Students have new pay options
by Sharron Walls
In addition to changing the way they register – on-line rather than in-line – PULSE, the new student information system, will also change the way MCG students pay their tuition and fees. Students will choose between two online options to pay for fall semester tuition and fees: free electronic check payment or a third-party credit card payment for a low service charge. MCG will also offer direct deposit for financial aid overages.
Payment of tuition and fees directly to MCG by credit card will no longer be accepted as of July 1; however, payment by MasterCard, Discover and American Express through the TouchNet PayPath service will be available for a 2.75 percent fee (in addition to interest charges).
Payments by check may also be made online. Web Check is a free, simple and secure service that allows payment from any checking or savings account by filling out an online form as if writing a check.
Between July 5 and Aug. 1, students may sign up for direct deposit of their fall semester authorized (guaranteed) financial aid overages. Those funds will then be available through Banner (now called PULSE) to purchase bookstore items. Financial aid monies remaining after tuition and fees are paid will be disbursed approximately 10 days after registration. Any remaining balance will be refunded by direct deposit or check.
These changes will benefit both students and the university, said Bethany Welsh, accounts receivable manager. When PULSE goes online July 5, students will be able to quickly access their complete financial aid information and they won’t need to stand in line for financial aid checks or wait for refund checks. MCG will be able to continue to offer state and federal aid programs to students without the risk of losing funds and will save money on credit card service charges, allowing that money to be used for technological improvements like PULSE (see related story And the winner is… PULSE)