Frequently Asked Questions about Payment Options and the Credit Card Convenience Fee

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

  Eastern's annual expense for supporting credit card payments totals more than $250,000.
  Concern for these costs to Eastern and the other Connecticut State Universities led the Board of
  Trustees for the Connecticut State University System to pass Board Resolution #11-33. Included
  in this resolution is a 2.95 percent/$3 miminum convenience fee on credit card transactions. This includes payments for any charges shown on your bill, including tuition, fees, parking tickets, library
  fines, and other charges. Eastern will implement this policy change effective October 1, 2011.

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

  Eastern will accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards. Due to these
  changes we can only accept credit card payments on-line. We can no longer accept mailed, faxed
  or in-person credit card payments.

• What about online debit card payments?

  
  

  You can make online payments using your debit card. Debit Card payments will not be assessed the 2.95 percent/$3 minimum convenience fee.

   

• What about electronic checks?

  We will continue to accept this popular form of payment. Electronic checks will not be assessed a
  2.95 percent/$3 minimum convenience fee.

• When I make an online credit card payment, how will I know how much the convenience fee will cost?

  When you make an online credit card payment you will receive a message asking if you agree to pay a convenience fee for using a credit card. The convenience fee will be calculated at 2.95 percent on the amount you pay. For example, if you pay $1,000, your credit card will be charged $1,000 plus a $29.50 convenience fee. That convenience fee will appear on your student account.

• Is the convenience fee refundable?

  No. The convenience fee is a non-refundable charge.

   

• Are there any other payments I may make to Eastern that are not subject to the convenience fee?

  Yes. housing deposits, tuition deposits and any donations made to the ECSU
  Foundation, Inc., are not subject to the convenience fee.

• What happens if I want to use my credit card or debit card to add money to my Eastern EXPRE$$ Card (Student ID)?

  For your Eastern EXPRE$$ card, used for purchasing goods and services at Eastern:

  1. You add funds directly through Card Services, in person (check or money order only) or online at expresscard.easternct.edu.
  2. You will be charged a 2.95% convenience fee. 
  3. You can use debit/credit VISA or Discover cards.

• When will the credit card payment changes go into effect?

  The credit card payment changes will be effective October 1, 2011.

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

  There are several other options to pay your bill:

  1. ELECTRONIC CHECK - Online payment by electronic check uses funds directly from a checking or
     savings account. This method of payment is becoming more popular with families. It's easy to set up on your student account. Payments are secure and instantly applied to the account, without a
     convenience fee.
  2. IN-PERSON - Payment in-person by cash, check or money order can be presented at the
     Bursar's Office during regular business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday
     8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. While credit card payments will not be accepted at the Cashier's window,
     computers are nearby in the Wood's Support Center lobby where credit card payments can be made. The non-refundable convenience fee will apply.
  3. BY MAIL - Check and money order payments can be mailed to: Eastern Connecticut State
     University 83 Windham Street Attn: Cashier's Office Willimantic, CT 06226
  4. TUITIONPAY INSTALLMENT PLANS - Another popular option is to pay your semester bill in five
     monthly installments. This service is managed by Sallie Mae and allows you an interest- free way
     to break down your tuition expenses. For more information, visit
     https://tuitionpay.salliemae.com or call (800) 635-0120 to speak with a Sallie Mae
     representative.

• 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) are implementing a convenience fee. Other Connecticut colleges and universities that
  currently charge a credit card convenience fee include UCONN, the University of Hartford and Sacred
  Heart University.

• 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 (eCheck) payment?

  
  

  No. The credit card companies will not honor checks used electronically. The payment will be
  returned as "account not found" and a $20 returned check fee will be assessed. You may use
  these checks through the mail or in-person only.