Colleges Charge When You Say "Charge It!"

Posted in

One of the first pieces of advice I received as the mom of a college student was to charge everything I could and pay it off immediately--assuming I had a card that paid rewards. So I paid my son's $300 deposit with a credit card, and received enough points to get a drink at Starbucks.

I soon found out that while his friends at UCLA were charging enough to get digital cameras, and electronic equipment, it wasn't to be for us. Soon, my son's school won't be in the minority. More and more colleges are charging fees to pay tuition with a credit card. Colleges across the country are charging back the transaction fee (2% or more) that they're charged to accept credit cards. Businesses often absorb this cost, but colleges can no longer afford to.

We still charge his books, but we won't be getting a flat screen TV anytime soon. :)

The entire story is located here.

Does your school charge a fee to use a credit card? Would the incentive to get your credit card rewards be enough incentive to charge the actual tuition?

You must be a member of this group to post a reply.

Parent Replies to "Colleges Charge When You Say "Charge It!""

View 3 replies: Newest-Oldest, Oldest-Newest
Display fewer replies

We can pay for our car registration and driver's license renewal by credit card now, too, but they charge an extra $5 fee! No, thanks!

My son's school charges a fee to be enrolled in any payment plan as well. So we pay at the beginning of each semester. I don't see the need to pay $100 or more extra to pay it off.

But I was a little disappointed that they did charge extra for the credit card payments. Heck, I can pay my car registration by credit card now.

Of course, the serious downside would be that I'm sure it's far too easy to charge it and not have it paid off by semester's end. And unlike most student loans, credit cards would require payments starting immediately.

My son's school did not state that they charged a fee to use a credit card last year, but I haven't heard what their intentions are this coming year.....
We know they charged a fee if you wanted to go on a "quarterly or monthly payment plan" whether you pay by credit card, cash, check, or other (their booklet says tuition is due on the first day of class at the start of the semester.)

Return to group discussion board >

Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of GreatSchools. GreatSchools does not check for accuracy in community posts or verify the contributor’s identity. If you are searching for health-related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Community Guidelines for more details.

Los Angeles
Local Q&A Change City

Closes Early College High School a credited to the City of Pasadena can some one help me?

How did you choose a preschool in Los Angeles?

What is the procedure to receive an interdistrict employment-related permit for special education in LAUSD?

Ask a question about Los Angeles >

Local Q&A is brand new! What do you think? Give us your feedback in our feedback forum.

Colleges Charge When You Say "Charge It!"

Parent Replies to "Colleges Charge When You Say "Charge It!""

Change City

Los AngelesLocal Q&A Change City

Los Angeles
Local Q&A Change City