ESU implements new payment plan

A new payment plan featuring an Extended Payment Agreement may make it easier for students to pay their tuition this year.

The system is designed to eliminate confusion surrounding payment of student fees and tuition. The new system will bring many changes, including the institution of the Extended Pay Agreement, which has lead to the elimination of deferments as a payment plan option.

The Extended Payment Agreement allows a student to make a payment of $150 by the Friday before classes begin in order to avoid being dropped from classes. Any student who has problems with financial aid processing may be eligible for special consideration, but such consideration will not by given in all cases.

Under the new system, both graduate and undergraduate students can be dropped from their classes for failing to make tuition payment arrangements before the drop date. In the past, only undergraduate students could be dropped from their classes for failure to make these arrangements. However, a total of 265 students were dropped from their classes this year, a number that represents 35 less students than last year.

The $150 down payment is applied toward a student’s total semester fees. Students were given until the first day of classes to pay in full or pay a $50 Administrative Fee for further extension. The Administrative Fee is not refundable and will not be applied to a student’s fees. Any account still not paid in full by September 12 will require a second $50 Administrative Fee to continue the extension. October 8 is the last day that an account can be paid and not incur late fees or holds.