The Office of Student Financial Services

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the cost of attending RVU and maintaining a modest but adequate standard living. The COA includes tuition, fees (if applicable), books, supplies, student health insurance, living expenses, transportation and personal expenses. The COA varies by year in school and is updated annually.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete a personal budget and only borrow the minimum amount needed to cover their actual costs. Many students are able to live on less than the COA by budgeting carefully and reducing their expenses for food and housing, personal and transportation costs.

Note that the COA does not include living expenses for a student’s spouse, dependents, or pets.

Total loan amounts borrowed and scholarships awarded cannot exceed the COA minus any other aid received.

• Estimated Maximum Cost for Master of Physician Assistant Studies Degree Program
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – RVUCOM | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – MCOM | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Year 1
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Year 2
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Year 3
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – Master of Medical Sciences
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Summer-Fall 2025
• 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Spring-Summer 2026

Payment Schedule and Tuition Payments

Students will be billed for tuition and fees for each semester approximately 30 days prior to the beginning of each term. Tuition and fees must be paid in full by the first day of class. Late tuition payments or failure to make arrangements to pay tuition will result in the student being removed from class and/or clinical externships.

Tuition payments may be made by check, credit card, or ACH transaction. Matriculated students will have access to a payment portal for credit card or ACH payments. Any checks submitted must indicate the student’s name and student ID number, and should be made out to “Rocky Vista University.”

All Students are automatically enrolled in the RVU Student Health Insurance plan, and the annual premium is billed with their fall tuition. Students may waive RVU insurance if they can document equivalent coverage. Refer to the section on Student Health Insurance for more details.

Health Insurance Policy

RVU requires all students to maintain active health insurance coverage throughout their enrollment, including during summer and holidays. This ensures access to essential services, including mental health and prescription coverage

Students are automatically enrolled in the RVU Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan, which runs annually from August 1 to July 31, unless they submit and receive approval for a waiver. The total annual premium is billed at the start of the fall semester and included in the student’s Cost of Attendance.

To waive the university-sponsored insurance, students must provide documentation of alternative, ACA-compliant, domestic health insurance by the posted deadline. If a valid waiver is not submitted and verified, the student will be automatically enrolled, and the premium will be charged. Please note, premiums are non-refundable after the deadline unless a valid waiver is approved for the spring semester.

Important Waiver Information

Clinical-year students (3rd and 4th years of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program) must have comprehensive U.S. coverage. Medicaid or limited-network plans cannot be used to waive coverage during these years.

Waivers are verified quarterly, and random compliance checks may occur. Non-compliant or inactive insurance may result in retroactive enrollment in the RVU plan.

Students losing coverage (e.g., aging out of parental plans) must enroll in the RVU plan or provide proof of new coverage within 30 days.

Full details and waiver requirements will be provided prior to matriculation.

Purpose & Scope

The purpose of this policy is to make clear what circumstances may warrant a tuition refund.

Tuition and applicable fees vary according to the degree program in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the section for each individual degree program for more information.  

Policy Statement

Students will be billed for tuition and fees approximately 30 days prior to the beginning of each semester. Tuition and fees must be paid in full by the first day of class. Late tuition payments or failure to make arrangements to pay tuition will result in the student being removed from class and/or clinical externships.

Students who withdraw (either voluntarily or involuntarily) before the first day of class of a semester for which they have already paid their tuition and fees will receive a 100% refund for that semester, with the exception of any non-refundable deposits, which will be retained by the University. Students who matriculate into the University, begin classes or externships, and withdraw (including leave of absence) within the first 30 calendar days of a semester will be refunded according to the following schedule: 1st week: 90%; 2nd week: 75%; 3rd week: 50%; 4th week: 25%; After 4th week: 0%.

There are occasions when a recommendation and decision for Dismissal or Leave of Absence from a program’s Student Assessment or Performance Committee, or from an administrative entity, may occur within the first four weeks of a semester based on professionalism, performance, or other issues that occurred in the previous semester. These students are eligible for a 100% tuition refund for the current semester.

