Refunds and Credits FAQ

Will I receive a refund or credit?

Saint Peter’s University has completed calculations for prorated refunds or credits for housing, meal plans and parking fees due to the government mandate to move our operations online. Please note the following:

• Credit for housing, meal plans and parking have been calculated on a prorated basis, adjusted for financial aid and scholarship policies if appropriate.
• If you owe a balance, this credit has first been applied against the balance currently due for spring 2020.
• Unless you are a graduating senior credit balances for housing, meal plans, including flex and commuter, will roll over to the next academic year 2020-2021.

If you are a senior that is graduating:

• If the housing, meal plan or parking credit creates a credit balance, you will receive a refund check at your permanent address on file with the University.

If you are a first-year, sophomore or junior:

• Unless you owe a balance, you have received a credit in your student account towards your future term billing statement after spring 2020.

How will you determine the amount of my refund or credit for housing, meal plans and parking?

Prorated refunds or credits will be calculated for the period of Tuesday, March 24 through Thursday, May 14. Financial aid and scholarship policies may impact your refund or credit. For those students that were unable to return home and remained on campus, refunds/credits will not be issued.

Will tuition refunds be issued?

Tuition refunds will not be issued. We are still holding classes, albeit virtually, under the direct order of the state government. Academic credits are still being earned toward your degree and all support services remain open virtually to support your progress. We encourage all students to take advantage of the extensive resources of CASE, CEEL, CAPS, the library and the many other programs and services that foster academic, personal and social achievement.

Will I receive a credit or refund for my lab fee?

Prorated lab fee refunds or credits will be calculated for the period of Tuesday, March 24 through to the last scheduled lab of the spring term.

Will I receive a refund or credit for my activity fee?

No. Events are still taking place virtually.

Will I receive a refund for my commencement fee?

No. At this time we cannot predict when, where and how commencement will take place. However, we are committed to recognizing and celebrating the Class of 2020 who have all worked so hard to get to this point. Graduation regalia and diplomas have been ordered.

As we learn more in the coming weeks, and our situation becomes clearer, we will work towards a plan to honor our graduates. Please also know that the Office of Leadership and Engagement will be in touch in regards to a plan for Senior Week as well.

When will my refund or credit be issued?

Checks will be mailed for seniors within the next three weeks. Please be aware that the United States Postal Service is experiencing delays with deliveries due to the pandemic. Credits will be issued to your student account within the week to two weeks. Students should ensure their mailing address is up to date in Spirit Online. If it is not, please contact the Offices of Student Accounts at studentaccounts@saintpeters.edu or Registrar at registrar@saintpeters.edu for instructions to update your student record.

How will I know when my refund or credit has been issued?

Refund/credit balances can be viewed on your statement by logging into your Spirit Online account under Student Menu and selecting View and Make a Payment.

When can I use my credit?

Housing and meal plan credit will be used for a future term after spring 2020. Parking credit will be used for a future academic year parking fee.

I thought the University received money from the U.S. Department of Education through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Why has there been a delay with issuing refunds?

The University was awaiting federal guidance on financial aid and related policies before completing refund and credit calculations. We appreciate your patience as we worked through the process in line with the numerous federal regulations in regards to issuing credits and refunds.

Is there an emergency assistance fund?

Yes. The University has just received its first installment of funding through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that will provide emergency assistance grants to students who have demonstrated need and are facing significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The University will announce plans for disbursing funds to students and the process for students to apply for additional emergency funding. Moreover, the Jane Moulton Reuter ’72 Needy Student Emergency Fund is available to those students who meet certain criteria. For more information, please contact Erin McCann, vice president for student life and development, at emccann@saintpeters.edu.

Additional Questions?

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the office of Student Accounts at studentaccounts@saintpeters.edu.