NKU Student Account Services: Your Questions Answered

Navigating the financial aspects of college can be daunting. This comprehensive guide addresses frequently asked questions regarding Student Account Services at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), providing clarity on billing, payments, refunds, financial aid, and more.

Accessing Your Bill

Where can I find my bill?

Your bill is conveniently accessible through your myNKU portal. Simply log into myNKU and navigate to the "Student Billing" tab located at the top of the page. Previous statements are available from Fall of 2018 forward. To access them you will log into myNKU and go to the "Student Self Service" tab at the top of the page.

Payment Options and Deadlines

How can I pay my bill?

You can pay your bill on your myNKU portal. You will log into myNKU and go to the "Student Self Service" tab at the top of the page. You will then select "Biller Direct Tuition Payment & Statement" at the top. There are several payment methods available:

Online: You can pay via e-check or with a credit card. NKU accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Credit card payments for student accounts can be made online via myNKU (the student portal), click on the Student Billing and select Tuition Payment and Statement. Authorized payers can go to the authorized payer portal to make credit card payments.
In Person: Student Account Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Lucas Administrative Center. We accept cash, check or money order at the cashier windows. No credit cards can be accepted at the cashier windows. Hours of Operation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the preferred method of payment is online. However, if you need to pay in person, we accept cash, check, or money order. We do not accept any credit card/debit card transactions in person. Also, please note that we only accept up to $2,500 in cash for each student per semester.

What is an e-check, and how do I use it?

E-check payments are a direct payment from your checking account. To pay with an e-check, you will simply enter in your checking account information. You will need your checking account number and your bank routing number. These numbers can also be found at the bottom of your personal checks. Online - E-Check payments are accepted online.

Are there any fees associated with online payments?

Yes, there is a 2.5% service fee for every credit card transaction. You can avoid paying the 2.5% service fee by paying online with an e-check, an electronic debit to your checking account. Credit card payments are not an available payment method by telephone. The service fee will not appear on your student account or on your NKU statement. This fee is assessed by a third party credit card processing company (Paymetric). You will view a summary payment screen during the credit card payment process that will show your payment, the amount of service fee applied to the transaction and the total payment amount.

When is tuition due?

Tuition, housing and fees are due the first day of the semester.

What happens if I don't pay my account on time?

If your account is not paid by the published due date, you will be dropped from your semester courses unless you are eligible, and have opted into, the payment plan. If you owe a balance of greater than $500 you will not, under any circumstances, be able to perform registration activity.

What if my employer is paying for my classes?

If your company will pay for your classes upon being billed, bring a signed authorization from your employer to Student Account Services. At the end of each semester, the employer will usually ask for a copy of an account statement indicating the balance has been paid and by what means. The student may print off their account statement via their myNKU account, click on Tuition and Payment Statement. To avoid any additional fees, the balance will need to be paid in full by the tuition due date each semester. In order to comply with federal regulations surrounding Truth-in-Lending disclosures, Northern Kentucky University does not have an Employer Reimbursement Plan. If a student is receiving tuition reimbursement from their employer, the student will initially be responsible for paying the first semester up front through a variety of options (i.e. government loans by filing the FAFSA, alternative loans, savings, etc.) or any combination of these and other financial resources. Once they complete their first semester, they can use the reimbursement that they receive from their employer to pay for the next semester, and continue this process for subsequent semesters until the final employer reimbursement is made, at which time those funds can go to pay off any loans that were taken out and/or replenish any savings that were depleted to fund the first semester.

Installment Payment Plan

Does NKU offer a payment plan?

Yes, the NKU Installment Plan is available to our students. The NKU Installment Plan splits the semester balance due into 4 payments. The $90 Installment Plan enrollment fee is non-refundable and due with the first installment. Any changes to charges or financial aid will affect the monthly installments. Charges for the semester are broken into four payments. Accelerated Online Students do not have the option for a payment plan. There is a $90 payment plan fee and you will be charged a 1.5% late fee on the unpaid balance monthly until you are caught up with your payments.

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Refunds

How are refunds calculated?

A reimbursement of some or all tuition depends on when a student drops a class, or several classes, and whether the student adds other classes. Refunds are calculated based on the number of financially equivalent hours, not academic hours. This means that a student who drops and adds the same number of credits does not necessarily end up with the same tuition bill as he or she would have gotten for the initial set of courses. For example, if a student originally had 15 credit hours and dropped 5 credit hours during the 50 percent tuition adjustment period, the student would be charged for 12.5 hours (15 credits less half of 5 credits = 12.5 credits). It the student added five credits at the same time, the student would be charged for 17.5 hours.

How will I receive my refund?

