Columbia Artificial Intelligence (AI) executive certificate program FAQ

Setting up your account

How can I access my account to make payments?

Student Services Online (SSOL) is the University’s web-based, multipurpose tool for accepted learners. Use SSOL to check your registration appointment times, register for your courses, view your bill, update your address, and check for holds that may be blocking your registration.

How do I set up my Columbia email address, user ID, and password?

View instructions for setting up your account. You may then log in to SSOL using your university network identification (UNI), which is the letter and number combination preceding the @columbia.edu in your email address, along with the password you created.

Program fees

How much does the AI certificate program cost?

The AI executive certificate program can be completed in six terms over the course of 18 months. The program comprises six courses with a required immersion.

For the 2022–2023 academic year, the cost per course is $3,666. The total cost of the program is approximately $22,000. You will be billed for the number of courses for which you are enrolled each term.

Are there fees in addition to the course fees?

All learners registered in the non-degree, non-credit Executive Education program at Columbia Engineering shall be charged a one-time $105.00 Document Fee that entitles learners to e-transcripts, enrollment letters, and the mailing of the certificate.

Additional fees for certain circumstances may apply.

How much is the enrollment deposit/down payment?

The enrollment deposit is $500, nonrefundable, and is applied to the cost of program fees for the program.

Types of financial assistance

What are the funding options available for AI executive certificate learners?

Learners have several funding options, including employer support and private loans. At this time, the program is not eligible for military/veteran benefits.

Employer benefits

Some employers will provide support to help you advance your education. Consider the following:

  • Do your homework. Ask your HR department about your company’s policy on continuing education. Find out whether other employees in your firm have previously received company sponsorship. If so, you might be able to talk to the recipients or HR about how to proceed. Start the process early!
  • Frame your request. It’s important to make the benefits clear. Let your employer know that this program is not just a cost, but an investment that adds value to the company.
  • Create a proposal. Your employer will appreciate the effort you make to detail the time and money needed. It may be helpful to include a comparison of this program with comparable programs. If you are willing to make a commitment to your current firm, let your manager know this upfront; the company will be more apt to make an investment in you if you commit to them in return.
  • Use the program website as an asset. Encourage your manager and other decision-makers to review the program information.

How does my employer go about paying the school?

Sponsored learners are those whose educations at Columbia University are funded directly by a third party, called a sponsor. Examples of sponsors include employers, educational institutions, government agencies, foundations, or other institutional sources. For sponsors that require Columbia to send an invoice for educational costs directly to them, the third-party billing is handled by the Columbia Video Network (CVN) registration team. For more details, please email registration@cvn.columbia.edu.

When will my employer be billed?

Employers who provide a voucher to Columbia confirming program fee is covered are billed after the first week of class. This marks the end of the Enrollment Change period, after which you are no longer eligible for a program fee refund.

Otherwise, learners can provide an invoice to their employer for direct payment to the university.

Can I defer program fees based on reimbursement from my employer?

Learners who pay Columbia first and are subsequently reimbursed by their employers are not handled by the CVN or Columbia University Student Financial Services. Learners who receive reimbursement upon submission of grades or completion of sponsor terms must adhere to the University’s established payment due dates.

Scholarships

Does the Columbia AI certificate program offer institutional scholarships for this program?

Please inquire with your enrollment advisor about scholarship availability.

Do I qualify for federal financial aid?

Learners in this program are not eligible to apply for Title IV federal financial aid. However, you may want to consider private education funding.

Private loans

What are private bank loans?

Private student loans, also known as alternative education loans, help bridge the gap between the actual cost of your education and the limited amount the government allows you to borrow in its programs. Private loans are offered by private lenders, and there are no federal forms to complete. Before you and your family begin to explore your loan options, we ask that you read the University’s Disclosure Concerning Lender Selection.

In addition to the three disclosures by the Truth in Lending Act, all private education loan borrowers must complete a Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form and submit the form to their lender of choice before the private loan can be processed.

Are there any private loans that Columbia University recommends?

The University has selected suggested lenders based on several factors, including cost and eligibility, benefits to borrowers, and overall customer service. Information about the process can be found in the University’s Disclosure Concerning Lender Selection noted above.

You can view the suggested lender list. ELM select is an external website that allows learners to review the suggested lender list(s), compare products, and apply for private loans.

Please note: Learners have the right and ability to select the lender of their choice and are not required to use any of the lenders on the suggested lender list. Learners are encouraged to shop around to find the lender offering the rates, terms, and service that are right for them.

Billing policies and payment options

When will I receive a program fee bill, and when is payment due?

View details on the billing and payment process.

How do I view my bill?

View details on your bill.

How do I pay my bill?

View details on paying your bill.

What are the consequences if my bill is not paid by the bill due date?

Payments must be posted by the due date listed to avoid late charges. Review details regarding unpaid bills.

Loan repayment

Do I have to repay any student loans I currently have while I’m in school?

If you have outstanding federal student loans that you have been awarded as a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, you may be eligible to defer payment if you are enrolled at least half-time. You can learn more by visiting the Federal Student Aid website.

Most private loans also have deferred payment options while you are in school; however, you’ll want to check with your loan servicer.

You should be aware that although you can defer payments while you are in school, interest will still accrue on your loan(s).

Military education benefits

Can military education benefits be used for this program?

The program is not currently eligible for certification for military benefits.

Tax benefits for education

How do I qualify for a program fee tax credit?

For details on tax benefits for education, see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education, which provides detailed information. Columbia University is unable to provide tax advice. We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the IRS (at 800-829-1040 or on the IRS website) if you have any questions regarding the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) or American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).