Expenses and Financial Policy

Don Moon, B.S.
Chief Financial Officer
Vice President for Investment Management/Risk Manager

Jeff Ford, C.P.A.
Director of Student Accounts

Resident Program Tuition and Fees 2012-2013

 Online Program Tuition and Fees 2012-2013

COURSE FEES
Course fees and fees charged for special elective-type courses by organizations other than the University will be paid by the student in addition to normal credit hour charges.  Course fees are published online on the Registrar’s web page at http://www.liberty.edu/registrar.

Financial Check-In (FCI)

All students are required to complete Financial Check-In through Liberty University’s online system (ASIST). Official Financial Check-In (matriculation) occurs when a student has completed Financial Check-In located through ASIST online. The Financial Check-In system is where ALL students complete their financial arrangements with Liberty University for all tuition and fees, to include prior, current, and/or future balances.  Deadlines, specific procedures and payment options can be viewed on the Student Accounts Web Page www.liberty.edu/studentaccounts.  Students that do not complete Financial Check-In by the published deadline will be subject to having their courses and housing (if applicable) dropped and will be assessed the Late Check-In Fee.

All students are required to register and complete FCI prior to arriving on campus or attending a class.
       First term Residential Students: complete Financial Check-In online first, then are able to register for classes.
       Returning Residential Students: register for courses during the open registration period, then complete Financial Check-In online.
       All Online Students: register for courses and then complete Financial Check-In online.

Please visit the Student Accounts webpage for current information on procedures, payment options, and schedules: http://www.liberty.edu/studentaccounts.

INITIAL PAYMENTS FOR RETURNING STUDENTS
Once a returning student completes Financial Check-in, payments made prior to the beginning of the semester are held in deposit to secure the student’s class schedule, any institutional grants or scholarships, and campus housing, as applicable. Should the student decide not to return, the University must be notified in writing with a request for refund of the initial payments prior to the last day of drop/add.  Otherwise, after drop/add, without prior written notification, the student and money on the account are subject to the conditions described in the official withdrawal policy (explained below).

STUDENT ACCOUNT PAYMENT
Payment on a student account can be made in the form of check, money order, cashier’s check, credit card, or on-line via the student’s ASIST account. Cash payments are received at the General Cashier’s Office in the Student Service Center at Green Hall.  Students may cash checks at the cashiering windows for a fee of $1 per check.

A student’s account must be paid in full prior to registering for any future courses. The Financial Check-In system online is where students confirm their financial arrangements with Liberty University. When a student completes Financial Check-In for a future term, and then becomes delinquent in the current term, or loans are returned to the lender, the resulting balance must be resolved prior to the start of the future term.  It is in the best interest of the student, in this circumstance, to consult with a Student Accounts Representative to discuss options for resolution on account.

Monthly statements are sent by email to current and former students who have an outstanding balance on their account.  Statements are sent to the student’s Liberty email address.

CHECK CASHING
As a courtesy to our currently enrolled students, the General Cashiering Office will cash checks from the student’s personal checking account, their parent’s check, or a Liberty University payroll check.  The maximum amount for cashing is $50 and can only be cashed once a week. A fee of $1 per check will be charged for each check cashed.  If a check is returned to the University for any reason, the student’s account will be assessed the check amount as well as the Return Payment Fee.  After two (2) offenses, the student will lose the privilege of cashing checks with Liberty University.

PAYMENT PLANS
The University offers Tuition Payment Plan (TPP) options to students in the form of automatic scheduled monthly payment drafts for student account balances. A non-refundable Payment Plan Participation Fee is charged for each semester that the student participates in the TPP. The installments are automatically processed on the scheduled draft date (1) from a bank account; or (2) from a debit/Credit Card account. No interest is charged on the outstanding balance while in a TPP. Those students who enter a TPP and later withdraw from the plan are still subject to the Payment Plan Participation Fee. While the system will accommodate online adjustments to an account as additional credits or debits change the balance due, changes to a TPP requiring University staff intervention are subject to a Payment Plan Change Fee. 

It is the responsibility of the student, and person financially responsible for the student’s account, to maintain current bank or credit card information and to ensure that the account has sufficient funds at the time of the scheduled draft under the TPP agreement. When using a card, check with the bank or Credit Card Company to be sure the daily spending limit is set to avoid declined payment(s) and resulting fees.  The bank or credit card account must be from an institution that participates in automatic draft/debit programs.  Liberty University cannot draft payments from non-U.S. bank accounts, money market, trust, home equity, or savings accounts.

