Answers to Common Questions

General Questions

How do I contact the University Billing Office?

The University Billing Office can be reached by the following methods:

Email: ubill@uiowa.edu
Walk-up: Room 5, Calvin Hall
Office Hours: 8:00 - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday
Telephone: Toll Free (800) 943-4557, Iowa City (319) 335-0071
Fax: (319) 353-2442

How can I find out whether I am eligible to be assessed tuition as an Iowa resident?

Information regarding how to apply for residency can be obtained at the Office of the Registrar, Room 1 Jessup Hall.

Billing Questions

How much will I owe?

Tuition is based on the degree program in which each student is enrolled, and prorated based on the number of hours enrolled. The official Tuition/Fees schedule can be viewed at http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/tuition.

After a student has registered for a specific session, the amount that student can expect to be assessed can be viewed under the 'Tuition/Fees Assessment' link which is available on ISIS under the 'Student Records' category. Estimates for other non-tuition related costs can be found under the Financial Aid website at http://www.uiowa.edu/financial-aid/costs/.

When will tuition, room & board be billed?

All bills will be the issued the first of each month. Tuition for summer session will be billed in June, fall session in August, winter in December and spring in January. Due date will be the 22nd of each month. (See information on paying in installments).

What if I do not receive a bill?

If for some reason you do not receive a billing statement you should access your current amount due under the 'U-Bill' link on ISIS, and return payment to the address listed above. It is the responsibility of each student to provide the University a current address. Not receiving a statement is not a sufficient reason to prevent your account from being restricted, or to prevent the assessment of reinstatement fee(s) to the account as a result of late payment(s).

Who can I talk to if I don't think I should be charged a parking fee/fine?

University Parking (319) 335-1475

Who can I talk to if I have questions about insurance charges?

University Benefits (319) 335-2676 or toll free at (877) 840-4001

Who can answer questions about housing contracts, meal plans, temporary housing and hawk dollars?

University Housing (319) 335-3009

Who can answer specific questions about Student Health charges?

Student Health Clinic (319) 335-8370

U-Bill Mailing Questions

Where is the University Bill mailed?

Student bills are mailed to the student's residing address by default. Students may authorize billing to a parent through ISIS. (http://isis.uiowa.edu) A single billing statement will be issued on a monthly basis.

How can I have my U-Bill sent to my parents?

It is the responsibility of each student to update their billing address on ISIS. In order to have the University billing statement mailed to a parent address, log in to ISIS, click the University Bill link, and scroll down to the Parent Billing section. Students who would like to have the statement mailed to an address other than to a parent should contact the University Billing Office in order to make arrangements.

Payment Questions

How can I make a payment?

• U-bill payments can now be made online through ISIS. After reviewing your u-bill online, click the "Pay U-bill" button and provide your bank information as instructed.
• Payments may be mailed in the return envelope provided with each billing statement. Personal checks, cashiers check and money orders are accepted. Mail to The University of Iowa, Payment Processing Center, PO Box 222, Des Moines IA 50940.
• Make a payment in person at the University of Iowa Community Credit Union IMU branch, 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cash, personal checks, cashiers check and money orders are accepted.
• There is a dropbox available for after-hours payments outside of room 3 in Jessup Hall. Payments must be received by the due date to avoid restrictions. The University Billing Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Can my University Bill be paid with a credit card?

No, the University does not accept payment by credit cards. We realize credit card companies offer various incentive programs to encourage use of their card, however, credit card companies would charge the University a fee of approximately 2% of the amount paid by credit card. This fee can not be passed on to the consumer, thereby reducing net tuition and fees available to cover operating costs. This would lead to increases in tuition and fees simply to cover the cost related to the credit card fee. Currently the University has the lowest resident tuition and fees in the BigTen. Please refer to payments plans in the table of contents for options available to pay your University bill.

Can I pay the contract charges (tuition/fees, room/board) in installments?

