Bursar Operations
Office of Student Accounts
School of Labor and Urban Studies
25 West 43 Street | New York, NY 10036
(646) 313-8420
Bursar@slu.cuny.edu
Office of Student Accounts
School of Labor and Urban Studies
25 West 43 Street | New York, NY 10036
(646) 313-8420
Bursar@slu.cuny.edu
Topic | Details |
Binding Agreement Upon Enrollment | Enrollment at the School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) constitutes a binding agreement between the student and the College. By enrolling, SLU commits to providing educational services, and the student agrees to fulfill all financial obligations. |
Financial Obligations of Students | Students are responsible for paying tuition, mandatory student fees, fines, late fees, and any other charges assessed to their account by the published or assigned due date. |
Billing and Payment Timeline | A bill is generated in CUNYfirst within 24 hours of registration. Tuition is due by the assigned due date, with a grace period extending until the first official day of the semester. |
Implications of Unpaid Balances | Accounts with unpaid balances by the deadline will be marked as ‘not in good standing,’ which may impact the student’s ability to register for future courses and access services. |
Topic | Details |
Overview of the Tuition Statement (e-Bill) | The tuition statement (e-bill) details all semester charges, payments, and financial aid. It is generated for each semester of enrollment and serves as the official billing method for the School of Labor and Urban Studies. |
Contents of the e-Bill | Includes: 1) Tuition, fees, and other charges 2) Student payments 3) Financial aid payments (disbursed) 4) Anticipated financial aid (authorized but pending disbursement) 5) Class schedule |
Accessing the e-Bill | e-Bill is available on CUNYfirst within 24 hours of registration. Statements are not mailed and must be accessed electronically. |
Student Responsibilities | Students must pay their e-bill by the due date. Failure to review the account summary does not excuse late payments. Administrative, clerical, or technical errors do not absolve students of financial responsibility. |
Limitations of the e-Bill | e-Bill is not proof of payment for education tax credits or tax filings (use Form 1098-T). It is also not a substitute for transcripts, enrollment verification, or other official documents often required for scholarships, medical coverage, loan deferments, etc. Course grades and GPA are not included. |
Topic | Details |
Good Financial Standing | Accounts are in ‘good financial standing’ when 100% of billed costs are paid by the assigned due date or the first official day of the semester. Students on a payment plan must meet all terms and conditions throughout the term to maintain this status. |
Consequences of Non-Payment | In accordance with University policy, SLU may apply late fees, place ‘past-due’ holds, or deregister students if accounts are not settled by the assigned due date or the first official day of the semester. |
Methods to Cover Billed Costs | Payment options to cover 100% of billed costs include: 1) Credit, debit, or e-check (online) 2) Personal check or money order (in-person) 3) Payment plan (via CUNYfirst/Quikpay) 4) Third-party payment (union, employer, partner program, or external scholarship) 5) SLU Scholarships 6) Approved federal or state aid/federal or private loans 7) Veteran tuition benefits |
Topic | Details |
Student Responsibility | Students are responsible for any dishonored payments made on their behalf, including associated fees and resolving the issue. |
Fee for Returned Payments | A $20 returned check fee will be charged to the account for each occurrence if a payment is returned by the bank for any reason. |
Impact of Returned Payments | After a returned payment, personal checks and e-check payments will be blocked. Students will need to pay using certified checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards (online). |
Reinstating Check Privileges | To request reinstatement of check and e-check privileges, students can contact the Bursar’s Office at Bursar@slu.cuny.edu. |
Topic | Details |
Overview of Third-Party Payments | SLU accepts payments from companies, agencies, and organizations that wish to cover a student’s bill. Anticipated payments can be notated or credited if conditions are met. |
Payment Conditions | The paying entity must provide formal written communication on company letterhead (e.g., Letter of Credit, Tuition Voucher) specifying exactly what will be covered. If the full bill is not covered, the student must pay the remaining balance by the due date. |
