Tuition and Fee Payment Policies

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Payment due dates are term specific. Tuition and applicable fees must be paid no later than the date specified for each term.  A $100 late fee will be assessed to all accounts not paid in full by the due date.  Information regarding these due dates is available on the GovState website and is also communicated to students via the students’ GovState e-mail.

Electronic payment plan options for each term are available on the GovState website or the myGSU portal. There is a $40 non-refundable fee for setting-up a payment plan.  Refer to the “Payment Plan” section of the catalog for more information.

Students who fail to pay by the published due dates will be placed on a University Hold list and are at risk of being dropped for nonpayment. This includes those students who receive financial aid, tuition waivers, and work/organization sponsored tuition assistance.

If you do not plan to attend GovState, it is your responsibility to drop your classes by the 100% refund deadline. Students who fail to drop their classes by the 100% refund deadline will be responsible to pay for the related tuition and fee charges.

Payment Options

Governors State University offers various types of payment methods, as follows:

• Online - via myGSU portal using credit card, debit card, or electronic check (checking or savings account).
• By phone - using credit card or debit card by phoning the Cashier’s Office at 708.534.4055.
• In person - at the Cashier’s office using cash, money order, check, credit or debit cards.
• By mail - using money order or check by mailing payment to:

Governors State University
Cashier’s Office
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484-0975

Payments made via credit card and debit card will be assessed a non-refundable service charge of 2.95% (minimum $3) for domestic issued cards and 4.25% (minimum $3) for international issued cards.  This service charge will be automatically added to your card payment.  This service charge offsets the credit card transaction fees charged by the credit card companies.  GovState does not control these credit card transaction fees and does not receive the proceeds from this service charge.

The University Cashier’s Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The University accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover.  A $25 service fee will be assessed for any check returned by the bank.  Information on payment options is available on the GovState website and is also communicated to students via the students’ GovState e-mail.

Payment Plan

The University offers several payment plan options for each term through the TouchNet system (online).  A $40 non-refundable payment plan set-up charge will need to be paid at the time of enrollment in the plan.

TouchNet payment plans include a feature that will automatically deduct the monthly payments from the student’s or parent’s bank account, debit or credit card.  When a checking or savings account is selected as the desired payment method, it is important to note that it will take up to 14 days once you enter your banking information (bank routing number and account number) to complete the verification process.   As part of enrolling in the plan, payments are scheduled and processed on the due dates without additional action needed on the part of the student or parent. If a payment declines or does not go through due to insufficient funds, the student’s account will be assessed a $25 late fee for each late installment.  Failure to have met prior payment plan obligations may prohibit you from entering into a payment plan with the University for future semesters.

As indicated under “Payment Options” section above, payments made via credit card and debit card will be assessed a non-refundable service charge of 2.95% (minimum $3) for domestic issued cards and 4.25% (minimum $3) for international issued cards.

Information on payment plan is available on the GovState website and is also communicated to students via the students’ GovState e-mail.

On-Campus Tuition Schedule

Undergraduate Guaranteed Tuition Plan

Under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan, the tuition for undergraduate students who are Illinois residents is assessed at a per-credit-hour tuition rate during the term they first register and the same tuition rate will apply for each of the following consecutive eleven terms (fall, spring, or summer). If the undergraduate student has not yet completed their undergraduate degree at Governors State University after the initial 12 consecutive terms then tuition will be assessed at the guaranteed rate of the year following the student’s initial enrollment. This new rate will then be assessed for a maximum of 6 consecutive terms (fall, spring, or summer).

For the 2024-2025 Academic Year, per-credit-hour tuition rates for undergraduate students who are Illinois residents are as follows:

Undergraduate Tuition for 2024-2025 Academic Year 

Master’s Degree Tuition for 2024-2025 Academic Year  (per credit hour)

Specialist Degree Tuition for 2024-2025 Academic Year (per credit hour)

Doctoral Degree Tuition for 2024-2025 Academic Year  (per credit-hour)

United States Residents

Students who are residents of any U.S. States other than Illinois pay the same tuition rate as the one established for that same academic year for students who are new to GovState and who are Illinois residents. Non-Illinois students do not qualify for the Illinois Guaranteed Tuition Plan.

