The CAAP Program fosters an intimate learning environment to prepare students for careers in accounting and to fulfill the accounting units required to sit for the California CPA exam.
Taught by Santa Clara University’s world-class faculty, our graduates are highly sought after and recruited by many companies and CPA firms in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.
The CAAP program kickstarted my career. The program provided so much guidance and networking opportunities to help launch my career in accounting. I wouldn't be where I am today had I not attend the CAAP program at Santa Clara University.
Yes. Please keep in mind that students in the CAAP Program earn undergraduate units, not graduate units. Units earned in the CAAP Program cannot be transferred to replace MBA classes at Santa Clara University. Transferring units to other institutions is at the discretion of the degree-granting institution.
No. Exceptions can be made for undergraduate or MBA accounting course(s) taken at Santa Clara University. Please contact us at caap@scu.edu for more specific guidance.
All classes are held on Sundays to limit conflict with traditional work schedules.
Yes. The CAAP program is designed to meet all of the requirements for accounting units when all courses are completed (ACTG 180-187).
Yes. There is also a business unit requirement that must be met in order to sit for the CPA Exam. The CA Board of Accountancy (http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba) provides more information about the requirements in the Uniform CPA Examination Handbook found at: http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/applicants/exambook.pdf
The California Board of Accountancy also has a self-assessment worksheet designed to assist you in evaluating the education you have already completed and planning for any future education found here: http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/applicants/self-assess-wrksheet.pdf
No. After you have qualified and passed the California CPA you must then meet licensure requirements. For more detailed information please see http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/.
The CAAP Program commits faculty and University resources, so students are urged to understand the payment, refund, and cancellation policy before committing to the program. Students must make payment in full for all courses they wish to take.
Bills will be available on August 1, December 1, and March 1, and will include tuition for classes in which you are enrolled in that quarter. Bills are due August 21, December 21, and March 21. If you withdraw prior to the first day of your first course, you will receive a 100% tuition refund (less $200 non-refundable deposit). If you withdraw after the first class meeting, you will not be eligible for a refund for that class, but will be allowed to receive a 100% refund for any course that has not yet begun. There will be no refund provided for any course that has already begun.
Types of Loan Programs
There are two federal student loan programs available for students enrolled in the Certificate of Advanced Accounting Proficiency program. If this federal aid is unavailable or insufficient, other loan options such as a private alternative loan can supplement the difference.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
We recommend that you first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine federal eligibility. The FAFSA should be completed at the time you are completing your admission application for the Certificate of Advanced Accounting Proficiency program. When completing the FAFSA, it is critical that you answer as a “Fifth-Year Undergraduate” when asked about your grade level.
Unsubsidized - William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
You must enroll at least half-time to be eligible for William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan. The maximum amount that a student can borrow each academic year is dependent on the program ($7,500 for dependent students, $12,500 for independent students).
Federal Direct Loans - loan funds from this option will be sent to Santa Clara University and credited to your student account after all loan documents have been completed.
NOTE: With the passage of the Student Loan Certainty Law of 2013, federal student loan interest rates are tied to the financial market. Under this act, interest rates will be determined each spring for new loans made for the upcoming award year, which runs from July 1 to the following June 30. Each loan will have a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan.
Private Alternative Loan
Private Loans can help you pay your college expenses that may not be covered by federal loan programs or other financial aid. Interest rates are generally variable for private alternative loans and are typically higher than federal loans. In order to receive this loan, student must choose a lender, apply for the loan and complete the Master Promissory Note online using the lender’s website. If you choose this option, the loan funds will be sent to Santa Clara University and credited to your student account after all loan documents have been completed.
For additional information or for assistance with the financial aid process, students should contact the Enrollment Services Center at onestop@scu.edu or (408) 551-1000.
Note: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information. However, since financial aid policy is subject to change, especially regulatory change, which occurs frequently at federal, state and University levels, the information contained herein is subject to change without notice. jsr REV 1-2015
To be awarded with federal loans, please begin by completing the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
The FAFSA should be completed at the time you are completing your admissions application for the CAAP Program. When completing the FAFSA, it is critical that you choose "Fifth-Year Undergraduate" as your grade level on the application.
Once you have been admitted to the CAAP Program and the Financial Aid Office has received your FAFSA, we will generate an electronic financial aid award letter listing your federal student loan eligibility. Once you are awarded the federal loans maximum by the Financial Aid Office, please accept the loans on eCampus and complete the required Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling Tutorial online at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action. Your Federal Student Aid PIN is required to access this secure website. The loan funds will not disburse to your student account until both requirements have been completed.
For Private Alternative Loans, please visit the Financial Aid Office's website at https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/private-loans/ to obtain information on how to choose a lender and apply online for this loan. When completing the online application for a Private Alternative Loan using your lender's website, please specify your grade level as "Fifth-Year Undergraduate" or "undergraduate." The lenders will ask for your grade level on the loan application and it is critical that they understand you are not in a graduate program.
Please contact the Enrollment Services Center at (408)-551-1000 or via e-mail at onestop@scu.edu with any questions throughout the financial aid application process.
Feel free to email us directly at caap@scu.edu, or visit our contact page. We're here to help!