ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Updated: Monday, October 15, 2007

Computation of Fees:

Academic fees are based on your state residency, your program of study and your number of credit hours. Review the University's current Fee Schedule for additional information.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

New Payment Options at the University of South Carolina

Effective immediately, the University of South Carolina will no longer accept VISA as a payment option for tuition and fees. Unlike other credit card vendors, VISA regulations require all convenience fee charges be assessed at a flat rate. Flat convenience fees applied to small transaction amounts can often exceed the amount of the actual charge being paid.

This payment option change applies only to student tuition and fee payments made using a VISA branded debit or credit card in person as well as via the internet using the Visual Information Processing System (VIP). However, we will continue accepting VISA credit card payments throughout the University for other charges.

We will continue to accept credit cards payments using MasterCard, Discover, and American Express as we have successfully negotiated a percentage convenience fee of 2.5% of the total outstanding tuition and fee charges with these vendors.

In our effort to trim the escalating cost associated with credit card payments, the University has established E-checks as an alternative method of paying tuition and fees without the assessment of a convenience fee. While credit card payments offer a convenient method for students and parents to pay tuition and fees, the costs associated with providing this service has grown dramatically. We hope our concern for your financial interests will outweigh any minor inconvenience that this change may cause in the upcoming Spring 2008 semester.

FEE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR TUITION AND FEES

Students are responsible to pay the correct amount of tuition, fees, and past due balances in U.S. dollars (checks must be drawn on a U.S. Bank). A current billing statement is available on the Students Visual Information System (VIP).

After registering on VIP for ALL courses, go to or click on "Financial".

1. Select "Show Me Optional Fees": Make all additions or changes to your Optional Fees before paying your bill. Then select "Show me Fees, Tuition & Payment". Look over your bill to make sure all charges are included and accurate such as housing, meal plans, Carolina Card, etc. If the bill is correct, click on "Pay Fees" and follow steps to allow payment of fees.

NOTE: If you have paid your bill, you cannot make changes to optional fees utilizing VIP. Once you have clicked on "pay fees", you must contact the office associated with the fee you wish to have adjusted.

2. FINANCIAL AID: SCHOLARSHIPS, LOANS OR GRANTS

Note: If you are receiving financial aid, you may need to complete the "Authorization to Permit Financial Aid to be used for Payment of Current Charges." Go to "Show me Financial Aid Award." Complete the "Fee Authorization" by clicking on and agreeing to the statement. This will update the system immediately to allow "Pending" financial aid due to no fee authorization to be "Available" to pay fees.

If you are receiving state "LIFE", "HOPE", or "PALMETTO FELLOWS" scholarship, you must complete the "Certification Affidavit".

3. PAYMENT STEPS: SIGN IN TO THE VISUAL INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM (VIP).

Payment by using your Financial Aid:

Select 'FINANCIAL' - select "SHOW ME FEES, TUITION, AND PAYMENT" Follow instructions as presented by the VIP program.

If your financial aid does not completely pay your academic fees when using VIP, you may pay the BALANCE DUE by:

• Payment by E-check when using VIP,
• Mailing your check with an attached copy of your bill,
• Credit card,
• In person during the walk-in period.

E-check: USC’s PREFERRED PAYMENT METHOD

In our effort to trim the escalating cost associated with credit card payments, the University has established e-checks as an alternative method of paying tuition and fees without the assessment of a convenience fee.

If you wish to pay your fees by e-Check, go to "Show me Fees, Tuition, and Payment." then click on "Pay Fees." Select "Pay by Bank Account." A sample check will appear. Key in:

• Transit/Routing Number
• Bank Account
• Name on Account
• View for accuracy
• Submit for payment
• Record your Payment Confirmation Number

Payment by Credit Card when using VIP

Only MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards are accepted. A convenience fee of 2.5% is charged on each credit card transaction. If you wish to pay your fees by credit card, go to "Show me Fees, Tuition, and Payment." View charges for accuracy then click on "Pay Fees." Select "Pay by Credit Card." Enter the credit card information and follow the steps to allow payment of fees. Only one credit card can be used to complete the payment.

