Paying the University Bill
Policy Statement
Obligation to Pay Charges
By accepting Stanford's offer of admission and enrolling in classes, each student accepts responsibility for paying all debts to the University, including tuition and fees, for which he or she is liable. An individual's registration as a Stanford student constitutes his or her agreement to make timely payment of all amounts due. Stanford students have access to financial literacy resources through the Mind Over Money program including the Haven Money tool and 1:1 financial coaching for personal finance education.
University Bill
Charges and credits from offices within the University are aggregated in a student's individual account and presented on the Stanford student account in Axess. Student Financial Services notifies students and their authorized users about payment due dates electronically via email on a monthly basis.
Authorized Users
Students may designate 'Authorized Users' in the billing and payment system to allow others to view the student account and make payments. Students and Authorized Users may view the student account online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via Axess. Payments should be made online through Axess or the Authorized User portals. If necessary, the student or Authorized Payer may print a statement from the same portal as well.
Due Dates and Unit Adjustments
A list of payment due dates throughout the academic year is available on the Student Services website. To avoid late payment penalties, online payments via Axess can be made up to 11:59 p.m. PST on the published due date; mailed payments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on the business day before the published due date to allow time for processing before end-of-business this same day.
After the start of the term, adding units may result in additional tuition charges. Other fees, such as room damage repair charges, petition fees, late fees, lab fees, library fees, and other miscellaneous fees or charges are due on the 20th of the month after which they are billed (unless otherwise noted).
Forms of Payment
Stanford's standard method of payment is the online service, via Axess, which includes electronic check (eCheck) and international payment options. International fund transfers via Flywire offers students favorable exchange rates and eliminate bank fees typically charged for wire transfers. No fee is associated with eCheck payments.
Alternatively, payers may use their personal online banking portal with any U.S. bank to pay the University bill. Stanford does not accept cash, credit cards, or postdated checks for payments to the University bill.
Undergraduate payment plans are available. Research and discovery efforts are currently underway to provide the best possible payment experience for all student audiences.
See University Bill Payment Methods for information.
Credit Balances
Stanford uses Direct Deposit to refund credit balances to students. Students are expected to enroll in Direct Deposit at the beginning of their Stanford career or as soon as possible thereafter. Direct Deposits reach the bank within 24-48 hours of processing. Receipt of funds will not be delayed by mail time, lost checks, or the need to go to the bank as is the case with paper checks.
Generally credit balances resulting from financial aid are refunded several times a week. Credit balances resulting from an overpayment of cash (e.g. ePayment, check) are refunded quarter; however, a refund of a cash overpayment may be provided at any time upon student request. Quarterly, after the start of a new quarter, Student Financial Services will refund any remaining overpayment of cash in a prior quarter(s) to students, both active and inactive.
Account Fees and Actions
Late Payment Fees
The University must receive the full amount due on or before the due date indicated on the bill. If full payment is not received by the due date, a late fee of 1% of the amount past due may be assessed. Anticipated aid (aid that has been accepted but not disbursed and is shown on the student account) reduces the total amount due prior to late fees being applied.
Holds
Accounts that become past due more than 30 days are subject to financial holds. Among other things, a financial hold blocks diplomas and enrollment eligibility.
Insufficient Funds
A non-refundable $25.00 administrative fee may be assessed for checks or eCheck payments returned due to insufficient funds. In addition, student accounts are subject to holds, and late payment penalties may apply.
Delinquent Accounts
Delinquent accounts may be reported to one or more of the national credit reporting agencies. Severely delinquent accounts may be referred to a collection agency and/or placed in litigation in accordance with state and federal laws. Students with delinquent accounts may be held responsible for collection costs, attorney fees, and court costs. Stanford may consider past delinquent accounts in determining whether to provide Stanford loans.