FAQ's

For PantherSoft Student FAQ's, please click here

For FAQ's concerning the Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits please click HERE.

Q: What is the quickest and most efficient way to receive refunds or Financial Aid disbursements?

A: Direct Deposit is the best and most efficient means to receive any type of refund or Financial Aid. You can set this up on line through PantherSoft. In order to be able to use Direct Deposit, the bank account must be under the Student's name. If you do not already have a relationship with a bank and a checking account, you can visit the Credit Union at the GC Building.

Q: What types of payment do you accept?

A: We only accept cash, panther card, checks, e-checks, money orders, traveler's checks, and credit card checks. (Checks and money orders must be drawn on U.S. affiliated banks and in U.S. Dollars). We do not accept credit cards at the counter. However, if you would like to use a credit card, you can pay your fees through the web. You will be able to use American Express, Master Card, or Discover Cards. There will be a 2% non-refundable Credit Card Surcharge charged to your credit card .

Q: Who do I make my check payable to?

A: You can make your check payable to Florida International University or FIU.

Q: What address do I mail my check to?

A: For the address to mail your check to please see the Cashier's Home Page: http://www.fiu.edu/~cashiers .

Q: How can I pay for my classes or Accounts Receivable online?

A: The only forms of payment accepted online (through the Web) are by e-check and credit card. For more information on payments, see above question, "What types of payment do you accept?".

Q: How can I pay for my classes or Accounts Receivable by credit card?

A: The University does not accept credit cards. However, you may pay your current term tuition and fees or Accounts Receivable using e-check or a credit card through the web. For more information on on-line payments see above question, "What types of payment do you accept?".

Q: I added a class(es) after the Last Day to Pay Tuition and Fees for the current term, by when do I have to pay for them?

A: Classes added after the Last Day to Pay Tuition and Fees for the current term must be paid for on the day you register for them in order to avoid a Late Payment Fee and the possibility of having all your classes cancelled.

Q: Do I have to validate my schedule?

A: If you are receiving more financial aid than your courses cost, you do not have to validate. However, if your financial aid is less than your courses, then you must pay the difference by the Last Day to Pay, and then your classes will be automatically validated. Students who fail to pay the difference will have their class schedule cancelled.

Q: When will my schedule reflect validation?

A: After all night drop has been processed, the auto-validation will occur.

Q: I am receiving Financial Aid and it is enough to cover 100% of my tuition and fees. Why does it still show I owe money?

A: Financial Aid money pays on students' accounts after the DROP/ADD period ends each term. Students with financial aid that covers 100% of tuition and fees do not need to pay any money before the Last Day to Pay each term. However, if your financial aid is less than your tuition and fees, then you must pay the difference by the Last Day to Pay . Students who fail to pay the difference will have their class schedule cancelled.

Q: I have Florida Pre-Paid and other Financial Aid money. Will the difference be automatically deducted from my other aid?

A: No, the difference will not be automatically deducted from your Financial Aid; you must pay the difference yourself when you get your other financial aid money.

Q: I don't want to attend classes and I have Financial Aid (or Pre-Paid); will my classes be automatically dropped?

A: No, you must drop your classes by the Last Day to DROP/ADD; otherwise you will be held liable for any classes you are registered for after that time.

Q: Is there any type of payment plan/program for tuition?

A: NO. However, Financial Aid offers Short Term Loans. A student who receives a short term loan must pay the difference by the Last Day to Pay. Students who fail to pay the difference by the Last Day to Pay will have their class schedule cancelled.

Q: I have Financial aid and/or Scholarship money awarded to me for the current term, but it is not enough to cover what I owe. How can I find out how much my portion is that I am supposed to pay?

A: You may find out how much you owe for the current term by clicking HERE. After obtaining this information, refer to your Financial Aid Award Letter for your award amounts and subtract these award amounts from the total you owe the University. Florida Bright Futures Award recipients may also use the table on our Useful Tables page as a guide.

Q: I dropped my check in the Night Drop before the Last Day to Pay tuition and fees. Why does it still say I owe money?

A: Checks dropped in the Night Drop before the Last Day to Pay deadline are counted as being on time, and the payment will be processed within the next 3 business days.

Q: I have a tuition waiver. Why does it still say I owe money?

A: Tuition waivers are processed usually in the beginning of the term. Sometimes your classes do not show as paid due to a discrepancy in the number of credits you must take in order to qualify for the waiver (Graduate Assistantships ONLY). Other times it is because you are receiving a scholarship and/not a waiver. Also, if your student number begins with "000" you need to first go to the Assistant Controller's Office in PC 226 before the Graduate Assistantship waiver can be processed.

Q: I have a Graduate Assistantship? How much do I have to pay?

A: To figure out how much money you need to pay, find out from your Department how much money they are giving you and then subtract it from the total amount you owe the University.

Q: My Financial aid and/or Scholarship award money exceeds the amount of my tuition and fees. Will I receive the difference and when?

A: Financial Aid and/or Scholarship money is disbursed to pay on students' accounts after the DROP/ADD period ends each term. After your account is paid, the excess financial aid funds are mailed to you. For the exact time your funds are to be released by Financial Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office. You may also check the disbursement status of your awards online through the Financial Aid Award Status web page.

Q: I added a class after the Last Day to Pay deadline; when do I have to pay for it?

A: You need to pay for classes that you add after the Last Day to Pay deadline on the day that you register for the classes in order to avoid being assessed the Late Payment Fee. Not paying for the classes you have added will result in ALL your classes being dropped!

Q: I paid for my classes already but then I dropped courses prior to the DROP/ADD deadline. How and when will this money be refunded to me?

A: Refunds for tuition and fees are made in the form of a check or to your direct deposit. If you paid by credit card, your credit card will be refunded.

Q: Why do I have to pay the Health Fee and Athletic Fee if I already have health insurance of my own and do not attend athletic events nor use the gym? OR Why do I have to pay the Parking Access Fee when I do not have a car?

A: These fees are mandatory fees and are charged to all students each semester. For further explanation of these charges please see: http://www.fiu.edu/~register/registration_policies.htm