Cashier Services For Students
Tuition & Fees
Fall 2024 Tuition & Fees (combined)
| Credit Hours | Resident Undergrad | Resident Graduate | Non Resident Undergrad | Non Resident Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 327.32 | 342.50 | 414.15 | 436.12 |
| 2 | 654.64 | 685.00 | 828.30 | 872.24 |
| 3 | 981.96 | 1,027.50 | 1,242.45 | 1,308.36 |
| 4 | 1,309.28 | 1,370.00 | 1,656.60 | 1,744.48 |
| 5 | 1,636.60 | 1,712.50 | 2,070.75 | 2,180.60 |
| 6 | 1,963.92 | 2,055.00 | 2,484.90 | 2,616.72 |
| 7 | 2,291.24 | 2,397.50 | 4,183.13 | 4,253.13 |
| 8 | 2,618.56 | 2,740.00 | 4,780.72 | 4,860.72 |
| 9 | 2,945.88 | 3,082.50 | 5,378.31 | 5,468.31 |
| 10 | 3,273.20 | 3,425.00 | 5,975.90 | 6,075.90 |
| 11 | 3,600.52 | 3,767.50 | 6,573.49 | 6,683.49 |
| 12 | 3,927.84 | 4,110.00 | 7,171.08 | 7,291.08 |
| 13 | 4,255.16 | 4,452.50 | 7,768.67 | 7,898.67 |
| 14 | 4,582.48 | 4,795.00 | 8,366.26 | 8,506.26 |
| 15 | 4,909.80 | 5,137.50 | 8,963.85 | 9,113.85 |
| 16 | 5,237.12 | 5,480.00 | 9,561.44 | 9,721.44 |
| 17 | 5,564.44 | 5,822.50 | 10,159.03 | 10,329.03 |
| 18+ | 5,891.76 | 6,165.00 | 10,756.62 | 10,936.62 |
Spring 2025 Tuition & Fees (combined)
| Credit Hours | Resident Undergrad | Resident Graduate | Non Resident Undergrad | Non Resident Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 328.98 | 344.16 | 415.81 | 437.78 |
| 2 | 657.96 | 688.32 | 831.62 | 875.56 |
| 3 | 986.94 | 1,032.48 | 1,247.43 | 1,313.34 |
| 4 | 1,315.92 | 1,376.64 | 1,663.24 | 1,751.12 |
| 5 | 1,644.90 | 1,720.80 | 2,079.05 | 2,188.90 |
| 6 | 1,973.88 | 2,064.96 | 2,494.86 | 2,626.68 |
| 7 | 2,302.86 | 2,409.12 | 4,194.75 | 4,264.75 |
| 8 | 2,631.84 | 2,753.28 | 4,794.00 | 4,874.00 |
| 9 | 2,960.82 | 3,097.44 | 5,393.25 | 5,483.25 |
| 10 | 3,289.80 | 3,441.60 | 5,992.50 | 6,092.50 |
| 11 | 3,618.78 | 3,785.76 | 6,591.75 | 6,701.75 |
| 12 | 3,947.76 | 4,129.92 | 7,191.00 | 7,311.00 |
| 13 | 4,276.74 | 4,474.08 | 7,790.25 | 7,920.25 |
| 14 | 4,605.72 | 4,818.24 | 8,389.50 | 8,529.50 |
| 15 | 4,934.70 | 5,162.40 | 8,988.75 | 9,138.75 |
| 16 | 5,263.68 | 5,506.56 | 9,588.00 | 9,748.00 |
| 17 | 5,592.66 | 5,850.72 | 10,187.25 | 10,357.25 |
| 18+ | 5,921.64 | 6,194.88 | 10,786.50 | 10,966.50 |
Summer 2024 Tuition & Fees (combined)
| Credit Hours | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 285.01 | 300.19 |
| 2 | 570.02 | 600.38 |
| 3 | 855.03 | 900.57 |
| 4 | 1,140.04 | 1,200.76 |
| 5 | 1,425.05 | 1,500.95 |
| 6 | 1,710.06 | 1,801.14 |
| 7 | 1,995.07 | 2,101.33 |
| 8 | 2,280.08 | 2,401.52 |
| 9 | 2,565.09 | 2,701.71 |
| 10 | 2,850.10 | 3,001.90 |
| 11 | 3,135.11 | 3,302.09 |
| 12 | 3,420.12 | 3,602.28 |
| 13 | 3,705.13 | 3,902.47 |
| 14 | 3,990.14 | 4,202.66 |
| 15 | 4,275.15 | 4,502.85 |
| 16 | 4,560.16 | 4,803.04 |
| 17 | 4,845.17 | 5,103.23 |
| 18+ | 5,130.18 | 5,403.42 |
Tuition and fees are charged on a per credit hour basis capping at 18 credit hours. Any additional hours added will assess at 18 credit hours for all mandatory charges.
- Courses related lab/program fees are not included in the chart above but can be seen in the online Course Schedule
- Follett Access Book Fee
- $26.66 per credit hour for all undergraduate and graduate level courses
- More information on the Follett Access program can be found here; https://wnmu.edu/wnmu-access/
- $26.66 per credit hour for all undergraduate and graduate level courses
- Online Course Lab Fees
- $30 per credit hour for all undergraduate level courses
- $40 per credit hour for all graduate level courses
- Video Conferencing Lab Fees
- $25 per credit hour for all undergraduate and graduate level courses
Tuition and fees are approved each year by the university administration and Board of Regents and are subject to change at any time.
- To view a breakdown of ASWNMU approved student fees click here; https://aswnmu.wnmu.edu/student-fees/
- To view a breakdown of other combined fees click here; https://catalog.wnmu.edu/ and navigate to General Information>Student Expenses
Student Statement of Account
WNMU’s Bill+Payment site now offers students, and permitted authorized users, the option to view a current statement of account from any semester.
To process an On Demand statement:
- Login to the Bill+Payment site through your Mustang Express (Student tab then ‘Pay Now>Online Payments>Go to Bill payment site’.
- Under the Statements heading, choose the ‘View Statement’ option in the blue box and select the term you wish to view.
The on demand statement provides details regarding:
- Balance and Balance Including Estimated Aid
- Estimated (authorized) Financial Aid
- Account Activity, including all charges and payments received
- Other term balances, if applicable
- Payment plan details, if applicable
Tuition Guarantee
The tuition guarantee offer has been sunsetted effective summer of 2020. Any new or readmitted students will be charged at the current approved rates throughout their academic career.
For those who have met criteria for tuition guarantee beginning in 2016,
Undergraduates must:
maintain a 2.0 grade point average and 30 earned credit hours per academic year (summer-fall-spring) in order to qualify
Graduates must:
must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and 18 earned credit hours per academic year (summer-fall-spring) in order to qualify
Assessment of the guarantee occurs at the following of each spring semester. If a student is disqualified from the guarantee after final spring grades are submitted, there may be an adjustment to tuition costs for the summer semester for those students who are preregistered. Once a student has been disqualified from the guarantee they will pay the current approved tuition rate going forward.
New Mexico Senior Citizens
A $5.00 per credit hour charge is assessed on a space-available basis to New Mexico residents 65 or older who are enrolled for ten (10) or fewer credit hours. State law requires that senior citizens taking more than ten (10) credit hours be charged the full rate for all credits, based on in-state or out-of-state residency. Senior Citizens will be required to pay the administrative fees and any associated lab fees.
Department of Defense
Securing Your Schedule
All students (no exceptions) must confirm their registration no later than the first day of classes in the summer/August 16, 2024 for fall 2024/January 10, 2025 for spring 2025. A student is financially responsible for all charges incurred as a result of their registration activity. If you do not plan to attend WNMU, you must officially withdraw.
Students may begin to establish payment arrangements and view their account balances online through their Mustang Express accounts on the following estimated dates for each term:
Summer 2024 – Tuesday, April 16
Summer 2024 payment plan will be available beginning Tuesday, April 16
Fall 2024 – Friday, April 19
Fall 2024 payment plan will be available beginning Friday, April 19
Spring 2025 – Monday, November 18
Spring 2025 payment plan will be available beginning Monday, November 18
Payment in full of all the assessed student charges.
