Office of the Student Account Services and Financial Aid

Office of Student Account Services Information

The activities of the Office of Student Account Services encompass billing students, recording payments, processing refunds, coordinating payment plans, collecting outstanding balances, and handling transactions affecting accounts receivable.  Each semester the Office of Student Account Services is responsible for ensuring that students have met their financial obligations to the University before being permitted to register for classes, move into residential halls, and receive bookstore authorizations. The Office of Student Account Services is also responsible for ensuring a student does not owe a balance to the University when an official transcript is requested. The Office of Student Account Services notifies the Office of the Registrar when a student is financially cleared to graduate.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate Programs per Semester/Term

(excluding the Master of Athletic Training Program)

2019-2020

*The cost for students who are active duty military is $250 per credit hour.

**Students who exceed 15 credit hours will be charged and additional $750 per credit hour for each credit that exceeds 15.

**Students enrolled in one of the following Online Programs are assessed a $500 technology fee:           
    Criminal Justice Administration, Organizational Leadership, Exceptional Student Education,
    or Christian Ministry.

    Active duty military students are not assessed fees.

Please note:  Students who reside on campus will be assessed a room rate based on the hall selected that semester. The room rates are as follows:  $3,481 room rate per semester (all halls except Lee E. Rhyant Residential Life Center, Thomas and Joyce Hanks Moorehead Residential Life Center, and Phase II halls), or $3,845 room rate per semester (Lee E. Rhyant Residential Life Center), or $3,888 room rate per semester (Thomas and Joyce Hanks Moorehead Residential Life Center and Phase II halls).

Students will also be assessed a $1,250 board rate per semester. However, students who select the Gold Plus Board Plan will be assessed a $1,500 board rate per semester.

Note:  Textbooks are not included in the cost of tuition.

*These are the room and board rates only if a student chooses to reside on-campus. In
    addition, students who select the Gold Plus Board Plan will be assessed an additional $250
     per semester.
 

Methods of Payment to Bethune-Cookman University

Before the start of each academic year, the University publicizes the deadlines for students to clear their financial obligations. Payment for charges may be made through the following methods:

• Payments can be made with cash, cashier’s check, money order, or traveler’s check.  Personal checks are not accepted. Cash should never be mailed.  Payments should be made payable to Bethune-Cookman University and include the student’s first, middle initial, and last names, student I.D. number or social security number.  Payments should be mailed to:  Bethune-Cookman University, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida, 32114-3099, Attn: Cashier’s Office.

• Credit Card payments (American Express, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard) can be made online by accessing the Wildcat Web at www.cookman.edu.  Students will need both their B-CU student I.D. & pin numbers in order to access the Wildcat Web. Third party payments to a student’s account can be made online through the following link: http://www.cookman.edu/payment/index.html

• Payments can also be made in person by visiting the Cashier’s Office (located on the first floor of White Hall, the University’s Administration Building), or by calling the Cashier’s Office at (386) 481-2289 or 2292.

Please note: Receipts for payments mailed to the University are not automatically issued. However, a receipt may be requested by calling the Cashier’s Office at (386) 481-2289; the receipt will be mailed within 10 days of the request. Receipts cannot be issued for payments made through the University’s Website. Receipts may also be picked up from the Cashier’s Office in White Hall Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Non-Payment Policy and Consequences

All tuition and fees must be paid each semester. This includes room, board (meal plan costs), fees and deposits. Any charges unpaid at the end of the previous semester are also due and must be paid before you can re-enroll. If a balance is owed to the University, a hold will be placed on student’s account, grades and transcripts will not be released, registration will be blocked, or pre-registered classes will be dropped, and room & board can be revoked or canceled. All payments will be applied towards previous debt before applying funds toward your current balance.

Bookstore Authorizations

Any student who has financial aid in excess of their semester tuition, room and board (if applicable), and fee charges may receive a Bookstore Authorization which will allow him or her to purchase their books from the University’s bookstore.

Authorizations are issued only at the beginning of each semester or term. Students are made aware of the time period when they are able to use their Bookstore Authorizations through the University’s Homepage and email systems. Authorizations may also be given for students who have book funds deposited into their accounts that do not originate from the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Bookstore charges are posted to the student’s account, and funds are deducted from either the student’s financial aid or other book deposit funds. Students are permitted to receive an authorization in an amount not to exceed $750. The dollar amount of the authorization is contingent on the student’s available funds. If a student’s financial aid is reduced during the semester, he or she is still responsible for repayment of any purchases made using a Bookstore Authorization. In addition, if a class is added, room assignment received, and/or meal plan is issued after the book authorization has been used at the bookstore, the action may create an account balance.  If this does occur, the student will be responsible for paying the balance.

Book Scholarships

If a student has been awarded a book scholarship, any credit remaining from the scholarship, after books have been purchased, is not refundable to the student unless a refund has been approved by the benefactor.

University Refund Policy for Adjustment to Charges

Dropping Courses

No adjustment is made to tuition charges when a student drops a course after the last day of the Add/Drop Late Registration Period. It is the student’s responsibility to know the last day to drop courses during Late Registration in order to receive a 100% tuition adjustment in any given Semester. This information is readily available on the University’s Homepage and through the Office of the Registrar. The Office of Student Account Service’s Staff and Academic Student Success Coaches are also able to provide students with this information.

Withdrawal from the University

Withdrawing from the University is a process that involves several steps which must be followed in the prescribed order so as to avoid unnecessary expenses and/or failing grades. When a student officially withdraws from the University, a refund or adjustment to tuition will be calculated, if applicable. Students should familiarize themselves with the following Tuition Refund Schedule:

Fall and Spring Semesters:

1. 100 percent of tuition charges if the student withdraws on or before the last day of the Late Registration Period. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
2. Up to 90 percent of tuition charges if the student withdraws after the last day of Late Registration but on or before the last day of the second week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
3. Up to 50 percent of tuition charges if the student withdraws after the second week but on or before the last day of the fourth week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
4. Up to 25 percent of tuition charges if the student withdraws after the fourth week but on or before the last day of the eighth week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.

First-time students are eligible to receive a 100 percent adjustment/refund of tuition charges if they withdraw on or before the last day of the Late Registration Period; a prorated adjustment/refund will be processed if they withdraw after the last day of Late Registration but on or before the last day of the tenth week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.

8 - Week Sub-Terms I and II:

1. 100 percent (100%) of tuition charges. if the student withdraws on or before the last day of the Late Registration Period. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
2. Up to 90 percent (90%) of tuition charges, if the student withdraws after the last day of Late Registration, but on or before the last day of the first week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
3. Up to 50 percent (50%) of tuition charges, if the student withdraws after the first week, but on or before the last day of the second week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
4. Up to 25 percent (25%) of tuition charges, if the student withdraws after the second week, but on or before the last day of the third week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.

First-time students are eligible to receive a 100 percent (100%) adjustment/refund of tuition charges, if they withdraw on or before the last day of the Late Registration Period. A prorated adjustment/refund will be processed if they withdraw after the last day of Late Registration, but on or before the last day of the fourth week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.

Summer 10-Week Semester:

1. 100 percent (100%) of tuition charges. if the student withdraws on or before the last day of the Late Registration Period. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
2. Up to 90 percent (90%) of tuition charges, if the student withdraws after the last day of Late Registration, but on or before the last day of the first week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
3. Up to 50 percent (50%) of tuition charges, if the student withdraws after the first week, but on or before the last day of the second week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.
4. Up to 25 percent (25%) of tuition charges, if the student withdraws after the second week, but on or before the last day of the third week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.

First-time students are eligible to receive a 100 percent (100%) adjustment/refund of tuition charges, if they withdraw on or before the last day of the Late Registration Period. A prorated adjustment/refund will be processed if they withdraw after the last day of Late Registration, but on or before the last day of the fourth week of classes. Room and Board charges are not refundable once a student moves into the residence hall.

Adjustments/refunds will be processed by the Office of Student Account Services, if written notice of withdrawal of enrollment from the University is received from the student or designated staff person and approved prior to or no later than the deadline listed for the applicable semester or term.

There will be no adjustments or refunds for tuition, room & board charges, student fees, institutional paid charges, waived charges, bookstore charges, late registration fees, housing assessment fees, or any other fees and fines under the following conditions:

When a student is required to withdraw due to disciplinary action, the student forfeits their legal rights and privileges as a member of the University family. All payments made toward assessed charges are also forfeited. 

In addition, there will be no adjustments or reimbursement of charges or payments in the event the operation of the University is suspended at any time as a result of an act of God, strike, riot, disruption, or for any other reason beyond the control of the University.

Students who withdraw from courses after the Late Registration Period may be eligible for a 100% adjustment/refund of tuition, student fees, and room & board charges (if applicable), bookstore charges & fines/fees excluded, if one or more of the following holds true:

1. Student’s involuntarily called to active military duty.
2. Death of the student or member of his/her immediate family (parent, spouse, child, sibling).
3. Illness of the student of such severity or duration, as confirmed by a physician, that completion of the semester is not possible.
4. Voluntary or involuntary medical withdrawal requested and deemed necessary by B-CU Administration.
5. Cancellation of the course(s) by the University.
6. Exceptional circumstances, upon approval of the University President or his/her designee.

