A Guide to Understanding and Paying Your CU Boulder Tuition Bill

As a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, paying your tuition and fees bill is an important responsibility each semester. But decoding the CU billing process can be confusing with deadlines, financial aid, and understanding your charges. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know as a CU Boulder student about accessing, reading, and paying your tuition bill through CU Bill & Pay.

Overview of CU Boulder Billing

Here’s a quick rundown of key facts on CU Boulder billing and payment:

• Bills are generated each semester at least a month before the due date
• Charges include tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, and other applicable costs
• Online access through Buff Portal is required to view billing statements
• Students can authorize parents or others as payers to also access bills
• Payment options include online, mail, wire transfer, and in-person
• Financial aid is applied as a credit a week before the semester starts
• Payment deadlines are strict to avoid late fees and class cancellation

Understanding these basics is the first step to taking control of your CU billing responsibilities

Accessing Your CU Boulder Bill

CU Boulder bills are only available online through the student Buff Portal. Bills are not mailed. To view your bill:

1. Log in to Buff Portal
2. Go to the Student Finances section
3. Select “Bills & Payments”
4. Choose “Account Activity” to view billing statements

Parents cannot access bills directly but students can authorize parent access by adding them as Authorized Payers in the system

Key Components of Your CU Tuition Bill

Your CU Boulder billing statement includes various charges from tuition to housing. Key charges include:

• Tuition based on your residency, school, and number of credit hours
• Mandatory fees such as the student activity fee, athletic fee, health fee, etc.
• Housing and dining charges if living on campus
• Additional fees for certain services or classes
• Health insurance through CU Gold or BuffCare

Knowing what each charge and fee means will help you understand what you are being billed for each semester

When CU Boulder Bills are Generated

CU Boulder billing occurs on a semester schedule:

• Fall bills – Generated in mid-August, due in September
• Spring bills – Generated in mid-January, due in February
• Summer bills – Varies by session; early June, July, or August

Once generated, bills are typically due the 2nd Friday after classes start. It is important to mark these due dates on your calendar to avoid late penalties.

How Financial Aid Is Applied to Your Bill

If you accept financial aid, it will credited to your student account balance as “anticipated aid.” This aid includes:

• Loans – direct, PLUS, alternative
• Grants – federal, state, CU
• Scholarships – CU, private, athletic
• Work-study money (which you earn through a job)

Aid is applied as a credit against your charges about 1 week before each semester starts, reducing your amount due. It’s important to monitor your aid status to ensure no delays in disbursement.

Paying Your CU Boulder Tuition Bill

You have several options to pay your CU tuition bill on or before the due date:

• Online through Buff Portal via e-check or debit/credit card
• Mail a physical check to the Bursar Office
• In-Person at the Bursar Office in Regent Hall
• Wire Transfer through your bank

Online payments or wire transfers are recommended for fast processing. The quickest way to confirm payment is through your Buff Portal account.

Late Payments and Other Billing Issues

To avoid problems, make sure you pay your CU bill in full by the due date. Potential consequences of late payments include:

• Late payment penalties – currently $5 per day late, up to $350 per semester
• Registration cancellation and holds – blocks you from registering for classes
• Collection agency fees – if sent to collections, additional fees apply
• Transcript holds – cannot access transcripts if you owe a balance

If you have any issues making a payment, contact the Bursar Office immediately to make alternate arrangements.

Tips for Managing Your CU Boulder Student Account

Managing your student account responsibly is key to keeping your CU Boulder billing stress-free:

• Authorize parent access as an Authorized Payer so they can help manage payments
• Provide the Bursar Office with updated contact info if your address changes
• Carefully track financial aid to ensure it disburses as expected
• Pay on time each semester to avoid late fees or cancelled classes
• Contact the Bursar Office with any payment issues right away

Staying on top of your CU billing information is the number one way to avoid problems paying tuition and fees each semester.

Navigating CU Boulder tuition bills can seem complicated, but it becomes second nature after you learn the ropes your freshman year. Use this guide to help demystify understanding and paying your student charges through CU Bill & Pay. Consistent on-time payments will keep you in good standing as you pursue your degree.