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 $75 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 $50 administrative fee is billed per course.

  • Reduced to $25 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. Approval is subject to RIT Certified’s discretion and requires adherence to the following:

  • Less than 6 weeks
    • Deposit: 100%
    • Installments: None
    • Payment Schedule: None
  • 6-week Course
    • Deposit: 50%
    • Installments: 1
    • Payment Schedule: Balance due by end of Week 3
  • 8-week Course
    • Deposit: 50%
    • Installments: 1
    • Payment Schedule: Balance due by end of Week 4
  • 12-week Course
    • Deposit: 30%
    • Installments: 2
    • Payment Schedule: 35% due Week 4, 35% due 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. Third-party sponsored learners are not eligible for discounts.

  • Build-Your-Own Bundle
    • Amount: 5%
    • Eligibility: Enroll in 3+ courses in one checkout basket
    • Limitations: None
  • Mastery Certificate (MC)
  • RIT Alumni
    • Amount: 10%
    • Eligibility: Valid ID or diploma
    • Limitations: Up to 3 courses/year
  • STEP/High School Student
    • Amount: 10%
    • Eligibility: STEP acceptance program letter OR transcript
    • Limitations: Up to 3 courses/year
  • Military
    • Amount: 15%
    • Eligibility: Valid military ID
    • Limitations: Up to 3 courses/year
  • RIT Students/Employees
    • Amount: 15%
    • Eligibility: Active ID and email
    • Limitations: Up to 3 courses/year
  • Financial Aid
    • Amount: Up to 50%
    • Eligibility: Income documentation required
    • Limitations: Case-by-case
  • RIT Certified Instructors
    • Amount: 25 - 50%¹
    • Eligibility: Taught in past 12 months
    • Limitations: Equal courses to number taught
  • RIT Certified Staff
    • Amount: 15%
    • Eligibility: Active employment, supervisor approval
    • Limitations: Up to 3 courses/year

¹ See Summary of Benefits for Adjunct Employees for rate determination.

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:
Withdrawal prior to start date – 100% refund
Withdrawal during days 0-3 – 100% refund
Withdrawal after day 3 – No refund

For courses less than six (6) weeks in duration:
Withdrawal prior to start date – 100% refund
Withdrawal during days 0-1 – 100% refund
Withdrawal after day 1 – No refund

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