¹ú²úÖ÷²¥

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Gain a foundational education in business and expand your opportunities for future leadership in a wide range of positions and industries.

BSBA – Bachelor of Science, Business Administration BSBA – Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

8 Weeks

8-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

40 Months

Earn your BSBA degree in as few as 40 months at the Accelerated program pace

Up to 90 Transfer Credits1

We’ll evaluate your previous coursework to help streamline your degree

Online BSBA Program Highlights

Coursework in core business disciplines, including accounting, marketing, and business strategy

Flexible Schedule

Flexible online learning with a virtual classroom and mobile-friendly content

No-cost access to LinkedIn Learning to help add certifications to your profile

Continued Growth

BSBA to MBA bridge program so you can save time and money on your graduate degree

Why Enroll in an Online BSBA Program?

WCU’s BSBA degree program offers a broad base of foundational knowledge in core areas of business and management theory. Build critical thinking skills, promote professional growth, and increase your understanding of administration in a business setting.

Our goal is to help prepare you to tackle the wide array of critical issues facing today’s business organizations! Our faculty consists of industry veterans who teach from decades of experience and who are readily available for student questions and one-on-one mentoring.

Explore the BSBA program at WCU!

Interested in a BSBA Specialization?

Find out how you can specialize your business education with our Health Administration and Leadership track.

Overview: Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Program

Program Details

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

120 Credits

40 Months

10 Trimesters

Working Professional Pace

Distance Education/Online

120 Credits

80 Months

20 Trimesters

Curriculum

General Education Requirements (39 credits)

Prior to Spring I 2024

To achieve the graduation requirement of 120 credits, all students must complete 39 credits of general education courses. Students may request to satisfy general education credit requirements through transfer credit per university policy.

Category and Requirements CWCU Course Requirements CTransferable / Options
A1- Written Communication
(5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum)
Written communication courses cover the use of writing as a means of conveying information. In these courses, students will utilize discussions, papers, essays, research, etc. to examine, analyze, and transmit information in an appropriate academic or professional manner. (Transferable courses will generally have ENG, JRN, or COM prefix) Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
A2. Oral Communication
(2.5 Semester Credits Minimum)
Oral communication courses cover the use of language and speech as a means of conveying information. In these courses, students will utilize language and speech to disseminate information to audiences as appropriate.
(Transferable courses will generally have SPE, COM, JRN, ENG, or BUS prefix)
Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
A3. Critical Thinking
(5.0 Semester Credits 2 Minimum)
Critical thinking courses provide the skills necessary to make complex decisions. In these courses, students will utilize complex thinking, logic, and other skills to analyze decision making processes. (Transferable courses will generally have PHI, LOG, or COM prefixes Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
A4. Quantitative Reasoning
(5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum)
Quantitative reasoning courses provide the skills to process, analyze, and interpret data. In these courses students will utilize math to solve problems. (Transferable courses generally have MAT or STAT prefixes) Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
B1– Social and Behavioral Sciences / Cultural Diversity, Tradition
(8 Semester Credits and 3 Courses Minimum)
Social and behavioral science, cultural diversity, and tradition courses cover a broad range of humanities disciplines. Courses in this competency may cover social interactions, human behavior, cultural diversity, aesthetic awareness, art appreciation and creation, history, civic duty, and other areas in the field. (Transferable courses generally have SOC, SSC, PSY, ART, HIS, LIB, ENG, ANT, REL, POL, LNG, CRJ, or related prefixes) Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
B2. Life and Physical Sciences
(2.5 Semester Credits and 1 Courses Minimum)
Life and Physical Science courses cover vary disciplines within the scientific field. Courses in this field may cover any scientific discipline within life and physical sciences. (Transferable courses generally have BIO, CHEM, PHYS, ENV, NRM, or SCI prefixes) Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
B3. General Education Capstone
(3 Semester Credits)
(3): General Education Capstone Non-transferable
In addition to the courses above, all students must complete (3): Foundations of Success (Non-transferable). A minimum of 39 credits is required for graduation

 

Effective Spring I 2024

A complete list of General Education Competency Outcome requirements and a complete list of WCU General Education Course Offerings are available on the .

