Search
Southern Home PageAbout Southern Connecticut State UniversityAcademicsAdmissionsStudent LifeResearchAthleticsHuman Resources at Southern
photo bar
Southern Connecticut State University LibraryMySCSUSouthern DirectoryCalendar of EventsTechnologyContact Us

Credit Card Convenience Fees FAQ

 

Why did SCSU decide to change the credit card payment options for tuition and fees?

SCSU has been paying the merchant's fee charged by our credit card processor (generally around 2.5%) on every credit card transaction.  That has cost SCSU approximately $1 million a year.  The bulk of these charges are for tuition and fees credit card payments. The nearly $1 million expense is paid by tuition revenue the University receives from students and therefore reduces the tuition dollars available for academic programs and services for all students.  With all the budget constraints, SCSU cannot continue to pay these costs and even considered dropping the credit card payment option altogether; however, we recognize that many students and families appreciate the convenience of using a credit card to make tuition and fee payments.  Therefore, the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut State University System approved the assessing a 2.5% convenience fee to only those students and authorized users who choose the convenience of paying by credit card will provide a savings for the University and allow tuition revenue to be maximized in academic programs and services for all students.

 

What credit cards will be accepted for payment of tuition and fees?

Beginning October 1, 2011, American Express will now be accepted, along with Discover and MasterCard credit cards; Visa credit cards will no longer be accepted.* Credit card payments will be processed on SCSU's behalf through the TouchNet PayPath payment service (this service is part of the eBill Suite of tools students currently use to make payment and/or view their eBill statements) that has been certified compliant with credit card security regulations, ensuring continued security for students and authorized users' financial data. For all credit card transactions SCSU will assess a 2.5% non-refundable convenience fee. Debit card and electronic check transactions will remain fee-free.

 

Why is VISA no longer accepted?

Visa does not allow you to charge a convenience fee unless you also choose to charge a convenience fee for every payment method (check, cash); due to these restrictions, SCSU will not be able to accept Visa credit card as a method of payment.

 

Is the convenience fee refundable?

No.  The convenience fee is not refundable.

 

What other payment options are available to pay my tuition and fee bill?

There remain several other options to pay a bill with no extra cost to you:

  1. Online by ACH (e-Check) or PIN-less debit card.  Enter your own checking account routing and account numbers online.
  2. In person by personal or certified check, cash, money order, or debit card payments may be made at the SCSU Bursars Office located in the Wintergreen Building. The office is open Monday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Credit card payments for online student tuition and fees bills cannot be accepted at the Cashier's Office. However, computer kiosks will be available near the Bursar's Office for students and authorized users to make credit card payments online through TouchNet PayPath (part of the online eBill suite) , however Southern will assess a 2.5% non-refundable convenience fee.
  3. By check or money order mailed to SCSU Bursars Office, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT  06515
  4. By phone: ACH (e-Check); call (203)392-6140, have your bank's routing number and your personal checking account number ready.

Are other colleges and universities making similar changes?

Yes, colleges and universities all over the country have made similar credit card payment and convenience fee policy changes.  All four universities in the CSU System (Eastern, Western, Central, and Southern) will be moving to convenience fees and other Connecticut colleges and universities that already charge a credit card convenience fee include UCONN, University of Hartford, Sacred Heart University; Yale does not accept credit card payments.

 

What other online options are available for payment of my tuition and fee account?

You may pay by electronic check or PIN-less debit cards‡ through the Bill+ Payment site at no additional cost.

‡Some bank debit cards (e.g. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank) have chosen not to participate in such online debit transactions; please check with your individual bank.

 

When will the credit card payment changes go into effect?

The credit card convenience fee will go into effect on October 1, 2011.

 

Will I be able to pay my tuition and fees by check?

Yes, checks will still be an acceptable method of payment either by mail, by telephone at (203)392-6140 by providing your bank's routing number and your personal checking account number, or in person at the SCSU Bursar's Office located in the Wintergreen Building.  The office is open Monday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Where can I pay my bill in person?

Cash, personal or certified check, money order, or debit card payments may be made at the SCSU Bursars Office located in the Wintergreen Building. The office is open Monday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Credit card payments for student tuition and fees bills cannot be accepted at the Cashier's Office. However, computer kiosks will be available near the Bursar's Office for students and authorized users to make credit card payments online through TouchNet PayPath, however SCSU will assess a 2.5% non-refundable convenience fee.

 

I often receive checks from my credit card company. Can I use the routing number and account number on these checks to make an electronic check (e-check) payment?

No.  The credit card companies will not honor checks used electronically.  The payment will be returned as "account not found".  You may use these checks through the mail or in person only.  Mail payment to the address below.

Remember to always include your SCSU Student ID number on the check.SCSU

Bursars Office
501 Crescent St
New Haven, CT  06515

 

If I decide to use the credit card option to make a payment, how will I know how much the service fee will cost?

When you process an online credit card payment, you will receive a message that a service fee will be assessed for the convenience of using a credit card.  The message will include the amount that will be assessed to your credit card.  The service fee will not appear on your university tuition and fee account, but instead will appear on your credit card statement.  The convenience fee will be calculated at 2.5% on the amount paid by the credit card.

Will SCSU still offer payment plans?

Yes, we will continue to offers payment plans for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters that will allow you to spread the cost of the semester over several months.  You can make in-person payments of cash, check, money order, debit card, or ACH or online payments using ACH (e-check) or PIN-less debit cards.  You can also make payments online using a credit card, however if you choose to use a credit card you will be subject to the convenience fee charged through TouchNet PayPath.