Convenience Fee Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the University of Arkansas decide to move in the direction of charging a fee for the use of my credit card?
The University is committed to providing students and their families a range of options for paying for their educational expenses. The credit card payment method is becoming prohibitively expensive because of the increasing costs of providing a secure payment platform that complies with industry security standards together with fees for credit card transaction processing. This expense is paid by the University tuition revenues and therefore reduces the tuition dollars available for academic programs and services for all students. Therefore, a convenience fee on credit card transactions in the amount of 1.7% will be charged.
When will this change become effective?
July 1, 2009
What credit cards does University of Arkansas accept?
University of Arkansas accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Credit card payments can only be made online via ISIS and cannot be made over the phone, by mail or by email.
Why is the convenience fee 1.7%? How was that percentage established?
1.7% is the amount necessary to support the infrastructure used to process your payment. The percentage was established by computing an average cost per transaction. All amounts collected are to recover existing costs, and the University will not take in any revenue from the convenience fee.
Is there any way I can avoid paying a convenience fee?

You can avoid paying the 1.7% convenience fee by paying in person with cash or check at the Cashiers office located at Silas Hunt Hall room 101. You may also mail a check to the Treasurer’s Office with no convenience fee to the address below. Remember to always include your student ID number on the check.
University of Arkansas
Treasurer’s Office
P.O. Box 1404
Fayetteville, AR 72702

To avoid the convenience fee for online payments, you may use the eCheck Payment system by clicking on the Make an eCheck Payment button in ISIS. For more information on eChecks, click here.
Can I make a credit card payment over the phone?
Credit card payments cannot be made over the phone, by mail or by email. This is a security measure to ensure confidentiality of your payment information.
Can I pay in person using a credit card?
The cashiers at Silas Hunt Hall will no longer accept credit card payments at the window. However, a self service kiosk is available for you to use to log into ISIS and make a credit card payment.
If I make a credit card payment in error will my convenience fee be refunded?
No. The convenience fee is not refundable, even if the payment to which it relates is cancelled, refunded, credited or charged back.
If I use my debit card to pay my student account charges, will I be charged the convenience fee?
Yes. If you use your debit card like a credit card to pay your student account charges, you will be charged the 1.7% convenience fee.
Will the convenience fee that I am charged be included on my student account breakdown and statement?
No. The convenience fee is a fee assessed in addition to charges listed on your student account. It is only assessed when you pay using a payment card. The convenience fee will not appear on your student account or on your statement.
Are other Universities charging a convenience fee for credit card transactions?
Yes. Credit card convenience fees are not unique to the University of Arkansas. Many of our peer institutions within the Southeastern Conference such as Louisiana State University, University of Florida, University of Tennessee, University of Georgia and University of South Carolina currently charge convenience fees for credit card transactions. Others include the University of Texas, Oklahoma State University, and University of Missouri.
If I decide to use the credit card option to make a payment, how will I know how much the convenience fee will cost?
When you process an online credit card payment, you will receive a message that a fee will be assessed for the convenience of using a credit card. The message will include the amount that will be assessed to your credit card. The convenience fee will not appear on your university tuition and fee account, but instead will appear on your credit card statement. The convenience fee will be calculated at 1.7% on the amount paid by the credit card.
What other payment options are available to pay my tuition and fee bill?
You may pay a bill with no extra cost to you by using one of the following options:
- In person by cash, check, or certified funds at the Cashiers Office located at the corner of Garland and Maple in Silas Hunt Hall, Room 101. Payments are accepted Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. A drop-box is located by the Garland Street side entrance for after hours payments. Please do not deposit cash in the drop box.
- By check or certified funds mailed to University of Arkansas/Treasurer's Office/PO Box 1404/ Fayetteville AR/72702. Be sure to include a student ID number on the payment.
- By eCHeck through ISIS, using your checking or savings bank account. For more information visit the eCheck Information page.
Does University of Arkansas offer any type of payment plan?
Yes, students may pay tuition, fees and housing charges for the current term in five, four or three payments by logging in to their ISIS account and enrolling in a plan. A $25.00 nonrefundable service fee will be charged to enroll in a payment plan. If you pay on time each month, you will not receive any late charges. You can make payments by cash, check or credit card. If you choose to use a credit card your payment will be subject to the convenience fee.

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