Frequently Asked Questions
Billing and Payment
Where do I view my balance or billing statement online?
- You can view your balance/statement by logging into MyLasell, under University Resources, select Pay Mybill. Non students who are an Authorize Payer may log in to https://quikpayasp.com/lasell/student_accounts/payer.do. Once you are logged into your account, click on View & Pay Accounts.
Will I be receiving a copy of the billing statement to my home address?
- As part of Lasell University’s continuing efforts to Go Green, the billing process is entirely paperless. Statements are delivered electronically by e-bill. Students will receive notification in their Lasell University email account when the e-bills are ready to view/pay. All e-bill notifications will be sent to the student. However, student’s may add financially responsible parties (mom, dad, spouse, sponsor) to their e-bill account as an 'Authorize Payer' who will also receive e-bill notifications and may view and make payments toward the student’s account.
What is the due date for my term bill?
- Programs have different due dates depending on term, semester, and graduate versus undergraduate. For Undergraduate students, to view the due dates go to the Payment Information page. For Graduate students go to the Graduate Tuition and Fees page and view the Graduate & Professional Studies Billing Policies.
How can I pay my bill?
- Payments can be made online through QuikPAY. Once logged into your account, select View & Pay Accounts. The student will be able to make a one-time payment or enroll in a payment plan.
- Checks may be mailed to the Student Accounts Office to Lasell University, Attn: Student Accounts, 1844 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA 02466.
- International students may wire funds via Flywire.
- Student Accounts does not accept cash payments.
- Other payment options include a monthly payment plan, student grants, student loans, parent loans. Please view the Payment Information page for details.
Can I make a payment by phone?
- We do not accept payments over the phone for security purposes.
What happens if I do not pay by the due date?
- A late fee of 1.5% of the amount due may be assessed every month to accounts not paid by the due date. The University reserves the right to suspend or terminate services and/or enrollment due to delinquency in payment. A stop will be applied to the account that will prevent the release of diplomas, and future registrations until the balance is paid. Lasell University may refer delinquent accounts to an outside collection agency. All fees charged by the agency based on a percentage at a maximum of 40%, together with all costs and expenses including reasonable attorney's fees will be the responsibility of the student to pay. Delinquent accounts will be reported to one or more of the national credit bureaus.
When am I required to pay an enrollment deposit?
- All new students will be required to pay a nonrefundable enrollment deposit based on the deadlines set by Admissions.
- Returning Undergraduate students are required to pay a nonrefundable enrollment deposit once per academic year prior to fall registration (March) or spring registration (November) only if they did not attend in the fall.
- All deposits are crediting to the upcoming semesters' tuition and fees.
- Parking pass and study abroad deposits are due at the same time as the enrollment deposits.
Exit Counseling
What is exit counseling and why do I have to complete this?
- An exit session is loan counseling that provides information on loan repayment, grace period, billing options information, and collects updated borrower information. It is a federal requirement and a condition of receiving a federally funded student loan.
I am planning to attend Lasell graduate school. Am I still required to complete exit counseling?
- Yes, you must complete the exit counseling requirement.
If I withdraw or stop attending school, am I required to complete exit counseling?
- Yes, you must participate in an exit counseling session if you borrowed federal student loans during your attendance at Lasell University.
What happens if I do not complete the exit counseling requirement?
- A hold will be placed on your records, and will only be removed upon completion of the exit counseling sessions, which include your signature and return of the completed borrower information form.
What information will I need to complete the exit counseling sessions?
- You will need your Social Security Number, date of birth, driver license number, email address, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of 3 references.
What is a grace period?
- A grace period is the time frame after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment to the start of your repayment period. During the grace period payments are not required. The repayment period begins the day after your grace period ends.
What is Heartland ECSI?
- Heartland ECSI is responsible for the production and mailing of 1098-T forms for Lasell University.
How do I verify my loan information?
- Log onto National Student Loan Data System to retrieve your loan information.
How do I complete my exit counseling session for my Federal Direct (Stafford) loan?
- Log onto National Student Loan Data System
What is the Federal Student Aid ID and Password?
- The FSA ID – a username and password – has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FASFA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents. If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can create one when logging in to http://www.fafsa.gov/, the National Student Loan Data System.
What should I do if I forgot my FSA ID/password?
