- Paying for College
Tuition Reimbursement Policy
Note: you are only eligible for this benefit when you enroll in semesters that run back-to-back (e.g., fall to spring or spring to summer). Spring to Fall does not qualify since your reimbursement from Spring should be received by the time the payment for the Fall semester is due.
Students who are eligible for tuition reimbursement from their employers may be able to register for future semesters/terms without the required payment only after they have paid for and completed their current semester at Suffolk University. A payment for tuition reimbursement is generally remitted to the student upon completion of the course(s) as well as presentation of the grade(s) and a receipt of payment for the course(s). Therefore, the current semester must be paid completely to be eligible for tuition reimbursement from the employer. Subsequent registrations will be accepted and processed without the required payment if there is no prior balance on the account, if the new semester directly follows the last registered period and the student can provide the Office of the Bursar/Student Accounts with verification of the company’s reimbursement policy. In addition, the University will require the student to sign a promissory note in lieu of this payment. It should be clearly understood the Office of the Bursar/Student Accounts expects to receive your reimbursed payment from the prior semester within the first three (3) weeks of the new semester. If not paid promptly, your account will be assessed the deferred and late payment fees and future registration clearance and/or approval under this policy will not be granted.
back to top^Graduate Students: Be Aware...!
Graduate students taking courses outside of their program always pay their program rate rather than the program rate of the courses they are taking.
The exception is MSF program. Any student taking classes in this program will pay the increased rate.
Meals are included in the MSF rate.back to top^
Loan Signing
Depending on the type of loan you receive as part of your award package, you may be required to complete an entrance interview, sign promissory notes, endorse a check or simply wait for notification of the arrival of your student loans proceeds if the funds are sent electronically.
Stafford Loans
First time borrowers (in the College) will be required to complete an entrance interview with the Financial Aid Office as well as a direct loan request form. After these forms have been completed, promissory notes will be generated and mailed for endorsement. Each subsequent year, you will only be required to complete a direct loan request form. When this process is completed and the funds have been received by Suffolk University, you will be sent an e-mail notifying you of the disbursement.
First time Law School borrowers must also complete an entrance interview and sign a Master Promissory Note so that loan proceeds will be disbursed to Suffolk University. The full amount of the student’s eligibility will be disbursed each subsequent year based on your award letter. When this process is completed and the funds have been received by Suffolk University, you will be sent an e-mail notifying you of the disbursement.
Federal Perkins/Trustee/Incentive
Any student who has been awarded a Federal Perkins, Incentive or Trustee Loan from Suffolk University will be required to sign a promissory note. You will be notified of loan signing requirements via an email prior to the beginning of the semester.
Please Note: These loan funds will not be disbursed to your student account until after your promissory note is signed. Failure to sign your promissory note will result in the cancellation of your loan award.
Alternative Loans
In most cases, your funds are received via EFT and an e-mail will be sent to notify you of the disbursement. However, some private loans will require the student’s endorsement if a check is sent. You will be notified by phone or email if the Office of the Bursar receives a check that requires your endorsement. It is extremely important that you respond to our communication immediately because, many checks are valid for only 60 days.
PLUS Loans
Application for the Direct PLUS Loan is made through the Financial Aid Office. Upon completion of the application and approval of the loan the funds will be directly disbursed to your students’ account. Both the student and the loan borrower will be notified upon disbursement of the loan. Any refund generated from a PLUS loan will be mailed to the borrower.
MEFA Loans (applicable to students in the College and the Business School)
The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority - historically one of the nation’s lowest-cost college loan programs - features a set of easy-to-understand financing options designed specifically to meet your family’s needs.
As a not-for-profit state authority, MEFA uses the lowest-cost form of debt financing available, tax-exempt bonds. This provides a competitive advantage over other alternative loans (including the Federal PLUS loan) and allows MEFA to offer among the lowest interest rates available nationwide.
MEFA is here to help your family by offering the best college financing program available today. Just call: 1.800.449.MEFA, or visit their web site at http://www.mefa.org/ for more information and current rates. back to top^Important Notice Regarding Refunds
Federal regulations prohibit Suffolk University from holding loan proceeds in excess of 14 days from the the first day of classes. Loans received after the semester begins will be refunded within 14 days of their receipt, unless otherwise specified. If you adjust your course schedule after you receive your refund, please make arrangements to cover your balance.
If you are expecting a refund as a result of financial aid, including Federal Perkins Loan and/or Institutional Loan funds, please refer the refund schedule. It is the University’s policy to refund only if your account is paid in full.
Any credit balance that results from a credit card payment will be reversed back to that card. No refunds will be made by check, regardless of the time between payment and the date of refund.
back to top^Allowable Deduction
Financial Aid that has been awarded will automatically be deducted from your invoice. If you have been approved for an award and it is not reflected on your invoice, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Stafford Loans that have been awarded will be listed on your preliminary invoice. Please refer to your disclosure statement for the exact amount of the disbursement. You will be notified by the Office of the Bursar when your loan proceeds are received. When applying for loans, request that the loan proceeds be sent Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to expedite the process!
Federal Perkins, Incentive Loan, and Trustee Loan awards will be deducted on your tuition invoice if applicable. However, you will be required to sign a promissory note. Loan signing typically occurs during the first two weeks of school. Watch for a notification sent by the Office of the Bursar.
Other Allowable Deductions.
If you have an outside scholarship, deduct it from your invoice. Please send a copy of the documentation with your invoice so we can determine if a bill from the University is required. You should also send a copy to the Office of Financial Aid.
College Office of Financial Aid: 617.573.8470Law School Office of Financial Aid: 617.573.8147
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Did you Know?
- Accounting majors can fulfill their accounting service requirement in The Bursar’s Office.
- Our office usually has numerous opportunities for work study employment! Please contact us if you wish to apply.
- If you want your bill sent to a different address, please submit a request in writing to the Office of the Bursar.