For some students, paying tuition in installments may be a relief
For some university students, tuition day means watching thousands of dollars leave their bank account at once. For others, the bill is something they can build a budget around, paying it in installments while juggling rent, groceries, and textbooks.
Payment plans for tuition
The University of Regina (U of R) now offers students a payment plan that allows tuition to be spread across the semester rather than being paid in one lump sum. Installments are being split into four payments, the first for the fall term being due upon enrollment, the second due Oct. 1, the third due Nov. 2, and the last due Dec. 1. The winter term dates are yet to be decided.
U of R student opinions
The program is meant to give students more flexibility around finances, but the question is, are students aware of it?
“I think it is much better to pay in installments, as I work and I don’t have to ask my parents to send in a huge amount,”said Maya Rehman, a third-year psychology student. “I was taking four courses this semester and my fee was around $13,000. It feels less stressful to pay it monthly.”
Financial services also stated that they would charge no interest. There would, however, be a $50 late fee for those who can’t make the payment on those dates. With repeated delays, they would be required to take the student off the plan and drop their classes.
“Big no from me,” said fourth year economics student, Ben Cowan. “It would make me feel like I’m paying tuition all year around. I work in the summer, so I can just get done with it.”
I get an email out of nowhere stating I still have to pay tuition. – Jaida Stewart, a fourth-year education student
Confusion regarding eligibility
Some students on campus are still confused. The payment plan states you must have a balance owing under $2,000 to be eligible.
“Some of us aren’t as financially stable as Ben. I wanted the payment plan, however they said that I was supposed to have my balance around $2,000… I am also on a payment plan for housing, so I thought I was not eligible,” said first year chemistry student, Daniel Yong. “When I phoned because it was the last day of tuition payment with no interest fee charged, no one picked up. I feel like that is a problem with every department on campus – they don’t pick up the phone.”
For some students, paying for housing and tuition at the same time can be confusing and stressful.
“I paid for housing and was on a payment plan for tuition and that housing fee went into my tuition. When I asked for a refund, they said no, so I had to give another payment to housing again, which was confusing,” said Jaida Stewart, a fourth-year education student.
“I think when you start university there is so much information thrown at you, as you don’t know much and someone says, it was on the website. I scroll reels, not U of R websites. It would be more helpful if they sent in a proper email about this,” said another student.
For students trying to find a balance in their expenses, a payment plan can be helpful. For others, the bigger question is whether they find out about it on time.
