Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will my payment be due?

   Payment due dates for the Fall and Spring semesters are on the 15th day of the month. If you selected courses during early registration or orientation, your payment will be due approximately two weeks prior to the start of the semester. If you choose to late register, your payment will be due approximately 10 days later. Payments received after the due date printed on your bill are considered late and will be assessed an additional LatePayment/AdministrativeFee of $30 for a balance due of $30 or more, or $10 for a balance due of less than $30. You are required to pay for Summer and J-Term at the time you register in order to reserve your courses.

2. Can I pay in installments?

   You may choose the Fredonia Installment Payment Plan (FIPP). As long as your balance due is more than $200.00, you will be offered the FIPP option on your first bill. For a $25.00 processing fee included with your first payment, you may pay half by the due date and we will defer the balance until the next bill, approximately 6 weeks after the start of the semester. If you have any other questions regarding the FIPP option, please call the Student Accounts Office. Another option is to contract for a monthly payment plan, TuitionPay, which is one of the payment solutions offered by Academic Management Services(AMS) and Sallie Mae. For a small application fee, you can contract to make 10 monthly payments (first payment in May) that will cover Fall & Spring charges which are not being paid by other aid. If you begin later than May, the remaining payments will be adjusted to cover. By combining your personal financial resources with the financial aid you are offered, you could minimize the amount you borrow. For applications and additional information, contact TuitionPay directly at 1-800-635-0120 or visit their website at http://www.tuitionpay.com/.

3. What if I didn't receive a bill?

   You do not need a copy of your bill to pay. Using 'Your Connection', you may view your account summary on-line. Paper bills are mailed to you at your home address if it is within the United States. If your home address is outside of the United States, copies of your initial bill are mailed to the International Education Office on campus. During the Fall and Spring semesters, copies are also sent to your local address on file. You are billed after you have selected courses.

4. What if I change my mind after I have registered for courses?

   • Prior to the start of the semester, new students should inform the Admissions Office at (716) 673-3251.
   • Returning students should complete the Withdrawal/Non-Returning form and submit it as soon as possible to avoid financial liability. Contact the Student Affairs Office at (716) 673-3271 if you have any questions.
   • After the start of the semester, all students must complete the Withdrawal/Non-Returning form. Any delay in completing the proper withdrawal request form may result in additional charges.
   • Never just walk away. You must officially withdraw. You are financially liable as soon as the semester begins. A Refund Schedule is in effect to reduce tuition if you withdraw during the first four weeks of the Fall & Spring semesters. Summer and J-Term withdrawal calculations correspond to the shorter semesters. Due to strict federal regulations governing the use and distribution of Title-IV financial aid, aid recipients will jeopardize their eligibility if withdrawal from college takes place before completing 60% of the semester. You are advised to consult with the Director of Student Accounts or with a financial aid advisor to discuss your individual case.

5. Why isn't my tuition calculated using the resident rates?

   Eligibility for in-state tuition is determined by the student's domicile which must have been in New York State for a period of at least one year immediately preceding the time of registration. Your domicile is the fixed and permanent home to which you intend to return whenever absent. The sole purpose of attending college does not meet your domocile requirement. Students that have inconsistent resident data, as identified by the Application Services Center, will be charged the out-of-state rate. Your residency status must be proved by providing three (3) types of documents that support your claim. Prior to the start of the semester, you must submit the completed Application for New York State Residency Status for Tuition Billing Purposes. Individuals who are financially dependent will be eligible for in-state rates only if the custodial parent lives in the State of New York. Please direct your questions concerning residency to the Director of Student Accounts prior to the start of the semester.

6. My Financial Aid is more than my direct university charges. When will I receive my refund?

   Financial aid is applied in a first-in, first-applied order and refunds are not generated until the your student account is paid in full. Since refunds are not readily available during the first four weeks, it is advisable to have other personal funds to pay for your indirect expenses, such as your rent if you are living off campus or to pay for your books if you choose not to take advantage of the Debit Account option. Refund checks are made payable to you, the student, with the exception of parent PLUS loans. Instead of a check, you may choose to have your refund direct deposited into your savings or checking account. Authorization forms can be picked up in the Student Accounts Office or you can download the Direct Deposit Authorization form from our website. FSA offers a short term advance for a minimal fee so you may borrow based on your expected refunds from approved aid. When you are estimating your cost of attendance, refer to the Cost Fact Sheet from the Financial Aid Office as it will help you to understand the university charges and indirect expenses you may want to consider in your budget.