Approval Documents | Letters of Credit or Tuition Vouchers are required each semester and must be submitted by the tuition due date. Students remain responsible for any portion of the bill not covered by the third party. |
Third-Party Credit Process | Bursar Operations reviews submitted documents. If approved, accounts are credited up to the approved amount as ‘due from third party.’ If a credit cannot be applied, accounts are notated in anticipation of payment. |
Liability for Non-Payment | If the third-party payment is not received on time or is canceled, the tuition liability reverts to the student. A hold will be placed on the account, and full payment will be due immediately. Cancellations may occur if the student no longer meets sponsor criteria or if the third party fails to pay within the agreed period. |
Topic | Details |
Definition of Estimated Financial Aid | Estimated financial aid is not an actual or guaranteed payment but an estimate of potential aid if all program requirements are met. |
Requirements for Aid Disbursement | Financial aid is not disbursed to the bill until all necessary requirements are fulfilled. Aid must be approved to qualify as a tuition payment. |
Application of Financial Aid | Any financial aid received is applied first to tuition and fees, including prizes, awards, scholarships, grants, and loans. |
Impact of Enrollment Changes | Financial aid is contingent upon continued enrollment. Dropping a class may reduce financial aid eligibility, and cancelled aid resulting in a refunded credit balance must be repaid by the student. |
Title IV Financial Aid Regulations | Under federal Title IV regulations, total financial aid (including prizes, awards, scholarships, grants, and loans) cannot exceed the cost of attendance. If additional aid is received, existing offers may be reduced, even if already disbursed. |
Topic | Details |
Definition of Past Due Tuition | Tuition bills are considered ‘past due’ on or after the first official day of the semester and may incur late payment fees, ‘past-due’ holds, or enrollment cancellation. |
2024-2025; 2025-2026 Academic Year | SLU students will not be dropped for non-payment. Students may attend classes, complete coursework, and receive grades. However, they cannot enroll in future semesters until outstanding balances are paid in full. |
Good Financial Standing | Accounts are in ‘good financial standing’ when 100% of billed costs are paid by the due date, or by the first official day of the semester, with all terms and conditions met. A grace period applies through the first day of the semester. |
Consequences of Non-Payment | SLU may apply late fees, place holds or cancel registration for accounts not settled by the due date or first official day of the semester, as per University policy. |
Topic | Details |
Definition of Past Due Tuition | Tuition bills are considered ‘past due’ on or after the first official day of the semester and may be subject to late payment fees, ‘past-due’ holds, or deregistration. |
Overdue Balance Hold (BCH/BIH) | This hold is placed when an account is not settled by the first official day of classes or when a financial liability is incurred during the term. Students with this hold cannot register for an upcoming semester at any CUNY campus. A $15 late payment fee may also apply. |
Clearing an Overdue Balance Hold | To clear the hold, the student must pay the balance in full using any accepted payment method. Financial aid must be fully authorized for disbursement; queued or pending aid does not justify a billing adjustment or hold release. Additionally, initiating a semester payment plan after an account is no longer in good standing does not qualify for a billing adjustment or hold release. |
Topic | Details |
Avoiding Financial Liability | To avoid financial liability, students must drop their courses before the first official day of the semester. |
Official Withdrawal Process | Non-payment, not attending class, or informing SLU staff of your intent to drop a course does not constitute an official withdrawal. Students must log into CUNYfirst and officially drop their classes before the first official day of the semester to avoid financial liability. |
Financial Responsibility for Dropped Courses | Students are financially responsible for any course or courses dropped on or after the first official day of the semester. Tuition and fees will be assessed based on the University adjustment calendar. Non-instructional fees (e.g., Student Activity Fee, Technology Fee) are never prorated or waived. |
2024-2025; 2025-2026 Academic Year | SLU students will not be dropped for non-payment and will be allowed to attend courses, complete coursework, and receive grades. However, students will not be able to enroll in future semesters until all outstanding balances are paid in full. |
