Understanding My University Billing

At the start of the class registration process, students must accept the University’s Financial Agreement. By accepting the agreement, students acknowledge that after they register, they are responsible for the full amount due to the University.

Accessing Account Balances

NEIUport is the University’s online student portal that provides quick, centralized and secure access to information and services for all students, faculty and staff. NEIUport accounts are automatically created for students admitted to the University.

NEIUport provides access for students to:

• Register for classes online
• View grades and transcripts
• Request official transcripts
• Review Financial Aid awards
• Print out tuition and fees statements
• Pay tuition and fees online by credit, debit or check
• Access IRS Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement
• How to pay account balances

Pay Online

NEIUport (the NEIU student portal) provides 24-hour access to view and print tuition and fees statements. We accept credit and debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. 

Starting Oct. 2, 2023, a 2.50% ($3 minimum) convenience fee will be applied to all credit and debit card transactions for student accounts. Starting Feb. 23, 2024, the convenience fee will increase to 2.95% for domestic credit and debit card transactions and 4.25% for international credit and debit card transactions.

Check payments (ACH) are accepted online and no additional fee will apply.

International students sending payments from outside the United States can do this via Flywire, a company with whom NEIU has contracted in order to facilitate safe and affordable international payments. Submit a payment via Flywire.

CHECK PAYMENTS FOR PAST DUE BALANCES

All online, in-person, or mailed check payments that are made for past due balances require a 10 business day hold for the check to clear. This means a student's Accounts Receivable hold will be released once the 10 business days have passed. As an alternative, students that pay past due balances via check and wish to have their hold released right away can submit a cashier's check, make a cash payment or a credit/debit card payment to avoid the 10 business day waiting period for a check to clear.

Pay in Person

Payments can be made in person with the Cashier, or left in the Drop Box, which is located outside of the Student Payment Services office on the Main Campus in Building D, Room 101.

Student account payments that are made in person by credit card will be assessed a 2.50% ($3 minimum) convenience fee. Starting Feb. 23, 2023, the convenience fee will increase to 2.95% for domestic credit and debit card transactions and 4.25% for international credit and debit card transactions. Check payments made in person will not be assessed any additional fees.

A $15 fee is assessed for each returned check received by the University. After two returned checks, the student will not be permitted to make a payment by check for the next two years. The student has a right to appeal the length of time with the Student Payment Services.

Fees for Late Payments

Students who miss payment deadlines will be assessed a non-refundable deferred payment fee of $10 and/or a late payment fee of $50. Students with outstanding balances will have an “Accounts Receivable” hold placed on their account until the balance is cleared. The Accounts Receivable hold is placed on student accounts with balances that exceed $100.

The Accounts Receivable hold prevents students from being able to register for the next semester due to an outstanding balance. Students can contact Student Payment Services to enter into a payment plan. Registration exceptions are only considered for approval on a case-by-case basis.

Trouble Paying Account Balances

Students’ classes will not be dropped due to non-payment; however, students having difficulty meeting payment deadlines should immediately contact the Accounts Receivable Department at (773) 442-5165 to discuss options, including entering into a payment plan.When an account balance is past due, an Accounts Receivable hold is placed on the student account. While the Accounts Receivable hold is on the student account, the student will be unable to change his or her current schedule or register for the next term.

Students must either make the required payment to have the Accounts Receivable hold removed, or enter into a payment plan to have the Accounts Receivable hold temporarily removed so that the students can alter their class schedules and register for the next term. Exception: All check payments submitted for past due balances will be subject to a 10-business-day waiting period before the Accounts Receivable hold will be released.

Please note that it is very important that students do not fall more than one semester behind in payments because this will prevent them from being able to register for future terms.

When a past due account balance is not paid in full before the close of a given semester and no payment plan has been established, your account may be placed with a third-party debt collection agency.

If students do not attend classes due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., a death in the family, medical issues, etc.), they may submit a petition form to the Student Billing/Late Withdrawal committee to request a refund or reduced tuition and mandatory fee charges. The petition must include a narrative clearly explaining the extenuating circumstances, as well as supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s notes, messages from instructors indicating attendance, etc.).

Financial aid disbursements begin after the 10th day of classes and continues overnight every week night. Students who are packaged for financial aid that exceeds the University balance will be provided with a refund - either electronically or by way of paper check. 

Refund Methods

Direct Deposit

Students can choose to receive their refunds electronically through direct deposit, which is the fastest method for receiving refunds. Instructions for setting up direct deposit are available under Registration Tools in NEIUport. While in NEIUport, students should ensure that their contact details are up to date.

Check

Students can choose to receive their refunds by check. Only the student to whom the check is made out can collect the refund check. Students must bring their NEIU student ID and another photo ID to the Student Loans Department in Room D 101.

