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Admissions

Are you passionate about pursuing a career in digital media? If so, F.I.R.S.T. Institute is here to help you turn your creativity into a career. We understand that embarking on an educational journey is a significant step, and we are committed to making it accessible to as many aspiring students as possible. Review the information below to gain insight into our admission requirements, tuition, federal student aid, scholarships, and much more.

Admission Requirements

Basic computer and internet skill as well as fluency in English are required. Please note that F.I.R.S.T.

Admission Requirements

Basic computer and internet skill as well as fluency in English are required. Please note that F.I.R.S.T.
Learn More

Tuition Breakdown

F.I.R.S.T. Institute is proud to offer exceptional education at an affordable rate of tuition. The tabs below showcase the tuition for each program.

Tuition Breakdown

Creative P.A.K.s are included for all programs. See program pages for more information on Creative P.A.K.s. Program tuition is subject to change.
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Federal Student Aid

Financial Aid is available to help eligible students meet educational expenses in a F.I.R.S.T. Institute program.

Federal Student Aid

This aid is provided through the federal government and may consist of grants, scholarships, or loans.
Learn More

Military Benefits

F.I.R.S.T. Institute is honored to welcome its military student population, including those on Active Duty, members of the Reserve

Military Benefits

Those eligible for VA benefits may apply them to their training by supplying a Certificate of Eligibility to their Admissions Representative...
Learn More

Tuition Payment Options

F.I.R.S.T. Institute is proud to offer several additional tuition payment options that can assist in making going to school as affordable as possible.

Tuition Payment Options

Additional questions? Give us a call today at 407.316.8310
Learn More

Climb Credit

Climb Credit is a new kind of student lending company which focuses on financing career-building programs.

Climb Credit

They believe education is an investment toward your future career and earning potential and provide loans for F.I.R.S.T. Institute to help you reach that potential.
Learn More

Consumer Disclosures

Below you will find information about our Security & Fire Safety Report, Drug & Alcohol Abuse Policy, Consumer Information,

Consumer Disclosures

Outcomes & Statistics, Gainful Employment, and more. For additional information please call us at 407.316.8310.
Learn More

The Cares Act

The CARES Act (also known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) is federal legislation which provides a variety of financial

The Cares Act

support to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Education has made Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students of our institution who need financial support..
Learn More
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Basic computer and internet skill as well as fluency in English are required. Please note that F.I.R.S.T. Institute does not require previous experience in your field of study.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING:

  • Proof of high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be 18 years of age, if you are under said age you must be at least 16 years of age, and provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
  • Complete an interview with one of our Admissions Representatives.
  • Submit a completed application.
  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Apply Online Today

F.I.R.S.T. Institute is proud to offer exceptional education at an affordable rate of tuition. The tabs below showcase the tuition for each program. Creative P.A.K.s are included for all programs. See program pages for more information on Creative P.A.K.s. Program tuition is subject to change. Please contact F.I.R.S.T. Institute to confirm current tuition prices.

RECORDING ARTS AND SHOW PRODUCTION

Campus or IDL: $23,950*

DIGITAL FILMMAKING & VIDEO PRODUCTION

Campus or IDL: $23,950*

GRAPHIC DESIGN & WEB DEVELOPMENT

Campus or IDL: $20,950*

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Campus or IDL: $23,950*

*Includes Creative P.A.K.

Financial Aid is available to help eligible students meet educational expenses in a F.I.R.S.T. Institute program. This aid is provided through the federal government and may consist of grants, scholarships, or loans.

Financial Aid is an easy process, and our financial aid team is here to help every step of the way. The first step in the process is completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on with our school code G41976.

You can contact our Financial Aid office at 407.316.8310 option 3 for more information or further assistance.

PELL GRANT

Federal Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who display financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree.

DIRECT STUDENT LOANS

A federal student loan, made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, that eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education at participating schools.

DIRECT PARENT PLUS LOAN

The Direct Parent Plus Loan is made by the U.S. Department of Education to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students.

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

Net Price Calculator helps students and their families get a good estimate of the cost of attending school, as it calculates other expenses aside from tuition.

F.I.R.S.T. Institute is honored to welcome its military student population, including those on Active Duty, members of the Reserve or National Guard, Veterans, and their spouses and dependents.

Those eligible for VA benefits may apply them to their training by supplying a Certificate of Eligibility to their Admissions Representative as soon as possible after gaining acceptance into their program of choice. Visit www.va.gov for more information.

VA benefits currently accepted at F.I.R.S.T. Institute include:

POST-9/11 GI BILL®

If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

MONTGOMERY GI BILL®

The Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) is available to those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces.

F.I.R.S.T. Institute is proud to offer several additional tuition payment options that can assist in making going to school as affordable as possible. Additional questions? Give us a call today at 407.316.8310

PAID IN FULL

Tuition is paid-in-full no later than 30 days prior to the student’s scheduled program start date. Paying in full guarantees a seat in the upcoming programs being offered.

TUITION OPTIONS, LLC

Tuition Options provides a comprehensive institutional loan programs for post-secondary institutions. This loan program offers low monthly payments and low interest.

F.I.R.S.T. INSTITUTE

One installment plan is available directly through the school: Ten (10) Installments – Plus additional $300.00 processing fee

COMBINATIONS

Payment plans may be combined or customized based on individual needs and limitations.

