FAQ--Financial Aid and Payment Information

Do you have questions about how to pay for housing? Let's face it, everyone does. We try to keep things simple, but in the complex world of prepayments, application fees and financial aid there's bound to be a few snags. If you can't find the answer to your question, please email our help desk.

Quick FAQ Links:
Housing Application Information
Room Assignment Process
Financial Aid and Payment Information
Residence Life Information

Financial Aid and Payment Information

1. On my account, I can only see a $25 application fee, but I paid a $225 prepayment and application fee. Where is the other $200?
2. I would like to make a payment towards housing on my OASIS account. How can I do that?
3. I have decided not to attend the university. How do I get the $200 housing deposit back and how long will it take?
4. I would like to set up my housing payments to charge my credit card automatically. How can I do that?
5. When I put my credit card number on the contract, will you charge all the rent to that card?
6. How can I appeal the buy out charges/rent charges/cancel fees?
7. How does Florida Prepaid housing work?
8. How can I get a housing deferment?
9. I would like to apply for housing, but I am financially unable to acquire the application fee and prepayment. Is there anything you can do to waive the payments?
10. I have a hold on my account that is housing related. How can I get it removed so I can register for classes?

1. On my account, I can only see a $25 application fee, but I paid a $225 prepayment and application fee. Where is the other $200?
The $25 application fee can be viewed on OASIS. However, the $200 prepayment is secured in a deposited location until September 1st and then released to the students account to pay off any remaining housing balance on the account.

<TOP>

2. I would like to make a payment towards housing on my OASIS account. How can I do that?
Payments can be made via the internet on your OASIS account. We discourage paying online because the payment will not go to housing if there is a tuition balance. You can mail a payment using our coupon booklet, download and fax an automatic credit card authorzation form or stop by the Assignments office with your credit card. Checks and cash payments should be made in the Cashier's office.

<TOP>

3. I have decided not to attend the university. How do I get the $200 housing deposit back and how long will it take?
The prepayment may be returned if you meet the required deadlines according to the terms and conditions of the contract you signed. Please refer to the Housing and Residential Education cancellation policy for further details.

<TOP>

4. I would like to set up my housing payments to charge my credit card automatically. How can I do that?
Download and follow the instructions on the automatic credit card authorization form.

<TOP>

5. When I put my credit card number on the contract, will you charge all the rent to that card?
No; the credit card information on your contract will only be used for your $25 application fee and $200 prepayment. You will need to make alternative arrangements to pay your housing balance.

<TOP>

6. How can I appeal the buy out charges/rent charges/cancel fees?
Students appeal housing contract charges for many different reasons. You need to download the appeal form from our website and follow the instructions. Appeals for residential damages are not handled through the Assignments office and need to be handled via the Residence Life Coordinator for the hall where you were billed for damages.

<TOP>

7. How does Florida Prepaid housing work?
The 'dormitory' plan covers the cost of a standard, double-occupancy, air-conditioned residence hall room up to a Cypress Double rate. If your assigned hall is more expensive, youwill need to pay the difference. The 'dormitory' plan can be used toward the cost of other university-held housing, including some fraternity and sorority houses, and at select community colleges. You simply need to include your prepaid plan contract number when you apply.

<TOP>

8. How can I get a housing deferment?
In-state students receiving at least $3,800 in Financial Aid and out-of-state students receiving at least $9,500 in Financial Aid (per semester) are automatically qualified for a housing deferment for the fall and spring semesters. However, you are still responsible for the $25 application fee and $200 prepayment to ensure a space on campus.

You may check your OASIS account under Financial Aid Information to see if you have been granted a housing deferment. Please note that tuition deferments, housing deferments and meal plan deferments all have different qualifications. Please look for the words “housing deferred” under the Financial Aid information. A tuition deferment will not qualify you for a deferment of your housing charges.

Financial aid is released to student accounts and will be applied to any charges on the account in the following order: tuition, housing and then other charges such as books or meal plans. You are still responsible for any charges on your account after Financial Aid has been distributed. Click here for additional Financial Aid information.

<TOP>

9. I would like to apply for housing, but I am financially unable to acquire the application fee and prepayment. Is there anything you can do to waive the payments?
The $25 application fee is required for all students interested in living on campus.

In some cases the $200 prepayment can be deferred until your Financial Aid is delivered for the term you are applying. Students hoping to have their prepayment deferred must have an estimated family contribution of zero on their FAFSA and demonstrate a financial need through the use of one of the following: documentation of free/reduced lunch while attending high school, proof of limited or no income from primary care-giver and/or other documents demonstrating financial hardship. The student requesting a deferment must fill out an appeal form and follow all the instructions provided. Appeals may take up to 21 days to process and the contract will not be entered into the database until the appeal has been granted. You will receive a certified letter regarding your appeal decision.

<TOP>

10. I have a hold on my account that is housing related. How can I get it removed so I can register for classes?
A hold on your housing account may be the result of disciplinary action and/or financial commitment. If you have been placed on hold for a disciplinary cause, please contact the Residence Life Coordinator for the hall you were most recently assigned.

If the hold is for financial reasons then it will not be lifted until you have secured a payment for the balance. In rare cases when unforeseen extenuating circumstances have come into play, a payment plan can be developed with the student, but the hold will only be lifted for a finite period of time after receiving a down payment towards the outstanding balance. In addition a payment plan must be established for future payments. Please contact the Assistant Director for Assignments and Marketing to discuss whether a payment plan is a viable option in your situation.

<TOP>