Any refund checks not collected in person after the last date to drop classes will be mailed, regardless of the amount or type of check. Students should ensure that their mailing address is up to date in NEIUport.

Please note that the Financial Aid Office is not the office that issues refunds. If you have any questions about your refund, please contact the Student Loan Department at (773) 442-5175.

Obtaining Textbooks While Waiting for Refunds

Once tuition and fees have been paid, students with a credit balance may use their NEIU ID to purchase textbooks and approved supplies from Follett Bookstore through the second week of classes, while they wait for their refund. The amount spent at Follett using the NEIU ID will be deducted from the refund amount.

Emergency Loan Balances

Students who wish to learn more about making an Emergency Loan request while waiting for their refund can call the Student Loans Department at (773) 442-5175 or visit Room D 101 on the Main Campus.

Effects of Attendance on Account Balances

If a student does not attend the first class session and neglects to inform the instructor in advance of the intended absence, the instructor may reassign the student's seat to another student.

If a student never attends a class in which he or she is registered, or decides to stop attending the class, he or she should officially drop the class from his or her class schedule. The student will be responsible for any financial consequences if he or she does not drop the course before the appropriate refund deadline. Failure to officially withdraw from class will result in a failing grade.

Please note: Complete withdrawals or a semester with no grades earned may require a return of financial aid refunds to the University.

If you have any questions about withdrawing from a course please contact the Registration office at registration@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4040.

Effects of Class Schedule Changes on Account Balances

All registrations for classes and changes to class schedules must be performed by the students. Students can register for classes and change their class schedules by logging in to NEIUport and viewing Registration Tools. Upon registering for classes, students become financially liable for the tuition and fees assessed for their registration. Subsequent changes to the class schedule and the timing of the changes can impact the balance due to the University, any fees that may be charged to students and any refunds that may be due to students.

Adding and Dropping Courses

Additional tuition and fees will be assessed whenever courses are added to a student’s class schedule. Removing courses from a student’s class schedule — or dropping courses — will result in refunds. If students drop a course and add a course on the same date during the 90% credit/refund period, they will not be assessed the 10% fee as long as the credit hours for the added course meet or exceed the number of credit hours for the dropped course.

Completely Withdrawing From Courses

To officially withdraw from all courses, students must access the Registration Tools channel in NEIUport and drop each course. The University considers that a student has completely withdrawn from classes on the day that his or her last class has been dropped online via NEIUport.

The tuition credit/refund schedule and a $10 Complete Withdrawal fee apply when students completely withdraw from all courses.

Students who completely withdraw from all classes prior to the 60% point of term must repay a portion of financial aid funds received. The amount repaid will be based on the amount of time the student attended classes. In most cases, students are entitled to keep the percent of aid that equals the amount of time spent in class during the term. For example, if a student completely withdraws from classes at the 30% point of the term, he or she may keep 30% of financial aid, but would need to repay up to 70% of the aid received.

The University returns unearned federal funds to the U.S. Department of Education (Pell Grants, SEOG Grants, TEACH, Loans or Direct Loans) and charges the amount to students’ billing account. Students must make arrangements to repay the University any amounts owed before being allowed to re-enroll or receive additional Title IV funds.

Students who do not officially withdraw and can document their last day of attendance will be considered as having attended 50% of the term and will be responsible for repaying 50% of all federal aid received.

Students who do not attend classes will be responsible for repaying 100% of all financial aid received (including State Grant assistance). Failure to officially withdraw or drop classes will result in the assignment of an “F” (Failure) grade.

Student Accounts FAQ

When are payments due?

Payment due dates vary by semester and are generally second week of each month. Students with balances unpaid after the tenth day of classes will be charged a $10 deferment fee.

I dropped a course, but only received a partial refund. Why?

Depending upon when you dropped the course(s), you may receive a percentage refund or reduction of tuition and mandatory fees. The dates for refunds/credit for each term may be found in Understanding My Financial Account.

How do I set up electronic refunds?

Log in to NEIUport, locate Registration Tools and click on Payment/Refund, then follow the instructions under the heading of Electronic Refunding.

Can my parent contact the University to discuss my student account?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides for the confidentiality of student records. This means that unless you authorize your parent to have access to your record, the University is not permitted to discuss your student account with your parent. If you choose, you may submit a consent form so that the University may discuss your account with your parent.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO PAY THEIR BILLS?

Use Flywire. NEIU has contracted with this company to facilitate safe and affordable payments from outside the United. States.

Accounts Receivable Holds FAQ

What are billable or direct costs?

Direct costs are reflected in student billing (e.g., tuition, mandatory fees). Indirect costs are generally not reflected in student billing unless (1) the book advance option is used with the University Bookstore and/or (2) the student is residing in on-campus housing (The Nest). 

I received a private scholarship check payable to NEIU, should I provide that to the Financial Aid Office?

