do the math for you.
- Want to talk about increasing your earning potential? Schedule time with our admissions team.
Loans and Financing
For those teachers looking to graduate sooner, financing your education may be a good option. This approach relies on borrowing to cover tuition costs now, and you can pay yourself back over time as you enjoy the benefits of your advanced degree. At AOEU, you have the flexibility to choose a private lender that works best for you. Some families find traditional student loan products helpful, while others may prefer exploring personal loans or home equity lines of credit.
If you're considering a private student loan, your bank will need AOEU to provide proof of your enrollment. Just remember, you'll need to apply and be accepted into a degree program before we can certify your enrollment for the loan.
We strongly encourage you to take a close look at all fees and interest charges before you finalize your private student loan to ensure there are no surprises down the road.
While we're unable to provide personal finance advice or recommend specific lenders, we're here to support you! Feel free to reach out, and we can help you come up with the right questions to ask as you navigate your options.
- Set up a confidential appointment to discuss your situation. Schedule time with our admissions team.
A note on federal loans and grants (Title IV Financial Aid)
Currently, AOEU does not participate in federal student aid programs. This includes federal student loans, Veteran’s benefits (GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon), and TEACH grants.
When a college or university participates in federal student financial aid, there is a significant cost involved. This cost is passed along to students in the form of higher tuition prices. Learn more about the hidden costs of financial aid here.
AOEU chooses to not participate in federal aid to keep tuition costs low. Our competitive tuition rates and pay-as-you-go model provide flexibility for teachers who wish to avoid taking student loans.
AOEU's per-credit tuition is priced at half that of other online, art education competitors such as Boston University, Kutztown University, Ohio State, and the University of Florida. As you explore programs and financial aid, consider your total cost of attendance and repayment.