By Mail

Print a copy of your bill and attach your check for the exact amount on your bill. Please pay attention to the mail-in cut-off date noted in the "What’s Happening" calendar located on the Bursar’s web pages. If you pay your fees by mail, print a copy of your bill from VIP by clicking on "Show Me Schedule and Bill." If you are receiving financial aid please sign the front of the bill in the space provided and send it along with a check or money order made payable to USC for the remainder or balance due amount to:

Bursar's Office
1521 Greene Street
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 29208

In Person - During the Walk-in Period

Walk-in period for the Spring Semester is January 10, 11, 14 & 15, Carolina Coliseum, Greene Street entrance. No Saturday hours scheduled for Spring.

(Please view the calendar pages in "What's Happening" on the Bursar's web pages).

Go to http://www.sc.edu, select "University Offices", select "Bursar", select "What's Happening".

CONFIRMATION NUMBER:

After successfully completing the fee payment process on VIP, you are given a confirmation number for your records. This is your proof of payment. Keep a copy for your records.

POSTING OF PAYMENTS SPRING SEMESTER 2008:

The Bursar receipts all mail-in payments as they are received. VIP (Visual Information Processing) payments are processed as they are recorded electronically.

Please note all deadlines for mail-in payments and tuition payment cancellation dates.

All payment information reported on the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Summary Statement will reflect the date(s) the payment(s) were posted to the University’s records. Please be aware of the tax year in which you plan to claim an educational tax credit. Payments posted in 2007 are reported on the 2007 Summary of Educational Tax Credit Transactions, which has been developed by the University to assist you in determining amounts eligible for the Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. If you wish to have your Spring 2008 payment reported for tax purposes in 2007-tax year, you must make your payment BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2008. The payment deadline for Spring Semester is January 15, 2008.

If you make your Spring 2008 payment before January 1, 2008, your payment will be reflected on the 2007 1098-T and your aid, if any, will be reported on the 2008 1098-T.

It is recommended that all taxpayers consult with their tax advisor for assistance, as each individual's tax situation is different. Additional information is available at http://www.sc.edu/bursar/hope.shtml.

How do I commit my financial aid toward the payment of my fees?

See the INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYING TUITION, FEES AND COMMITTING YOUR FINANCIAL AID noted above.

What are the changes to the methods of paying fees?

While credit card payments offer a convenient manner for students and parents to pay tuition and fees, the cost to the University for providing this convenience has grown dramatically to an unacceptable dollar-amount. The University decided to require those who want the convenience of paying tuition and student fees with a credit card to cover the University’s costs of providing this service. We can accomplish this change with charging a 2.5 % convenience fee when accepting MasterCard, Discover, and adding American Express. These changes benefit the University and all of its students.

E-checks have been added as a method of paying student tuition and fees using VIP. Students are able to make payments directly from any personal checking, savings or business account by paying on-line with an electronic check (E-checks) using VIP. E-checks have been added as an additional method of payment without the assessment of a convenience charges.

Why did the University of South Carolina eliminate VISA credit cards?

The University was unable to negotiate an acceptable method of assessing an appropriate convenience charge for tuition and fee payments. Unlike the other brands of cards, VISA will not allow the University to assess a convenience charge that varies with the amount of the tuition and fee bill. VISA U.S.A. regulations require charging a fixed processing fee for all transactions, regardless of the amount. The University has many transactions that are smaller dollar amount than the fixed fee. It is an unfair burden to ask students, for example, to pay a $60 transaction fee in order to make a $20 credit card charge. VISA’s rules will not permit the University to charge a percentage service charge and would require the University to charge the same fee for E-checks and all electronic payments.

How is the 2.5 % convenience fee determined?

The rate is based on an estimate of those direct costs for processing a credit card transaction. At this percentage rate, it is estimated that the University will continue to pay a portion of the cost of accepting credit cards.

Is the credit card convenience fee refundable?

The convenience fee is non-refundable.

Can I use my VISA elsewhere on campus?

Yes, these changes only apply to payments made for tuition and fees on VIP. Other services (such as the bookstore) are not affected by this policy.

Are other colleges and universities making similar changes?

Other universities nationwide, including Winthrop University in our state, have discontinued, or in the process, of not taking VISA credit cards for student payments over the internet. The emphasis is to encourage ACH transactions, such as e-checks, to reduce costs to students and the University. We are striving to comply with all VISA regulations. However, we must make these changes.

What must I do if all I have is a VISA card?

Other payment options are available. If you do prefer to pay by credit card, you may apply for a MasterCard, Discover, or an American Express card at the company's website.

Can I phone in my credit card information?

Credit card information will not be accepted through the mail or by telephone. All credit card transactions must be handled through the student information system (VIP). VIP is a secure website for your protection and every effort is being made to comply with the Payment Card Industry Compliance regulations.

How will monies collected with the convenience fee be used?

The convenience fee monies collected are used to defray a portion of the cost of providing convenient electronic payment options for those who wish to pay via a credit card.

I do not have access to the internet. What must I do now?

The University of South Carolina accepts cash and check payments at the Financial Services Office, 2nd floor, room 206 Petigru College as well as payments received in the mail.

My schedule was dropped for non-payment. What do I do?

You will need to obtain the registration exception form from your dean's office, or the Registrar's office, 3rd floor Petigru, and return the completed form to the registrar's office. You must be prepared to make full payment, along with applicable $5 per day late fines. Contact the Bursar's office at the time your courses are re-instated.

I am a SC resident being charged as a non-resident.

Contact the Legal Residency Office, 102 Petigru College (803-777-4060).

I am enrolled in a special grant-funded course. Do I need to do anything?

Yes, if you are enrolled in a grant-funded course, you must apply your grant funds toward your fee amount to avoid class cancellation. If your funds are not available for use before the fee payment deadline, contact the course instructor.

I am supposed to have a graduate assistantship.

Graduate assistantship fee reductions are processed between your department and the graduate school. If your fees do NOT reflect the reduction, contact your department for assistance before the fee payment deadline. Otherwise, you are expected to pay the amount shown on your bill.

I am enrolled in a graduate level contract course, but I am being charged the regular tuition rate.

Graduate level contract courses are assessed special fee rates. If your account does not reflect the proper rate, contact the graduate office for assistance.

What is a student account?

It is an accounts receivable account where all individual student financial transactions with the University are maintained.

May I keep a credit balances for future charges?

No, credit balances are automatically refunded to you.

How do I get my refund on academic fees?

Academic refunds are automatically refunded to you and mailed to your permanent address. Financial Aid overage checks are deposited electronically (EFT) or mailed to your local address. Check the calendar in What's Happening.

Are bill reminders sent?

For all students who have registered, a brochure with fee payment information is mailed during the Fall and Spring semesters. For students who have registered for Summer School, a post card is sent to each student's permanent address informing them of the availability of their bill on VIP (Visual Information Processing). Check the What's Happening calendar for critical dates. You can pay your fees over VIP (Visual Information Processing) or pay in person.

What is the web (VIP) fee payment system?

You have the option of paying your fees via the Internet. You can pay your fees on the web using your available financial aid, Electronic Check, or credit card. There is a convenience fee associated with all credit cards payments. We encourage students to pay their fees via the web to take advantage of this new method of payment. Please use the method of payment that suits your needs. Fee payment by credit card is available over the web. To access the Internet Web Fee Payment (VIP), direct your web browser software to https://vip.sc.edu/.

May I pay my charges without a bill?

Yes, fees and charges can be paid by accessing VIP. Walk-in fee payments may be made at the Carolina Coliseum during the walk-in payment period for the Fall and Spring semester. May Sessions and Summer School walk-in fee payments are made in Petigru College. After the walk-in payment period, payments must be made at the Bursar's Office. Fees can be paid by mailing your payment directly to the Bursar's Office, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208. Please identify all correspondence and checks with your student number. See What's Happening for semester billing dates, fee payment deadlines and current information.

Do you accept credit card for payments of charges?

