The cost of higher education is getting—what else?—higher. This time, via the plastic payment option. Paying by credit card involves an additional 2.75 percent convenience fee. Though that may seem like a small addition, the costs rack up when you are dealing with numbers like the cost of higher education. That additional fee has increased by $10.23 for in-state students and $56.98 for out-of-state students for the 2009-2010 academic year due to a 4 percent and 7 percent total tuition increase.
Since February 2008, UVA students have been able to pay tuitions online through Quik Pay@UVA using an e-check, which drafts money from checking accounts or credit cards.
For in-state students the 2.75 percent will add $265.98 to their $9,672 tuition costs, totaling $9,937. For out-of-state students it will add $870.98 to their $31,672 tuition costs, totaling $32,542.98.
According to MasterCard, one of the credit card companies accepted by QuikPay, many of their customers use credit cards to pay for tuition because the fees are often outweighed by the “significant benefits,” such as the rewards and ease of use.
Though Nelnet Business Solutions did not respond to inquiries, for many students and parents, this added fee deters them from using plastic despite the possible advantages.
Junior Allison Barger says the fee is the only reason her parents choose not to pay by credit card.
Barger’s mother, Anita Barger, says she would like to pay by credit card, but says, “I’m not going to pay an extra fee for points.” As a result, Anita Barger uses the e-check option to avoid the 2.75 percent.
Edith Mann, parent of senior Meredith Mann, had the same concern about the fee.
“I hate to think I’m paying for more than I need to,” she says.
Students and parents, however, told C-VILLE they understand some may choose to pay the extra fee.
“At the end of the day, it’s about getting the money in the right place to pay the bills,” says Anita Barger.
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