Fees

The fees listed in this section of the catalog are subject to change for any subsequent term. Please check the GovState website for any changes. All students who have applied and been admitted to an academic program or enrolled as non-degree seeking student at Governors State University must pay these fees. All practicum and internship classes are classified as on campus classes, therefore, mandatory on campus fees will be assessed to students taking practicum and internship classes.

Mandatory Fees

The following are the mandatory fees for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

Explanation of Fees

Amounts are for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

Audit Fee.  A non-refundable fee of $75 is assessed per audited course in lieu of tuition.

Campus Access & Safety Fee.  A fee of $38 per term is assessed to all students currently enrolled in on-campus programs and University employees to maintain the safety and continuity of campus operations, including, but not limited to: emergency preparedness and response; maintenance and security of the parking lots and walkways; quick-start/escort service; and campus shuttle. University employees pay for parking through payroll deduction. Students are assessed the campus access and safety fee with their enrollment fees.

Doctoral Application Fee.  There is a non-refundable doctoral student application fee of $75 per application submitted.

Facilities Fee.  A flat fee per term is assessed to all currently enrolled students based on the number of credit hours per term.  For students enrolled in 1 credit to 6 credits, the fee is $205 and for students enrolled in 7 or more credits, the fee is $585. The fee is used for the maintenance and renewal of all GovState physical facilities, infrastructure, and operations.

Graduate Administration Fee.  A fee of  $100 is assessed to all Graduate and Doctoral students per term to support student success initiatives and student learning support.

Graduation Fee.  A non-refundable graduation processing fee is assessed at the time students file their applications to graduate. The fee is $125 for an undergraduate or graduate/doctoral degree.

Health and Wellness Fee.  A fee of $10 per credit hour is assessed to all currently enrolled students.  The fee provides for programs and services that support students’ health and wellness.  These services include but are not limited to basic health care, counseling services, educational accommodations, disability services, and health education and wellness programs. Additionally, the fee supports the operations of the on-campus Student Health Services Center where professional staff members are available to students seeking assistance with a variety of primary, non-emergency health care and wellness needs. 

Installment Payment Plan Fee.  Students opting to pay tuition and fees via an installment plan are charged $40 per term.

Instructional Support Fee (Online/Off-Campus). A fee of $47 per credit hours is assessed to all currently enrolled students under a totally online or totally off-campus programs.  The fee supports the development and delivery of instruction through appropriate learning environments and supportive infrastructure. 

Late Payment Fee.  There is a non-refundable fee of $100 charged for late payments.

Master’s Application Fee.  There is a non-refundable master’s student application fee of $50 per application submitted.

Service Charge.  Payments made via credit card and debit card will be assessed a non-refundable service charge of 2.95% (minimum $3) for domestic issued cards and 4.25% (minimum $3) for international issued cards.  This service charge will be automatically added to your card payment.  This service charge offsets the credit card transaction fees charged by the credit card companies.  GovState does not control these credit card transaction fees and does not receive the proceeds from this service charge.

Strategic Initiative Fee.  A fee of $16 per credit hour is assessed to all currently enrolled students. The fee supports targeted initiatives that enhance the student learning experience.

Student Center and Recreation Fee.  A fee of $22 per credit hour is assessed to all students currently enrolled in on-campus programs. The fee provides access and use of Recreation and Fitness Center facilities at no additional costs, funding for both club and competitive sports teams, and the operation of the Student Center and related programs and services.

Student Support and Services Fee.  A fee of $25 per credit hour is assessed to all students currently enrolled in on-campus programs. The fee supports services and programs that will increase the academic success and retention of all students throughout their education and the transition process. Services and programs include academic resources and counseling; career preparation and readiness; international services; Student Life programs and activities to enrich the extracurricular life of students including entertainment and educational events, student organizations and initiatives, student leadership development, student travel, and the student newspaper.