Only MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards are accepted. A convenience fee of 2.5% is charged on each credit card transaction. Please read the **INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYING TUITION, FEES AND COMMITTING YOUR FINANCIAL AID** noted above.

If a financial hold is placed on my records, what actions should I take in order to get the hold released?

Contact the Accounts Receivable department in the Bursar's Office (803-777-3572) to satisfy the conditions of the hold obligation.

What is a part time student?

A part-time student for fee payment purposes is one who is enrolled for less than 12 regular semester hours. A part-time student may pay the University Fee that entitles them to the privileges of a full-time student.

Does the University have a deferred payment plan?

Yes, the university has developed a deferred payment plan for Fall and Spring semesters only. This plan may be obtained under certain conditions: Returning students must have a GPA of 2.0, be in good financial standing with the University and have no outstanding past due charges. Students must set-up the deferment during walk-in fee payment at the Coliseum. Twenty-five (25) per-cent of the balance will be due plus an administrative fee of $50 when the deferment is established. Three additional monthly equal payments are required in the form of cash, check or money order. Credit Cards are not accepted as a form of payment for the deferred payment program. Deferred payments notices are sent each month to the e-mail address you have on file with the University of South Carolina. Monthly statements will not be mailed to your campus post office box or to your home address. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that their e-mail and postal addresses are correct.

See What's Happening for semester billing dates, fee payment deadlines and current information. Unless you have made subsequent arrangement for fee payment, classes will be canceled.

How do I change my meal plan or cash card?

Before fee payment, meal plans and cash cards can be added through the WEB fee payment system. Freshmen and Resident Hall Advisors must contact Housing at 803-777-4283 to make the changes. To make additions and changes for meal plans and cash card after you have made your fee payment, contact Dining Services (803) 777-4161 and Carolina Card office (803-777-1708).

What are the qualifications for the certified teacher program?

South Carolina residents who hold a valid South Carolina teaching certificate are eligible for the program. Those who meet the criteria must mail or fax 803-777-7953 a copy of their South Carolina teaching certificate to the University of South Carolina, Office of Fees and Refunds, 206 Petigru College, Columbia, SC 29208

I am a Certified Teacher, but my fees are not correct.

South Carolina residents holding a valid SC teaching certificate are entitled to a lower fee rate for part-time study. If your charges are not accurate, you must send or fax (803) 777-7953 a copy of your current SC teaching certificate to the Fees and Refunds Office, room 206 Petigru, at the corner of Greene and Pickens.

I am active duty military. What should I do to receive the special fee rate?

This program is only open to undergraduates. Each semester, you must mail or fax (803-777-7953) a copy of your verification of active duty military service to the University of South Carolina, Office of Fees and Refunds, 206 Petigru College, Columbia, SC 29208

How can I obtain Enrollment Verification?

Students may get enrollment verification on VIP. On VIP, select "Academics", and then select "Enrollment Verification Service". Students may also obtain an enrollment verification letter by going to the Registrar's Office with their ID card.

What is an Exit Interview?

All students, before receiving a Stafford or Perkins Loan, must undergo entrance loan counseling. Exit counseling is required by law when a Stafford or Perkins Loan borrower ceases to be enrolled in at least half-time course of study at the University of South Carolina. Loan counseling provides critical information about your loans and your rights and responsibilities as a student borrower. You must do separate counseling for each loan type.

Can I complete my entrance/exit counseling on the web?

Yes, counseling may be done online at the following web sites for Student Loan Counseling for Federal Stafford (entrance and exit) and Perkins Loans (entrance and exit) (http://www.mapping-your-future.org/services/oslcidx.htm).

Where are my student Loans?

Click on LoanLocator (http://www.loanlocator.org) to find out.

Now you can instantly find out who services your student loans with LoanLocator, a free service provided by the National Student Clearinghouse. All you need to do is access LoanLocator at www.loanlocator.org. You will find out who holds your student loans, who guarantees them and who to call to find out more about your loans. It has the details you need to make loan payments or consider loan consolidation. LoanLocator is free, fast, and easy-to-use. No password is required. You just enter you social security number and date of birth. LoanLocator provides your loan holder and guarantor contact information.