I was out there for the tour in May. I would really reccomend going out there for the tour. Also, call the 800 number and ask as many questions as you can think of. Mostly students answer the phones and I found them to be very honest and up front.
As for $$, they said that you need to keep a min of $2000 in your flight account at the college. It is still your $$ just have to keep a min balance to fly.
Hope that helps.