Card Payment Information
Effective July 1, 2020, William Woods University will no longer accept debit/credit card payments for student accounts in person or over the phone. All debit/credit card payments for student account balances must be made through our online payment processor, CashNet. Card payments made through the online payment processor are charged a convenience fee.
The cost of bank merchant fees associated with processing card payments for tuition have been prohibitively expensive. Previously, WWU absorbed these fees which were covered by tuition revenues effectively reducing the funds available for academic programs and student services. After careful consideration, the University concluded that this no longer advances the educational value for our students or the overall student experience which led to the decision to direct all future card payments for tuition through our online payment processor. It is important to note that the convenience fee charged by CashNet is not a university fee and WWU does not receive any portion of the fee.
The University offers a variety of other payment methods including e-check (ACH) through our online processor, check and cash payments with no additional fees or costs.
For questions regarding this change or for assistance in making a payment, you may contact Student Financial Services at financialaid@williamwoods.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
William Woods University only accepts debit/credit card payments for student account balances through our online payment processor, CashNet. Card payments made through the online system are charged a convenience fee. The University accepts e-check, check, and cash without a convenience fee.
Why Does William Woods University no longer accept debit/credit card payments for student accounts in person?
William Woods University is committed to providing a range of payment options to students. The cost of bank merchant fees associated with processing card payments for tuition have been prohibitively expensive. Previously, William Woods University absorbed these fees. After careful evaluation and consideration, the University concluded that absorbing these fees does not advance the educational value for our students or the overall student experience, and as of July 1, 2020, the University no longer accepts card payments over the phone, by mail, or at the Cashier’s window on campus.
Why can debit/credit card payments for student account charges only be accepted online?
Debit/Credit card payments for student account balances are processed online by our third-party vendor, and not by William Woods University. Our payment processing vendor assesses a convenience fee on all card payments that covers the bank merchant fees associated with card payments. Because of this, William Woods University will not accept card payments in person, by mail, or over the phone.
How much is the convenience fee?
The convenience fee is determined, charged, and collected by the third-party payment processor with whom William Woods University contracts. Our payment processor is currently CashNet.
How can I avoid paying a convenience fee?
You can avoid paying a convenience fee by utilizing one of the following payment options:
- Online – Payments can be made by e-check (ACH payments from a checking or savings account).
- Mail – Personal check payments or money orders can be mailed to:
William Woods University
Attn: Cashier
One University Avenue
Fulton, MO 65251 - In Person – The Cashier’s Window accepts cash or check payments in the Academic Building on campus.
Can I make a debit/credit card payment over the phone?
William Woods University does not accept debit/credit card payments for student accounts over the phone. This is a security measure to ensure confidentiality of your payment information. If you wish to pay your student account by card, you will need to utilize the online payment system, CashNet.
Can I pay in person with a debit/credit card on my student account?
The Cashier’s Window accepts cash or check payments in the Academic Building on campus, but does not accept debit/credit card payments in person. If you wish to pay your student account by card, you will need to utilize the online payment processor, CashNet.
Is the convenience fee refundable?
No, the convenience fee charged by CashNet is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Will The Convenience Fee Appear On My Student Account?
The convenience fee is assessed through the online payment processor and is not reflected on your student account.
Do Other Universities Charge A Convenience Fee For Debit/Credit Card Transactions?
Debit/Credit card convenience fees are not unique to William Woods University. Other Universities do charge convenience fees for card transactions on student accounts.
Will William Woods University Accept Debit/Credit Card Payments For Non-Student Account Charges?
William Woods University accepts debit/credit cards for payments without a service fee for non-student account payments, which include enrollment deposits, student organizations, alumni events, etc.