Minimizing Financial Barriers
Many people have been dealing with stress and financial struggles. At Waubonsee, we want your pursuit of a higher education to be easy. That’s why we’re providing resources that can help you minimize financial barriers.
In addition to our usual low tuition, interest-free payment plans, and available financial aid, we’re offering additional resources:
- Qualifying students (low-income, unemployed, housing insecure, etc.) may receive money they can use to help meet their greatest needs — tuition, fees and course materials; food; housing; health care; or childcare — through our Reach Higher Scholarship (access through mywcc with X-number and password).
Some Commonly Asked Questions:
What if I can’t pay my balance in full?
What if I don’t have enough money to pay my balance after setting up a payment plan?
What if I can afford to pay my balance but I just need more time to make my first payment?
I have questions about my student account. What should I do?
What if I can’t afford a course textbook?
I don’t have a reliable laptop or internet connection. What should I do?
How do I stay up-to-date on everything?
Pick When, Who and How to Pay
Affordability starts with low tuition but extends to convenient payment options and help with understanding payment processes. Explore the options below, and choose the one that is best for you, based on:
- How much/how often you want to pay
You can choose to pay in full and be done, or you can space smaller payments out over a longer period of time with an interest-free payment plan
- Who is paying
If an employer or other organization/entity (financial aid, scholarship, etc.) is paying some or all of your tuition, be sure to check out the Verified Sources section
Keep in mind that at least one of the following payment arrangements must be made within roughly 48 hours to hold your classes.
| Registration Day | First Payment or Verified Source Due by Midnight of |
|---|---|
| Monday | Wednesday |
| Tuesday | Thursday |
| Wednesday, Thursday, Friday | Sunday |
| Saturday | Monday |
| Sunday | Tuesday |
Full Payment
Tuition and fees total less than $200 require full payment.
Payment Plan
Space your payments out over time with an interest-free payment plan. Pay a little upfront, a little each month, and the $25 nonrefundable set-up fee, and your account will be paid off in time to register for the next semester! Remember, the earlier you register, the smaller your payments!
Verified Sources
When your tuition and fees are being paid for by another organization or entity, that organization or entity is referred to as a verified source. Common verified sources include:
- Financial Aid
- Scholarships (Waubonsee and others)
- Veterans Benefits
- Employers/Third Party
Learn more about these verified sources, how to use them and how to check their status on your account.
More Information
Scholarships
Scholarships are given for a variety of reasons and don't need to be paid back
Tuition refunds
Tuition refunds if you withdraw from a class
Tax credits
Tax credits and deductions you may qualify for
Scholarship Impact Stories
"There will always be a million excuses why you shouldn't pursue your dream. For me most were related to money."
– Katherine G.
"With the cost of college, the economy, cut backs at work... it is harder than ever. I feel that school is my only way out. I will do anything to get through school and keep my home over the next few years knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
– Tanya W.
Contact the Student Accounts and Cashier Office
Sugar Grove Campus
Student Center, Second Floor
(630) 466-5705
studentaccounts@waubonsee.edu
