Payment Agreement and Disclosure Statement

This is a legally binding agreement containing the terms and conditions of this account, as well as a statement of your rights and responsibilities regarding this account. In this agreement, the words “you”, “your”, “I”, and “student” refer to the student or account holder. The words “we”, “our”, “us”, and “the College” refer to The College of St. Scholastica. The word “agreement” refers to this Payment Agreement and Disclosure Statement.

Credit Terms

Interest Rates and Charges

Payment of Fees/Promise to Pay

I understand that when I register for any class at The College of St. Scholastica or receive any service from the College, I accept full responsibility to pay all tuition, fees, and other associated costs assessed as a result of my registration and/or receipt of services. I further understand and agree that my registration and acceptance of these terms constitutes a promissory note agreement (i.e., a financial obligation in the form of an educational loan as defined by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code at 11 U.S.C. §523(a)(8)) in which The College of St. Scholastica is providing me educational services, deferring some or all of my payment obligation for those services, and I promise to pay for all assessed tuition, fees and other associated costs by the published or assigned due date.

I understand and agree that if I drop or withdraw from some or all of the classes for which I register, I will be responsible for paying all or a portion of tuition and fees in accordance with the published tuition refund schedule at Student Accounts, listed under Refunds for Tuition and Other Institutional Charges. I have read the terms and conditions of the published tuition refund schedule and understand those terms are incorporated herein by reference. I further understand that my failure to attend class or receive a bill does not absolve me of my financial responsibility as described above.

Billing and Payment

I understand that The College of St. Scholastica uses electronic billing as its official billing method, and therefore I am responsible for viewing and paying my student account bill by the scheduled due date. I further understand that failure to review my bill does not constitute a valid reason for not paying my bill on time. Billing information is available at Student Accounts.

I understand that amounts due to the College are payable on or before the stated due date as posted under Billing Process at Student Accounts. I further understand that I am responsible to pay for any other fees and charges as they are assessed to my student account throughout the semester, including but not limited to parking fines, finance charges, book charges, and housing charges.

I understand that the College will apply personal payments and credits to the overall balance on my account, with payments first applied to the oldest outstanding charge. I understand and agree that unless I am enrolled in one of the College’s optional payment plans, payment is due in full on or before the posted due date.

Electronic payments can be made through the College’s billing portal. There is a service fee to pay with a credit/debit card. There is no fee to make electronic payments from U.S. checking and savings accounts. International wire transfers are subject to fees specific to the country of origin. Cash payments may be made in person at the College’s Duluth campus. Checks and money orders must include the student’s ID number and be made payable to The College of St. Scholastica. Checks and money orders should be mailed to:

The College of St. 

Scholastica Student Accounts

P.O. Box 856893

Minneapolis, MN 55485-6893

Optional Payment Plans

The College of St. Scholastica makes optional payment plans available to students. Finance charges and financial holds will not apply as long as each monthly payment is made when due. A failed or unpaid installment shall constitute the account as delinquent. Delinquent accounts are subject to finance charges and financial holds until the installment is paid in full.

Automatic Payment Plan: Under the automatic payment plans, amounts owing in the account may be paid in up to four installments during the academic term on a designated payment schedule. Students agree to make monthly electronic payments throughout the semester as designated by each specific plan. The student enrolls for this plan through the College’s online billing portal.

Employer Reimbursement Payment Plan: Under the employer reimbursement payment plan, the student must show evidence of their eligibility in an employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement program. If a student qualifies, the due date for tuition, fees, and other charges is six weeks following the end of the applicable semester. If the employer does not reimburse within six weeks following the end of the applicable semester, for any reason, the student is responsible for full payment of the amount owed.

Third-Party Payment Plan: Under the third-party payment plan, the student’s educational costs are to be paid in full or in part by a third party, such as a military program, government agency, or private organization. To qualify, the student must submit their Third-Party Authorization Form to the Student Accounts office no later than the first day of classes for each term. If the third party fails to pay the College for any reason, the student is responsible for full payment of the amount owed.

Billing Errors

I understand that administrative, clerical, or technical billing errors do not absolve me of my financial responsibility to pay the correct amount of tuition, fees, and other associated financial obligations assessed as a result of my registration at The College of St. Scholastica.

If you think there is an error on your student bill email studentaccounts@css.edu or send a letter to The College of St. Scholastica, 1200 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811, Attention: Student Accounts. Your notice must include the following information: your name and CSS ID number, the dollar amount of the suspected error, and a detailed description of what you believe is wrong and why you believe it is a mistake.

Within 30 days of receiving a notice, the College shall notify you that your notice was received and shall be investigated. Within 90 days of receiving your notice, the College must either correct the error or provide an explanation why your bill is correct. While the suspected error is under investigation, the College shall not attempt to collect the amount in question or report you as delinquent on that amount. The charge in question may remain on your statement and we may continue to charge you interest on that amount.

After the investigation is complete, one of two things will happen. If a mistake was made you will not have to pay the amount in question or any interest or other fees related to that amount. If there was not a mistake you will have to pay the amount in question, along with applicable interest and fees.

Returned Payments/Failed Payment Agreements

If a payment made to my student account is returned by the bank for any reason, I agree to repay the original amount of the payment plus a returned payment fee of $25. I understand that multiple returned payments and/or failure to comply with the terms of any payment plan or agreement I sign with The College of St. Scholastica may result in the cancellation of my classes and/or suspension of my eligibility to register for future classes at the College.

Delinquent Account/Collection

Registration Cancellation: I understand and agree that should I fail to remit payment for my student account charges or any monies owed to the College by the applicable due date, and if my outstanding account balance equals or exceeds $1,000, the College reserves the right to cancel my registration for the current and/or any future academic terms. I further understand that if I am actively enrolled in one of the College’s optional payment plans and remain current on all scheduled payments under that plan, I will not be subject to registration cancellation.

Financial Hold: I understand and agree that should I fail to remit payment for my student account charges or any monies owed to the College by the designated due date, and my account balance is equal to or exceeds $1,000, the College may impose a financial hold on my student account. This hold may restrict my ability to register for current and/or future academic terms and/or obtain official transcripts. I further understand that if I am actively enrolled in one of the College’s optional payment plans and remain current on all scheduled payments under that plan, I will not be subject to financial holds. 

Late Payment Charge: I understand and agree that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing the College by the scheduled due date, the College will assess finance charges at the rate of 0.66% per month on the past due portion of my student account until my past due account is paid in full. The College reserves the right to delay or waive finance charges in certain circumstances at its discretion. I further understand that if I am actively enrolled in one of the College’s optional payment plans and remain current on all scheduled payments under that plan, I will not be subject to finance charges.

Delinquent Accounts and Collection Agency Fees: I understand and accept if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing to the College by the scheduled due date, and fail to make acceptable payment arrangements to bring my account current, the College may refer my account to a collection agency. If the College refers my account balance to a third party for collection, whether an attorney or collection agency, I will be responsible for any costs (including, but not limited to collection fees) associated with attempting to collect the monies due and owing. I understand a collection fee will be assessed and will be due and owing in full at the time of the referral to the third party. The collection fee will be calculated at the maximum amount permitted by applicable law, but not to exceed 33.3% of the amount outstanding. For the purposes of this provision, the third party may be a debt collection company or an attorney. If a lawsuit is filed to recover an outstanding balance, I will also be responsible for any costs associated with the lawsuit such as court costs, attorney’s fees, or other applicable costs. Finally, I understand my delinquent account may be furnished to one or more of the national credit bureaus. This agreement shall be interpreted under the laws of the State of Minnesota and all disputes shall be resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction in the state of Minnesota.

* In 2020, the California legislature passed the Debt Collection Licensing ACT (DCLA), which provides for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of California debt collectors by the Department of Financial Protections and Innovation. For students with California residency that are no longer enrolled at the College, and have a remaining balance due; the College will assign the account balance to a collection agency. The student’s status will then be reported to at least one national credit bureau and a collection agency fee of 25% will be added to the balance owed in addition to monthly finance charges.

Financial Aid

I understand that aid described as “estimated” on my Financial Aid Award does not represent actual or guaranteed payment, but is an estimate of the aid I may receive if I meet all requirements stipulated by that aid program.

I understand that my Financial Aid Award is contingent upon my continued enrollment and attendance in each class upon which my financial aid eligibility was calculated. If I drop or withdraw from any class before completion, I understand that my financial aid eligibility may decrease and some or all of the financial aid awarded to me may be revoked.

If some or all of my financial aid is revoked because I dropped, withdrew, or failed to attend class, I agree to repay all revoked aid that was disbursed to my account and resulted in a credit balance that was refunded to me.

I agree to allow non-federal financial aid I receive to pay any and all charges assessed to my account at The College of St. Scholastica such as tuition, fees, campus housing and meal plans, student health insurance, parking permits, service fees, fines, bookstore charges, or any other amount, in accordance with the terms of the aid. 

Federal Aid: I understand that any federal Title IV financial aid that I receive, except for Federal Work Study wages, will first be applied to any outstanding balance on my account for tuition, fees, room and board. Title IV financial aid includes aid from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Loan, and Federal PLUS Loan. I understand that The College of St. Scholastica will not apply my Title IV financial aid to other charges assessed to my student account such as student health insurance, parking permits, bookstore charges, service fees and fines, and any other education related charges unless I submit an authorization form at Financial Aid Authorization. I further understand that should I submit this authorization, it will remain in effect until I rescind it and that I may withdraw it at any time.

Awards, Scholarships, Grants: I understand that awards, scholarships, and grants awarded to me by The College of St. Scholastica shall be credited to my student account and applied toward any outstanding balance. I further understand that my receipt of an award, scholarship, or grant is considered a financial resource according to federal Title IV financial aid regulations, and may therefore reduce my eligibility for other federal and/or state financial aid (i.e., loans, grants, Federal Work Study) which, if already disbursed to my student account, must be reversed and returned to the aid source.

Withdrawal

If I decide to completely withdraw from The College of St. Scholastica, I will follow the withdrawal and stop- out instructions at Withdrawal and Stop Out Policy which I understand and agree are incorporated herein by reference.

Before leaving The College of St. Scholastica for any reason, it is my responsibility to provide the College with updated contact information for purposes of continued communication regarding any amounts that remain due and owing to the College. I understand that I am responsible for updating my physical addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers within my.css.

I further understand that should I no longer have access to my.css, I am responsible for providing my updated contact information to the College by submitting an online record update at Record Update.

Communication

Method of Communication: I understand and agree that The College of St. Scholastica uses email as an official method of communication with me and that therefore I am responsible for reading the emails I receive from the College on a daily basis.

Contact and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) Express Consent: I authorize The College of St. Scholastica and its agents and contractors to contact me at my current and any future cellular phone number(s), email address(es) or wireless device(s) and social media accounts through private messages, regarding my delinquent student account(s)/loan(s), any other debt I owe to the College, or to receive general information from the College. I authorize the College and its agents and contractors to use automated telephone dialing equipment, artificial or prerecorded voice or text messages, and personal calls and emails, in their efforts to contact me. Furthermore, I understand that I may withdraw my consent to call my cellular phone by submitting my request in writing to Academic Records or in writing to the applicable contractor or agent contacting me on behalf of The College of St. Scholastica.

Privacy Rights & Responsibilities

I understand that The College of St. Scholastica is bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act(FERPA) which prohibits the College from releasing any information from my education record without my written permission. Therefore, I understand that if I want the College to share information from my education record with someone else, I must provide written permission by following the procedure outlined in the Privacy Policy. I further understand that I may revoke my permission at any time as instructed in the same procedure.

IRS Form 1098-T

I agree to provide my Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN) to The College of St. Scholastica upon request as required by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations for Form 1098-T reporting purposes. If I fail to provide my SSN or TIN to the College, I agree to pay any and all IRS fines assessed as a result of my missing SSN/TIN.

I understand that my annual IRS Form 1098-T will be available to me electronically through the College’s online billing portal. I further understand that I may consent to receive a paper copy of my 1098-T by completing a consent form located within the Student Billing Portal. I further understand that I may change my consent at any time as instructed in the same procedure.

Student Age

If I am younger than the applicable age of majority (generally, 18) when I execute this agreement, I understand that the educational services provided by The College of St. Scholastica are considered a necessity or essential service, and I am therefore contractually obligated by this agreement to the extent permitted by law. 

Prior to enrolling in any course offered by The College of St. Scholastica, all students under the age of 18 must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian. This consent serves as: (1) acknowledgment of the student’s enrollment; (2) acceptance of financial responsibility for tuition, fees, and related charges; and (3) permission for the College to send text messages and automated communications to the student as described in the Communication section of this agreement.

Entire Agreement

This agreement supersedes all prior understandings, representations, negotiations, and correspondence between the student and The College of St. Scholastica, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters described, and shall not be modified or affected by any course of dealing or course of performance. This agreement may be modified by the College if the modification is signed by me. Any modification is specifically limited to those policies and/or terms addressed in the modification.

Arbitration

In the event a disagreement or a dispute shall arise with respect to this Agreement, either party may demand arbitration and the party desiring arbitration shall give written notice to that effect to the other party. A copy of such notice will also be provided by the party demanding arbitration to the American Arbitration Association. Any arbitration demanded hereunder shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect as to commercial disputes, and shall be conducted at Duluth, Minnesota. The decision of the arbitrators shall be final and shall be enforceable in accordance with Minnesota law.

As required by 34 C.F.R. § 685.300 (e) and (f), the College agrees to the following modifications of this arbitration provision, but only to the extent and so long as the regulations requiring the modifications remain in effect.

Pursuant to 34 C.F.R § 685.300 (e), the College agrees that this agreement cannot be used to stop you from being part of a class-action lawsuit in court. You may file a class-action lawsuit in court, or you may be a member of a class-action lawsuit even if you do not file it. This provision applies only to class-action claims concerning the College’s acts or omissions regarding the making of the Federal Direct Loan or the College’s provision of educational services for which the Federal Direct Loan was obtained. The College agrees that the court has exclusive jurisdiction to decide whether a claim asserted in the lawsuit is a claim regarding the making of the Federal Direct Loan or the provision of educational services for which the loan was obtained.

Pursuant to 34 C.F.R § 685.300 (f), the College agrees that neither it nor anyone else will use this agreement to stop you from bringing a lawsuit concerning the College’s acts or omissions regarding the making of the Federal Direct Loan or the provision by the College of educational services for which the Federal Direct Loan was obtained. You may file a lawsuit for such a claim, or you may be a member of a class action lawsuit for such a claim even if you do not file it. This provision does not apply to lawsuits concerning other claims. The College agrees that only the court is to decide whether a claim asserted in the lawsuit is a claim regarding the making of the Federal Direct Loan or the provision of educational services for which the loan was obtained.

Severability Clause

If any provision, term, or clause of this Agreement is declared illegal, unenforceable, or ineffective in a legal forum with competent jurisdiction to do so, this Agreement shall be deemed severable, and all other provisions, terms, and clauses of the Agreement will remain valid and binding on the Parties.

Acknowledgement (Electronic)

I have read and understand the above disclosure, terms, and conditions. I promise to pay the College all tuition, room and board, fees, and any other charges incurred while I am a student here on or before the due date. I agree to make full payment on my account according to the above policies. I authorize the College to release financial and other information used to verify charges on my account to third parties contracted by the College to collect past-due balances.