 

Category and Requirements WCU Course Requirements Transferable / Options
A. Written Communications (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum) Any competency area A WCU course Any college level course meeting competency area A outcomes
B. Oral and Interpersonal Communications (2.5 semester credits minimum and 1 course minimum) Any competency area B WCU course Any college level course meeting competency area B outcomes
C. Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum) Any competency area C WCU course Any college level course meeting competency area C outcomes
D. Quantitative Literacy (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum) Any competency area D course Any college level course meeting competency area D outcomes
E. Social and Behavioral Sciences Awareness (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum) Any competency area E WCU course Any college level course meeting competency area E outcomes
F. Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Recognition (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum) Any competency area F WCU course Any college level course meeting competency area F outcomes
G. Scientific Reasoning (2.5 semester credits minimum and 1 course minimum) Any competency area G WCU course Any college level course meeting competency area G outcomes
None Foundations of Success Non-Transferable, requirement met by taking (3 credits)

Elective Requirements (30 credits):

To achieve the graduation requirement of 120 credits, all students must complete 30 credits of electives. Students may request to satisfy all or a portion of the elective credit requirements through transfer credit for previous education. Additionally, students may complete available online courses offered by the university to satisfy elective credit (some restrictions apply). Unless otherwise requested, students will take the following university courses to meet the elective requirements.

: Financial Accounting or Other Elective
: Financial Accounting or Other Elective
: Survey of Economics or Other Elective
: Project Management or Other Elective
: Corporate Finance or Other Elective
: Interpersonal Communication or Other Elective
: Technical Writing or Other Elective
: Introduction to Public Health or Other Elective
: Methods of Conflict Resolution or Other Elective
: Emotional Intelligence or Other Elective
: Survey of Science and Technology or Other Elective

Bridge Courses:

Students who have completed at least thirty-nine (39) credits of coursework with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 may also satisfy up to nine (9) credits of elective coursework through the completion of three (3) credit graduate level bridge courses in-residence. All in-residence three (3) credit graduate level courses completed as part of an undergraduate program may be used to satisfy graduate requirements.

Business Administration Core and Track Courses (51 credits)

To achieve the graduation requirement of 120 credits, all students must complete 51 credits of core and track courses. Core courses provide students with the specific discipline experience required for the degree. Tracks allow students to create interdisciplinary degrees based on personal career goals. All students will complete at least 39 core course credits as detailed below. The remaining 12 credits are based on the program track the student is enrolled in. The currently available programs are:

– Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

– BSBA – Health Administration and Leadership Track

A minimum grade of a “C” will be required to receive course credit in the BSBA program. Should a student receive a “D+” grade or lower, it will not be considered a passing grade for the BSBA program and the student will be required to retake the course. The earned grade will be counted into the student’s CGPA and will be replaced once the course is repeated with a passing grade. The student will be placed on an academic action plan to repeat the course and meet with the program Chair.

Core courses (39 credits)

Fundamentals of Accounting 3
Principles of Finance 3
Business Communications 3
Organizational Behavior 3
Introduction to Marketing 3
Information Systems Operations and Analysis 3
Microeconomics 3
Organizational Leadership 3
Introduction to Business Law and Ethics 3
Managerial Accounting 3
Strategic Management 3
Business Analytics for Decision Making 3
Global Business Environment 3
Total Credit Hours: 39

Core courses to be completed if no track chosen (12 credits)

Macroeconomics 3
Entrepreneurship 3
Social Media and Marketing 3
Financial Statement Analysis and Management 3
Total Credit Hours: 12

Track Courses

Health Administration and Leadership Track:

Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration and Leadership Track (12 credits)

Introduction to Healthcare Management 3
Healthcare Policy and Economics 3
Introduction to Strategic Planning and Organizational Management in Healthcare Organizations 3
Leadership in Healthcare 3
Total Credit Hours: 12

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the BSBA program costs at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Tuition and Fees

Prior to Spring I 2024

Accelerated*

Degree Type Bachelor of Science
Total Program Credits 120
Program Length (full time) 10 trimesters
Non-Military Rate Veteran Rate1 Active Duty Rate2
General Education Courses (per credit x 69 credits) $460 $391 $250
Core Courses (per credit x 51 credits) $460 $391 $250
Total Tuition Cost $55,200 $46,920 $30,000
STRF3 $150 $130 $87.50
Technology Fee4 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5 $50 $50 $50
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $60,250 $51,970 $35,050
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $60,400 $52,100 $35,137.50

Working Professional*

Degree Type Bachelor of Science
Total Program Credits 120
Program Length (full time) 20 trimesters
  Non-Military Rate Veteran Rate1 Active Duty Rate2
General Education Courses (per credit x 69 credits) $460 $391 $250
Core Courses (per credit x 51 credits) $460 $391 $250
Total Tuition Cost $55,200 $46,920 $30,000
STRF3 $162.50 $142.50 $100.00
Technology Fee4 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5 $50 $50 $50
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $65,250 $56,970 $40,050
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $65,412.50 $57,112.50 $40,150