Return of Unearned Tuition Assistance Funds Policy

Dropping Courses and/or Withdrawal from the University

In compliance with the Department of Defense’s Memorandum of Understanding, Bethune Cookman University (B-CU) has established the below policy regarding the return of Unearned Tuition Assistance Funds when a military service student receiving the benefit drops a course and/or withdraws within a certain time period from B-CU.  In addition, instances when a military service student stops attending due to a military service obligation, B-CU will work with the affected student to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.
 

The return of funds to the Military Department under whom the student is receiving funds will be based on the following schedule:

16 - Week Fall and Spring Semesters:

1.  One-Hundred percent (100%) of the tuition assistance funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws on or before the last day of the first week of classes.

2.  Seventy-five percent (75%) of the tuition assistance funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the first week but on or before the last day of the second week of classes. 

3.  Fifty-percent (50%) percent of the tuition assistance will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the second week but on or before the last day of the fourth week of classes.

4.  Twenty-five percent (25%) percent of the tuition assistance will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the fourth week but on or before the last day of the tenth week of classes.

5.   No funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the tenth week of classes.

8 - Week Fall & Spring Sub-Terms I and II:

1.  One-Hundred percent (100%) of the tuition assistance funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws on or before the last day of the first week of classes.

2.  Seventy-five percent (75%) of the tuition assistance funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the first week but on or before the last day of the second week of classes. 

3.  Fifty-percent (50%) percent of the tuition assistance will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the second week but on or before the last day of the fourth week of classes.

4.  Twenty-five percent (25%) percent of the tuition assistance will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the fourth week but on or before the last day of the fifth week of classes.

5.   No funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the fifth week of classes.

10 - Week Summer Term:

1.  One-Hundred percent (100%) of the tuition assistance funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws on or before the last day of the first week of classes.

2.  Seventy-five percent (75%) of the tuition assistance funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the first week but on or before the last day of the second week of classes. 

3.  Fifty-percent (50%) percent of the tuition assistance will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the second week but on or before the last day of the fourth week of classes.

4.  Twenty-five percent (25%) percent of the tuition assistance will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the fourth week but on or before the last day of the sixth week of classes.

5.   No funds will be returned if the student drops or withdraws after the sixth week of classes.

Billing Statements

The Office of the Student Account Services will generate billing statements several times during an academic year. The statements will indicate all activity on the student’s account and the remaining balance due (if applicable).

E-mail notifications are sent to the B-CU student’s e-mail address and authorized parents when the eBill is available to view on-line. We encourage students to view the eBill to make sure that you do not have a balance due. A reminder e-mail will be sent to those students/parents who have not viewed the eBill.

Students are encouraged to use the Wildcat Web to review their accounts as it is the students’ responsibility to be aware of any balances that may be due on their accounts.

Refund of Credit Balances

Refunds are processed by the Office of Student Account Services when a student has resolved all financial obligations against their University debts and their student account reflects a credit balance. Students are responsible for informing the Office of Student Account Services of any changes to their addresses.

Bethune-Cookman University has partnered with BankMobile to deliver your financial aid refund. For more information about BankMobile, visit this link: http://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/.

Through the Wildcat Web located on the University’s website, students have access to review their charges, financial aid, payments, credit balances, refunds issued, and/or any balances that may be due. If a student visits the Office of Student Account Services and requests information about his/her account, the student must present university-issued identification or another form of picture identification.

With the exception of federal Parent Plus loans where the parent has not provided written authorization to refund the loan to the student, to the extent that funds paid to Bethune-Cookman University on behalf of the student exceed the total amount of tuition, fees, and other expenses due from the student, Bethune-Cookman University will refund such excess payments (excluding any non-refundable financial aid) directly to the student, regardless of whether any funds were paid by the student, the student’s parents or any other third party. Bethune-Cookman University assumes no responsibility for remitting such excess payments to any person other than the student.

Parental Refund Authorization Form

If the student’s account reflects a credit balance that is the result of a Parent Plus Loan or a Sallie Mae Plus Loan, the parent that authorized and signed the loan must submit a notarized Parental Refund Authorization Form to the Office of Student Account Services, if the refund is to be issued to the student.  Without the form, the refund will be issued to the parent who authorized and signed the loan and will be mailed to the address on the loan application.

