FAQ: Your Student Account and Payment Options

http://www.cedarville.edu/Offices/Cashiers/FAQ.aspx


FAQ: Your Student Account and Payment Options

Q: What are the costs for tuition, room, and board?

A: You can review all costs on our Cost Information page.

Q: What payment plan options will the University offer for 2013–14?

A: We will offer a standard four-payment plan per semester as well as a monthly budgeting resource that offers unique interest benefits. Use our online payment calculator to explore the payment plan options.

Q: Is a five-payment plan per semester a possibility?

A: You may adapt the standard four-payment plan option per semester and add prepayments in July and December. Note that if your July prepayment results in at least a $500 credit balance, as part of the University's "Prepayment Incentive Credit (PIC) Plan," we will pay interest to the student's account at the end of that month.

Q: What is a PIC plan?

A: The PIC Plan (Prepayment Incentive Credit Plan) benefits students or parents who make prepayments before the full semester's bill is due. The PIC Plan pays an interest rate slightly higher than a savings account.The current PIC interest rate is available on our PIC Plan page. Families who take advantage of the monthly budgeting resource will benefit from these interest credits since their first pre-payment will be made May 1. Those who opt to make 10 monthly payments may also earn interest since their first payment will be made July 1.

Q: How does the PIC plan work?

A: There must be at least a $500 credit balance on a student account on the first day of the month to earn interest in any given month. Interest is computed based on daily balances and paid once per month. The interest rate paid on student accounts will be reviewed quarterly, and any changes to the interest rate or program will be effective on the following dates: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Interest rate information will be available one month prior to the effective date and can be obtained on the PIC Plan page.

Q: If I choose a payment plan, how will I determine my monthly payment?

A: The interactive payment calculator allows you to enter your estimated financial aid package to automatically calculate your estimated monthly payment for the pay-in-full and four-payment plans, as well as the monthly budgeting resource. For specific questions or individualized payment solutions, please contact the cashiers office.

Q: Is there an enrollment fee if I use a payment plan?

A: We listened to your feedback and determined that no enrollment fees will be charged for Cedarville payment plans. A competitive monthly interest rate of 1.083% per month will be charged on outstanding balances.

Q: What about late fees?

A: Late fees of $25 per late payment will apply if the payment is past due over 10 days. For families who opt for the monthly budgeting resource, late fees only apply after August 4.

Q: Can I make a payment on my student account using a credit/debit card?

A: Yes, we accept Discover, Mastercard & Visa credit/debit cards with a 2.5% convenience fee. Call 937-766-7830 or stop by our office to make a payment or visit E-Z Pay.

Q: May I pay my bill online?

A: Yes, you can access Cedarville's free EZ-Pay account drafting system and schedule payments one time per month or weekly each Friday. For your convenience, you may also want to consider using your local bank's online bill payment service to schedule regular electronic payments to the University.

Q: How can I withdraw funds from my student account?

A: A student's account can provide the basic benefits of a bank account. A student, with a valid ID card may withdraw funds from a student account if the account has a credit balance. No more than two cash withdrawals may be made in a week and the total may not be more than $100. For requests for amounts greater than $100, we typically provide the funds by electronic payment within three or four business days. Requests can be made in person at the cashiers office or by submitting an online request form.

Q: May I view my student account and invoice online?

A: Yes, visit CedarInfo and login with your student or parent password. Click on "View your current invoice," "View your past invoices," or "View your student account."

Q: What is the new Online Course Technology Fee on my invoice and student account?

A: This new $35 fee per semester credit hour applies only to undergraduate classes delivered online beginning with Fall 2012. The fee helps defray the cost of delivering classes online. For example, a three credit hour online class will result in a $105 technology fee per semester.

Q: When are invoices and statements made available?

A: As of July 1, all invoices and statements will be available electronically. Invoices will be available approximately 30 days before the first due date of each semester. Invoices for the fall semester are available in early July. Invoices for the spring semester are available in early December. Monthly statements are available after the 10th of each month. Paper statements can be requested on an annual basis for a monthly fee of $3-$5.

Q: What if I believe my invoice or statement is incorrect?

A: Please contact the cashiers office if you believe that there is an error on your invoice or statement.

Q: How do I learn more about scholarships and financial aid?

A: Cedarville's financial aid website is the best source for information about scholarships, loans, and institutional, federal, and state grants. Visit the website or call 1-800-444-2433 for helpful information and resources. In addition, you may qualify for local or regional scholarships available through your town, church, county, state, or organizations. When it comes to pursuing financial aid, be aggressive! Check out every option, particularly associations and organizations that know you or may be interested in you because of your background, qualifications, or anticipated career. Many Cedarville students receive privately funded scholarships each year. Visit our scholarship search page for other financial aid resources.

Q: What about campus employment?

A: Student employment is an important part of financial aid. More than 1,600 students work on campus, typically for 10–12 hours per week, in jobs as diverse as the dining hall, office support, grounds crew, custodial services, and many more. All students earn minimum wage or higher ($7.70 per hour) and receive biweekly electronic payment.

Student employment awards are not listed as financial aid on a student's invoice or monthly statement. Student employment awards are estimated for financial aid purposes only. Actual compensation to the student is based on their hours worked. To learn more about student employment and view or apply for current job openings, visit cedarville.edu/studentemployment.