• Students may make payments in two installments during the Summer session, which will be due approximately June 22nd, and July 22nd. In the Fall, students may elect to make payment in three installments which will be due approximately August 22nd, September 22nd, and October 22nd. In Spring, due date for installment payments will be January through March 22nd.
• No enrollment is required to participate in either payment plan; students simply should simply pay the minimum periodic amount listed on each billing. A Deferment Fee will be billed on the last installment of each session if students do elect to make payment in installments; this fee is $15.00 for the Summer session and $20.00 during the Fall and Spring sessions.

What happens if I don't make a payment on time?

If students have not made payment by the due date listed on each billing statement, restrictions may be placed on the student's account each month. This includes restrictions on the student's ability to register for upcoming sessions, the ability of the student to charge goods/services on their ID card to their student billing account, as well as restrictions on the issuance of official University of Iowa transcripts. A fee of $25.00 will also be assessed each month the student is restricted to reinstate the student's account to good standing.

If I mailed in a payment to the Processing Center, how long will it take to post?

Depending on where you mail your payment from, it generally takes 4 business days from within the state of Iowa and 7-10 business days from out of state. Your payment may be delayed further if there is not enough information to determine who the payment is for. To avoid this additional delay, please make sure to write the billing account number on your check. The fastest way to make your payment is through ISIS.

Financial Aid Questions

How does my financial aid work with the billing?

Financial aid will be applied toward contract charges as it is received. If federal loans have been approved, but not received by the time of the billing, these loans will be estimated on the billing statement. Students should review the 'Award Summary' listed on ISIS to determine the status of each financial aid award before the semester begins, and the 'Aid Disbursement' once the semester has begun to track the status of each award. These links can be found under the 'Student Records/Financial Aid' category.

When can I expect my financial aid refund, and how is this refund calculated?

Students can generally expect their refund during the first week of classes for their college. The refund is calculated by deducting any Tuition, Fees, or Room and Board charges assessed, and refunded anything in excess of those costs.

* Note: Some scholarship awards are specifically designated to be applied toward certain costs, and any remaining funds may be returned to the sponsor, rather than to the student directly. Students can expedite their refund by authorizing direct deposit through ISIS, located at http://isis.uiowa.edu, under the Student Records/Bank Information category.

Will my Financial Aid be applied towards all of the charges on my account?

As a general rule, the University Billing Office will only apply credit from financial aid towards tuition and fees, and residence hall room/board charges. Once these charges have been credited, the University Billing Office will immediately release any excess funds in the form of a refund check, or through direct deposit. The student is then responsible for any miscellaneous charges that appear on the University account. A student may choose to have excess funds applied to miscellaneous charges by submitting the signed Miscellaneous Charges Authorization to the University Billing Office.

What happens if my Financial Aid is late?

Federal loans that have been approved but not received by the time of the billing will be estimated on the billing. Delays in the approval of federal loans, or delays in the approval of other sources of aid may result in restrictions placed on student accounts if the billing becomes past due. Students should verify the status of their financial aid on the 'Award Summary' under the 'Student Records/Financial Aid' category of ISIS to assure the approval of anticipated financial aid. If funds that are anticipated have not been released, the student should contact the sponsor of the award.

Where can I check if my Financial Aid disbursement has been processed?

Students can view the status of their financial aid disbursement on ISIS by clicking the "Aid Disbursement" link found on the Student Records page. Once the aid has been awarded, the date and method of disbursement will be displayed. For more information about Financial Aid disbursement click here.

Why didn't my Financial Aid disburse?

If you have looked on the Aid Disbursement page on ISIS and it shows that you have aid available for disbursement, that has not been disbursed, check to see if you have a past due balance from the current or prior session. The disbursement will be held until this balance is paid. For more information about Financial Aid disbursement click here.

Registration/ISIS Questions

ISIS says I am restricted; what does this mean?

If payment has not been received on time, students may be restricted from registering for an upcoming semester, or from using the University ID to charge goods/services. This information is displayed on ISIS in various locations, but is easily accessed under the 'University Bill' view under the 'Student Records' category. Restrictions will be lifted by paying the past due amount at the University Billing Office.

