Credit Balances

When there are credit balances on student accounts due to overpayment of University charges, students may request a refund of the balance. Credit balances on accounts of fellowship students will be verified by the GSAS Office of Financial Aid. Fellowships are adjusted to reflect actual correct registration and also if students have waived medical insurance from Columbia University. Refunds of Title IV funds may be used only for educationally related expenses such as books and living costs. Refunds may be requested at the University’s Student Financial Services Desk at 210 Kent Hall, or at its Web site at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/students/. Refunds may be issued as paper checks mailed to the local address on record or as direct deposits. Please contact Student Financial Services to file a Direct Deposit Authorization or visit the SFS Web site above for more information.

Debit Balances 

If there is a debit balance after calculation of all anticipated charges and payments, students should make payments for the balances by the appropriate deadline (last week in August for fall term and second week in January for spring term). Payments can be made in person at the Cashier’s Window in 210 Kent Hall or mailed to Columbia University, P.O. Box 19007, Newark, NJ 07195-9007.

After the payment due date is past, a one-time late payment charge ($150) and late payment fees (1% per month) may be assessed on the unpaid balance.

Fellowships and loan proceeds are credited to student accounts following the registration period. Late payment charges or late fees may be assessed on remaining charges not covered by fellowship or financial aid.