Tuition Payment Plan FAQs
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General Questions
What is the Tuition Payment Plan?
The Tuition Payment Plan is a payment plan offered by Nelnet Business Solutions (NBS) at Howard Community College. The plan allows students to pay their tuition and fees on a monthly basis over a specific period of time.
How does the Tuition Payment Plan work?
The payment plan is set up to pay tuition and fees by a direct debit to the participant’s bank or credit card account on a monthly basis.What are my payment options other than the Tuition Payment Plan?
If you want to see other payment options (pay in full, financial aid, etc.), please visit Payment Options.
Where can I get more information on the Tuition Payment Plan?
Visit the Tuition Payment Plan page for more information. Brochures are also available at the Cashier’s Office and also at the Finance Office front desk.
Can I enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan for non-credit courses?
The Tuition Payment Plan is only offered for credit courses. For more information on non-credit payment plans, please visit Noncredit Scholarships & Financial Aid. -
Costs
Is there a fee or interest charge to enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan?
Yes, the enrollment fee is $30 per semester without interest.Is this a one-time fee only or is it charged every time I enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan?
The $30 fee is charged every semester the student enrolls in the Tuition Payment Plan.Are there other hidden fees?
No, there are no hidden fees; however, Nelnet Business Solutions charges a Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee for any returned payment.How much is the returned payment fee and how does it work?
The returned payment fee is $30. This amount is charged separately from the monthly payment amount. Each failed payment will be re-attempted 2 additional times. For Example a failed payment of January 5th will be re-attempted on January 20th and if failed again, then on February 5th along with the regular payment of February. -
Enrolling in the Tuition Payment Plan
How do I sign up for the Tuition Payment Plan?
Tuition Payment Plan Instructions provides step by step directions on how to enroll.
How do I know my payment plan application is complete and has been accepted?
Once you complete your application, accept the Terms and Conditions of the payment plan and hit the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation from Nelnet Business Solutions (NBS). This confirmation is sent to the responsible party (person responsible for making payments).
Can I use a debit card to enroll?
Yes, debit cards can be used and they are entered as credit card on the application. The student/responsible party should be aware of amount limits which are tied to debit cards if they decide to use a debit card instead of using a checking/savings account.
What if I change banks while enrolled in the plan?
As long as the account holder is the same, this change can be made by calling NBS at 1-800-609-8056 and providing the identifying information or logging in to your payment plan account. You will need to change your financial account at least three (3) business days before the payment date.
Are there any deadlines?
You should enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan by the payment due date posted by the college.What do I need to complete the Tuition Payment Plan application?
The instructions to enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan are located on the Tuition Payment Plan Instructions page.
What if I am not comfortable in providing my bank information online?
NBS is a reputable company that offers and manages payment plans to hundreds of educational institutions throughout the country. The payment plan application and payments are processed on a secure website by a secure processor.
Do I have to pay anything when I enroll?
$30 enrollment fee is due immediately and depending on the enrollment date, you may be required to pay the down payment at the time of your application too. -
Making Payments on the Tuition Payment Plan
What are the payment dates?
Payments on the Tuition Payment Plan are processed on either the 5th or the 20th of each month, depending on the student’s selection.
Are the payment dates fixed?
You can either choose the 5th or the 20th as your payment date. Once selected, payments are withdrawn on that date from your account/credit card every month.Can I make a payment in advance or pay a portion of an upcoming payment?
Yes, you can make an advanced payment or pay a portion of a payment towards your payment plan by selecting "Tuition Payment Plan" under Student Account in myHCC.
Do I get a bill to remind me?
NBS sends reminders by email or text.
Do I make the monthly payments to the cashier’s office?
No, once enrolled in payment plan, you do not make any payment to the college. Your tuition is paid by the payment plan.
What if my parents/grandparents are paying for my tuition?
You can set up anyone to be the authorized plan owner at the start of your payment plan application.
What if I want to change or update the bank or credit card account from which my payments are withdrawn?
You can simply call NBS at 1-800-609-8056 and provide them with the bank or credit card information or log in to your payment plan account. You will need to change your financial account at least three (3) business days before the payment date. -
Adding/Dropping Courses and Adjusting the Tuition Payment Plan
Can I add or drop classes after enrolling in the Tuition Payment Plan?
Yes. Although adding and dropping classes will result in a change in your balance due to the college, there will be no action required on your part. Your payment plan balance will be adjusted automatically.What happens if I drop all my classes? Will the payment plan stop?
If you drop your class(es) during the refund period, your payment plan will be automatically adjusted when the automatic balance updates are processed by the college. If the drop results in a zero balance, your payment plan will automatically become dormant and no further payments will be withdrawn from your account. NBS will notify the responsible party of this change by email.
When will I get a refund if I drop all my classes?
You may be eligible for a refund if you drop your classes during the official refund period. Any amount that you have paid through the Tuition Payment Plan prior to dropping your classes will be refunded to you when funds are received by the college from NBS. It could take anywhere from 10 to 15 business days after the payment date for the college to receive funds. Refunds resulting from a change to the payment plan are disbursed according to your BankMobile refund selection.