However, if your parent has indicated on the Plus Loan application that the credit from the loan may be issued to you as a refund, then the Parental Refund Authorization Form will not be required.

Credit Balance Authorization Form

A Credit Balance Authorization Form must be submitted, if the student or parent (Plus Loan) is requesting the Office of Student Account Services to hold a credit balance and apply the funds towards the expenses of a future term within the same academic year.  If the Credit Balance Authorization Form is not on file prior to the processing of a refund, the refund will automatically be issued.

Collection of Past Due Balances

If a student has a balance due on his/her account, a “hold” will be placed on the student’s account, and the balance must be paid in full before the student will be permitted to register for the next semester, reside on-campus, receive a Bookstore Authorization or graduate.

When a student has a past due balance and is not enrolled, the student will not be permitted to receive a transcript.  However, a student with a past due balance, who is enrolled at the time a transcript request is made, will be permitted to receive an “unofficial” transcript.

If the balance is not paid within a year of the date that the balance occurred, the student’s account balance owed to the University will be turned over to an outside collection agency. The selected agency will actively pursue the collection of the bad debt against the student.

Students should notify the Office of Student Account Services when a balance has been settled. Staff will review the account, and the “hold” will be removed if the balance has been paid in full.

IRS Form 1098-T

The 1098-T form, also referred to as the “Tuition Payment Statement”, is mailed to the student by Bethune-Cookman University to assist you, the taxpayer, in determining if you are eligible to claim tax credits such as the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit for educational expenses.

The IRS Form 1098-T is mailed to students no later than January 31^st of each year for the previous year.  However, Federal regulations allow those eligible to receive IRS Form 1098-T the option to receive the form electronically instead of through the mail.  As a result, Bethune-Cookman University students will be able to view and print an official IRS Form 1098-T through TSC1099 Web Services rather than wait for the form to be mailed.  When you give consent, you may view the form as soon as it is available each January.

Following is the benefits to receiving the 1098-T electronically:

Electronic delivery will provide access to Form 1098-T as soon as they become available.

Online delivery eliminates the chance that the 1098-T will get lost or delayed during delivery. Signing up for online delivery is easy and is available at any time.

Use the following steps below for electronic delivery:

Log in to www.tsc1099.com

In Site ID type 10703

In Username type Student ID (leading zeroes not required)

In Password type Last 4-digits of your Social Security Number (first-time users only)

Click Log In

Please note:  if you logged in previously or last year you will need to use the password you created during that time. If you are not able to remember your password, please click on forgot password.

Scholarships

Scholarship awards are available at times for qualified candidates, depending on degree program. Information regarding scholarships is available from the School of Graduate Studies, Office of Athletics, and the Office of Financial Aid.

Scholarship recipients are required to be in good standing and make satisfactory academic progress to continue to receive a scholarship award. To be considered in good standing, fellowship recipients are required to maintain the standards listed below.

• Students must be fully accepted into a graduate degree program.
• Students must be enrolled as full-time graduate students.
• Students must maintain the scholarship’s required GPA status each term of the award.
• Students cannot receive a grade of Incomplete (I) and continue to receive the award.

Failure to meet any one of these standards will cause cancellation of the scholarship. The School of Graduate Studies may grant rare exceptions to this policy after review of evidence of mitigating circumstances presented by the student and the graduate program.

Loan Programs

To apply for the following programs, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loan

The Higher Education Amendments of 1992 created a new program offering “unsubsidized” Federal Direct/Stafford Loans to students who do not qualify in whole or in part for “subsidized” Federal Direct/Stafford Loans. A Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loan is a low interest loan made to students by the federal government “directly” or by a private lender (bank, credit union, etc.). Under this program, the student borrower (and not the federal government) pays the interest that accrues on the loan To apply for the following programs, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loan

The Higher Education Amendments of 1992 created a new program offering “unsubsidized” Federal Direct/Stafford Loans to students who do not qualify in whole or in part for “subsidized” Federal Direct/Stafford Loans. A Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loan is a low interest loan made to students by the federal government “directly” or by a private lender (bank, credit union, etc.). Under this program, the student borrower (and not the federal government) pays the interest that accrues on the loan.

Withdrawals

Financial Aid is to be used first for direct educational costs-tuition and fees, and room and board if the student is in University housing. Students on financial aid who withdraw from the University and are due a refund of their fees will therefore not receive fee refunds until funds representing financial aid awards have been applied to the respective accounts. Normally the fee refunds are returned to the financial aid programs on a prorated basis and according to the components of a financial aid package.