Many students, American as well as International, are on fixed budgets so it is important to manage your money wisely. International students might find that it takes time for them to adjust to the value of the American dollar. Be cautious while spending and plan your finances carefully.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees must be paid in time to avoid paying late fees. Tuition bill notices sent to your University-issued e-mail accounts at the beginning of each semester will direct you to a secure website to obtain your bill. Please monitor your account carefully for this information to avoid paying late fees.

English as a Second Language students are categorized as non-degree students, non-degree students must pay all tuition and fee charges within two weeks of school, or make financial arrangements with the Renee Mulcahy, Principal Accounts Specialist in the Business Affairs Office at 110 Selvig Hall or call 218-281-8325, prior to the start of the semester or your classes may be cancelled.

Degree Seeking students pay tuition in three installments. You will have approximately three weeks from the date on the billing statement to the payment due date. Late fees will be charged for payments received after the due date. Your billing statement may include: tuition, the computer network access fee, recreational sports fee, an orientation fee, hospitalization insurance fee (unless waived), university fee, special course fees, and collegiate technology fees. Two optional fees are the MPIRG (MN Public Interest Research Group) and the SLC (Student Legislative Coalition).

Students may pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and other institutional charges in person at the Business Office located in Selvig Hall, by mail, or online. To avoid a late fee charge, all fees must be paid in full by the due dates. Online Students may use a credit card to pay their account balances by calling the UMC Business Office at: 218-281-8331. The following credit cards are accepted: MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diners Club.

Important : The University of Minnesota , Crookston does not accept VISA Credit Cards.

Cashier (Business Office)
121 Selvig Hall
(218) 281-8331
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Banking

Most students have found the best solution to be opening both a savings and a checking account with the same bank. A checking account permits you to write checks, which eliminates the possibility of losing rather large amounts of money that you may otherwise have to carry with you. Some banks have automatic teller machine (ATM) service to make withdrawals or deposits any time of the day or week.

To open any kind of bank account, simply go to the bank of your choice and tell the receptionist that you would like to open an account. Generally, two forms of identification will be required (such as a passport, driver's license, and student U-card) to open an account. The receptionist will direct you to a person who can explain the kinds of accounts that are available.

Some banks close to the University of Minnesota , Crookston are:

United States Currency:

The dollar is the unit of currency in the US . The US dollar is divided into 100 cents. Metal coins include pennies ($ .01), nickels ($.05) dimes ($.10), quarters ($.25), half-dollars ($.50), and dollars ($1.00). Paper currency comes in $1.00, $2.00, $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, and $100.00 denominations.

Writing Checks

Checks are a very common way of making payments in the US . Checks can be used to purchase goods at the store, to pay at restaurants, to pay your tuition or to pay your other bills. Your bank will provide you with checks for your checking account. A check will be valid only if you write it correctly. Use a pen to write your check and follow these instructions:

1. Write the date the check is written (the current date). Use the mm/dd/yyyy format.
2. Write the name of the person or business who will receive the payment ( payee ).
3. Write the amount in figures . Make the figures for cents smaller with a line under them.
4. Write the amount in words . Start on the left and write the dollar amount in words, followed by "and", followed by the cents in figures, a forward slash and 100. Finally, fill in the extra space to the right with a wavy line.
5. Put your signature on the bottom of the check.

Wiring monies to your account:

Bremer and U.S. Bank offer wiring services. In order to get these approved, you need to know the routing numbers and you need to know what the home institution routing number is. Please contact customer services to get this accomplished.

Stolen or lost Credit Cards/wallet/passport/I-94/I-20/computer

If you have had items stolen from your room or from your pocket or purse you will need to report this to security on campus or the local police station.

Credit Card/Debit Card

It is highly recommended that you write on a piece of paper all the details of your card such as: Name of bank, name of cards, and card numbers. Put all of this information in a safe spot. If you should discovered that your credit card, wallet, or passport is stolen the first thing and best thing to do is contact your credit card company (s). They will be able to close your account and open a new account for you. They will also be able to track your spending to see if there is any suspicious activity.

Passport

If you should notice that you have lost your passport, get a copy of the passport from the international office at 281-8339 (Rae French) and contact your local consulate.

I-94

If you should notice that you do not have your I-94 (which is a small stamped piece of paper that is placed in your passport) you will need to contact the international office to apply for a duplicate. The cost of this application is $160.00.

I-20

If you should notice that you do not have your I-20 please contact Bob Nelson (Compliance Officer) immediately so that he can produce a duplicate I-20 for you.

Computer

If you should have your computer stolen you need to contact security immediately and file a report. We have tracking numbers and may be able to find the computer. There is a $500.00 fee you will be responsible for if your computer is stolen.

Ways to prevent theft

• It seems common that people walk away from computers but this is a bad idea. Make sure to purchase a cable to tie your computer to a pole or table if you choose to leave your computer unattended. Computers are known to walk away if you leave them left alone especially in school lounges late at night.
• Lock your door when you go to class.
• Do not carry large amounts to cash with you. This could make you a target for theft.
• Do not leave money laying around the room (you never know who will be in your room)
• Do not ever give you credit card number or your bank account number if someone asks for it one line. This can happen through e-mail. Please do not respond or open these e-mails up. If you ever get someone on line asking for this information please contact our business office to find out if it is a valid e-mail.