Effective Spring I 2024

Accelerated*

Degree Type Bachelor of Science
Total Program Credits 120
Program Length(full time) 10 trimesters
General Education Courses(per credit x 69 credits) $460
Core Courses(per credit x 51 credits) $460
Total Tuition Cost $55,200
STRF3 $150
Technology Fee4 $5,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5 $50
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $60,250
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $60,400

Working Professional*

Degree Type Bachelor of Science
Total Program Credits 120
Program Length(full time) 20 trimesters
General Education Courses(per credit x 69 credits) $460
Core Courses(per credit x 51 credits) $460
Total Tuition Cost $55,200
STRF3 $162.50
Technology Fee4 $10,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5 $50
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $65,250
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $65,412.50

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year6
with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fees $100  $100
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936
Transportation $1,648 $1,648
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392
Total $9,524 $15,076

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term

1 Rate provided to Veterans, Veteran Spouse, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.  The military rate will no longer be offered after Fall II 2023.

2 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Department of Defense employees.  The military rate will no longer be offered after Fall II 2023.

3 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number

4 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

5 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.  

6 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration must meet the following admissions requirements:

  1. Complete an online application for admissions.
  2. Participate in an interview with a University ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ Advisor.
  3. Complete an enrollment agreement, consisting of program policies, costs, completion requirements, and other student obligations. If the applicant is under the age of 18, enrollment documents must be signed by a parent or guardian.
  4. Submit documentation of high school graduation or its equivalent.
  5. Individuals with 15 or more college-level credits are required to have a 2.25 GPA in post-secondary education.
    1. Applicants with 15 or more college-level credits and a GPA of 2.0-2.24 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
      1. The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
      2. The applicant must be approved for admission following an interview with Program Dean/Director.
      3. The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites.
      4. A student admitted under the probationary admissions pathway must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students who meet this standard will be converted to a full admit status and will be subject to the standard Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for the duration of their program. Students failing to meet these requirements following the first trimester (two terms) will be withdrawn from the university.
      5. Students accepted under the probationary admissions pathway will be considered regular students and eligible for Title IV, if the student otherwise qualifies for funding, for the first trimester of their program of study while completing the requirements for full admission to their program.
  6. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Transfer Credit Evaluation: Only undergraduate level courses in which a grade of C- or better was received will be evaluated for transfer credit. A maximum of ninety (90) total credits may be considered for transfer, subject to the following criteria:
    1. A maximum of sixty (60) credits may be accepted from alternative credit options such as CLEP/AP/IB/ACE, etc.
    2. A maximum of thirty (30) credits may be accepted from military training or work experience.
    3. All undergraduate students must complete at least thirty (30) credits in-residence at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥.
    4. At least twenty-four (24) of the in-residence credits must come from core program courses.

For more information on our admission requirements, including information on transferring credits, please visit .

Academic Calendar

New academic terms begin, on average, every eight weeks. You can discuss your expected length of study with your student advisor. Review our and then apply to begin your program on the next start date.

Career Services

BSBA Career Services

Career Services & Placement

Our Career Services department provides ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops, coaching, and guidance for our online BSBA students and graduates.2 Whether you need help strengthening your resume, hunting down job leads, or preparing for interviews, we’re here to support you.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program provides students a coherent sense of business knowledge that will help prepare them for entry-level employment opportunities in all types of business enterprises, including healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and other business entities.

LinkedIn Learning

No-Cost Access to LinkedIn Learning

As a WCU business student, you get a complimentary LinkedIn Learning account, which gives you access to an unlimited library of training videos by industry experts on a diverse range of business topics.

For each course you take at WCU, you’ll choose one module to complete on LinkedIn Learning that aligns with your WCU coursework. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate that you can post on your LinkedIn profile, which can help make you more marketable to prospective employers. As you progress through your BSBA program, you’ll be able to build up your ePortfolio so you’re better prepared to enter the workforce by the time your graduate.

Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate foundational knowledge of business concepts in accounting, finance, marketing, economics, organizational leadership, management, and business law and ethics.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking to analyze and interpret business issues and provide a defensible solution.
  • Employ planning, organizing, and leadership skills to manage business information and achieve intended business outcomes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities that drive decision-making of business managers.
  • Explore the domestic and global business landscape to identify variables that impact problem solving in a business organization.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Justin Ako

Justin Ako, DC, BSBA, CHEP

Dean, Health Administration (MHA/BSHA, MBA/BSBA Programs)

Dr. Justin Ako is the Dean of Health Administration at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i and received his bachelor’s degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska with a double major in marketing and strategic management. Dr. Ako then went on to receive his doctorate from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and most recently completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education program at Harvard University.

Dr. Ako has been in private practice for more than 25 years and has been a dean of multiple programs at higher education institutions. He has served as Dean of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Bachelor of Health Services Administration (BHSA) programs at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ for the past 10 years. He also serves as the interim dean for WCU’s MBA and BSBA programs.

Dr. Ako has sat on community boards such as the board for Northridge Hospital/Dignity Health, and he works collaboratively with NGOs such as the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent while serving his local community.

No-Cost Access to LinkedIn Learning for WCU Business Students

FAQs

Can I get my bachelor’s in business administration online?

WCU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program lets you earn your BSBA degree 100% online.

How long does it take to get a BSBA degree online?

We offer two different paces for the BSBA program. You can earn your degree in as few as 40 months with our Accelerated BSBA program pace. For working students who may not be able to study full-time, our flexible Working Professional pace lets you earn your online BSBA degree in as little as 80 months. The Working Professional pace is also a helpful option for students who are busy parents or caregivers to family members.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the BSBA program?

WCU evaluates credit transfers for the BSBA program. Students may transfer up to:

  • 33 general education credits (All general education courses considered for transfer credit must reflect content aligned with one or more categories and requirements)
  • 30 elective course credits
  • 27 credits of core and track courses

You can work directly with your advisor to see which credits can be applied to your new degree.

Can I get credit for professional certification and experience?

We can evaluate your industry certifications and/or previous work experience to see if it qualifies for credits that can be used toward your degree. If it does, you could be able to save time and money and graduate faster.

Will I be able to complete my degree if I am working?

Our online degree programs are designed to give working adults the flexibility to do schoolwork on their own schedule. With 24/7 remote access to your coursework, you can decide when to watch lectures and complete assignments, whether that’s in the middle of the day or late at night. We do set general due dates to help keep you on track, but largely, you’re in control of your own study schedule. This makes it easier for you to complete your degree while you have a part-time or full-time job.

What’s the BSBA bridge program?

We offer a BSBA bridge program for students who plan to continue their studies with a graduate degree. Through this program, you can take three graduate-level courses that will apply to both your BSBA and your future MBA (Master of Business Administration) or MHA (Master of Health Administration). This gives you a head start on your master’s program and lowers the number of credits you need to take for your MBA or MHA program, which helps save you time and money.

Do I have to finish my general education courses before I can begin taking business courses?

No. Our general education, track, and core business courses are dispersed throughout the program, which means you can begin taking classes in your main area of interest right away.

What’s the difference between a BSBA and BSHA?

A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) provides students with a general foundation in business concepts and management theory. Meanwhile, a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (BSHA) teaches students about business administration specifically within the realm of healthcare (in settings such as hospitals, physician’s offices, outpatient care centers, etc.).

At WCU, BSBA students have the option to choose a Health Administration and Leadership track if they want to learn more about business administration with a healthcare focus. Students who are interested in health administration but who still want a diversified business education that covers various industries may prefer to pursue a BSBA. On the other hand, an BSHA may be a better fit for students who plan to work only in the healthcare industry.

Is financial aid available?

You may be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and/or grants, depending on your qualifications. Some of the scholarships and grants WCU has available include the Alumni Pathway Grant (up to 20% of tuition coverage), the WCU Health Services Partner Grant (up to 10% of tuition coverage), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (up to 15% of tuition coverage). For more information, see the scholarships and grants page in our catalog.

What kind of support will WCU provide for online students?

At WCU, we’re committed to providing hands-on support to all students, both on campus and online. As an online student, you’ll have around-the-clock remote access to your coursework, our online library, and our technical support team.

Furthermore, you can message your program dean and other instructors directly through the Remind app. Our faculty members make every effort to respond to student questions within 24 hours. You’ll also have access to resources such as a Student Success advisor, complimentary tutoring, faculty mentoring, and more.

¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ is accredited by WASC Senior College of University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402 Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748- 9001/

1 WCU evaluates transfer credits for acceptance. For the BSBA program, we can accept a total of up to 90 transfer credits (up to 33 general education course credits, up to 30 elective course credits, and up to 27 core and track course credits).

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.