Yes. The Financial Aid Office will apply the scholarship to your financial aid package so that it is reflected in NEIUport, My Financial Aid tab and your award offer. Next the Financial Aid Office will ensure the check is appropriately deposited with Student Payment Services Cashier.

I have a hold on my account and I cannot register. Who can I call?

Please contact Accounts Receivable at (773) 442-5165 or email Student Payment Services at studentpaymentservices@neiu.edu.

I have a past due account balance. Can I set up a payment plan?

Yes! We can work with you to arrange a payment plan. Please contact Accounts Receivable at (773) 442-5165 to inquire about this as soon as you’re having trouble making payments. Please note that it is very important that you do not fall more than one semester behind in payments, because this will prevent you from being able to register for future terms.

Can I register if I have an accounts receivable hold on my account?

Yes, you may be able to register if you have a payment plan for any outstanding balance and your payments are up to date. We can temporarily remove your hold in order for you to register for classes.

I have an accounts receivable hold on my account and I need to add/drop a course. What do I do?

Please contact Accounts Receivable at (773) 442-5165 or email Student Payment Services at studentpaymentservices@neiu.edu. We can temporarily remove your hold in order for you to add or drop a course.

Will my classes be cancelled if I can’t pay?

No, it is very important to understand that your classes will not be dropped due to non-payment; however, you should contact Accounts Receivable at (773) 442-5165 to set up a payment plan as soon as possible. Please note that it is very important that you do not fall more than one semester behind in payments, because this will prevent you from being able to register for future terms.

If you do not plan to attend your courses, you must officially drop them by logging into NEIUport and dropping your courses. Failure to drop courses that you don’t intend to complete will result in you owing the full amount of tuition and fees for the courses.

If I never attended my classes do I still need to pay for them?

If you never attended your courses or stop attending, and you do not officially drop the courses from your class schedule, you will still be held liable for the tuition and fees associated with the courses.

I did not attend my classes due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., a death in the family, medical issues, etc.). Is there any way I can petition for a refund or reduced tuition and mandatory fee charges?

Yes, you can petition to the Student Billing/Late Withdrawal committee by completing the petition form. Please remember to include a narrative clearly explaining your circumstances, as well as supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s notes, messages from instructors indicating attendance, etc.).

I have a hold on my account. Can I still get my transcripts?

Yes. As of Fall 2023, the Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act allows students with a financial hold on their record to order and receive their official NEIU transcripts.

Tax Form 1098-T FAQ

For information about IRS Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, visit the Internal Revenue Service’s website.

Why didn’t I receive a 1098-T form?

It is possible that you did not provide the University with your Social Security number. It is necessary for the University to have your Social Security number in its records in order to provide you with a 1098-T form and to report this information to the Internal Revenue Service. You may contact Enrollment Management Services at (773) 442-4046 for information about providing your social security number.

Nothing appears in Box 1 in my form 1098-T. Why not?

Per the 1098-T instructions, “Institutions may report either payments received during the calendar year in Box 1 or amounts billed during the calendar year in Box 2, and they may change their reporting method as reported on Box 3." Northeastern Illinois University, like many institutions, reports amounts billed for qualified tuition and related expenses (Box 2). Payments you have made for your classes will not be reported on this form.

My spring term charges are missing on my 1098-T. Why?

Per IRS regulations, the 1098-T form contains qualified tuition and related expenses posted to student accounts in a given calendar year. Many students register for spring term courses in the calendar year previous to that spring term. Thus, these amounts will appear on the previous year’s 1098-T form. You will also note that in these cases Box 7 will be checked, indicating, “ … amounts for an academic period beginning January through March of [the following calendar year].”

Contact Student Payment Services

Accounts Receivable Department

(773) 442-5165
studentpaymentservices@neiu.edu
Main Campus, Room D 101, Window 6

Accounts Receivable employees can answer students’ questions about tuition and fees charged to their student accounts. For example, a student might ask why a certain charge remains on his or her account after withdrawing from a class. Additionally, the Accounts Receivable staff assist students with establishing payment plans for account balances. If necessary, staff in this area also review a student’s record when an accounts receivable hold has been placed on the account due to an account balance. Arrangements may be made in order for a student to enter into a payment plan and continue enrollment.

Cashier

(773) 442-5184
studentpaymentservices@neiu.edu
Main Campus, Room D 101, Windows 1-5

The cashiers can assist students to make payment for tuition and fees, to waive the parking fee, and for other related services.

financial aid advisor appointment

Make an appointment with a Financial Aid advisor online.

Student Loans Department

(773) 442-5175
studentpaymentservices@neiu.edu
Main Campus, Room D 101, beyond Window 6

Student Loans staff process refunds for students each semester and, along with the Accounts Receivable staff, can answer questions related to student refund amounts and when refunds may be processed. The Student Loans staff also assist students with federal Perkins Loan repayment questions, as well as Emergency Loan requests.