Collection Policies
The University expects students to pay their student accounts when due. Failure to pay on time does have consequences that may include late charges, registration/transcript holds, restricted access to institutional loans, and ultimately referral of their debt to an outside collection agency.
The University works with students who are past-due whenever possible. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the University if arrangements are necessary. However, if no response to our inquiries is received or no cooperation is forthcoming, the University will proceed with formal collection action. When an account is referred to an outside collection agency the past due account will be reported to all national credit bureaus. Please be aware that unlike consumer credit card debt, past due amounts owed to governmental agencies may stay on a credit report for an indefinite period - they do not "go away" after a few years. These items may create difficulty at a later date when applying for a home mortgage or other types of credit.
Once the account is referred to an outside agency, students will be contacted by a representative of that agency. Payments are then made through that agency - not to the University. The University will not accept payment on these accounts as they are now the property of the collection agency. Students will also be liable for collection fees in addition to the University account balance. Students, like any other debtor, have certain rights under Federal law.
Collection Timeline |