Technology Fee.  A flat fee per term is assessed to all currently enrolled students based on the number of credit hours per term.  For students enrolled in 1 credit to 6 credits, the fee is $150 and for students enrolled in 7 or more credits, the fee is $375. The fee supports technology infrastructure and utilization including, but is not limited to, campus and classroom computers, upgrades to labs, wired/wireless internet services, and software for expanding computer access to students and upgrading computer hardware and software.

Transcript Fee. GovState charges a fee of $10.00 plus a $2.90 processing fee per official transcript.

Undergraduate Application Fee. There is a non-refundable undergraduate student application fee of $25 per application submitted.

We CARE Fee. A fee of $1 per credit hour is assessed to all currently enrolled students. The fee provides scholarships and aid for students who demonstrate financial need but do not otherwise qualify for additional financial aid.

Program and Service Fees

Amounts are for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

Assessment Fee.  Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a process used to evaluate and provide college credit for the knowledge students have obtained through areas outside of the academic setting. Fees for this assessment are based on the current academic year undergraduate tuition rate per credit hour. Students at GovState who submit a CPL portfolio are charged an assessment fee equivalent to 40% of the tuition for one three credit-hour course (i.e., AY24-25 tuition for a three-credit hour course = $1,029. Fee assessed for first credit by portfolio review is 40% of $1,029 = $411.60). Subsequent portfolio submissions are only charged an evaluation fee of $104 per portfolio. For further information, see www.govst.edu/cpl or contact the Credit for Prior Learning Office at cpl@govst.edu or 708-235-7143.

Library Fees.  Most University Library services are free. However, copying, printing, and lost or damaged materials have a fee.

Student Health Insurance.  Participation in a student health insurance program is optional. Information on basic annual plans for a single student is available from private companies. Information on these health insurance plans and fee rates for spouse and/or dependent coverage is also available in the Student Life Center (A2100).

Course Fees

Amounts are for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

Determination of Undergraduate/Graduate Tuition Rates

Undergraduate tuition rates apply to all students who have not earned a baccalaureate degree, including degree-seeking, undeclared, and non-degree seeking students.

Graduate tuition rates apply to all students holding a baccalaureate degree, regardless of the level of course work in which they intend to enroll. This policy includes degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.

Students will be billed for tuition based on their status at the time of fee assessment. However, if delayed posting or retroactive changes to a student’s record affect this status, tuition will be reassessed and the student billed or refunded any difference in tuition. Tuition adjustments will only be made for the current term.

Residency - Please note that this is subject to change for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

To be considered residents, students must have lived in Illinois for a period of at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the beginning of any term for which they register at the University and must continue to maintain bona fide residence in the state while enrolled at GovState. An individual may be eligible for residency if his/her parents or spouse qualifies as an Illinois resident using the above criteria.

See the Appendix  of this catalog for additional information on resident status.

Refunds

Students who drop from courses on or before the published 100 percent refund deadline are entitled to a full refund of tuition and fees.

Refunds of tuition and fees may also be made because of excess of tuition payments, Financial Aid, student’s death, disability, extreme hardship, or institutional error. Refunds may be made via check or direct deposit.

Additional information is available on the GovState website and at the Registrar’s Office.

Unsatisfied Financial Obligations

Unsatisfied financial obligations to the University are pursued through placement with a collection agency, placement in the Illinois Comptroller’s Offset System, and/or litigation. Collection costs incurred by the University in collecting monies due will be assessed to the student/debtor.

University Holds

University holds are a means of identifying students with unsatisfied immunization, financial or academic obligations to the University. Students with holds may not register until holds are released.

Veterans (Student) Attendance Information 

Student Veteran Attendance or Participation in Courses Pending VA Payment in Compliance with 38 USC 3679(e):

In Compliance with 38 USC 3679(e), Governors State University will not take any of the four following actions toward any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while their payment from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is pending to the educational institution:

• Prevent their enrollment;

• Assess a late penalty fee to;

• Require they secure alternative or additional funding;

• Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;

• Provide written request to be certified;

• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment