From the Latin word meaning purse, a bursar plays a key role in your education whether you are earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The Office of the Bursar is in charge of student billing and payments. So, when earning an advanced degree at Walden University—whether you are paying your tuition in full, have received a full or partial scholarship or a college grant, or are receiving financial aid—you’ll interact with the bursar’s office.
While the bursar’s office helps the school manage its finances, it can also help you understand and manage the costs of getting your higher education degree and set up your payment plans. In addition, the bursar can help you decipher non-tuition-related fees for components such as academic residencies. It’s important to know that while any grant, scholarship, or tuition-reduction opportunity will show up on your bill, specific questions about your financial aid1 are not handled by the bursar and are best answered by your advisor.
As you get started on your Walden journey, here are five things you should know about the bursar’s office and how it can help you as you pay your tuition and earn your degree.
- Credit card: While earning your online degree, consider paying with your credit card to earn the perks available through it, such as cash back or travel rewards. Walden accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
- Payment plan: Walden will work with you to set up a monthly payment plan. There is an additional fee assessed for payment plans.
- Third-party payor: No matter who is paying for your education, the Office of the Bursar can work with them to ensure each payment reaches your account. Employers, friends, and family members can call the bursar’s office to make a payment, or employers can submit a voucher stating how much they are paying and for what term. The employer will then be billed directly for that term. It is important to note that Walden doesn’t accept grade contingencies and that billing plans do not apply to employers.
- Direct transfer and wire payments: Whether you are based in the United States or overseas, you can pay your tuition by direct transfer from your bank to the Office of the Bursar. Wire payments are another option. Students can wire directly via their bank (note: bank fees and exchange rates may be applied). Students can also use Flywire2 to process international payments.
- Billing statement: All Walden students receive an e-bill sent to their e-mail address. You can also print a statement by accessing the student portal.
At Walden University, we understand that earning a degree comes with a considerable financial investment and that financing your degree can seem complicated. The bursar’s office is just one of the many student support services available to help you along the way.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering online degree programs for working professionals. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.
1For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the Student Loan Advocate at [email protected].
2Source: www.flywire.com
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.