Handbook | Enrollment | Billing
c. Billing
1. Tuition:
Graduate students pay tuition on the basis of credits of enrollment. Audited courses are charged at the same rate as courses taken for credit. The per credit tuition rate is determined by dividing the maximum resident or non-resident tuition (set by the Board of Trustees) by 12. Graduate students who register for 12 or more credits pay the maximum tuition; those registering for less than 12 credits pay at the per credit rate.
2. Fees:
All graduate students registering for credits with the exception of University employees, MA Veterans, and supervisory teachers, are required to pay the Board of Trustees approved fees each semester. Included are the Basic Health Fee (if enrolled for 5 or more credits), Service Fee, Curriculum Fee and Graduate Student Tax. The Student Health Insurance Plan Fee is required unless the student provides proof of coverage under a major medical insurance plan with the exception of international students. The Students Health Insurance Plan is mandatory for international students and any student who does not provide proof of adequate major medical insurance. New graduate students are required to pay the Graduate Student Entering Fee which is a one-time fee and includes Graduate Transcipt, Library Binding, Commencement , Career Services, and the Ucard fees. Graduate students in the College of Engineering are also required to pay an Engineering Fee each semester. Graduate students who receive a tuition waiver may also receive a waiver of some fees (refer to the current Graduate Employees Organization contract). Graduate students enrolling for four (4) or fewer credits pay reduced fees. For a schedule of current tuition and fees, contact the Bursar's Office or access it from the Bursar's Office homepage at www.umass. edu/bursar/fee.html.
3. Mailing and Due Dates:
Graduate student tuition/fee bills are mailed during the third week of the semester. The due date for payment is normally the end of the fifth week of the semester. Student charges can be viewed on SPIRE. You are responsible for paying the bill by the deadline indicated even if you do not receive a paper bill; therefore, you should check SPIRE regularly and pay your bill by the due date indicated.
a. Payment by Payroll Deduction
Students who receive a stipend as graduate assistants may opt to have their charges paid through payroll deduction providing that they complete the required forms by the posted deadline each semester. Contact the Bursar's Office for further information.
b. Failure to Pay by Bill Due Date
If your bill is not paid by the posted due date you will be required to pay a late fee to the Bursar's Office and a hold will be placed on your record. This hold will prevent registration for the upcoming semester. If the bill is not paid and the hold removed by the end of the enrollment period for the upcoming semester you will be administratively withdrawn from your program and must be readmitted (see Penalty for not Enrolling by the Deadline).
4. Refund/Payment Schedule:
Graduate students who withdraw from the University or drop one or more courses will receive a prorated refund based upon the date of the last class attended. Similarly, graduate students who have not paid their bills will be assessed prorated tuition and fees based upon the same schedule and procedure. Students who withdraw after the fifth week of the semester will be responsible for 100 percent of their semester bill and will not be entitled to receive a refund.
5. Tuition Waivers:
The University grants several types of tuition waivers based upon service, scholarship and/or need. See the "General Information" section of the Graduate School Bulletin for information on currently available tuition waivers.
6. Off-Campus Fee Reduction:
Students completing their thesis, dissertation or internship at an "off-campus" site may be eligible for a reduction in Mandatory Fees. Contact the Graduate Records Office for more information. (See Sample Fee Reducation Form)
7. Residency Classification For Tuition Purposes:
Tuition is assessed based upon the student's residency classification. At the time of application, the Graduate Admissions Office determines each applicant's residency classification based upon information in the applicant's Residency Statement and the current Board of Trustees Rules and Regulations Governing the Residency Status of Students For Tuition Purposes. The applicant must submit an affidavit to support his/her claim to Massachusetts residency status.
8. Reclassification of Residency:
Graduate students classified as non-residents who subsequently establish a residence in Massachusetts with an intent to make Massachusetts their permanent dwelling place may be eligible for reclassification. Residence in Massachusetts shall have been of a minimum of twelve months' duration by the first day of classes of the academic period for which the student registers, and residency cannot be acquired by mere physical presence in the Commonwealth while enrolled in an institution of higher education. Contact the Graduate School's Residency Reclassification Officer for more information and necessary forms.
