Sliding Scale Scholarships
Don’t let cost be a barrier
COCA offers a sliding scale scholarship program for qualifying students.
Application Period for SEP 1, 2025–AUG 31, 2026: Now Open
This application period is for Fall 2025 Classes; Winter/Spring 2026 Classes; Spring Break Arts Camps 2026; and Summer Classes, Summer Intensives, and Summer Arts Camps 2025 & 2026.
Application Period for SEP 1, 2026–AUG 31, 2027: Now Open
This application period is for Fall 2026 Classes, Winter/Spring 2027 Classes, Spring Break Arts Camps 2027, Summer Classes 2027, Summer Intensives 2027, and Summer Arts Camps 2027.
NOTE: COCA’s sliding scale application periods have been updated to align with COCA’s fiscal year.
We will notify applicants within 5 business days of application submission of their sliding scale scholarship status. Applicants must reapply each year. Sliding scale scholarship application periods have been adjusted to align with COCA’s fiscal year. Current recipients of sliding scale tuition for the 2025–2026 school year will qualify for sliding scale tuition for Summer 2026 without reapplication.
Once the sliding scale scholarship amount is issued, you may register using scholarship funds. Registrations that occur prior to receiving a sliding scale tuition scholarship cannot be refunded.
Sliding scale scholarships are available regardless of race, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. It is based on need. Sliding scale scholarships will not be available to an applicant with a past due balance on their account.
Application Requirements
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Return completed and required documentation to the Registration Office, including:
- A completed and signed application form.
- 2025 Federal Income Tax Return for all members of the household. COCA does not use Social Security numbers; you may conceal this information. If you do not file taxes, a W-2 or paycheck stub can be provided. Please provide copies as these will not be returned. COCA does not have a public copy machine and cannot provide copies.
- A copy of any State/Federal benefits that members of your household receive, such as housing assistance, social security, SNAP, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which programs are covered by sliding scale scholarships?
Sliding scale scholarships are available for:
- Summer Classes, Summer Arts Camps
- Fall Classes
- Winter/Spring Classes, Spring Break Arts Camps
Scholarship funds may be applied to up to 90% of an activity’s tuition.
If I apply now, do I have to apply again for future semesters?
You only apply once per year, which covers the following semesters:
- Fall Classes
- Winter/Spring Classes, Spring Break Arts Camps
- Summer Classes, Summer Arts Camps
How do you calculate my sliding scale scholarship?
Sliding scale scholarship is an income-based program. We look at the total income coming into the household and divide it by how many people are living in the household. We compare that number to our scale, which is updated annually based on the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.
What if my income doesn’t accurately reflect my current financial situation?
Check the box on “Part 3: Financial Information” on your application. This will prompt a conversation with one of our Registrars, giving you the opportunity to let us know what those factors are. We will take these into consideration when calculating your sliding scale scholarship.
Who can use the sliding scale scholarship issued?
Sliding scale scholarships may only be used by the persons listed on this application. Sliding scale scholarships cannot be applied to another person or held over from one semester to the next.
We value participation and want to ensure that enrollment spots are well utilized, thus, consistent attendance is a consideration for continuation of the sliding scale scholarships. Accounts must not have an overdue balance to receive sliding scale scholarships for the next semester.
What costs can I expect?
Registration fees are exempt from sliding scale scholarships. All fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.
For a student registering for activities that exceed their scholarship amount, any additional classes or camps will be charged at the full tuition amount.
Sliding scale scholarship funds may only be applied toward a maximum of 90% of an activity’s tuition.
After you receive your sliding scale scholarship funds, you are responsible for the remaining amount of tuition (which can be put on a payment plan if you wish).
Sliding scale scholarship funds are not eligible for:
- Master classes and other special offerings
- Transportation, clothes, shoes, or supplies needed for the class
What happens after I submit my completed application?
Sliding scale scholarship amounts will be emailed within 5 business days after submitting the application with instructions on how to register using the scholarship funds.
Registration forms should be submitted AFTER you are notified about your sliding scale scholarship. We cannot apply sliding scale scholarship funds to previous registrations, or register for the class at the same time we accept the application for sliding scale scholarships.
When do I need to apply again?
Sliding scale scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. All applicants must submit a new sliding scale scholarship application each year during the application period. The next application period will open April 15, 2027 (this application period will cover 2027 Fall Classes, 2028 Spring Break Camps, 2028 Winter/Spring Classes, 2028 Summer Arts Camps, 2028 Summer Classes, and 2028 Summer Intensives).
Sliding scale scholarships are issued on a first come, first served basis, as funds allow. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Sliding scale scholarships are formerly known as COCA’s tuition assistance program/sliding scale tuition.
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