Climb Credit Financing Options:

Climb Credit is a new kind of student lending company which focuses on financing career-building programs. They believe education is an investment toward your future career and earning potential and provide loans for F.I.R.S.T. Institute to help you reach that potential.

Climb Offers:

A quick online application — with the ability to add a cosigner — completed in as little as 5 minutes with no impact to credit score*
Prepay, in part or in whole, at any time without penalty Instant decisions a majority of the time, with the ability to accept and e-sign your documents in just a few clicks Friendly and responsive customer service available by email (hello@climbcredit.com) and live chat from 10am to 8pm Eastern

Apply now at https://climbcredit.com/apply/FIRSTInstitute

*To check the rates and terms you qualify for and your eligibility, Climb conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. Once a loan is accepted and funded, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Below you will find information about our Security & Fire Safety Report, Drug & Alcohol Abuse Policy, Consumer Information, Outcomes & Statistics, Gainful Employment, and more. For additional information please call us at 407.316.8310.

SECURITY & FIRE SAFTEY REPORT

In compliance with the Department of Education regulations, F.I.R.S.T. Institute has created this report to provide an overview of the institute’s security resources, policies and procedures, crime statistics, and fire safety information.

This report can be found on our website: Safety & Security page

A PDF can be downloaded here: Security and Fire Safety Report

DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE POLICY

F.I.R.S.T. Institute is a private, post-secondary educational institution of the State of Florida and, as such, has a zero tolerance for the use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs on property by any student, employee, or visitor.

This report can be found on our website: Safety & Security page

A PDF can be downloaded here: Drug and Alcohol Policy

CONSUMER INFORMATION

This document contains consumer information pertaining to the institute’s licensing and accreditation, financial aid, outcomes and statistics, voting registration, and references to additional information.

This report can be found on our website: Safety & Security page

A PDF can be downloaded here: Consumer Information Report

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 U.S. 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 will be eligible for only one grant, and only one application will be considered per student. Information pertaining to the Student Emergency Grants can be located below.

Student Emergency Grant

F.I.R.S.T. Institute has determined that students who have successfully completed June 2019 term and are currently attending, have completed a 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 FAFSA, AND meet other federal eligibility criteria are eligible for this funding.

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 will be 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 will be eligible for this funding. As of 09/30/21, $143621 is the total amount that has been dispersed to students.

In distributing these funds, F.I.R.S.T has followed the instructions and guidance provided by the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Education, and Federal Student Aid. That guidance provides institutions with discretion to develop their own systems and processes for determining how to allocate these funds.

Institutional Portion

As of 09/30/21 the institution has used $143621of $143621. Please see link to how the school used this money.

Click Here

Distribution

F.I.R.S.T. Institute plans to distribute the CARES Act emergency grants in multiple rounds with an application process that will begin on June 22, 2020. The application requires each applicant to attest that they have incurred eligible expenses. The student eligibility requirements for each round are outlined below. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. Students who meet all student and expense eligibility requirements will receive a grant up to $615.

Eligibility: Round One

Applications open June 22 – July 13, 2020

NOW CLOSED

To be eligible to receive emergency aid, you must meet all of the qualifications below:

  • Be enrolled at F.I.R.S.T Institute campus diploma program in Spring 2020 and beyond
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or have completed homeschooling
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or an eligible noncitizen
  • Not be in an online program
  • Have submitted a 2019-20 and/or 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and used Federal Aid.

Eligibility: Round Two

Applications open July 15 – August 15th, 2020

To be eligible to receive emergency aid, you must meet all of the qualifications below:

  • Not have received a CARES Act emergency grant in Round One and meet all other qualifications in Round One.

How Do I Apply?

All requests are handled thorough the F.I.R.S.T. Institute Financial Aid Department. Please email your request to financialaid@first.edu. Include your full name.

If you received an email from Veronica Williams, inviting you to apply for a CARES grant, you are eligible to apply for a CARES Act grant. Follow the instructions in the email to complete the application for a CARES Act grant.

What if I don’t qualify?

If you do not qualify for a CARES grant, other grants and financial aid may be available to assist you.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III)

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) included additional COVID-19 relief for institutions of higher education. This new COVID stimulus bill included $40 billion, available through September 30, 2023, for higher education institutions and students, using the same Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) model established in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Disbursement

As of December 31, 2022, $69,200 of emergency grant aid has been distributed to 169 students.

Student Emergency Grant

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. This amount will be used for emergency student aid.

In distributing these funds, F.I.R.S.T has followed, and will follow, the instructions and guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, and the Certification and Agreement completed by the College. That guidance provides institutions with discretion to develop their own systems and processes for determining how to allocate these funds, subject to certain limitations on student eligibility and expense eligibility.

Distribution

F.I.R.S.T Institute plans to distribute the HEERF III emergency grants in multiple rounds with an application process that will begin on Monday, September 27, 2021.

The current HEERF application will remain open until further notice. Application review will begin during the week of September 27, 2021.

Students who are eligible to apply for a HEERF III grant will be contacted through email. Students may only apply for one grant during this period even if they meet multiple eligible criteria.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive emergency aid, you must meet all qualifications below:

  • Be enrolled in F.I.R.S.T Institute’s class starts beginning October 2020 – August 2021 and remain in attendance by 7/27/21.
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or have completed homeschooling.

Grant Award Amounts

Eligible students who apply 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. (Students must have a 2021-22 FAFSA on file to be potentially eligible to receive this amount.)