Answer

That depends. You received a message from our accounting team a couple of weeks ago explaining that everyone’s first payment in August would be $1,000. Many of you shared your concerns about this — especially if your monthly payments would be less than $1,000.

We listened to what you had to say and made a little adjustment:

Your first payment due at registration is either A) your estimated monthly payment or B) $1,000, whichever is less.

So how does this work?

We typically don’t know your exact charges or financial aid in August. So we’ll estimate them from your financial plan and calculate an estimated monthly payment.

• Let’s say your estimated monthly payment is less than $1,000, maybe $500. Then your payment due at registration would be $500.
• Maybe your estimated monthly payment comes out to be more than $1,000, let’s say $1750. Your payment due at registration will be $1,000. Simple, right?
• Keep in mind, this first payment due will be in addition to any balance carried over from the previous year. This amount needs to be paid as well.

Answer

We are introducing a new process designed to give you a clearer, more accurate picture of your charges each semester, making it easier for you to plan and manage your payments.

Starting in 2025-2026, here’s how your payment schedule will work:

• Your first payment will be due at registration (when classes begin) as described in the question above.
• When your charges for tuition, housing, etc., are applied to your account, Union will take your total charges and subtract all estimated financial aid FOR THE SEMESTER. This result will show the balance you owe for the current semester.
• We will then divide what you owe into four equal payments due on the 10th of September, October, November and December (or February, March, April and May for spring).
  
  Note: The monthly payment will adjust up and down during the semester if you add additional charges (such as increasing your meal plan) or get an extra scholarship (excellent surprise!).

Answer

Union has made some changes this year designed to provide clarity and consistency around your student account — and help ensure that you can effectively manage your payments.

First payment: Since the first payment is part of the Registration Checklist in the “Required Payments Current” item, it will be treated like the rest of the items on the checklist. Remember, you can complete nearly all checklist items online before arriving at Union.

• If the checklist is not completed by the first day of classes, you’ll begin receiving a reminder every time you log into Portal — including making the first payment.
• If any items are not completed by Census Day (September 10 for Fall 2025), then you will not be able to access Portal (including Canvas, the time clock, etc.) until you have completed all checklist items.

Note: Be sure to read the Portal reminder messages because they will give you specific instructions about what needs to be completed.

Subsequent payments: Making regular payments is an important part of your educational experience. Wait, now hear me out. Staying consistent means you’re not faced with a big balance at the end of the year. Plus, Union needs a strong financial foundation to be able to supply the great professors and other services and activities that provide the foundation for our amazing campus community. Also, by managing payments, you build valuable financial skills that will benefit you for life.

So here’s the process:

• After the initial payment noted above, subsequent monthly payments are due on the 10th of September, October, November, and December (or February, March, April, and May for spring). Be sure to check your statement for the latest amount.
• After the 15th of those months, your payment will be considered late, leading to the following:
  • Your account will be assessed a $25 late fee.
  • A bill stop will be placed on your account — meaning you won’t be able to register for classes in current or future terms.
  • Eight weeks after the bill stop goes into effect, you will not be able to access Portal (which includes Canvas, the time clock, etc) if the payment is not made.