Because of the costs involved in processing credit card payments, totaling $180,000 last year, the university has contracted with a third-party vendor, TouchNet, to handle payments made on student accounts through MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

PayPath does not accept VISA, and making payments on WCU student accounts with VISA cards no longer will be possible beginning April 1.

Payments made on student accounts through PayPath will include a convenience fee of 2.75 percent that will be added to the amount charged on the credit card. The convenience fee is nonrefundable, even if the student account payment is refunded.

As an example, if a $1,000 payment is being made on a student account, the total amount charged to the credit card would be $1,027.50. WCU would receive only the $1,000 owed for student charges.

WCU will continue to offer an alternative free payment method, WebCheck, which allows electronic payments from checking accounts. Students also may continue to send conventional checks to the Student Accounts Office at 119 Killian Annex, or make payments by cash or conventional checks at the OneStop in the lobby of Killian Annex. Credit card payments on student accounts can be made only online.

“We recognize that students and parents appreciate the convenience of paying online using a credit card, and the new online payment option will allow them to continue to enjoy this option,” said Nancy Morgan, bursar in the WCU controller’s office. “Many colleges and universities across the nation have chosen to discontinue the acceptance of credit cards due to rising expense. WCU has selected viable options that preserve the convenience of online payments while allowing for the redirection of resources into academic programs and student services.”

Individuals with questions about the new payment options can contact Morgan at nmorgan@wcu.edu or (828) 227-3102.

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Last modified: Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008