Is the refund processed to my credit card?
Regardless of the original payment method, all refunds for the Tuition Payment Plan are processed via electronic fund transfer depending on the student’s refund preference through BankMobile.
What if the paying credit card belonged to my parents?
The refunds will still be processed by electronic fund transfer according to the student’s refund preference through BankMobile. -
Financial Aid - Special ConsiderationsHow do I account for my financial aid?
If you are receiving financial aid/scholarship, the Tuition Payment Plan will automatically budget the remaining balance owed.
How do I get my money back when my financial aid is disbursed?
If the disbursement of financial aid award results in a credit balance on your account, you will receive a refund from the college through BankMobile according to your refund preference.
Is my Tuition Payment Plan immediately cancelled once my financial aid is awarded?
Once your financial aid is awarded and it covers your full balance with the Tuition Payment Plan, your payment plan will become dormant and no more payments will be withdrawn from your account. If your financial aid award only covers a part of your balance, your payment plan will automatically adjust to budget the difference. -
Semester Specific Concerns
What choice do I have if I take a winter or summer class?
Winter charges are combined with the spring charges into a single semester called Winter/Spring, therefore students now can enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan for their winter classes, even if they are only taking a winter class. The Tuition Payment Plan is also available for summer.Do I need to sign up separately for each semester?
Yes, a separate application is needed for each summer, fall and winter/spring semester.Can the summer and fall tuition be combined in the Tuition Payment Plan?
No, summer and fall are two separate semesters. Accordingly, a separate application is required to enter into a Tuition Payment Plan for each semester.What if I wish to avoid overlapping payments for summer and fall Tuition Payment Plans?
You can structure monthly payments for fall to avoid overlapping payments for summer and fall Tuition Payment Plans. You can select 20th of the month payment date for one term and the 5th for the other. -
Automatic PaymentsWhy does my bank account show the payment withheld sooner than the date you display?
Depending on your bank’s policies, the payment may show as a pending payment on your account before the payment date. This may impact your available balance and limit the funds you are able to withdraw. Please refer to your bank’s specific policies on what events impact your available balance. -
Returned Payment FeesWill I know if a returned payment fee is going to be charged to my account?
Yes, if you have a payment that fails, you will be notified of the failure. The notice will tell you the date on which a $30.00 returned payment fee will be processed and the date on which the failed payment will be rescheduled (unless you take some action in the meantime to make the payment). If the $30.00 returned payment fee fails, it will be reprocessed immediately.
Can I make up a failed payment before the rescheduled payment date?
Yes. You are always able to bring your account current by making a payment online or in person.
Will I be charged an overdraft fee by my bank if my payment fails?
That depends on your financial institution. We understand that fees can be burdensome, which is why we strongly encourage all payers to pay careful attention to their payment schedule and do everything they can to avoid failed payments. -
Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance
What is the Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance?
This payment plan is offered by Nelnet Business Solutions [NBS] at Howard Community College. The plan allows students to pay their past due balance on a monthly basis over a specific period of time.Will I be able to register or obtain official transcripts if I join the Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance?
No. Enrolling in a Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance will avoid sending your student account to collections but it will not remove the financial hold from your student account until your balance is paid in full. Students with financial holds will be unable to obtain official transcripts or register for classes.How does the Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance work?
The payment plan is set up to pay towards a past due balance by a debit or credit card account on a monthly basis.Is there a fee or interest charge to enroll in a Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance?
Yes. The enrollment fee is $30 per semester without interest. The $30 fee is charged every semester the student enrolls in the Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance.How much is the return payment fee and how does it work?
The return payment fee charged by NBS is $30. This amount is charged separately from the monthly payment amount and does not go towards the past due balance.What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment will result in termination of the agreement and there will be no reattempts for payment. If you miss a payment, the remaining balance on your student account may be turned over to a collection agency and an additional charge of up to 25% of the outstanding balance is added to your balance.How do I sign up for the Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance?
Tuition Payment Plan Instructions provides step by step directions on how to enroll.What are the payment dates?
Payments on the Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance are processed on either the 1st or 15th of each month, depending on the student's selection.Can I make a payment in advance or pay a portion of an upcoming payment?
Yes. You can make an advance payment or pay a portion of a payment towards your payment plan by selecting "Tuition Payment Plan" under Student Account in myHCC.Do I get a bill to remind me?
NBS sends reminders by email or text.Do I make the monthly payments to the Cashier's Office?
No, once enrolled in Tuition Payment Plan for Past Due Balance you do not make any payment to the college. Your past due balance is paid by the payment plan.What if I want to change or update my financial information?
You can call NBS at 1-800-609-8056 or log in to your payment plan account through myHCC. You will need to change your financial account at least three [3] business days before the payment date.Is my tuition payment plan immediately updated when my financial aid is updated?
Yes, once your financial aid is awarded and it covers your full balance with the tuition payment plan, your payment plan will become dormant and no more payments will be charged to your account. If your balance increases due to a financial aid adjustment, then your payment plan will automatically be increased with payments evenly distributed over the remaining months.