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Paying For College Presentation

Below is the information from the Paying for College presentation during the 2026 Bobcat Student Orientation.  The session is presented by the Office of the Bursar and Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Additional information about financial aid can be found at Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships>>Future Bobcats.

What is The OHIO Guarantee?
  • Rates remain the same for 12 consecutive semesters including summers
  • OHIO Guarantee details can be found online at
  • The OHIO Guarantee 2026-2027 rates will be approved by the 91×ÔÅÄ Board of Trustees mid-June 2026
  • Rates will be published on the Office of the Bursar website at /bursar/ohio-guarantee
OHIO Guarantee 2025-26 Tuition Rates
What is included in billing?
  • Tuition and Fees
    • Instructional and General Fee
    • Nonresident Fee (if applicable)
  • Housing and Meal Plan (per Housing Contract selections)
  • Waivable Fees
    • Student Health Insurance
      • Waived one per academic year
    • Student Legal Service ($15/semester)
      • Waived each semester
    • Waiver Deadline: 3rd Friday of the semester
      • Fall Semester deadline is September 11, 2026
  • Digital Course Materials
    • Electronic course materials (most often an e-textbook)
What is included on the MyOHIO Student Center page?
  • Account Itemization
  • View account activity, charges due, due date
  • Make a Payment link
  • Enroll in monthly payment plan
  • Waive health insurance and/or student legal service
  • Access 1098-T statement (issued by Jan 31 for previous calendar year)
  • Enroll in Direct Deposit
What is the Authorized User Portal used for?
  • Account Itemization
  • View account activity, charges due, due date
  • Make a Payment link
  • Enroll in monthly payment plan
  • Waive health insurance and/or student legal service
  • Access 1098-T statement (issued by Jan 31 for previous calendar year)
How can I navigate the MyOHIO Student Center - Finances Section?
MyOHIO Student Center
How can I authorize a New User?

Students can have as many authorized users as they want.

A screenshot of Authorize New User and the Authorized User portal.
How can I log into the Authorized User Portal?
  • Authorized User will log in using their email address that the student designated upon setup.
  • There is no password to be set.  Authorized User will be sent a verification code to their inbox to complete the log in.
  • Authorized User can use the same email address of  multiple students.
A screenshot of the Authorized User Dashboard.
When are the Charge Posting, Billing, and Due Dates?
SemesterCharges begin postingEmail Notifications sent to students and authorized usersInitial due date if paying in fullIf opt to enroll in a Payment Plan, 1/3 of the balance will be due
Fall SemesterMid-JulyAugust 1August 21September 21
October 21
November 21
Spring SemesterMid-DecemberJanuary 2January 21January 21
February 21
March 21
Summer SemesterMid-AprilMay 1May 21May 21
June 21
July 21

For each semester a student/authorized user enrolls in a Payment Plan, there will be a $30 payment plan enrollment fee ($10 per month) applied to the account.  Enrollment by the student or authorized user must occur each semester.

Balances not paid by the due date will result in a 1.5% late payment fee per month and a financial hold restricting new registration and access to grades.

How can you view Account Transactions?

Account Itemization is the answer.

A screenshot of Authorized User Dashboard webpage with Account Itemization highlighted.
What are the Account Itemization Options?
  • Term
    • Each term of account activity is in the dropdown box.
    • "Non term transaction" option is where all unapplied personal payment credits reside.
  • Display Activity Summary
    • Will remove the dates and summarize transactions by description.
  • Once options are selected, click the "go" button.
A screenshot of Account Itemization options for term, activity summary, and pending financial aid.

 

Date detail will show:

  • All account transactions to date
  • Term Balance
  • Enrollment for Term
  • Pending Financial Aid (if any remains)
  • Due date details will show if there is a balance due
  • Digital Course Material charges will show corresponding course in Reference Nbr field
The Account Itemization highlighting due date details, pending aid and balance due after aid.
Can I create a PDF of the account itemization to save, print, or email?

The Printer Friendly Version will generate a PDF on 91×ÔÅÄ Letterhead to save or email.

A screenshot of the generated PDF Account Itemization.
What are the Payment Options?

Online through Payment Portal (linked from MyOHIO Student Center/Authorized User Portal

  • Electronic Check (no service fee)
  • Credit Card (2.95% service fee)
  • 529 Savings Plan ($10 service fee)
  • International Payment
  • Auto Pay Option
    • Option allows you to schedule multiple fixed dollar amount payments towards a student account.
    • If you wish to use this for payment plan monthly installments, the student/authorized user must also enroll in the payment plan option.

Mail

  • Personal Check
  • Cashiers Check
  • Money Order
  • 529 Savings Plan
  • Mailing address:  91×ÔÅÄ, Office of the Bursar, PO Box 960, Athens OH  45701
  • Include PID Number with payment 

 

How can I obtain a refund? Is it automatic?
  • Excess Financial Aid will be refunded beginning the first day of the semester
  • Direct deposit refunds are processed daily for the first three weeks of the semester. Beginning week four, processed Tuesday’s and Thursday’s
  • Check refunds are processed once per week on Thursdays and are mailed to local address
Refund Issued ToDirect DepositCheck
Student Yes
(if enrolled in direct deposit on MyOHIO Student Center)
Yes
(if not enrolled in Direct Deposit; mailed to the address on file)
Parent PLUS BorrowerNot availableYes
(mailed to address on promissory note)
What do I need to complete in the Bursar and finance sections?
  • Set up Authorized User(s)
  • Review account transactions on Account Itemization (mid-July)
  • Submit waiver(s) if needed (Sept 11 deadline)
  • Enroll in monthly payment plan (if needed)
  • Set up direct deposit if student expecting a refund
  • Schedule tuition payment(s) 
Where can I contact the Bursar?
  • Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (excluding holidays)
  • Phone: 740.593.4130
  • Email: bursar@ohio.edu
  • Website:  
  • Teams virtual meeting: /bursar/contact-us
  • In person: Chubb Hall, Room 010 (8am-4:30pm)
     
How do I apply for financial aid?
  • File the 2026-27 FAFSA.
  • All students meeting basic eligibility criteria are awarded Federal Direct Loans.
  • FAFSA is the only application for federal, state, and institutional aid.
  • Complete the FAFSA annually.  The 2027-28 FAFSA is expected to open on October 1 but watch our website for updates.

Pro tip - an online scholarship application for continuing students is available each November 1

Where can I find the Aid Offers and Out-of-Pocket Costs?
A screenshot of financial aid offer
What do I need to do before the semester in the Financial Aid section?
  • Visit .
  • Check To Do List and complete any outstanding items.
  • Choose "Accept/Decline Awards" and select each item for details.
  • Accept or decline loans using respective check boxes.
What is included in the Financial Aid To Do List?

View requirements to finalize aid, such as loan items and documents to complete FAFSA processing.

A screenshot of To Do List on MyOHIO Student Center
Where can I upload my financial aid forms?
  • Fax: 740-593-4140
  • Mail: 1 91×ÔÅÄ, Chubb Hall 020, Athens OH  45701
  • Never email documents with personally identifiable information.
Where can I view financial aid details?

View scholarship details and renewal requirements.

A screenshot of scholarship details and renewal requirements.
How do I make Financial Aid Loan Decisions?

Accept or decline loans.

A screenshot of award package
Where do I find Financial Aid Loan Requirements?
  • Visit
  • Complete Direct Loan Agreement (MPN)
  • Complete Entrance Counseling
A screenshot of initial webpage for direct loan entrance counseling.
What are the Federal Direct Student Loans requirements?
  • Repayment begins six months graduation or less than half-time status.
  • Undergraduate students enrolled less than full-time (12 hours) for a semester will have their subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans reduced based on annual credit hours.
  • Loan Types
    • Subsidized Loans (do not accrue interest while in school)
    • Unsubsidized Loans (accrue interest while in school)
  • Maximum Loan Amounts
    • Freshmen – Total of $5,500 (the maximum available)
    • Sophomore – Total of $6,500
    • Junior – Total of $7,500
    • Senior – Total of $7,500
       
How are Financial Aid outside of agency scholarships accepted?
  • Endorse scholarship checks made payable to student.
  • Checks of $1000 or less apply to fall. All others are divided between fall and spring.
  • Send scholarship checks to Student Financial Aid and Scholarships:
    ATTN: Outside Agency Scholarships
    1 University Drive
    Chubb Hall 020
    Athens, OH 45701
What are the Student Employment Options?
  • Federal Work-Study
    • Financial need as determined by FAFSA
    • Paid in bi-weekly paychecks based on hours worked
    • Does not apply toward account balance
  • Program to Aid Career Exploration (PACE)
    • Limited, internship-like positions on Athens campus
    • Apply spring of freshmen year for positions for 2027-2028
       
Where can I find Additional Resources including PLUS and Private Loans?

Parent PLUS Loan

  • Parent borrower must be credit-worthy or have a co-signer.
  • Repayment can be deferred until student graduates or is no longer enrolled at least half-time.
  • Annual limit: $20,000 per dependent student
  • Lifetime limit: $65,000 for each dependent student
  • 2025-2026 interest rate will be 8.94%
     

Private Loan

  • Student or parent can be borrower.
  • Student borrower must have a co-signer.
  • Parent borrower must be credit-worthy or have a co-signer.
  • Repayment can be deferred until student graduates or is no longer enrolled at least half-time.
  • Rates and terms vary based on lender.
Who should I contact about financial aid options and concerns?