Topic | Details |
Refund Processing Timeline | Overpayments are processed weekly by the University, with funds typically reaching students within 1-2 weeks. Overpayments from checks, eChecks, and 529 Plans are subject to a 21-day waiting period before refunds can be issued. |
Refund Check Details | Refund checks are sent to the mailing address in our records and should arrive within 1-2 weeks. Ensure your mailing address is updated in CUNYfirst to avoid delivery issues. Lost or stolen checks should be reported to the Bursar’s Office immediately. Refund checks expire five months (150 days) from the check date; students should deposit or cash their checks promptly. Citibank branches provide free cashing of SLU refund checks. |
Direct Deposit Option | Students can opt for direct deposit by adding an account in CUNYfirst. For assistance, refer to the Quick Reference Guide or contact Bursar@slu.cuny.edu. |
Refund Eligibility | Refunds, except for those from a Parent-Plus Loan, are made payable to the student, regardless of the payment source. Overpayments appear as a credit balance on billing statements but are not always eligible for refunds. Certain types of financial aid, scholarships, or third-party payments may need to be returned to the original source. Contact Bursar@slu.cuny.edu to determine refund eligibility. |
Topic | Details |
University Policy on Financial Liability | Bursar’s Operations cannot discount, waive, or absolve financial liability for students actively enrolled as of the first official day of the semester. Active Enrollment includes any registration on or after the term start date. Charges for dropped or withdrawn courses are assessed based on the University adjustment calendar as reflected in CUNYfirst. |
Tuition Liability Appeals | Students may appeal tuition liability for extenuating circumstances as defined in the Registration Appeal Policy. Appeals must present documented and compelling reasons for an exception to college deadlines. |
Appeal Process and Decision Timeline | Appeals must be submitted within one year of the semester’s start date. A committee chaired by the Registrar’s Office reviews appeals and supporting documents, rendering a final decision within 3-5 weeks. |
Note on Financial Holds | Financial holds will remain on the student’s record until all liabilities are waived or full payment is received. |
Topic | Details |
Overdue Accounts and Collections | Accounts overdue for more than one year from the first official day of the billed semester are sent to collections. |
Payments to External Collectors | Once transferred to an external collector, students must pay directly to the assigned collection agency. Payments to the College or enrollment in the University Payment Plan are no longer permitted. |
Student Responsibility for Fees | Students are responsible for the balance owed to the College as well as any additional fees or surcharges applied by the debt holding agency. Balances are not negotiable. |
Restrictions from Collector Holds | University ‘collector’ holds restrict records across all CUNY campuses and are only removed upon full payment to the collector, including any fees or surcharges. |
Final Notice Before Collections | Students receive a final notice when their account is at risk of transfer to collections. Accounts must be settled within 30 days. Tuition and fees exceeding $100 will be transferred if unpaid. |
Assignment of Debt to CBHV | Accounts owing $100 or more are assigned to Collection Bureau Hudson Valley (CBHV). CBHV charges a fee up to 15% of the referred balance. For example, a $100 referral incurs a $15 collection cost, totaling $115 due to clear holds. To make a payment or start a payment arrangement, click here or call 1-800-964-5689. |
Reassignment of Debt to TSI | If CBHV cannot collect payment for over one year, the debt is reassigned to Transworld Systems Inc. (TSI). TSI charges a fee up to 22% of the referred balance. For example, a $100 referral incurs a $22 collection cost, totaling $122 due to clear holds. To make a payment or start a payment arrangement with Transworld Systems Inc. (TSI), click here or call 1-877-282-1250 |
Collector Fees Disclaimer | Collector fees may change based on the collector’s policy, university compliance, or state law. Students should verify current fees with the assigned agency. |
The Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, is issued to help determine if students or their parents are eligible to claim tax credits under the Tax Relief Act of 1997. Learn more about the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit by accessing IRS Publication 970.