- Pay the balance in full with cash, check or credit card
- Have enough financial aid to pay in full.
- Submit, to the Business Office, a contract agreement from a third party agency.
- Submit, to Human Resources, a faculty/staff or dependent tuition waiver.
Payment Plan
- If a student cannot pay his or her account in full and needs to spread payments over the semester.
- If a student’s financial aid and/or scholarships will be paying only a portion of his or her account, then a payment plan will be established for the remaining balance.
If a student wants to pay his or her account with work-study funds, the Business Office offers a special payment plan. Contact the Business Office for more information.
Any finalized student account with a balance after the first Friday of the semester will be automatically enrolled in a payment plan and assessed a $25 non-refundable fee.
Business Office Communication
The Business Office’s official communication with all students is through the utilization of their Mustang Express e-mail account. The Business Office will also mail financial information to the student, including statements, refunds, and tax documents. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their contact information updated with the Registrars Office. WNMU cannot be responsible for any delayed communication due to out-dated addresses.
Upon registration, you will receive a Statement of Financial Responsibility electronically via Mustang Express. The document discusses several areas, including refund information, financial holds and collection costs. It is recommended that you save this document for future reference. Contact the Business Office for more information or if you have any questions regarding your account.
Once a student account has been finalized, any additional billed hours based on late registration are the responsibility of the student. Students can contact the Business Office to determine if an increase of credit hours has altered their original student billing. Monthly e-bills are sent through the student Mustang Express account.
Payment Options
Pay Online
Students can make payments online through Mustang Express. There are three options for making an online payment.
1. Payment with an electronic check.
2. Payment with a debit card.
3. Payment with a credit card.
- WNMU accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover credit cards.
- There may be a convenience fee assessed for online payments made with a credit card.
By paying online the student agrees to accept full financial responsibility for all of the charges assessed to their account. Mandatory scheduled payments will be required by one of these methods when participating in our installment plan. The system will not allow you to delete the payment method associated with your payment plan.
Pay by Mail
You can mail a check or money order to the following address:
Western New Mexico University
Attn: Cashiers
P.O. Box 680
Silver City, NM 88062
Please review the due ates for the 1st installment plan payment or to payment in full to secure your schedule through the Business Office.
Direct Payment
Payments can be made in person at the Business Office in the Castorena Hall Building (or WNMU Learning Center – Deming) Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Please review the due dates for the 1st installment plan payment or to payment in full to secure your schedule through the Business Office.
Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan
A student may take advantage of the installment payment plan option for a $25 non-refundable fee. Students enrolled in one or more credit hours may be eligible.
High school students taking classes as concurrent or dual students do not qualify for the payment plan option. Please see the section for concurrent students in the schedule for more information.
Waivers granting in-state tuition prices, housing and meal plan credits awarded to housing staff, and other institution-awarded waivers do NOT qualify as a financial commitment by the student.
All charges at WNMU will be included in the installment plan with the following exceptions: books, graduation fees, NEA insurance dues, most testing fees, or transcripts.
Fall/Spring Payment Plan
- No down payment required
- Installment Plan fee of $25.00 (calculated into overall balance)
- Balance divided into 4 equal installments (secured payment required)
*Any financial aid, waivers, and/or third party contracts will reduce overall balance.
**Late enrollment requires missed payments due at signup.
*** Any account not finalized before close of business on posted drop date will be disenrolled for non-payment.
**** Failure to make payments when due, will subject the student to a billing hold, and possible termination of registration at WNMU. WNMU will not register a student, release a diploma, or provide a transcript to any student or former student who has an outstanding financial obligation.
FALL INSTALLMENTS DUE DATES
August 15, September 15, October 15, November 15
SPRING INSTALLMENTS DUE DATES
January 15, February 15, March 15, April 15
Summer Payment Plan
No down payment required
- Installment Plan fee of $25.00 (calculated into overall balance)
- Balance divided into 4 equal installments (secured payment required)
* Any financial aid, waivers, and/or third party contracts will reduce overall balance.
** Late enrollment (after 5/31/24) will require missed payments due at signup.
*** Any account not finalized before close of business May 17, 2024 will be disenrolled for non-payment. Summer registration will be closed from June 28th – 30th, 2024.
