The Bottom Line…

As a taxpayer-funded state institution CCA has access to tremendous resources such as our current state-of-the-art physical plant, as well as federal Perkins grants that give us new equipment funding each year. The Colorado Film School is able to rise above current economic challenges as many of our students come from outside of Colorado and their tuition dollars flow directly to the school insulating us against state cut-backs. Student fees, currently $400 per semester, bring in new cutting-edge equipment, production insurance for student shoots, and constant updating in labs and computer equipment.

*Tuition rates on this page are for the 2019-2020 school year. Tuition rates and fees may be changed at any time.

Classes at CFS are usually 3 credit hours. Fees vary depending on credits enrolled per term.

CFS also charges a flat $400 lab fee each semester for equipment and computer usage. Equipment rental is included in the lab fee. Books vary per class and range from $50-$100 per course. Housing is not included, however students may anticipate between $900-$2000 per month depending on location and shared or single-occupancy. The table below is an estimate based on attending 12-15 credits each semester:

CCA Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes

At the time of application for admission, students are classified for tuition purposes as in-state residents or out-of state residents, according to provisions of Colorado law.

To qualify for in-state tuition, students (or their parents or legal guardians, if they are under 23 years of age and not emancipated) must have been domiciled in Colorado for at least one year prior to the first day of the semester for which they seek residency. Domicile for tuition purposes is determined by two factors: 1) ability to show a permanent place of residence in Colorado, and 2) ability to demonstrate intent to remain in Colorado. Students prove their intent by providing documents showing 12 months of domicile in Colorado:

1. Colorado income tax returns
2. Evidence of permanent Colorado employment status
3. A Colorado driver’s license or vehicle registration
4. Evidence of Colorado voter registration

The Enrollment Services office requires a minimum of two proofs of domicile, but depending on circumstances, CCA may request additional information. If students have been classified as non-resident and feel this is in error because of incorrect information provided on the initial application, a correction form must be submitted by the first day of class. If it is determined that the correction form and any supporting documentation is insufficient to prove residency, the student can petition for in-state tuition. This petition must be submitted within 10 days.

*Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

For residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.