Students are encouraged to use their checking account to sign up for direct deposit to receive refunds. In myNKU, click on Manage Bank Accounts, Add Accounts, Enter Bank Account Details, check box for Account to Refund, click Review, click Confirm. Once the Direct Deposit refund appears on your student account, the funds are transferred to your bank account within 2-3 business days. The processing time varies by banking institution. financial institution with electronic funds transfer capabilities. Most banks participate in the electronic funds transfer network.

Is there a holding period for refunds?

All refunds are subject to a maximum 7-day hold before disbursement. This period is used to ensure that funds have been received by the university, allow for adjustments, and ensure accuracy of the refund being disbursed.

What if I have a negative balance on my account?

I have a negative balance on my account.

Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?

NKU’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) will help you understand the entire financial aid process beginning with submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Students who apply as early as possible receive priority in the awarding of limited resource funds. Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Students and parents (if their information is required) will need current W-2s and tax returns. You should apply for financial aid every year. Upon receipt of your FAFSA information, the Office of Student Financial Assistance will send a financial aid package that will reflect your federal aid eligibility.

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What types of financial aid are available?

We participate in the William D. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. Need-Based Aid is awarded to families who are unable to pay full educational costs from current income or savings. Eligibility will be determined once the Office of Student Financial Assistance receives your FAFSA.

Grants: Financial aid grants are funds that you do not have to repay. These are based on your financial need and do not need to be repaid. Receipt of federal or state grants depends on the family income, family size and financial assets.
Loans: Loans must be repaid with interest after you graduate or cease attending on at least a half-time basis.
- Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need. You will not be charged any interest before you begin repayment or during authorized periods of deferment. The federal government pays the interest during these periods.
- Unsubsidized loans are not awarded based on the basis of need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.
Scholarships: Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
Federal student employment awards: The FAFSA results determine Federal student employment awards, depending on your financial need and the availability of funds. On campus jobs are posted on the Office of Student Financial Assistance webpage and on the student employment job boards.

Where will my financial aid be applied?

All awarded and accepted aid will post to your student bill with the exception of work study programs.

What is the Academic Common Market (ACM)?

The Academic Common Market is a cooperative tuition-reduction agreement among 16 Southern Regional Education Board states. The program allows Kentucky students who are interested in an academic program not offered at a public/state-funded university in Kentucky to pay in-state tuition at participating public/state-funded colleges and universities. The list of programs included in the ACM is revised periodically to reflect the changing needs and offerings of participating states. The 16 states that participate in the ACM are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida (graduate-level only), Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina (graduate-level only), Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (graduate-level only), Virginia, and West Virginia.

What is the Student Emergency Fund (SEF)?

Student Emergency Fund (SEF) In response to the rapidly-changing situation and to help our students in need during this unprecedented time, NKU has created the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund, supported by the generosity of our donors. To qualify to receive money, a student must be enrolled at least ½ time during spring 2020 (undergraduate, graduate), in Good Academic Standing, and demonstrate a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption of your education.

Tuition Rates

How are tuition rates determined?

NKU students enrolled in an undergraduate program of study will be charged for all classes at the undergraduate rate. NKU students enrolled in graduate programs of study (including provisional) will be charged for all classes at the graduate rate. NKU students dually enrolled in two different degree level programs of study (i.e. undergraduate and graduate or graduate and professional) will be charged at the highest degree level of courses registered. NKU students enrolled in the law program of study will be charged law program rates for all courses registered. Any NKU student changing their primary enrolled program after the published full session drop/add period for that term will be charged for that semester at the original enrolled program of study rate: i.e.

What is the Indiana Rate?

*Indiana Rate: Indiana residents of Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties are eligible for the Indiana tuition rate. Students must be enrolled in undergraduate degree-seeking programs and may pursue their degree on a full- or part-time basis.

1098-T Tuition Statement

How do I access my 1098-T form?

NKU now electronically provides students with the Internal Revenue Service required 1098-T Tuition Statement form. The electronic 1098-T form may be used for all income tax purposes and is sanctioned by the Internal Revenue Service. The 1098-T form will be available for viewing and printing from myNKU online portal system on or before January 31st of the year following the tax year reported.

Important Reminders

Financial Audit: All student account activity is subject to financial audit at any time. If the result of an audit indicates a change is needed, it may include an administrative adjustment.
Collection Agency: Any past due accounts may be referred to an outside collection agency which could result in such fees for collection. Any accounts sent to collection are assessed a collection fee on their full unpaid balance and are reported as a delinquent account to the credit bureaus. The student is responsible for all outstanding debts and contracts with the University, including but not limited to institutional charges for tuition & fees, room & board, parking citations and registration, library fines, course books, insurance, class resource materials etc. The University reserves the right to assess financial penalties on any indebtedness. By accepting the Registration Agreement, the student agrees to reimburse NKU the fees of any collections agency (regional or state), which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33.3% of the debt; all fees, costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees that NKU may incur in such collection efforts on my behalf.
Dropping Classes: When a student determines that he or she will NOT be attending NKU for the upcoming semester, the student must drop all of his or her classes through the myNKU portal adhering to all academic calendar deadlines.
PINs: There are two separate ID's (Personal Identification). One ID is issued by the Department of Education and is specifically used for the FAFSA information. You will use the Department of Education ID to sign your FAFSA, review your student aid report, and to make corrections on your FAFSA. This ID will also be used to sign a Master Promissory Note if the student decides to borrow a student loan. The second PIN is issued through Northern Kentucky University by the Office of the Registrar. This PIN is used to access the students Norse Express account. Initially this PIN is the student's date of birth in mmddyy order.
Debit cards: Most debit cards have a daily limit that may be less than the amount you are trying to pay.

International Students

Do international students need to declare a major when applying?

Yes. You will need to choose a major at the time of the application, but you will not be required to stay in that major upon arrival.

Can international students be conditionally admitted?

Yes! Students seeking an undergraduate degree can be conditionally admitted to Northern Kentucky University if you do not meet our English requirements listed on our international undergraduate page. You will begin your studies in our American English Language Program until you meet the English requirements or pass level 6, which is the required level to enter the university. Northern Kentucky University has an American English Language Program that offers full-time and part-time classes in English.

When can international students enroll in classes?

Because we want to make sure you are in the right classes, you can only enroll when you arrive and meet with your academic advisor who will meet with you to discuss which classes you should be taking.

Are international students required to live on campus?

All first-time-freshman and international exchange students are required to live in on-campus housing during their first academic year. International students must complete a housing application to live on campus. Please note that a housing application is a contract that you have with the university. There are numerous benefits to living on campus, including convenience, safety, opportunities to develop life-long friendships, and living in an environment that fosters the educational and personal growth of students. Living on campus also allows you to learn about other cultures and provides students easy access to numerous campus resources, such as faculty and academic advisors, the Steely Library, computer labs, and dining options. You may move in a day or two before international student orientation begins. Approximately 2,100 undergraduate students live on campus. The campus offers a variety of places to live and eat, but you must apply early if you wish to secure the accommodation of your choice (March 15 is the priority housing deadline).

What is the International Student Orientation?

Yes - International Student Orientation is required of ALL new students. It is extremely important that you attend. During orientation, you will meet with your academic advisor to register for classes, meet your peer international and domestic friends, learn about immigration rules, and how to get jobs on campus. institution. International undergraduates do not need to pay the domestic orientation fee or attend Northern Exposure events, but will instead be paying the international orientation fee.

How do I get a visa?

We recommend that you begin the visa process as soon as you are admitted to NKU. Unfortunately, a letter from the international office will not make the visa process any faster. You will receive admission documents after you are admitted and International Student and Scholar Services at NKU will assist you with the process of transferring in your immigration record from your current school to Northern Kentucky University. Because visa applications can take months in some countries, we recommend that you apply early if you are overseas and will need to apply for a new studen visa.

What is NKU like?

Northern Kentucky University is located in the Midwest of the United States next to Ohio and Indiana and only a four hour drive to Chicago, Illinois. The university is in the safe, friendly and small community of Highland Heights, which is only about 11 kilometers from the vibrant city of Cincinnati, Ohio. NKU consistently receives high rankings in campus safety. The campus and city of Highland Heights are very safe. Cincinnati/Highland Heights has four seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer. Summers are warm to hot and humid with significant rain fall in each month and highs reaching 32 degrees Celsius or above on an average of 21 days during summers. The average class size is 24 students, which makes NKU a public university that feels like a private institution. Nearly 16,000 students attend Northern Kentucky University. No. All classes at NKU are taught by full-time or part-time faculty members. Yes. Northern Kentucky University is committed to students' degree plans.

Additional Resources

Technical Support: The Office of Information Technology provides a wide range of services to the NKU community. You can also chat live with the technology support staff.
Library Resources: NKU online students have access to the vast resources within the W. Frank Steely Library, which strives to provide the academic community with the information required for intellectual, professional, and personal development. For assistance with access to library materials, you can chat live with a staff member or call 859-572-5457.
Graduation: Students completing their online degree program should take the following steps prior to graduation:
- Submit Application for Degree Candidacy. Complete online via your myNKU account. For step-by-step instructions, see: Quick Reference Guide: How to Apply for Graduation. Also, read through the Graduation Requirement Details and Graduation Checklist.
- Submit Program Certification forms for each major, minor, and/or focus to the Office of the Registrar. College of Business majors who have already certified do not need to do so again. Information is available on the Senior Survey web page.
- Undergraduate graduation questions?
Student Clubs and Organizations: Yes! NKU has over 220 clubs and organizations, including the International Student Union.

Contact Information

We're happy to help you if you have questions about direct deposit or about your bill in general.

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