Exceptions to this policy due to extenuating circumstances must be first approved by the Assistant or Associate Dean of Student Affairs on the student’s primary campus, via the Tuition Refund Exception Form located on the iNet.  If approved, the exception form will be forwarded to the Senior Director of Student Financial Services for review.  If approved, the student’s Dean or Program Director will review.  If approved, the form will be forwarded to the Provost for final review and approval. If seeking an exception to this policy, complete the online “Tuition Refund Exception Form” (located on the iNet), and provide a detailed explanation.

Roles & Responsibilities

For Iowa Residents Only: The State of Iowa For-profit Tuition Refund Policy can be found here

Iowa Code Section 256.183(1)”g”

RVU has adopted the IOWA policy to offer not less than the following options to a student who is a member, or the spouse of a member if the member has a dependent child, of the Iowa national guard or reserve forces of the United States and who is ordered to national guard duty or federal active duty:

• Withdraw from the student’s entire registration and receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees.
• Make arrangements with the student’s instructors for course grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the student’s registration shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for the courses in full.
• Make arrangements with only some of the student’s instructors for grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the registration for those courses shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for those courses. Any course for which arrangements cannot be made for grades or incompletes shall be considered dropped and the tuition and mandatory fees for the course refunded.

For Kansas Resident Only:

The State of Kansas For-profit Tuition Refund Policy can be found here.

Students who receive financial aid have certain rights and responsibilities.

As a student, you have the right to know:

• What financial aid programs are available and how to apply for them;
• The criteria used to determine financial aid eligibility and calculate need;
• The type and amount of assistance you will receive, and how you will be paid;
• The terms and conditions of any financial aid you accept;
• The interest rate and terms of repayment of any loan you accept;
• The procedure for increasing, decreasing or cancelling your student loan;
• The Cost of Attendance, Tuition Refund and Return of Title IV funds policy;
• How Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid is determined;
• The process, requirements and consequences of any withdrawal, dismissal or leave of absence from the University;
• That all application information will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality;
• Your rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
• To request a review of your financial aid package if family and/or financial circumstances have changed;
• That the Office of Student Financial Services will communicate financial aid information and awards to you by electronic means unless you provide a written request asking us to provide paper copies;
• That RVU will submit your enrollment and loan information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) as required by the federal government.
• Campus security and crime statistics.

As a student, it’s your responsibility to:

• Establish plans to meet your educational and living expenses;
• Submit all documentation and forms requested by the Office of Student Financial Services or your lender in a timely and accurate manner;
• Read, understand, and retain copies of all information and/or forms that are sent to you and all other documents you sign;
• Comply with the provisions of any aid received, as well as any promissory note(s) and all other agreements you sign;
• Notify RVU of all resources (especially outside resources) you receive that are not listed on your award letter;
• Keep RVU informed of any change of address, name or marital status while you are a student, and until all loans have been repaid in full;
• Use aid only for educational expenses related to attending the University;
• Comply with deadlines for the payment of tuition;
• Register and attend classes for the number of hours required for your aid disbursement;
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress;
• Provide written permission before personal information can be released to outside parties.
• Reapply for student financial aid every year.
• Schedule an appointment to meet with a financial aid counselor during your first semester if you are receiving a student loan.

For more information about student loans, please visit the student loans page via clicking the button below.

Sometimes students may need extra funds for expenses necessary for them to complete their education within the academic year. It is important to note that additional funds may be granted only for non-discretionary expenses allowed by federal regulations. Students must submit a written request and document their need for additional funds. Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information about policy, procedures and forms. Note that adjustments may be restricted to specific maximum amounts. Expenses must occur within the current academic year.