7. I applied late for my aid! I was selected for verification! What if my financial aid is not approved before my bill is due?

   Until you submit the required paperwork to the Financial Aid Office, your financial aid will not be approved. You may use the Fredonia Installment Payment Plan (FIPP) and pay at least half by the due date to buy some time. Once the second payment is due, your financial aid may be approved so you could defer your balance at that time. If you choose not to pay your bill by the due date, you will be assessed an additional LatePayment/AdministrativeFee of $30 for a balance due of $30 or more, or $10 for a balance due of less than $30. Any aid awarded to you after your account is paid in full will be refunded to you once we receive the funds.

8. What does it mean to have a Hold on my account?

   Following SUNY policy, a HOLD is placed on a student's records preventing registration for a new term and withholding official transcripts (including diplomas) until all financial obligations have been paid. You can view your hold status via Your Connection. Holds are posted to students' accounts prior to the start of early registration for the next academic period.

9. What is the Student Services Fee?

   This mandatory fee is charged to every enrolled student based on a per credit hour rate, regardless of residency or level. The funds are used to finance activities and services that benefit the student body and campus. As a student receiving credit from SUNY Fredonia, the required payment of the Student Services and Program Charge supports programs and services provided to all registered students, whether or not they choose to take advantage of those opportunities. Some of the items receiving support are listed in the College Catalog under 'Expenses' and a shortened version listing the component categories is on the back of your billing notice.

10. Oh no!! My check bounced! What happens now?

    A $20.00 returned check charge is assessed at the time your payment is removed from your account. You may also be charged a LatePayment/AdministrativeFee in the amount of $30.00 for a balance due of $30.00 or more, or a $10.00 fee for a balance of less than $30.00. This is in addition to the fee your bank charges you! A very costly mistake...and you may be restricted to future payments by cashier's check or money order if it occurs more than once.

11. Tell me about vehicle registrations and parking fines!

    There is no additional charge to students for parking on campus. If you will have a vehicle on campus, it must be registered. You have many opportunities to satisfy this requirement. If you are a returning student, you will receive a renewal form during the summer. New students will have the opportunity at Orientation. During the first week of the FALL semester, you may register your vehicle at the Williams Center. Any other time, vehicles can be registered at the Student Accounts Office, Parking Unit on the 3rd floor of Maytum Hall. You may want to download the Vehicle Registration form and return the completed form to the Parking Unit in exchange for your vehicle registration sticker. Be sure to read the Parking Regulations. Students will be put on Hold for unpaid parking fines prior to the start of early registration.

12. Where are the ATM machines on campus?

    The SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union has an ATM machine in each of these locations - Steele Hall, Fenton Hall and University Commons. Lakeshore Savings and Loan has an ATM machine in the following locations - Williams Center and McEwen Hall. M&T has an ATM at University Commons. The HSBC ATM in Gregory Hall has 24 hour access.

13. I applied for graduation! What things should I be thinking about?

    • Update your Permanent address to ensure you receive your diploma, refunds and any other pertinent information.
    • Clear your records because a HOLD may stop graduation and transcripts. Financial obligations including unpaid charges, fines or FSA advances must be cleared. You will see your holds on 'Your Connection'.
    • If you had a Federal PERKINS loan, exit interview information will be sent to you prior to the end of the semester. It must be completed before you graduate.
    • Know your debt and your debt load as well as what it takes to be an educated consumer with good credit. Visit the Financial Aid site for information regarding Financial Literacy.
    • Your Fredonia.edu email services terminate 90 days after graduation.
    • Other things you may want to consider: visit Career Development, join the Alumni Association, visit the Book Store for your Alumni bumper sticker, etc.