**** Failure to make payments when due, will subject the student to a billing hold, and possible termination of registration at WNMU. WNMU will not register a student, release a diploma, or provide a transcript to any student or former student who has an outstanding financial obligation.
SUMMER INSTALLMENTS DUE DATES
May 31, June 15, July 1, July 15
If any changes occur on your account after payment arrangements have been made, the plan amounts will be updated. Notification of these changes will be communicated through your Mustang Express e-mail address. It is important to monitor this e-mail account regularly to ensure that you are receiving the important notifications.
To qualify for the payment plan, mandatory scheduled payments will be required. Automatic deductions will be processed from the account you set up during enrollment.
Monthly payment notifications will be sent to the student’s Mustang Express e-mail address. If the balance is not paid by the final installment plan date the student’s account will be assessed a penalty of $50.
Any payments made to students by the Business Office (work-study, Financial Aid, deposit, etc.) are subject to clearance of current installments due to the institution before cash will be issued. Failure by the student to take proper steps to meet any financial obligations when they are due will be sufficient cause to:
1. prohibit the student from registering
2. take disciplinary action including suspension/turned over to collections;
4. prohibit the student from paying graduation fees;
5. prohibit future enrollment in an installment plan.
Statement of Financial Responsibility
All students are responsible for payment, to the University, of all fees incurred for charges on their student account as the result of registration or other activity. A minimum payment option is available. Students with past due balances will NOT be allowed to register in subsequent semesters. All payments received are FINAL, no changes or adjustments are allowed to the payment amount once the payment has been processed. Reassessment of fees will still occur based on the established add/drop schedule.
All staff, faculty and community members are responsible for payment, to the University, of all fees incurred for charges on their student account as the result of registration or other activity. Individuals with past due balances will be unable register in subsequent semesters or have access to Mustang ID services such as C-Rec until a repayment schedule has been established.
At times, it may be necessary to contact students in regards to student financial information. Because email is the official method of communication at Western New Mexico University, the Cashier’s Office will attempt to contact students via email. If email communication is deemed to be unsuccessful or the information to be communicated is of high importance or urgency, other methods of communication will be used. Agreement to this Statement of Financial Responsibility authorizes the Cashier’s office to utilize any and all addresses, electronic addresses and phone numbers (including cellular numbers) available when attempting to contact students in regards to student financial information. At times, the Cashier’s Office will mail financial information to the student, including statements, refunds and tax documents, so it is highly recommended to ensure that your mailing address (MA) s updated with the Registrar’s Office. It is also agreed that the Cashier’s Office may disclose all contact information along with other relevant information to any outside collection agencies used for the collection of student account fees.
Email is the official method of communication by the Cashier’s office. It is the student’s responsibility to check and responsibly manage their email account so that important information can be received. As billing statements are available online, your failure to receive a billing statement does not constitute a valid reason for not paying a bill in a timely manner. Actions and charges that result from failure to pay charges on time or to respond to a Cashier’s Office message are the student’s responsibility.
The University reserves the right to modify by increase or decrease the fees charged for attendance and other services at the University, including but not limited to educational fees, at any time and when in the discretion of the governing board is in the best interest of the University. No increases can or will be effective unless approved by the governing board not less than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the academic term (semester, etc.) to which the fees are applicable, with all modification of fees to be effective irrespective as to whether fees have or have not been paid by or on behalf of a student prior to the effective date of the modification.
A student who is withdrawing from all courses must do so by logging into their Mustang Express Account. The Semester Withdrawal link is under the Student Services tab. All students must follow proper procedures when withdrawing from the University. Failure to pay fees, failure to receive financial aid, failure to attend class or refusing financial aid does NOT constitute an official withdrawal from Western New Mexico University.
Keep in mind that dropping a course or courses can lead to a change in enrollment status, which could lead to changes or the loss of federal aid, scholarships, athletic eligibility or veteran’s benefits. Fees will be reassessed for students who drop classes or officially withdraw from the University and will be subject to the Tuition Refund Policy guidelines.
If there is a balance due after the last due date, a Financial Hold will be placed on your account. This hold will prevent you from registering for future terms and from getting your diploma.