In general, funds may be granted for expenses related to:

• Dependent care costs
• Medical Accommodations
• Computer purchase
• Clinical rotation expenses
• Audition/Interview rotation expenses
• Study Abroad/Global rotation expenses

Additional funds cannot be granted for:

• Automobile payments and what is considered normal wear and tear on a vehicle
• Automobile fuel expenses
• Ride share services as primary mode of transportation
• Consumer indebtedness (auto loans, credit card payments, prior student loan debts)
• Food purchases (beyond the standard COA allowance)
• Living expenses for dependents
• Course related travel within your assigned clinical region
• Expenses that are covered (or could be covered) by insurance
• Pet expenses

Entrance Counseling

Students receiving loans for the first time must complete loan entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note before any funds will be disbursed. In addition, all first-year borrowers are required to complete internal loan counseling during their first year. Furthermore, there is a second-year loan counseling requirement for all students prior to entering into their third year and residency. Enrolled students are encouraged to meet annually with a financial aid counselor to discuss their cumulative debt and repayment options.

Entrance counseling for federal loans must be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/. Private loan servicers will provide entrance counseling

Once you have completed the Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling, the Office of Student Financial services will receive an electronic notification.

Exit Counseling

Students who borrow under the Federal Direct Loan Program are required to complete exit counseling before they graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.

Exit counseling must be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/.

Once you have completed exit counseling, the Office of Student Financial Services will receive an electronic notification.

All students who have received any type of educational loan must participate in loan exit counseling during their last semester as a requirement for graduation.

Federal regulations require that RVU establish, publish and apply standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) which students enrolled in the University must meet in order to maintain financial aid eligibility. This policy applies to all students applying for or currently receiving Federal, State, or institutional financial assistance.

RVUCOM – Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients (PDF)

MCOM – Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients (PDF)

MSBS – Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients (PDF)

MMS – Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients (PDF)

PA – Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients (PDF)

DNAP – Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients (PDF)

This policy shall apply to all students enrolled at Rocky Vista University who are eligible to receive financial aid from Title IV funds and who totally withdraw, are dismissed, take an approved leave of absence, drop out, or stop attending all classes in the semester.

Students who stop attending class (for any of the reasons listed above) before completing more than 60% of a semester will have their Title IV aid recalculated based on the percent of the term they completed. For example, a student who withdraws completing only 20% of the term will have “earned” only 20% of any Title IV aid that was disbursed or could have been disbursed. The remaining 80% must be returned. If the student withdraws after completing 60% of the semester the student would earn 100% of the Title IV aid. In determining the percentage of the semester completed for a student who withdraws, the school includes in the denominator the total number of calendar days in the semester excluding any scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days. The school includes in the numerator the total number of days up to the date of withdrawal excluding any scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days.

If the amount of Title IV aid disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise eligible, the student may be eligible to receive a Post-Withdrawal Disbursement of the earned aid that was not received. If the unearned amount includes loans, the school must obtain permission from the student before making a Post-withdrawal disbursement. The student will have 14 days from the date of the notice to accept or decline some or all of the loan amount.

If the amount of Title IV aid disbursed to the student exceeds the amount of loan the student earned, the school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:

• The institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of the Title IV aid; or
• The entire amount of excess Title IV aid.

If the school is not required to return all of the excess Title IV funds, the student must return the remaining amount. In the case of loans, the student must return the loan amount in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Master Promissory Note. Unearned Title IV funds shall be returned in the following order:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Direct Grad-PLUS Loan.

“Title IV Funds” refers to the Federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and includes: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct Grad-Plus Loans.

A student is not considered withdrawn for R2T4 purposes only, if:

• The institution obtains written confirmation that the student will attend a later module in the same payment period of enrollment;
• The student completes the requirements for graduation;
• The student completes one or more modules that, together, comprise at least 49% of the days in the payment period; or
• The student completes coursework equal to or greater than the coursework required for half-time enrollment.

When there is an unofficial withdraw, a student’s withdrawal date is:

• The last documented date of an academically related activity recorded by the college or, if no date is available, the midpoint of the student’s term of enrollment.

Any student intending to officially withdraw or requesting a leave of absence must notify the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs either orally or in writing.

All requests for a leave of absence will be approved or denied by the Dean.

Refunds on all institutional charges (tuition and fees) will be calculated according to the RVU refund schedule. Please refer to RVU’s Tuition Refund Policy for more information.

