Fees, Discounts, and Refunds Policy

REGS-POL-001

I. Policy Statement

RIT Certified is committed to ensuring transparency and consistency in the application of tuition, fees, payment options, discounts, and refunds. This policy establishes the financial terms associated with enrollment in non-credit courses and programs, while upholding equitable access and operational accountability. The policy supports learners’ ability to plan and participate in offerings while maintaining the fiscal responsibility of the institution.

II. Scope

This policy shall apply to the application of tuition, fees, payment options, discounts, and refunds for RIT Certified programs, except where alternative terms have been established through a contract for E-Commerce Courses or Corporate Training, which may include unique payment or refund provisions.

III. Tuition and Fees

A. Tuition
Tuition is charged on a per-course basis. Please see our Course Catalog for information on specific courses.

B. One-Time Registration Fee
A non-refundable $65 registration fee is billed upon a learner's first enrollment. A reduced fee may be granted for learners approved for financial aid.

C. Administrative Fee
A non-refundable $25 administrative fee is billed per course.

  • Reduced to $12 for learners receiving financial aid.

IV. Payment Terms

A. Payment Deadline
Payment is due in full at the time of enrollment unless a payment plan has been approved.

B. Accepted Payment Methods
Accepted forms include:

  • Credit/debit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa)
  • Electronic check (ACH)
  • Physical checks (third-party or institutional sponsors only)

V. Payment Plans

Learners may request an installment plan by contacting certreg@rit.edu at least 14 days prior to the course start date. Deposits are due at registration unless otherwise stated. Where installment plans are available, the payment schedule depends on course length (weeks). Approval is subject to RIT Certified’s discretion and requires adherence to the following:

  • Less than 6 weeks: 100% due at registration; no installments.
  • 6-week: 50% due at registration; remaining 50% due by end of Week 3.
  • 8-week: 50% due at registration; remaining 50% due by end of Week 4.
  • 12-week: 30% due at registration; 35% due by end of Week 4; remaining 35% due by end of Week 8.

Failure to pay within 3 days of a due date without documented communication may result in immediate involuntary withdrawal. Learners who default are not eligible for future payment plans.

VI. Third-Party Sponsorship

Organizations may sponsor learners by covering tuition and administrative fees. To initiate sponsorship:

  • Sponsors must complete the RIT Certified Third-Party Authorization Form.
  • Physical check payment is due at least two (2) weeks prior to course start date and credit card/EFT payments are due by the course start date, unless modified through an MOU. Sponsors providing a physical check must provide RIT Certified the following verification details at the time of submission via email to certreg@rit.edu to ensure accurate payment tracking and prevent enrollment delays:
    • Check and/or PO (purchase order) number
    • The date the check was issued/cut
    • The date the check was mailed
  • Late or missing payment may result in involuntary withdrawal of the learner.

Accepted payment methods include credit card, ACH/EFT, and physical check (payable to RIT Certified).

VII. Discount Options

Discounts apply only to tuition and must be requested before enrollment by completing the Discount Request Form. Only one discount can be applied per course enrollment. If a learner is eligible for more than one discount, the highest eligible discount will be provided. Third-party sponsored learners are not eligible for discounts.

Discounts may be available based on eligibility. Unless otherwise stated, documentation is required to verify eligibility. Discount limitations stated as “per academic year” refer to the RIT Certified academic year (July 1 through June 30).

Available discounts and required eligibility documentation is as follows:

  • Build-Your-Own Bundle (5%)
    • Eligibility: Enroll in three (3) or more courses in a single checkout basket (one transaction).
    • Limitations: Applies only when three or more courses are purchased in the same checkout. ‍
  • Mastery Certificate discount (10%)
    • Eligibility: Complete all courses required for the applicable Mastery Certificate.
    • Limitations: See the Mastery Certificate Policy. ‍
  • RIT Alumni (10%)
    • Eligibility: Provide a valid alumni ID or diploma.
    • Limitations: Up to three (3) courses per academic year. ‍
  • STEP/High School Student (10%)
    • Eligibility: Provide a STEP acceptance letter or a current high school transcript.
    • Limitations: Up to three (3) courses per academic year. ‍
  • Military (15%)
    • Eligibility: Provide a valid military ID.
    • Limitations: Up to three (3) courses per academic year. ‍
  • RIT Students and Employees (15%)
    • Eligibility: Provide an active RIT ID and RIT email address.
    • Limitations: Up to three (3) courses per academic year. ‍
  • Financial Aid (up to 50%)
    • Eligibility: Income documentation required.
    • Limitations: Awarded case-by-case based on review. ‍
  • RIT Certified Instructors (25%–50%)
    • Eligibility: Taught for RIT Certified within the past twelve (12) months. (See Summary of Benefits for Adjunct Employees for rate determination.)
    • Limitations: Discount may be used for the number of courses equal to the number of courses taught during the eligibility period. ‍
  • RIT Certified Staff (15%)
    • Eligibility: Active employment with RIT Certified and supervisor approval.
    • Limitations: Up to three (3) courses per academic year.

VII. Refund Options

All administrative and registration fees are non-refundable. For more information about withdrawals, check out our Withdrawals and Transfers Policy.

A. Standard Refund Schedule (Voluntary Withdrawal)
Refund eligibility depends on the date of request for withdrawal. For courses six (6) weeks or longer in duration:

  • Prior to course state date – 100%
  • Days 0-3 after course start date – 100%
  • Day 4+ after course start date – No refund (0%)  

For courses less than six (6) weeks in duration:

  • Prior to course start date – 100%
  • Days 0-1 after course start date – 100%
  • Day 2+ after course start date – No refund (0%)

Refunds will be issued via the original method of payment within seven (7) business days after the withdrawal request is approved.

B. Discounted or Partial Payments
If a learner used a discount or installment plan, refunds will reflect only the amount paid, not the full course value.

Example: Learner A received a discount of 10% on a course with tuition of $1,000. If a withdrawal occurs during the refund period, Learner A will receive a refund of $900 as this reflects the discounted cost.

Learner B is utilizing the 6-week payment plan and has provided a 50% deposit on a course with tuition of $1,000. If a withdrawal occurs during the refund period, Learner B will receive a refund of $500 as this reflects the deposit that has been provided.

C. Ineligibility for Refunds
No refunds are issued for:

  • Involuntary withdrawals (e.g., payment plan default)
  • Academic Integrity violations
  • Course transfers

Policy History

  • ‍April 24, 2023 – Policy Created
  • December 16, 2025 – Policy Approved
  • January 1, 2026 – Policy Implemented
  • March 18, 2026 – Adjusted fees under III. Tuition and Fees to better align with RIT and market standards. Approved by Executive Director.
  • December 1, 2026 – Planned Annual Review