Understanding My Bill
We understand that your tuition bill may seem complex at first. This page offers a clear breakdown of each section, so you can easily see where your funds are being applied while attending Stetson University.
- Top of the Bill
- Charges, Credits and Anticipated Credits
- Billing Summary
- Making Your Payment and Due Date
- Refunds
1. Top of the Bill
The top of the bill will always have your Stetson University ID number, your name and the total amount due. That way, you know the amount due to Stetson right up front.
2. Charges, Credits, Anticipated Credits and Late fees
Charges: This section includes your semester tuition, housing, meal plan, student life fee, and any other additional charges such as the orientation fee, course fees, parking passes, and fines.
Credits/Anticipated Credits: This section lists all your payments, deposits, loans, scholarships, and grants that are applied to reduce your balance. To ensure you are receiving all sources of aid that you are eligible to receive, make sure you have accepted all available aid and that all your financial aid documents are complete. You can review your One Stop Checklist on MyStetson to see if any required items are still pending and preventing your aid from being dispersed.
For specific billing questions or discrepancies, please contact the appropriate office:
- Financial Aid: 386-822-7120, [email protected]
- Housing: 386-822-7201, [email protected]
- Meals: 386-822-7782, [email protected]
- Student Accounts: 386-822-7050, [email protected]
3. Billing Summary
Total Current Term Charges: This is the total amount for the current semester, including all charges listed in the Charges section above.
Total Current Term Credits: This represents the total credits for the current semester, including all payments, loans, scholarships, and grants listed in the Credits/Anticipated Credits section above.
Previous/Other Term Balance: This is any student account balance carried over from a previous term, which can be either an amount due or a credit.
AMOUNT DUE: This is the total amount that must be paid in full by the due date.
Future Balance: This shows the total charges or credits that will be due or available in the future. It often includes the remaining balance for your monthly payment plan for upcoming months.
4. Making Your Payment and Due Date
If Mailing in payment, please detach the portion of the bill below the line and include it with your payment. Be sure to confirm that your Student ID number is correct to ensure your payment is processed properly.
Due Date: Payment must be received by the close of business on the due date listed on your bill. Failure to pay by this date may result in a 2.5% late fee and restrictions on services such as registration and transcripts.
5. Refunds
Refunds: If your payment and financial aid exceed the Total Current Term Charges after all credits have been applied, you will be issued a refund. You can choose to receive your refund via direct deposit or as a paper check (see below). Refunds are typically processed by Financial Aid after the Course Add/Drop Deadline for the term (Academic Calendar). Please keep in mind that refunds from Financial Aid will not be available until your enrollment has been confirmed.
Refunds will be processed within 14 days after your financial aid is applied to your student account, provided there are no outstanding requirements. Approved refunds will be sent to Accounts Payable for processing.
- If you have set up Direct Deposit with the university, your refund will be automatically deposited into your linked bank account, and you'll receive a confirmation via email.
- If you prefer to receive your refund by check, you will receive an email notification when the check is ready for pickup at the Finance Office (located in the Administrative Services Building at the corner of East Wisconsin Avenue and North Amelia Avenue). You must present a photo ID to pick up your check.
What is a student account refund?
A refund occurs when the total credits applied to your student account exceed the amount currently owed to the university for the applicable term.
Credits may include financial aid, scholarships, stipends, payments, or other adjustments posted to your student account.
If an eligible credit balance remains after required account reviews are completed, excess funds may be refunded to you.
Does having a credit balance automatically mean I will receive a refund?
Not always. A credit balance does not automatically result in a refund. Before funds are released, Student Accounts reviews the account to confirm there are no remaining current-term obligations that should be covered by the available credit.
Examples may include:
- Outstanding current-term charges
- Pending adjustments
- Active monthly payment plan obligations
- Other account activity that could affect the available balance
Accounts that appear eligible may also require review by Financial Aid before refunds can be released.
When does refund processing begin?
Student Accounts begins processing eligible refunds beginning the week following the Add/Drop deadline published in the Academic Calendar. Refunds are reviewed and processed on a weekly basis throughout the term.
Why do refunds begin after the Add/Drop deadline?
Some types of financial aid and account activity depend on finalized enrollment information, including credit hours and other eligibility factors. Waiting until after Add/Drop helps ensure student accounts are accurate before refunds are released.
How long does it take to receive my refund?
Processing timelines vary depending on account activity and any required reviews. Once all reviews are complete and your refund is approved:
- Direct deposit refunds are generally received faster.
- Paper check refunds require additional processing and pickup coordination.
Students will receive communication when their refund has been processed.
Why is my refund taking longer than expected?
Refund timing can vary based on several factors, including:
- Account review timelines
- Financial aid review requirements
- Enrollment changes
- Pending account activity
- Payment plan participation
- Volume of refunds being processed
Student Accounts works to process refunds as quickly as possible while ensuring account accuracy.
How will I receive my refund?
Eligible refunds are issued using one of the following methods:
- Direct Deposit (Recommended)
- If you have direct deposit established with the university, your refund will be electronically deposited into your designated bank account.
- Student Accounts will notify you once the refund has been processed.
- Paper Check
- If direct deposit is not established, your refund will be issued by check through Accounts Payable.
- Accounts Payable will contact you directly via email with instructions for receiving your check.
Can I choose whether my refund is issued by direct deposit or paper check?
Students should review and maintain their refund preferences and direct deposit information through the university's student account system.
If direct deposit is not available or established, eligible refunds may be issued by paper check. To set up a direct deposit account with the university please complete the online ACH/Direct Deposit Form.
I have a monthly payment plan. Can I still receive a refund?
Possibly. If you are participating in a monthly payment plan, available credits may remain on your account to satisfy scheduled payments before excess funds are refunded.
How can I check whether I have a credit balance?
Students can review their student account activity and balance information through the student portal. A credit balance generally appears as a negative balance or excess credit amount.
How do I check my Student Account activity and balance?
Just follow these helpful steps to Check Your Student Account.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my refund?
Office of Student Accounts
Phone: 386-822-7050
Email: [email protected]