Students are responsible for any portion of institutional charges that are outstanding after Title IV funds are returned.

Return of Title IV Funds Policy (PDF)

Deadlines

• Within 45 days from the date RVU determined that the student withdrew, the college will return unearned funds.
• Within 30 days from the date RVU determined that the student withdrew, the college will offer a post-withdrawal disbursement, if applicable. Students will have 14 days from the date of the notice to respond.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine is approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the certification of students eligible to receive VA educational benefits. The Office of Student Financial Services is responsible for submitting certifications verifying veterans’ enrollment at RVUCOM. The VA determines a veteran’s eligibility for specific GI Bill® programs. For more information about programs and procedures for applying please go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ or call 1-888- GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). Once the VA has determined that you are eligible to receive GI Bill® benefits, you must submit the following documents to the Office of Student Financial Services:

• A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (provided by the VA).
• A completed Request for a Change of Program or Place of Training (VA Form 22-1995) if you have received benefits previously at another school.
• A Request for GI Bill® Certification Form.

Veterans will pay the same tuition and fees as all other students. Rates can be found under the Tuition and Fees tab. Veterans should contact the certifying official at the Office of Student Financial Services for any questions or concerns about their attendance at RVUCOM. We are here to help you!

Prior Credit Policy for GI Bill® Recipients

In accordance with Title 38 USC 3675 and 3676 and 38 CFR 21.4254, all Veterans or eligible dependents who use GI Bill® Benefits for this training are required to bring in documentation of all previous training credit and education. Veterans are required to submit all prior training transcripts, including military transcripts, to the institution for review. This institution will review all prior credit, and maintain a record of such training in the students VA file. VA students’ records must be kept for 3 years following the ending date of the last period certified to VA. Referenced law: Title 38 CFR 21.4209(f))

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 Web site.

VA Pending Payment Policy

In accordance with section 103, Public Law 115-407, Rocky Vista University will not penalize or limit the participation of students covered under the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 31 Vocation Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) while awaiting the payment of tuition and fees by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The University will not drop covered students for non-payment.

A. To be a covered individual, RVU will require students to self-identify and provide the following documentation:

• Certification of Eligibility; or
• VA Form 28-1905; and
• A Request for GI Bill® Certification Form.

B. If a student fails to send, at a minimum their Certificate of Eligibility, they will not be certified for VA Educational Benefits and will be subject to the standard charges associated with the program they are attending.

o Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

o National Health Service Corps – https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program

o Indian Health Services – https://www.ihs.gov/careeropps/loanrepayment/

o Veterans Affairs Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP) – https://vacareers.va.gov/employment-benefits/education-support/

Tuition Policy for International Students

Incoming first year OMS or master’s international students must settle the full year’s tuition fees before the start of classes. This policy ensures you can fully focus on your studies without financial disruptions. 

Cost of Attendance Note

Our Cost of Attendance is posted in US Dollars. There may be conversions required for those seeking funds from Canada or self-paid international funds. 

Loan Options 

Private educational loans are available for international students. All options require a credit check, and most will require a US citizen cosigner. A few options are listed below with links: 

• To apply for private loans with a US cosigner, utilize the ELM Select Portal at ELMSelect.  
• Canadian students may explore loan options with Bank of Montreal here: Medical or Dental Student Line of Credit – BMO Canada and Toronto Dominion here: Student Line of Credit – Paying for School | TD Canada Trust.  

Rocky Vista University is an accepted school with Ontario Student Assistance Program. To apply please visit OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program | ontario.ca contact us for any questions regarding OSAP. 

International students who qualify as Dreamers with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may apply for a private loan program sponsored by Social Finance. Loans originate with Funding U and Launch LLC will service the loans. For more information, please visit https://socialfinance.org/dreamers-info/ 

Students can review scholarship opportunities here: Scholarships for Medical Students | Financial Support Options 

FAFSA Website

NASFAA Code of Conduct

Consumer Information Disclosure

Department of Education Default Rates (use OPEID number 042189)