- Please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid#forgot for instructions.
Fees
Why am I being charged the comprehensive fee?
- The comprehensive fee is charged to all full-time and part-time students for student enhancement programs, lecture series, and facilities that complement and support the academic experience. For example, health services, recreation centers, student centers, student events and concerts, campus shuttle, and athletics, among others. You may visit the tuition and fees page for more information.
What does the lab/major fee cover?
- The lab fee covers the cost of supplies, equipment and materials utilized in classes for instructional purposes. The major fees covers the cost of hardware, software, guest speaker honorariums, liability insurance, clinical placement, lab usage and other miscellaneous materials/supplies that are necessary to maximize student learning.
Why do I have to pay a dorm damage fee?
- The annual $450.00 security deposit offsets any dorm damage charge(s).
Will I get reimbursed for my dorm damage fee?
- At the end of each semester Residential Life conducts dorm damage assessments. If damage is discovered, charges will be applied to the student account. At the end of the academic year, or when a student leaves the University, the deposit is credited back to the student account and will offset any charges, including any dorm damage charges. If the return of the deposit creates a credit balance, the student may request a refund of this balance. If there are any outstanding charges on your account, the deposit will be applied towards those charges.
What is the Study Abroad Deposit/Administrative Fee?
- The Study Abroad Deposit is a non-refundable deposit which confirms a student’s commitment to study abroad in the following semester.
- The Study Abroad Administrative Fee is billed to all students who study abroad for a semester on a Lasell approved program. This fee is not reduced or refunded for schedule changes made after the add/drop period.
- PLEASE NOTE – students who plan to study abroad must pay the Study Abroad Deposit AND a resident or commuter enrollment deposit.
Financial Aid
Who should I contact with questions about financial aid?
- The Office of Financial Aid can be reached at (617) 243-2227 or email finaid@lasell.edu. They are located on the second floor of the O'Connor Hall 1844 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02466.
Why is my financial aid not showing on my student account?
- Please check the status of your award and required documents on your Self Service account by selecting the “Finances” tab and then clicking financial aid tab.
What if my family has a change of financial circumstance due to COVID-19?
- Families may reach out to Office of Financial Aid if they need to appeal their initial offer of financial aid, due to a loss or reduction of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that the FAFSA relies on data from tax information from two years prior to the current academic year, and sometimes a family's finances are inconsistent from year to year.
Students and their families should contact Office of Financial Aid after they have received their initial offer of financial aid, or at any point they experience a sudden change in financial circumstances.
I have appealed to the Financial Aid Committee. When will I be notified of their decision?
- Once your appeal has been submitted and all requested documentation has been received, your case will be reviewed by our Appeals Committee. This can sometimes take upwards of two weeks.
Is Financial Aid taxable?
- Any amount of a scholarship, fellowship, or grant that exceeds the costs of tuition, mandatory fees, books, and required supplies or equipment will be considered taxable income and is subject to federal tax. This may also be subject to state taxes. See IRS publication 970 for information on tax credits for both students and parents, see www.IRS.gov.
Health Insurance
I have purchased coverage for myself, but can I also purchase coverage for my dependents (spouse, child)?
- Please refer to your BCBS student health insurance plan document at www.universityhealthplans.com or call UHP at 800-437-6448 to see if your plan provides dependent coverage.
When scheduling an appointment, should I tell the provider's office that I have BCBS?
- Yes. If you are scheduling an appointment with a provider, you should inform the office of the plan type that is on the top of your insurance card.
How can I check the status of a claim I submitted?
- You can check the status of a claim that you or the provider has submitted by registering on the Member Central tool on the BCBSMA website or by contacting BCBS at 888-753-6615.
What do I do if I am sick and need to go to the hospital?
- In the case of an emergency, students may go directly to the emergency room. If admitted on an inpatient basis, your SHIP may require you to contact BCBS or the hospital may contact them for you. Visiting an out-of-network facility may result in a higher out of pocket cost. Outpatient services, including day surgery and emergency room visits, may not need to be pre-certified. Please check your plan document by visiting www.universityhealthplans.com.
Am I covered for medical treatment while studying or traveling abroad?
- Yes. No matter where you travel as a student, you are covered under the student health insurance medical plan worldwide 24 hours a day. To learn more about the worldwide program and access BCBS's worldwide network of providers please visit www.BCBS.com/bluecardworldwide or call the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center at 800-810-2583 or call collect at 804-673-1177. In-network hospitals will directly bill BCBS for services. Office visits, prescriptions, or other outpatient services will have to be paid for up-front and then the member can submit a claim form to BCBS for reimbursement. Please visit www.BCBS.com/bluecardworldwide to download an international claim form.
- If you are enrolled in the student health insurance medical plan, you will be eligible for additional traveling services through AIG. You may be covered for accidental death and dismemberment, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Please contact UHP at 800-437-6448 for additional info on coverage limits.
Does my health insurance plan cover treatment for substance abuse and mental illness?
- The BCBS Student Health Insurance Plan provides coverage for medically necessary treatment of substance abuse and mental illness conditions. Generally, the extent of coverage depends on whether the treatment is provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Please refer to you student health insurance plan document for specific details or call the BCBS toll-free at 888-753-6615.
Does my health insurance plan cover pregnancy?
- The BCBS Student Health Insurance Plan provides coverage for a pregnancy on the same basis as any other medical condition. Please refer to your BCBS student health insurance plan document for specific details or call BCBS at 888-753-6615.
Do I get an insurance card?
- Yes. Once you are enrolled in the BCBS Student Health Insurance Plan, an insurance card will be sent to you. In the event that the card does not arrive on time, you can still receive medical services as long as you are enrolled in the BCBS eligibility system.
What if I lost my insurance card?
- Please contact BCBS at 888-753-6615 to obtain another insurance card.
Who should I contact for updating my personal information such as a mailing address, name, etc.?
- Please update your personal information at your school first, and then call UHP at 800-437-6448 to update your personal information so that your record can be updated with BCBS.
If I have a benefit question about my policy, who should I ask?
- Please refer to all benefits in your student health insurance plan document. If you still need assistance, please contact BCBS at 888-753-6615 and a customer service representative will be able to assist you with your benefit questions.
When do I have to fill out a claim form?
- The only time that you would need to fill out a claim form is if your pharmacy or provider does not participate with BCBS and bills you directly and you pay out of pocket at the time of service.
Where can I find a medical claim form and a prescription claim form?
- You can obtain a copy of the medical claim form or Rx claim form by visiting www.bcbsma.com.
What happens if I drop out of school while I am enrolled in your insurance plan? Will you refund my money? Will I still be covered?
- Insured students who withdraw from school after the first 31 days of the policy period will remain enrolled in the qualified Student Health Insurance Plan for the full period for which the premium was paid. There will be no refund of premium.
Does the student insurance plan cover prescription drugs?
- Yes. For more information on prescription information please click on the Prescription Info link in the menu section.
Which pharmacy can I use to fill my prescription?
- You can go to any pharmacy that is part of the Express Scripts network. Most pharmacies participate in this network. If you need to get a provider listing or inquire about a participating pharmacy, please contact BCBS at 888-753-6615.
Does UHP provide a voluntary dental plan for MA students?
- Yes, a voluntary dental plan is available for MA students and their dependents. If interested, please visit UHP's website, www.universityhealthplans.com, to learn more about the plan's benefits and to find the enrollment form.
Does this plan offer any vision benefits?
- Yes, the BCBS Student Health Insurance Plan offers one routine vision exam every 24 months. In addition, UHP offers a voluntary VSP vision care plan. Please visit www.universityhealthplans.com, click on alternative insurance products, and select VSP vision to learn more about the benefits and the enrollment process.
Loans
I have an outside loan. Why is the loan not credited to my account?
- The Office of Financial Aid is responsible for certifying and disbursing your loan. Approved loans will be reflected on the Student Account Center as pending/anticipated until disbursed. If your loan is not approved prior to the deadline, you may need to make a payment or set up a payment plan until the loan is credited to your student account.
Why am I receiving notification that my loans have been disbursed?
- You receive a notification as a reminder and documentation that your loans have been disbursed. (Federal Loans only).
What if I decide I do not want all of my student loans?
- You may reduce or return it to your lender(s). Your request to reduce or return funds should be submitted to Office of Financial Aid at Finaid@Lasell.edu.
Miscellaneous
Why do I have a hold on my account?
- A hold may be placed on your account if you have a balance due from a current or previous term. You may be ineligible to register for a new term until your account is current. To view your balance/complete payment access by logging in to MyLasell, then selecting Pay MyBill under University Resources. Non-students who are shared users, may log in to https://quikpayasp.com/lasell/student_accounts/payer.do.
What do I do if my account has a hold and I'm prevented from registering?
- Log into MyLasell and select Self Service to view your holds.
- You may contact the Office of Students Accounts to determine why you have a hold on your student account.
What are your office hours?
- The Student Accounts Office is available via phone and email Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. In the summer we are closed on Friday's. Appointments may be made via Starfish.
Where is your office located on campus?
- Student Accounts is located in O'Connor Hall. Any mail should be sent to Lasell University, Attn: Student Accounts, 1844 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02466.
Whom should I contact if I have further questions?
- You can contact the Office of Student Accounts at 617-243-2227 or by email studentaccounts@lasell.edu.
How can I change my billing/permanent/local address/phone number?
- You may contact the Registrar’s Office (617) 243-2133 or by email registrar@lasell.edu.
Parents
Why can’t I access my student’s account information?
- According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the University may not release this confidential financial information to parents without consent of the student.
- Parents can be signed up an Authorize Payer which will grant them access to the account.
- A Billing PIN is issued to all students to assist in providing information while complying with privacy policies. It can also be found on each student’s Self Service page on the Account Information tab of MyProfile.
How do I grant my parents access to my student’s account?
- You may add your parent, sponsor, guardian or anyone you wish to have full access to your account as an Authorize Payer. This will allow them to view and make payments. To accomplish this the student will log into MyLasell, under University Resources, select Pay MyBill, then select the ‘Authorize Payers'. The Authorize Payer will then receive an email invite which they can complete to receive information and access instructions.
My parents are separated/divorced how can I make sure each parent receives a copy of my bill?
- Students can sign each parent/guardian as an Authorize Payer. Parents will also receive the e-bill notification when bills are ready to be viewed.
- The 'Authorize Payer' can access the account from https://quikpayasp.com/lasell/student_accounts/authorized.do.
Refunds
How do I find out if I’m eligible for a refund?
- You may view your balance online by logging in to MyLasell and selecting Pay MyBill under University Resources. You may only request a refund if the pending/anticipated aid on your summary page is zero and you have a credit balance on your account. Credit balances are indicated by a number contained within parenthesis ‘()’ on the SAC.
How can I request a refund?
- To request a refund, first please confirm your refund preference.
- Students should email studentaccounts@lasell.edu from their Lasell email with the amount they would like refunded to them.
Can my parents request my refund?
- No, only the student may request a refund from their student account.
How long will it take to get my refund?
- Refunds will be issued within 7-11 business days of the request date, if there is a refundable credit balance. It will be processed per the student’s preferred refund choice.
How will my refund be distributed?
- Lasell University students may receive refunds via direct deposit (ACH) into their designated bank account or if a bank account is not added a paper check will be mailed to the address on file.
- Please log into MyLasell and click Pay MyBill under University Resources to add your bank account information. All students should complete/update their refund information in order to ensure a prompt and accurate distribution of any refunds that you may become eligible for today and in the future.
I didn’t request a refund, but one was issued?
- Per federal regulations, we are required to refund students when the amount of their federal funds exceeds allowable charges. These federally required refunds will be processed per the student’s preferred refund choice.
- Graduate students with federal funds that exceed allowable charges are automatically refunded after the add/drop deadline for each session.
- Undergraduate Students are also refunded if there’s a remaining credit balance on their account after graduation or if the student is no longer attending the University.
Tuition Payment Plan (Options)
Is there a payment plan available to pay my bill?
- Yes, you may enroll in a payment plan with Nelnet formerly Tuition Management Systems (TMS) by logging in MyLasell, under University Resources, select Pay MyBill, and click on “Payment Plan”. Undergraduate students will have the option of a 4 month plan each semester. Graduate students will have the option of 4 month or 2 month plans. You may visit https://quikpayasp.com/lasell/student_accounts/payer.do for additional enrollment information.
Is there a fee for the payment plan?
- A service fee of $40 is due upon enrollment in any plan. You may visit https://quikpayasp.com/lasell/student_accounts/payer.do for additional enrollment information.
Will I be charged a convenience fee if I use my debit/credit card?
- There is a convenience fee for online debit/credit card payment. There are no convenience fees for online payments made via checking/savings. You may visit https://quikpayasp.com/lasell/student_accounts/payer.do for additional enrollment information.
Is my payment plan reflected on my online statement?
- Yes, the payment plan is reflected on your e-bill. If you have established a semester plan and made a payment to Nelnet formerly TMS, it will be reflected on the statement as ‘Nelnet monthly Payment plan’. The anticipated/future monthly payments are also listed on your statement as ‘Remaining Nelnet Payment Plan Semester Budget’.
1098-T
You may qualify for educational tax credits.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal program that may provide a tax credit to help offset the cost of your tuition, fees, books, and supplies during your first four years of college. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, including the HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credits, eligible families may claim tax credits for educational costs. Please visit the website of our partner, Heartland ECSI, to find information regarding the Taxpayer Relief Act, Hope Scholarship Credit, and Lifetime Learning Credits. You can also go to Heartland ECSI to check the information on your 1098-T form that will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by Lasell.
We have provided some basic information below, however, we encourage you to talk with a tax professional or visit Tax Credit for details.
What is a 1098 T-Form?
- The 1098-T form contains calendar year information to assist a student in filing for the education tax benefits/tax credit deductions, or the American Opportunity Credit (a modification of the Hope Credit) and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.
Who receives a 1098-T?
- Any student in accredited classes with a valid social security number/tax identification number.
How do I get a duplicate 1098-T?
- Heartland ECSI provides students the ability to easily access their 1098-T forms online at https://heartland.ecsi.net. Begin by searching for Lasell University. Students will need the following information: First Name, Last Name, SSN, and Zip Code. Please call Customer Service for any questions 1-866-428-1098 or cservice@ecsi.net.
What is reported on the 1098-T form?
- Forms will include the students name, permanent address, social security number, student ID, a check mark if they were enrolled at least half-time during the calendar year, a check mark if they are a graduate student, amounts in Box 1 for payments made during the calendar year for qualified tuition and related expenses, amounts in Box 5 for any scholarships or grants disbursed during the calendar year, amounts in box 4 or 6 only if prior year adjustments were made.
What are considered qualified tuition and related expenses?
- Payments reported in Box 1 are only for what the IRS defines as Qualified Tuition and Related Expenses (QTRE). QTRE are tuition for credit bearing courses, the comprehensive fee, major fees and course fees. Items that are not included as QTRE are things such as room and board, health insurance, parking charges etc. Amounts reported are only for QTRE items within the calendar year.
How will I receive Form 1098-T?
- Forms are generated in January for all students who meet the IRS's reporting requirements. 1098-T forms are available electronically. All students are asked to opt-in to receive the form electronically each year. If the opt-in is not done a form will be mailed to the permanent address on file. If opted in, forms will be delivered electronically to your Lasell University email address by early February. You may also download, view and print your 1098-T at Heartland ECSI. Our school code is X5. If you have not done so already, please provide your social security number or international tax ID (ITIN) to Lasell University prior to the end of the calendar year by filling out a W-9S form and returning it to Student Accounts.
Why does the form look different from years past?
- When you receive your tax document in 2019 for the 2018 tax year, it will look slightly different than it has in prior years. Congress and the IRS eliminated the option for colleges and universities to report the "amounts billed" on form 1098-T. Colleges and universities must now report the "amounts paid" for qualified tuition and expenses. This change went into effect for the 2018 tax year.
Why did I not receive a form?
- All U.S. citizens and permanent residents will be issued a 1098-T if qualifying transactions take place during the calendar year, regardless of whether or not we have your SSN or ITIN. Submitting your 1098-T without a SSN or ITIN may result in a fine by the IRS.
- If you do not have a qualifying transaction OR you are an international student that does not have an ITIN on file with Lasell University, you will not receive a form.
For more information:
- Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov
- Financial Aid: Guide to Financial Aid: www.finaid.org
- Student Tax Information: https://heartland.ecsi.net or call (866) 428-1098
We are available M-F 9:00am to 4:00pm for in-person meetings. We strongly recommend making an appointment. Appointments may be scheduled via Starfish.