DeKALB – The NIU Bursar’s Office decided to resume credit and debit card convenience fees for 2.85% to help with student account payments.
The decision was made to allow for more options and aims to assist students in paying for educational expenses. The convenience fee of 2.85%, or a minimum of $3, will be applied to all transactions going toward tuition and fees.
The university provided the Northern Star with a statement regarding the decision.
“We’re committed to providing students and their families a range of options for paying their educational expenses,” the statement reads. “The convenience fee will cover the costs associated with processing credit/debit card transactions as established by a third-party processor. This expense was previously paid by university tuition revenues, which reduced the tuition dollars available for programs and services for all students.”
A text message was sent to NIU students on Sept. 3 announcing the return of this convenience fee. Many students are against the convenience fee, as they express how this could impact students.
“I feel like it’s kinda unnecessary, because 3% could be a lot to a college student,” said Dessy Kollore, a senior majoring in biological science. “Especially to people who already don’t get financial aid, and having to add nearly 3% just because they use a credit card to get the proper things for class. I think it’s kind of bad.”
Others said they are unaffected by the change.
“I understand how it might affect some students. I don’t have to worry about it because I take out loans,” said junior environmental studies major Ryan Catalano. “I think it’s understandable from a school’s perspective of why they’re trying to use it, but it can be somewhat harmful to students as well.”
Sam Soria, a junior majoring in environmental studies, noted how she understands the fee’s impact on others, but also expressed similar feelings.
“I don’t really feel as affected by it as maybe some other students,” she said. “Obviously any fee is going to stress out a college student because the expenses are really high, so I can see how it would really negatively affect some people.”
The convenience fee will be applied starting Sept. 15. The convenience fee is only applicable to debit/credit cards and will not affect payments via electronic checks.