Students must provide their Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN) to the Registrar’s Office upon request as required for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1098-T reporting purposes. SSN or TIN may be reported on an IRS Form W-9S (Request for Student’s or Borrower’s Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) or on such other document requested by the College.
Qualified Educational Charges
Category | Details |
Qualified Educational Charges | 1) In-state or out-of-state tuition 2) Technology Fees 3) Student Activity Fees 4) Consolidated Fees 5) Change of Program Fees |
Non-Qualified Charges | 1) Late payment or registration fees 2) Personal or living expenses (room/board) 3) Books, meals, or travel 4) Courses taken for no credit (unless taken to improve job skills) 5) Insurance or medical expenses 6) Tuition/fees paid at any time other than in the current year (January 1 to December 31) |
1098-T Creation
Topic | Details |
When is Form 1098-T Produced? | The University produces Form 1098-T if the student has paid qualified charges within the tax year (January 1 – December 31) or for a semester occurring within the first 3 months of the new tax year. |
When is Form 1098-T NOT Produced? | Form 1098-T is not produced if: 1) Scholarships or grants cover or exceed the amount of qualified tuition and fees billed. 2) Payments are made in a new tax year for qualified charges from a previous tax year (e.g., paying a past-due Fall 2020 balance in February 2021). |
Filing Taxes Without Form 1098-T | If Form 1098-T is not issued, students may file taxes by omitting educational expenses or credits. Receipts or tuition statements cannot be used as substitutes for Form 1098-T in tax filings. |
Important Note on Tax Filings | Using unauthorized documents (e.g., receipts or tuition statements) to claim tuition benefits may lead to an audit. The only approved form for claiming education-related tax credits is the 1098-T. |
1098-T Delivery
Topic | Details |
Default Mailing Process | Forms are mailed by the CUNY 1098-T server on January 31st of each year. You can also view and print a 1098-T through CUNYfirst self-service. 1090-T Quick Reference Guide |
Paperless Delivery | Paperless delivery is strongly recommended by the School of Labor and Urban Studies as a faster, safer, and more secure alternative to traditional mail. Learn more about paperless delivery. |
Accessing Form 1098-T on CUNYfirst | Students can view and print their 1098-T via CUNYfirst self-service: 1) Login to CUNYfirst 2) Click Student Center 3) Click Financial Account 4) Select ‘View 1098-T’ |
Topic | Details |
Bursar Announcements and Notifications | Bursar Operations may issue payment reminders and other announcements via mail, e-mail, and phone. Students are responsible for responding promptly to these communications. |
Student Responsibility for Contact Information | Students must keep their contact information updated on CUNYfirst. Missing announcements or deadlines due to outdated information will not excuse students from responsibility. |
Official University Notifications | CUNY reserves the right to send electronic payment reminders and notifications to students at any of its 25 constituent institutions. Messages are sent from CUNYfirstDoNotReply@cuny.edu. For inquiries about received notices, students should contact Bursar@slu.cuny.edu. |
College E-mail Policy | The campus-assigned student email is the College’s official communication channel. Students are responsible for all messages and attachments sent to this account. Even if an alternative email is designated in CUNYfirst, account-sensitive information may only be sent to the campus email. Students should regularly check their SLU email account. |
Technical Support | Students unable to access CUNYfirst or their campus email should contact ServiceDesk@slu.cuny.edu. |
Updating Contact Information
Students are responsible for keeping their records up to date with a current physical address, email addresses and phone numbers in CUNYfirst. Students who wish to make a change to their permanent address, or for name and social security changes should contact Registrar.@slu.cuny.edu.
The School of Labor and Urban Studies is bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prohibits the University from releasing any education records without written permission, except in instances specifically allowed under FERPA. Therefore, students who wish to have their education records shared with someone else must provide written permission to the Registrar.