Navigating Tuition and Financial Aid at F.I.R.S.T. Institute

F.I.R.S.T. Institute, established in 2004 in Orlando, Florida, stands as an entertainment and digital media school dedicated to providing an innovative and hands-on educational experience. For over twenty years, the institute has been committed to helping students break into the digital media industry by offering small class sizes, industry-professional faculty and equipment, and accessible tuition options. Understanding the financial aspects of education is crucial, and F.I.R.S.T. Institute strives to make high-quality education accessible and affordable.

The Cost of Education: An Investment in Your Future

One of the first things students and their families often consider when choosing an educational institution is tuition costs. When you choose to pursue your education at F.I.R.S.T. Institute, you’re investing in your future. At F.I.R.S.T. Institute, we strive to provide high-quality education that is accessible and affordable. Our affordable tuition, coupled with various financial aid options, ensures that the cost of education is within reach for many students. Moreover, the real-world, industry-focused training you’ll receive at F.I.R.S.T. Institute prepares you for a successful career in the digital media industry.

Financial Aid Options at F.I.R.S.T. Institute

Understanding the financial aspects of your education can be daunting, but at F.I.R.S.T. Institute, we’re here to help. The institution’s goal has always been to assist as many creatives in developing their skills. With that said, one obstacle every student faces is how to make getting an education affordable. This conundrum is one that F.I.R.S.T. takes very seriously, which is why they have developed a Financial Aid Department. This department helps navigate the tuition to attend F.I.R.S.T. Institute and supports students in the process of applying for financial aid as well as finding scholarships. Everyone deserves the opportunity to grow professionally, and knowing all your options is important. We offer various financial aid options for eligible students to assist with the tuition to attend F.I.R.S.T. Institute.

Federal Financial Aid

This includes grants and loans such as the Pell Grant, Direct Subsidized Loans, and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. F.I.R.S.T. Institute strongly encourage incoming students to explore federal financial aid options.

Veterans and Military Benefits

F.I.R.S.T. Institute proudly supports veterans and active-duty military personnel and offers benefits to assist with tuition costs.

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Payment Options at F.I.R.S.T. Institute

F.I.R.S.T. Institute provides several payment options to accommodate various financial situations.

Paid in Full Option

For those who prefer to take care of tuition upfront, F.I.R.S.T. Institute offers the “Paid in Full” option. With this option, tuition is paid in full no later than 30 days before your scheduled program start date.

Tuition Options, LLC

Another valuable resource for our students is Tuition Options, LLC. They provide a comprehensive institutional loan program specifically tailored for post-secondary institutions like the F.I.R.S.T. Institute. This loan program offers low monthly payments and low interest rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility in managing their tuition expenses.

Installment Plan

F.I.R.S.T. Institute understands that not everyone can pay their tuition upfront or may prefer a more structured approach. That’s why we offer our very own installment plan directly through the school. This plan includes ten (10) manageable installments.

At F.I.R.S.T. Institute, we recognize that each student’s financial situation is unique. Therefore, our payment plans may be combined or customized based on individual needs and limitations.

COVID-19 Relief Funding: CARES Act and American Rescue Plan (ARP)

F.I.R.S.T. Institute has also been proactive in securing and distributing federal relief funds to support students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CARES Act Funding

The CARES Act (also known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) is federal legislation which provides a variety of financial support to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Education has made Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students of our institution who need financial support for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the Coronavirus. Each student was eligible for only one grant, and only one application was considered per student.

F.I.R.S.T. received $287,242 from the Department, provided under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. Of that amount, at least 50% equaling $143,621 was used for emergency student aid, due to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 in areas such as housing, food, course materials, technology, healthcare and childcare. During the month of July, F.I.R.S.T. disbursed $143621 in financial relief to 166 eligible students, who listed their expenses related to COVID-19 in their application for the CARES Act. F.I.R.S.T. has determined that <230 students were eligible for this funding. As of 09/30/21 the institution has used $143621of $143621.

F.I.R.S.T. Institute planned to distribute the CARES Act emergency grants in multiple rounds with an application process that began on June 22, 2020. The application required each applicant to attest that they had incurred eligible expenses. Applications were processed in the order in which they were received. All requests were handled thorough the F.I.R.S.T. Institute Financial Aid Department.

American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funding

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) included additional COVID-19 relief for institutions of higher education. F.I.R.S.T. Institute has received $145,076 from the US Dept of Education, provided under Section 2003(a)(4) of the ARP Act. Eligible students who applied for a HEERF III grant and have a valid expected family contribution (EFC) through their 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) will receive $400. The current HEERF application will remain open until further notice.

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These emergency funds, provided by the Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, and the Certification and Agreement completed by the College, were crucial in supporting students during a challenging time.

Digital Filmmaking and Video Production Program

The Digital Filmmaking and Video Production program is designed to teach students all aspects of film and video production and broadcast. We cover every stage of production in blocks where students progress through more advanced projects and processes. F.I.R.S.T. Institute students are graded and held accountable for each course they encounter. Consistent exercises and quizzes keep students active and interested in the information given by the instructor. F.I.R.S.T. Prerequisite: Basic computer and internet competencies.

Your Creative P.A.K. Personal Academic Kit (Included)

Students in our Digital Filmmaking & Video Production program receive a Creative P.A.K. to use during the course of their program and beyond. The digital media industry and its relevant technology are ever-changing, so specific items in your Creative P.A.K. Students are required to be prepared for class. This includes having these items at all times: pen, writing paper/notebook, ID badge, and all required materials for their program. The following required items are not included in the tuition. We use Apple computers running macOS on campus and to teach our online classes, and we strongly recommend them to students who are purchasing computers for use in class.

By focusing on the art and science of visual storytelling and using specific examples from movies past and present, classes will uncover a multitude of techniques that can be applied to any cinematic or video project in each aspect of the entertainment business. Students will become familiar with the technical aspects of digital video production, including common jargon used by professional technicians and the different lighting concepts applied to distinct film styles. Students will cover the fundamental techniques and concepts of digital video, editing principles, and visual storytelling. The concept of visual storytelling will be explored and analyzed within various media projects to demonstrate the importance of constructing a fully developed idea using moving images. There is an emphasis on editing with story continuity, media management, narration, and industry terminology. More time will also be dedicated to the importance of sound in the post environment and its subtlety in keeping the viewer grounded in the images onscreen. Classes will explore simple animation techniques, including the basics of motion graphic design.

In Commercial Production, students will break from the conventions of traditional modes of visual storytelling to explore short-form and digital-media creation methods. As post-production unfolds, students will begin editing the projects shot during this course. During the post-production process for each of their projects, students will further refine their understanding of important editing techniques, including the use of transitions and sound effects to help convey a message to the audience. In Music Video Production, students will develop and produce an advanced project with a focus on the music video. In this course, students will develop and produce an additional advanced project with an emphasis on the short film. During the short film, students will apply their knowledge of preproduction by breaking down a script, creating a budget, developing a schedule, casting talent, scouting locations, and much more. Students will also apply advanced production techniques of camera and lighting. In Documentary Filmmaking, students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts and techniques involved in producing documentary-style projects. Students will learn the fundamentals of live video production and streaming by using up-to-date technology. In this course, students will learn the technical aspects of streaming software and studio equipment and continue learning proper signal flow live productions. Students will learn the essentials of color theory and apply these concepts in the professional colorist program DaVinci Resolve. Additionally, students will take another look at Fairlight as they work to enhance the audio in their projects from previous courses.

Personalized Support and Guidance

F.I.R.S.T. Institute is committed to providing personalized support and guidance to prospective students.

Personalized Tours

Our admissions team is dedicated to helping you find a program that best fits your goals. Take an in-person or virtual tour to see how F.I.R.S.T. Institute can help you achieve your dreams.

Financial Aid Assistance

The Financial Aid Department is available to assist students in navigating the complexities of financial aid and payment options.

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