Tuition Rates.

Tuition rates for the three graduate degree programs are set annually for the academic year (September through August).  Click the links below to download a pdf document of the current tuition for each program. 

Costs Not Covered in Tuition

Acupuncture

Required materials include: a computer with internet access; books; a long, white polyester-cotton examination coat; a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) and stethoscope; disposable acupuncture needles and moxa (to be purchased before entering Level III); and regular (e.g. seasonally, five times a year minimum) acupuncture treatments.

Applied Healing Arts

Required materials include a computer with internet access, books, and other miscellaneous supplies for your studies. In addition, if the student chooses to participate in a class, workshop, program, or any other feebased experience as part of an Independent Study, the student is solely responsible for that expense.

Herbal Medicine

Required materials include: a computer with internet access and books. The cost of books required for the program runs between $800 and $900. Another $1,000 could be spent on recommended books; however, purchase is not necessary and the library is an excellent resource for many of these books. Additionally, the software program, Endnote, is highly recommended to assist in writing requirements of the program; the student rate for this software is approximately $100. Other costs include those associated with field trips (i.e., transportation, food, and lodging) and supplies in the herbal medicine program, which range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Each student is required to have three consultations with a clinical herbalist within Level I of the program. Individual consultation fees range from $35 to $100, depending on whether the student sees a Level III clinic intern, a graduate of the program, or a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild. Students in Level III who are practicing as clinic interns are required to charge a fee for each herbal consultation.

Chinese Herb Program

Students must have internet access with the ability to open Word documents. The cost of materials, which should not exceed $700, includes several required and recommended books. Students also may be required to purchase sample herbs for their learning.

For all programs, please note: the costs associated with books will vary dramatically by person and program. Many choose to borrow rather than buy some of the required and recommended texts. Should it become necessary for a student to retake coursework, a fee will be charged.

Additional Fees

Health Requirement Costs

Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Chinese Herb students are responsible for the costs associated with one-time and ongoing health requirements, including CPR certification, PPD tests, and hepatitis B vaccinations. The Institute’s mandatory annual bloodborne pathogens classes are free.

Clinic & Resource Fees for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Programs

An additional continuing registration fee is due each month for any student who does not complete the program by her or his anticipated completion date. Please see the student handbooks for more detailed information on these fees.

Post Graduate Trainee Program Fees for Acupuncture Program

Students who wish to complete additional hours of supervised clinical treatment beyond the Master of Acupuncture degree requirements may enroll in the Post Graduate Trainee Program. A one-time application fee and a continuing monthly supervision fee applies. Please see the Clinical Student Handbook for details.

Graduation Fees

A $50 non-refundable diploma fee will be required of all students at the time they complete degree requirements and apply for graduation (whether or not they participate in commencement).

A $100 commencement activity fee will be assessed for all students wishing to participate in commencement. This non-refundable fee includes regalia and invitations, and does not include the separate $50 diploma fee. Please note that fees are subject to change.

Refund Policy

Tai Sophia Institute follows Maryland State refund guidelines and the federal policy for return of Title IV funds. Refund policy information is posted in the Academic Catalog and is available for download here:  Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, Applied Healing Arts. It is also available by request from the business and finance office.