All charges incurred by a student will be consolidated into one account. The student will be billed and must make payment by the due date indicated on the bill. An option will be provided on the monthly bill for a minimum payment. TO AVOID CANCELLATION, YOUR FIRST MINIMUM PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED AND PROCESSED BY THE DUE DATE.
If you are receiving Financial Aid, a minimum payment may still be due. To determine your MINIMUM payment amount, you first take your total charges minus any anticipated aid. This would give you your current balance due. Then follow the Interest-free Monthly Payment Plan schedule. This means that unless your Financial Aid is greater than your total charges, you owe a payment.
Payments from a third party, such as your employer, will be treated in the same manner as Financial Aid when calculating the minimum payment due. If you do not have full sponsorship for all of your fees, you must make at least the minimum payment in order to hold your classes. Purchase Orders or Contracts must be turned in no later than one week prior to the first day of class in order to be considered in the Third Party program.
Approved financial aid is used to reduce the outstanding balance on a student’s account. The entry will appear as an ‘Anticipated’ credit on the monthly billing statement and will reduce the current term balance due. The balance remaining after application of the anticipated aid will be billed to the student and will be subject to the minimum payment process. The student must apply for financial aid in a timely manner. Financial aid is not considered disbursed and eligible for the refund calculation until it appears in the Current Payments/Credits column of the monthly billing statement. Students that do not apply for aid in a timely manner may be required to make their minimum payment without consideration of aid.
By registering for classes the student agrees – that if he/she is eligible to receive Title IV, State, Private financial aid and/or scholarships; the financial aid award is to be applied to all institutional charges as well as other educationally related expenses (including but not limited to books), assessed to his/her account.
Student refunds are normally processed and a check sent by mail or E-Refund. Click here for more information on signing up for E-Refunds. Student accounts which have had credit card payments applied which then have excess money to be refunded will have any payment made by credit card returned to the credit card number used for said payments prior to a refund being processed by check or E-Refund. Charges that are added to a student account after a refund has been processed are the responsibility of the student. Students will not be allowed to register in future terms or get transcripts, until this balance is paid in full. The payment of credit balances due to financial aid disbursements are subject to the Refund Disbursement schedule published each semester, click here for more information. A refund takes up to one week of processing time after withdrawal, dropped classes, receipt of excess financial aid, or overpayment made on the student’s account. Refunds of Parent Loans are refunded to the parent and a check mailed to the address on file for that parent. Deduction will be made for any financial obligation due to the University. To receive a refund of less than $25 a specific request must be made to the Cashier’s Office.
Personal checks in payment of fees or other obligations to Western New Mexico University will be accepted only when the amount of the check does not exceed the amount due from the student. No endorsement or statement on any check or any letter accompanying any check will be deemed an acknowledgment of full payment or accord and satisfaction, and Western New Mexico University may accept such check or payment without prejudice to the university’s right to recover the balance of payment due. Communications concerning disputed debts, including any instrument or check purportedly tendered as full satisfaction of a debt, must be sent to Western New Mexico University, Attn: Cashiers, PO Box 680, Silver City, NM 88062.
Any check not honored by your bank will result in a $25 returned check fee. After the occurrence, check payments will not be an acceptable form of payment. If the returned check, including e-check payments, was attempting to pay a prior term balance, your classes may be canceled. If a credit or debit card transaction results in a chargeback, a $25 chargeback fee will be assessed to your account.
Effective January 1, 2010 credit card payments are accepted online. A convenience fee may be assessed for online payments made with a credit card. (VISA, MASTERCARD, and DISCOVER ONLY)
Student accounts will be subject to a $50 fee when payment is not received and processed by the scheduled final due date as communicated on the student’s Monthly Billing Statement.
The University will pursue any and all collection efforts and practices including referring the account to a collection agency and/or attorney and reporting to the credit bureau. The account will be assessed all additional collection charges associated with the collection of the debt, including but not limited to: collection agency fees, reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs and all other charges allowed by law, not to exceed: (a) 50% of the outstanding debt, or (b) the maximum allowed by law, whichever is less.
Educational and related fees are generally non-dischargeable in bankruptcy and will survive after the bankruptcy has closed. Except in certain limited situations, this means that a student will still owe the debt to the university after the bankruptcy.
WNMU and our collection company will halt all collection efforts on any discharged bankruptcy balance that has been verified by legal documents received at the university. This does not require WNMU to allow re-admission to the university.
If a student is allowed readmission, they will be required to follow the guidelines below:
Students will be required to prepay the current semester’s tuition and fees in full for any future classes.
- Student contacts WNMU Business Office to temporarily remove the billing hold for 24 hours in order for the student to register.
- Payment in full is required to be received within 48 hours of registration or classes are canceled.
Payment of Credit Balances
As of July 1, 2011, Western New Mexico University has instituted changes regarding the issuance and payment of credit balances to students due to financial aid disbursements to include Title IV, State, Private and Scholarships posted to their account. A credit balance occurs whenever a student has funds credited to their account which exceeds the total amount of a student’s direct charges.
The credit balances are refunded directly to the student or parent as soon as possible but no later than fourteen (14) days after the date the funds were applied to a student’s account (34CFR668.164). Regulations stipulate that a student’s unpaid charges on their bill must be satisfied before a refund can be processed (34 CFR668.164)
Federal Regulations also require that the University document when a student begins attending classes in order to be eligible for a refund of a credit balance (34 CFR690.80). To expedite the purchase of books students are given a portion of eligible funds made available to them as soon as possible. The remaining credit balance will be released to students after the add/drop period designated by the Registrar’s Office.
The Business Office will no longer issue checks on campus. All checks will be mailed to the student’s mailing address (MA) in Mustang Express as soon as they have been processed to improve operations of the office staff. If the check is returned due to an incorrect address, the Business Office will make an additional attempt to contact the student, but if unsuccessful any Federal Financial Aid (including Student Loans, Pell Grants, SEOG Grants) in excess of a student’s tuition and fees will be cancelled (equal to the amount of the refund check) (34 CFR668.164). Please contact the Business Office for more information.
To assist students in obtaining the payment of credit balances they can have the funds directly deposited into a checking or savings account by enrolling in the E-Refund option now available to students. Contact the Business Office for more information.
Refund Disbursement Schedule
When goods or services are purchased from WNMU using a credit or debit card, and a refund is generated, the university policy is to refund the original card used for that purchase when possible. If a card or account has been closed, the merchant service provider will decline the refund transaction and the Business Office will then generate a paper or electronic refund depending on the student’s established refund designation.
Refund checks are mailed to the mailing address (MA) on the student account unless a student resides on campus and has a campus mailbox listed. Refund checks are not allowed to be picked up by anyone.
Summer 2024
To be eligible for a refund for the 1st disbursement of the semester, you must finalize with the Business Office and your Financial Aid (including but not limited to scholarships, grants and loans) file must be complete by the following dates:
SSA/SSB – Friday, May 24, 2024 by 4:30 p.m.
SSC – Tuesday, July 2, 2024 by 4:30 p.m.
- The 1st refund disbursement will be:
- Friday, May 31, 2024
- The 2nd refund disbursement will be:
- Friday, July 5, 2024
Student financial aid is being applied to a student account after our typical add/drop period rather than the first day of classes (to include loans, scholarships, grants etc.). The university’s primary last day to add/drop for summer semester session 1 is Thursday, May 23rd.
WNMU follows federal regulations that allow 14 days in which to process refunds after the date that financial aid has paid over onto the student account.
If a student has not enrolled for direct deposit through Touchnet, refund checks will be mailed to the mailing address (MA) in Mustang Express as soon as they have been processed.
If a student’s MA address is not correct, he/she may follow these instructions to update it.
- Log into Mustang Express via WNMU’s website (www.wnmu.edu).
- Click on the Student Tab and follow the steps after selecting the ‘Click here to alter your Mailing address’ link.
If the check is returned due to an incorrect address, the Business Office will make an additional attempt to contact the student, but if unsuccessful any Federal Financial Aid (including Student Loans, Pell Grants, SEOG Grants) in excess of a student’s tuition and fees will be cancelled (equal to the amount of the refund check). