Financial Policy

Tuition and Financial Aid

WGU Financial Policy

Western Governors University is dedicated to providing the best possible education and service to our students. Your complete understanding of your financial responsibilities is an essential element of your education.

The WGU Bursar and Financial Aid offices are committed to assisting you with your student account needs; however, you as the student have the primary responsibility to make sure your tuition is paid on time each term.

Tuition Payment Deadlines

Payments or payment arrangements must be completed and received by the WGU Bursar’s Office by:

• New student with first term tuition - 22nd day of the month prior to your first-term start date.
• Renewal term tuition - 1st day of the term.
• Two-payment plan - Must be arranged and confirmed by the Bursar’s office. First payment consists of a minimum of 1/2 of program tuition; plus resource fee; plus any special program fees such as lab fees or nursing program fees and/or scholarships; plus entire $55 convenience fee; less any WGU confirmed discounts. The second installment is due by the 1st day of the 4th month of the term. A signed installment agreement is required each new term. The payment plan convenience fee is due each term where a payment plan is chosen. Payment plan fee and special fees are always due at beginning of term with the first payment.
• Financial Aid - First-term financial aid student – Eligibility must be confirmed by the 22nd of the month prior to first term start date.
• Renewal term financial aid student - 30th day of the term.
• Students in an active bankruptcy are not eligible for a WGU payment plan.

Financial Aid

It is the student’s responsibility to apply for and submit all forms required by the Financial Aid Office and to be aware of deadlines for submission. Additional information regarding financial aid is available online.

Application for financial aid is not a guarantee of funding. In the event a student is approved for financial aid and is under-funded or the student becomes ineligible for financial aid funds, the student is responsible for the financial obligation on his or her account. Regardless of the status of the financial aid file, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that tuition and fees are paid by the appropriate deadline.

Payment Methods

WGU accepts cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) at no additional cost to the student through the online "Make a Payment" link in the student portal. WGU does not accept post-dated checks. WGU will not hold any check for deposit past the date of the receipt of the check. WGU will not be responsible for any bank fees associated with the deposit of said check.

Refunds

Once eligibility for refund is calculated, the Bursar Office adjusts tuition charges and issues refunds, as applicable. Funds reimbursed to the student are reimbursed via the original payment method; i.e., tuition paid by check is refunded via check, and tuition paid by credit card is refunded to the credit card used for payment. In the case of financial aid recipients, WGU is required to return unearned financial aid to the appropriate grant or loan program based on the Return of Title IV Financial Aid funds calculation, and as a result of this calculation, students may owe WGU a portion of tuition and fees that are not covered. All funding sources including scholarships — both internal and external, waivers, discounts, loans and grants are subject to return of Title IV calculation. In the case of third-party funds, i.e., employer contributions, government funding, military payments, etc., WGU will first verify with the original payer for the appropriate handling of the refund. The student is responsible for any portion of the tuition and fees owed after refunds to all payers.

Billing and Account Statements

• For current students, student account billings and statements are delivered via the student’s MyWGU email account.
• Upcoming tuition billing reminders are delivered on approximately the 15th day of the month preceding the start of the new term.
• Tuition term billing statements are delivered on approximately the 1st day of each new term.
• Monthly account statements are delivered on approximately the 25th day of each month.
• WGU does not mail paper billing except upon request of the Bursar’s Office.

Past-Due Accounts – Non Financial Aid

• Student accounts are considered past due on the 11th day of the term unless enrolled in the two-payment plan.
• Past-due accounts may be placed on financial hold for nonpayment. Failure to complete payment arrangements with WGU or make payment in full is grounds for administrative withdrawal.

Administratively Withdrawn Account

Students who have been administratively withdrawn cannot continue with their degree program and will no longer receive university services. If a student is administratively withdrawn, a $25 rescission fee must be paid before the student is eligible to request a return to active status.

Automatic Enrollment Confirmation/Not Attending Cancellation for Renewal Term Students

The student’s tuition for renewal terms will be automatically charged on the first day of the term. Thus, if the student will not be attending a subsequent term, it will be necessary for the student to indicate this by notifying his or her mentor by telephone or email prior to verification of academic activity for the term.

Once the mentor has confirmed AAV (Academic Activity Verification) for the new term, the student will be liable for charges incurred.

Returned Checks

Payment of tuition or fees with a check that is subsequently returned from the bank unpaid will result in a returned check fee. A student may not satisfy a returned check obligation with a personal check or check by phone payment. After two returned checks, WGU will no longer accept a personal check for payment on the student account. All future payments must be made via credit card or money order.

Failure to clear a returned check taken in payment for tuition or fees will result in administrative withdrawal from WGU 10 days after notification of the returned check. Once this action is taken, the student cannot be reinstated for the term, but will owe the prorated portion of the charges for tuition in addition to other collection costs and charges necessary for the collection of the returned check. A student may apply for re-enrollment for the following term when all balances are resolved.

Delinquent Accounts

Failure to meet financial obligations of any kind to the university may subject the student to suspension of future services including enrollment for subsequent terms.

In addition, delinquent accounts may be referred to a collection agency and the student will be responsible for additional late payment charges, interest, attorney’s fees, and other costs and charges necessary for the collection of any amount not paid when due.

Transcripts and Records Policy for Students with Unresolved Financial Obligations

In the event of any unresolved balance of any nature on the student’s account, the following records will not be released: diplomas, transfer of university competencies, and transcripts of university competencies. These records will not be released until the balance is paid in full or the past-due balance is resolved. When all financial obligations are resolved, the student is again eligible to receive transcripts and all university services.

Allowing Others to Conduct Business for the Student and Account Privacy

Students may allow a designated representative to discuss their financial student account. To request this service, the student may access and print the authorization form available in the student portal under the “Resources” tab.

Please print, sign, and return the completed form as directed on the form. The student may use this form to designate authorized persons to discuss his or her financial account on his or her behalf. In accordance with federal privacy laws, accounts that do not have this form on file will not be discussed with any person other than the student.