Why can't I register, or charge with my University of Iowa ID card?

A student or staff member may be restricted because of their financial standing with the University. An account will be restricted if a bill has become past due, a balance remains from a previous semester, an amount has been placed in collection, or if any check has been returned to the University Billing Office. A restriction placed on account prohibits registration, ID Card charging ability, release of transcripts, and telephone privileges. Any questions regarding account status should be directed to the University Billing Office at 1 (800) 943-4557, or 335-0071.

How do I set up a guest account on ISIS?

The student needs to create a guest account through ISIS. If you forget the PIN number associated with your bank information, the student will have to set up the guest account again.

Fee Questions

What is the difference between a Reinstatement Fee and a Deferred Payment Fee?

When a student chooses to break tuition up into more than one installment, (or defer the tuition), by paying the minimum amount due, as opposed to the total balance due, a Deferred Payment Fee of $20.00 ($15.00 for summer) is applied. This charge is applied only once per semester, when the last installment of tuition is due. The Reinstatement Fee is applied only when the minimum balance is not credited. The Reinstatement Fee may be applied more than once per semester.

Tax Questions

What is the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit, and am I eligible to claim it?

• The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 contains a tax benefit for tuition paid by qualified students for the calendar year 1998 and future years. The programs involved are the Hope Scholarship Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, Education Loan interest deduction and the Educational IRA.
• The University Billing Office is responsible for reporting payments applied towards tuition or fee charges during the course of each tax year, as well as financial aid applied towards any tuition or fee charges. Students will receive the 1098-T form at their current residing address. In addition to this form, the University Billing Office also suggests that you retain U-bills reflecting tuition paid.
• If you have questions regarding eligibility for the tax credits, we suggest you contact your tax advisor. Additional information regarding these credits is also available at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/PPI/HOPE/index.html, or at IRS Publication 970 (Tax Benefits for Higher Education).
• Hope and Lifetime Learning 1098T Information is now available on webISIS. Simply login, select the 'Student Records' link, and the 'Hope and Lifetime Learning 1098T Information' link. An ISIS password is required.

Budget Help

I need help in developing a personal budget, where can I go for help?

Free financial counseling is now available to all University students sponsored by Student Credit & Money Management.

Does the State of Iowa offer any type of savings program?

The State of Iowa has initiated the College Savings Program in order to make tax and savings benefits available to individuals contributing to this program.

TA/RA Payment Questions

I am an RA/TA; how will my appointment work with the Billing?

Students with a 25% or higher appointment may expect to be billed at the resident rate for the college from which they are seeking a degree. Graduate students with appointments should review the 'Tuition/Fees' assessment link under the 'Student Records' category on ISIS for the most current information regarding the rate at which they are being billed. In addition, Graduate students with a 25% or higher appointment may expect to receive a tuition scholarship based on the COGS agreement. For more information regarding this tuition scholarship see the Graduate College site.

Students receiving a monthly paycheck from the University may elect to participate in the payroll deduction plan offered by the Cashier’s Office.  This plan will allow the deduction of the minimum monthly payment from your upcoming monthly paycheck.  Individuals that elect to participate in this deduction agreement will not be considered past due or have any penalties incurred during the period following the due date, until the deduction from payroll takes place.  You may elect to participate in this program by returning the following completed authorization, located here, to the Cashier’s Office at Room 5, Calvin Hall.

Tuition Reimbursement Plans

My employer has a Tuition Reimbursement Plan - How do I obtain a receipt for their reimbursement process?

You may contact the University Billing Office at ubill@uiowa.edu for a statement regarding your payments. Please specify the semester you are seeking reimbursement for, as well as any specific instructions as to what your employer requests. The University Billing Office will provide you a statement on University of Iowa letterhead indicating the Tuition and Fees that have been assessed and paid during the requested period. This statement will be mailed to your current residing address.

Need More Answers?

The Office of the Registrar maintains a 'who does what' directory for student assistance; this information is available at http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/documents/whodoes.aspx.