/Institutions/University-of-Saint-Mary/json/2024-2025/Academic-Catalog-AY-2024-2025-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Saint-Mary/json/2024-2025/Academic-Catalog-AY-2024-2025.json

Academic Catalog 2024-2025 > Tuition and Fees > Payment Policy

Payment Policy

Student balances must be paid in full, or students must be enrolled in a payment plan prior to the start of the term. Students who have not made financial arrangements may be withdrawn. Please see the Administrative Drop or Withdrawal Policy for more information.

It is the student’s responsibility to check his or her balance on “eSpire/My Account Info” and make payment arrangements in one or more of the following ways:

1. Complete all financial aid requirements. Balances greater than approved financial aid are due at the start of the semester. Financial aid for classes taken in the second 8-week session of the semester, or workshops taken late in the semester, may not be applied until those classes start. Aid includes:
   1. University scholarships
   2. Federal or State grants
   3. Federal Direct Student or PLUS loans
   4. Alternative loans
   5. Outside scholarships
   6. Third party payments
2. Pay tuition and fees in full by cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover.
3. Enroll in a University Payment Plan via “eSpire/My Account Info.” Payments will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account or charged to your credit card. Payment plan options can be found by logging into your eSpire account, going to the accounts and aid tab, and clicking on the view payment plan options. There is a $50 enrollment fee for all payment plans. Any changes in student account balances after enrollment in a payment plan will cause payments to fluctuate and will be reflected on the monthly statement. The number of installments depends on the month of enrollment. Plans may be available with as few as two (2) installments to as many as nine (9) installments, depending on the semester and the payment plan selected. The first installment is due at the time of enrollment in the plan.
4. Present letter of authorization from a third-party payer who will pay directly to the university. The university will bill the third party directly. The student is responsible for payment at the beginning of the semester if the third party makes payment to the student rather than to the university. All tuition and fees in excess of the documented amount payable by the third party are due at the beginning of the semester. Third party documentation must include:
   1. Student’s name
   2. Term or classes approved for payment
   3. Amount approved
   4. Third party billing and contact information
5. Students under the Montgomery GI Bill^® must pay at the start of the semester. Students under the Post 9/11 GI Bill^® must present an approved certification to the Registrar and the Business Office prior to classes starting. If a student is not eligible for 100% of the Post 9/11 GI Bill^® the remaining percentage must be paid at the beginning of the semester. GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill
6. For students who choose to pay their account with a debit or credit card, the University of Saint Mary will impose a convenience fee of up to 2.95% for domestic transactions and 4.25% for international transactions on the transaction amount, which is not greater than our cost of processing. There are no processing fees associated with the ACH payment method but there is a fee is the payment is returned. The minimum service fee for card transactions over $20 and less than $106 will be $3.

Late payment fees will be assessed for all of the following:

• Late payments ($100/month)
• Returned payments ($45/each)
• Uncleared balances ($100/month)

Failure to satisfy the payment policy will result in:

• A financial hold placed on the student account
• Transcripts, diplomas, or certifications withheld
• Registration for classes or change of class schedules prevented
• Dismissal may occur from the University after second week of classes

Should payment not be made when due or in the event of payment default after withdrawal, the student is responsible for interest, late charges, collection, and reasonable attorney fees, if applicable. All credit extended to the student shall be considered an educational loan and may not be discharged by bankruptcy as defined by bankruptcy laws under §523(a)(8).

By registering for classes, students acknowledge and agree to this policy.