CHARGEBACK FEE
If a chargeback is initiated by a student, and the Merchant findings are in favor of the University, the student’s account will be charged a chargeback fee. The fee amount is dependent on the current credit card processors fee to the University.

RETURNED PAYMENT FEE
A student will be charged a Returned Payment Fee for any returned or declined payment made via check, automatic draft or declined credit card draft(s). After two returned or declined payments, all transactions for the remainder of the academic year can only be made by cash, money order, or certified check. Repeat offenders are subject to losing the privilege of utilizing the check payment option, and monthly payment plan options. Any future payment options will be at the discretion of the Director of Student Accounts. If a student provides invalid checking or credit card account information for their Tuition Payment Plan, the student’s account will also be subject to the Returned Payment Fee.

ONLINE CLASS ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term.  Online students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting an academic assignment (such as the course requirement checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion board post, or other academic event) will be dropped from the course roster and will not be allowed to submit further course work.  The student may appeal to their instructor to remain in the course.

The online student alone assumes responsibility for course work missed from non-attendance.  A student who presents the instructor with an adequate and documented reason for absence may be given an opportunity to make up the work missed. 

Online students who begin attendance by submitting an academic assignment then eventually cease progressing toward the completion of the course will be assigned a grade of FN during the semester.

HOUSING FEE
A student living in University housing is required to pay the applicable housing fee each semester depending on location and amenities. This fee covers room, and the basic resident board plan in the University dining hall.

If a student moves into the hall at Check-in, and then withdraws or is allowed to move off campus (see regulations in Student Affairs section of this publication) during the first three weeks of the semester, he will be charged as follows:

• Main Campus - $220 per week for any part of a week in which he resides in the residence hall.
• Quads Living -  $235 per week for any part of a week in which he resides in the residence hall.
• Campus East -  $275 per week for any part of a week in which he resides in the residence hall.

There will be no adjustment made for the room portion of the housing fee if he moves off campus after the three-week period; however, the meals portion will be rebated at a flat rate of $40 per week for the unused portion of the semester. The three-week adjustment period begins on the first official day of classes.

New and transfer students who attend orientation, live in university housing prior to the first week of classes, and who then withdraw at any time during that week, will be charged $150 for their stay.

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES
Tuition does not cover the cost of course materials. Costs will vary according to the student’s course of study and the availability of used books. The cost of textbooks and supplies will average $700 per semester. Students should purchase materials after registration but prior to the sub-term begin date (course activation). Liberty does not guarantee that required course materials will be available after the sub-term activation date.

Resident Students: The following funds may be used by resident students when purchasing textbooks:

• Book Dollars: awarded to new first term students upon completion of Financial Check-In. Amount of award will be determined according to the date FCI has been completed.
• Book Vouchers: students can include funds through Financial Check-in, to be transferred to the book store as a book voucher, for the purchase of their books.
• Flames Cash: funds can be applied to a Flames Cash Account and used at the University bookstore, as well as other approved participating merchants.  Current information can be accessed at http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?pid=21106

Online Students: All course materials are available through MBS Direct.  Purchases are made online through MBS Direct at http://www.mbsdirect.net/liberty. If a student has a credit on their Liberty University student account, course materials may be charged to the student’s account by means of the online book voucher system.

PERSONAL NEEDS
Laundry, cleaning, spending money, items related to personal grooming, towels, sheets, pillow, off-campus transportation, etc., vary with the individual and are an individual’s responsibility.

TECHNOLOGY FEE
All students, regardless of on-campus, off-campus, full- or part-time status, are required to pay a Technology Fee each semester to help provide for the operation and modernization of Liberty University’s technological capabilities. These capabilities offer direct and indirect benefits to our students.  These funds contribute to improving educational and classroom facilities, information services accessible both on and off campus, student services, and administration.

ACTIVITY FEE
All resident students are required to pay an Activity Fee each semester.  This fee provides access to Liberty University activities, admission to athletic events, access to the LaHaye Student Union recreational facilities, and to help offset the cost of other resources dedicated to student activities.  Regardless of residence status, all students are subject to this fee. This fee is not pro-rated for part-time students.

SEMINARY ACTIVITY FEE
All Seminary students are required to pay the Seminary Activity Fee each semester to help offset the cost of the Seminary’s Student Government and social events sponsored on behalf of Seminary students. Regardless of resident status, all Seminary students are subject to this fee. This fee is not pro-rated for part time students. The Seminary Activity Fee does not apply to Online students.

LAW SCHOOL ACTIVITY FEE
All Law School students are required to pay the Law School Activity Fee each semester to help offset the cost of the Law School’s student government and social events sponsored on behalf of law students. Regardless of resident status, all students are subject to this fee. This fee is not pro-rated for part time students.

SEMINARY CONTINUATION FEE
All Doctor of Ministry program students who are unable to take classes during a semester will be charged a $30 continuation fee. Students who remain inactive for more than three semesters will be automatically dropped from the program and will be required to reapply in order to be readmitted to the program.

SEMINARY ADMINISTRATION FEE
All Doctor of Ministry program students who enroll in at least one course each Spring, Summer, or Fall term, including the Thesis Project courses, will be charged $50 per term.

TRANSPORTATION FEE
The Transportation Fee helps offset the cost of the intra-campus transportation system, off-campus transportation access, and other resources provided by the University dedicated to student transportation services. In addition, Liberty University students receive universal access pass privileges to use the Lynchburg Public Transit System at no cost.  This is a required fee for all students, regardless of residence status, and is not pro-rated for part-time students.

GRADUATION APPLICATION FEE
The Graduation Application Fee is automatically assessed by the Student Accounts Office near the time of the Graduation Application, not degree conferral.  This fee is not contingent on the student’s attendance at graduation events and activities; it is assessed for processing the graduation application.  This fee is non-refundable.

REPLACEMENT ID CHARGE – FLAMES PASS
Every student, living on or off campus, receives a Flames Pass, the official campus identification card. In the event the card is lost, the student may purchase a replacement at the cost of $25.  Additional information about the Flames Pass can be found online at http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=20975.

FLAMES CASH
Flames Cash is the declining balance account on the Flames Pass. These funds are accepted at any participating merchant on and off campus. For more information on Flames Cash and where funds can be used, please visit http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?pid=21106.

UNPAID ACCOUNTS
Tuition, the housing fee (applicable to on-campus students only), and all other costs for the full semester are payable prior to, or at the time of Financial Check-in. Students who do not make payment on their account within a reasonable amount of time will be denied access to the cafeteria, printing services, and library until such arrangements are made. If a student is 10 or more days delinquent on his account, the student may be removed from classes. Failure to make financial arrangements could ultimately result in removal from university housing and administrative withdrawal. 

Students with unpaid accounts will not be eligible to register for subsequent terms. They will also be ineligible to receive an official transcript or diploma until the account is paid in full. The student will be responsible for any collection fees incurred in collecting the account.  A 1% finance charge (12% APR) may be assessed each month on outstanding balances.

WITHDRAWAL FEE
A fee of $50 will be charged for the processing of an official, unofficial, or administrative withdrawal or ceasing attendance from the University.

Student Accounts Appeal Policy

A written appeal may be submitted to the department that assessed the charge.  If the disputed charge cannot be reconciled with the assessing department, a written appeal with all supporting documentation can be submitted to the Liberty University Student Accounts Office within 30 business days of the billing/notification.

1. All pertinent information will be obtained and compiled by the Student Accounts Office.
2. The disputed charge will be reviewed by authorized Student Accounts Representatives.
3. A decision will be made by the authorized Representatives and the student notified.
4. If necessary, an appeal may be reviewed by a manager and/or associate director to render a final decision.

All appeals are to be submitted online at http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=20659.  All appeals will receive a response within 30 days after the written appeal has been received.

WITHDRAWAL FEE
A fee of $50 will be charged for the processing of an official, unofficial, or administrative withdrawal or ceasing attendance from the University.

Official Withdrawal Policy

Liberty University is committed to the success of every student and will work with each student to determine the best option to alleviate financial and academic challenges and get students back on track in their studies. Withdrawals from Liberty University fall under different categories: academic, administrative, medical or personal.

Please Note:  Students who must withdraw due to military deployment are encouraged to speak with the Academic Advising Office regarding their options. 

• Resident Student:
  • Withdrawing from individual courses, while maintaining enrollment in others, does not constitute a total withdrawal. 
  • Students requesting to withdraw from courses during the semester must submit a Withdrawal Form to the Registrar. Generally, the withdrawal date will be the date the student submitted the form to the Registrar
• Online Student:
  • Withdrawing from individual courses in a sub-term (including overlapping 16-week sub-terms) does not constitute a total withdrawal until that student has withdrawn from all courses in that sub-term (including overlapping 16-week sub-terms).
  • A student withdrawing from a sub term, when registered for course(s) within a future sub-term, must submit a letter of intent regarding any future sub-terms within the semester of withdrawal. If no letter of intent is received at time of withdrawal, the student will be automatically dropped from the future sub-terms, resulting in a total withdrawal from the semester.
  • Students requesting to withdraw must submit the Intent to Withdrawal Form to their academic advisor. This will constitute a withdrawal.  Generally, the withdrawal date will be the date the Intent to Withdrawal Form is received in advising.

TITLE IV WITHDRAWAL POLICY

When students withdraw from all classes in a given term, they will be subject to a proration of all federal, state and institutional aid.  This proration takes into account the total number of days that the student was enrolled.  For instance, if there are 100 days in a term, and a student withdraws on day 20, that student has earned 20% of his federal, state and institutional aid.  All remaining aid is unearned, and unearned portions of federal funds are required by law to be sent back to the federal government (34 CFR 668.22).  Please note that Liberty University institutional aid will be prorated according to the same schedule as Title IV federal student aid.  Because of these provisions, please be aware that having enough financial aid to cover your charges at the beginning of the semester does not ensure that your financial aid will completely cover your charges at the time of withdrawal.

To begin the withdrawal process: Resident Students must contact their Student Advocate; Online students must contact their Academic Advisor.   For more information on the financial repercussions of withdrawing, please contact Liberty University’s Financial Aid Office at: 1-888-583-5704

WITHDRAWAL REFUND POLICY
Depending on the student’s state of residence, there may be specific withdrawal refund requirements.

Resident students are considered ‘withdrawn from the University’ if they withdraw from all courses for the semester.

• Any resident student who withdraws from the University and completes the official withdrawal procedure will receive a refund of tuition and fees as follows:

1. 100% will be credited if a student withdraws during the first week of classes
2. 50% will be credited if a student withdraws during the second, third or fourth week of classes
3. 25% will be credited if a student withdraws during the fifth through eighth week of classes
4. No tuition or fees will be credited after the eighth week of classes

• The dormitory fee will be charged at the rate of:
  • $200 per week for Main Campus residence halls,
  • $215 for Quad-living residence halls, and
  • $250 per week for Campus East residence halls, for any part of a week in which the student resides in the dormitory.
• There will be no rebate for the room portion of the dormitory fee after the first three weeks;
• The meals portion will be rebated at a flat rate of $40 per week for the unused portion of the semester, regardless of room location.

An Online student who is currently enrolled in courses for a given term (including overlapping 16-week sub-terms) will be considered as totally withdrawn when that student is withdrawn from all courses in that sub-term. 

Any student who completes the official withdrawal procedure will receive a refund of tuition and mandatory fees (i.e. technology and activity fees, if applicable) as follows:

1. 100% tuition and fees will be credited if the student withdraws within the first week of the class but before submission of the first assignment (first assignment includes the Course Checklist).
2. 75% tuition and fees will be credited if the student withdraws after submitting their first assignment and through the end of the second week of classes.
3. 50% tuition and fees will be credited if the student withdraws after the second week of classes and before the end of the fourth week of classes.
4. 25% tuition and fees will be credited if the student withdraws after the fourth week of classes but before the seventh week of classes.
5. No tuition or fees will be credited after the sixth week of classes.

Intensives: A week is defined as Monday morning at 12:00a.m. through Sunday night at 11:59 p.m. This may not align with the posted deadlines.

1. Week One -Two (tuition and fees credit)
    100% - Start of class to close of the first day
      50% - Start of class to close of the second day
        0% - After the close of the second day, the student is liable for ALL tuition and fees
    
2. Week Three (tuition and fees credit)
    100% - Start of class to close of the first day
      50% - Start of class to close of the third day
      25% - Start of class to close of the fifth day
        0% - After the close of the fifth day, the student is liable for ALL tuition and fees
    
3. Week Four (tuition and fees credit)
    100% - Start of class to close of the first day (End of drop/add period)
      50% - Start of class to close of the fourth day 25-percent - Start of class to close of the seventh day
        0% - After the close of the seventh day, the student is liable for ALL tuition and fees

HIGHER ONE CARD
The Higher One Card is issued to every Liberty University student and is the tool needed to select a refund preference to receive financial refunds.  Higher One is the banking partner that disburses refunds for the university.  Please see the Card Services website http://www.liberty.edu/cardservices for more information.

In the event the card is lost, the student may purchase a replacement at the cost of $15.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information regarding the University’s academic and administrative policies and procedures can be found on the University web site at www.luonline.com, www.libertyu.com or www.liberty.edu.

Highlighted text indicates a change from the official version of the catalog.