Understanding BYU Graduate Student Tuition Costs

Brigham Young University (BYU) offers a distinctive approach to funding its operations, particularly impacting graduate student tuition costs. As a non-profit institution affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU's financial structure and tuition policies differ from those of many other universities. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of BYU graduate student tuition, payment options, refund policies, and related financial considerations.

BYU's Unique Funding Model and Tuition Structure

BYU's affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints significantly influences its tuition structure. A substantial portion of the university's operating costs is covered by the tithes of church members. In recognition of this financial support, BYU assesses lower tuition fees for members of the Church compared to those who are not members. This practice mirrors the principle applied by state universities that charge higher tuition to non-residents. Despite the differential, BYU's tuition levels, even for non-members, are often considered extremely affordable when compared to similar programs at other institutions. For instance, a BYU Marriott MBA is one of the best business education investments in the country.

MBA Program Tuition and Debt Considerations

The BYU Marriott MBA program stands out as a valuable investment in business education. Compared to top-tier private MBA programs where graduates may leave with an average of $102,000 in student debt, BYU Marriott MBA provides a more affordable alternative. Notably, students in this program are generally discouraged from working during their first academic year to focus on their studies.

Payment Options for Tuition and Fees

BYU provides several convenient methods for students to pay their tuition and fees, which encompass charges like tuition, class fees, tuition reassessments, Study Abroad fees, and health plan charges. Payments can be made online through the myBYU portal by selecting the "My Financial Center" link or by directly accessing mfc.byu.edu.

The available online payment options include:

Read also: Funding Your Graduate Education

eCheck: BYU's preferred payment method, eCheck, enables secure electronic fund transfers directly from a checking or savings account without incurring any additional fees. Students need to provide their bank routing and account number for this payment method. Note that payments from mutual fund, money market, line of credit, or brokerage accounts are not accepted.
Credit Card with a Service Fee: BYU accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express for tuition payments. However, a nonrefundable service fee, equivalent to 2.0% of the tuition amount, is applied to credit card transactions. Debit cards are treated as credit cards for tuition payment purposes and are subject to the same fee.

Alternatively, students can pay tuition in person at the Enrollment Services windows located in D-155 ASB using check, money order, or cash. Credit cards are not accepted for in-person tuition payments.

Short-Term Loans

BYU offers short-term loans to assist students in meeting tuition payment deadlines. These loans are designed for short-duration financing needs. A $20 processing fee is charged for each short-term loan. No interest is charged on those loans if they are paid by the due date. Short-term loans outstanding after the due date bear interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum. Holds on registration for future semesters or spring-summer(s) are placed on all student accounts the day the short-term loan is disbursed and are not released until the loan is paid in full. This may affect the ability of some students to take advantage of priority registration.

Short-term loans due dates:

Fall: November 1
Winter: March 1
Spring: June 1
Summer: August 1

Tuition Adjustments for Dropped Classes

Students have the flexibility to drop classes without incurring any financial penalties during the add deadline. However, after this deadline, tuition will be recalculated based on the student's enrollment status. A pro-rata tuition charge will be applied for dropped classes that result in a reduction in the original tuition charge. This pro-rata charge applies to both tuition and most class fees. Certain class fees related to the delivery of required supplies or services are non-refundable.

Pro-Rata Charges for Dropped Classes:

Fall Semester:
- September 13: 15%
- September 25: 25%
- October 23: 50%
- November 6: 100%
Winter Semester:
- January 17: 15%
- January 29: 25%
- February 27: 50%
- March 13: 100%
Spring Term:
- May 8: 15%
- May 14: 25%
- May 29: 50%
- June 5: 100%
Summer Term:
- July 2: 15%
- July 9: 25%
- July 23: 50%
- July 31: 100%

Refund Policies and Procedures

The recalculation of tuition and fee charges may result in a refund. If the student has elected direct deposit for student account refunds, the refund will be deposited into the student's bank. Payments originally paid by credit card will be returned to the credit card. Unpaid university charges may be deducted from the refund amount.

Refunds will not be paid to students whose tuition has been paid by a loan, scholarship, or benefit. If a student with federal financial aid drops below half-time enrollment (undergraduate, 6 hours per semester or 3 hours per term; graduate, 4.5 hours per semester or 2.5 hours per term), the federal program or lender may require that a portion of the refund be returned.

Read also: Graduate Fees at CMU

Students forced to withdraw due to circumstances beyond their control, such as death in the immediate family, life-threatening situations, medical incapacitation, a university error, or military leave, may petition for an exception to the refund schedule. Petitions based on ignorance of university policies and procedures will be denied. Petition forms are available in D-155 ASB (Enrollment Services).

Collection of Unpaid Tuition and Fees

BYU retains all legal remedies to collect unpaid tuition, fees, and other amounts due to the university for housing, traffic fines, etc. BYU uses a variety of methods to keep students informed of amounts due the university, including financial Web sites, statements, and various forms of correspondence. It is the student's responsibility to remain aware of obligations to the university and to make payment on a timely basis.

If BYU is unable to collect amounts due the university within a reasonable time, the debt may be referred to an outside collection agency and/or attorney for collection. All collection costs, including collection agency fees, attorney fees, and court costs will be charged to the student's account.

Failure to pay all amounts due BYU, including collection fees, may also result in various actions, including but not limited to withholding services and restricting the student's ability to register for class, participate in graduation, receive a transcript or diploma, or be considered for readmission to the university. The university also reserves the right to report both positive and negative payment histories to credit-reporting agencies.

Materials and Service Fees

Certain courses may have additional fees based on materials consumed or services provided. Students should contact the individual department or professor to determine the appropriate payment procedure for such fees. Examples of courses with materials/service fees include:

ART 104, 105, 133, 155, 216, 217, 330, 350, 351, 356R, 358, 359
CM 105, 155, 210
EC En 212, 301
IT 101, 443, 447
TEE 200, 229, 490R, 593R
TMA 285, 475R

Student Teaching/Practicum Fees

Students in teacher education must be fingerprinted and pass a background check prior to starting practicum experiences with K-12 students. Fees for licensure are due with the student teaching application.

Health Insurance Requirements

All participants in groups on tour, Study Abroad, or internships are required to carry adequate medical insurance. To satisfy the health coverage requirement, students have several options:

Enroll in the Student Health Plan
Enroll in a group medical plan provided by the parents', the student's, or the student's spouse's employer
Purchase an individual Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant health plan

If the student chooses any medical plan other than the Student Health Plan, he/she must provide verification of adequate coverage at the beginning of his/her first semester or term and annually at the beginning of fall semester. Students should carefully review any medical plan they're considering to make sure it will provide sufficient coverage for current and future health care needs. Coverage must be effective by the first day of class.

BYU requires all ELC students and F-1 and J-1 visa students to be enrolled in the BYU Student Health Plan or an ACA compliant plan offered by a United States-based insurance company. This plan must provide comprehensive medical coverage for the student while he/she is on campus. Insurance plans from companies outside the United States will not be accepted.

All students enrolled at least 3/4 time (9 credit hours per semester or 4.5 credit hours per term) and all F-1 and J-1 visa students who don't submit proof of other coverage before the deadline each year will be enrolled automatically for individual coverage and assessed the appropriate premium (single or married rate) for the Student Health Plan. Students who are actively working towards a degree and have at least 0.5 on-campus credits will not be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Plan, but they can contact the Student Health Plan Office via YMessage or in person to enroll. Graduate students who have at least 2 credits during fall semester and were enrolled in the Student Health Plan for summer term will be automatically enrolled for fall semester in the same plan they had during summer term.

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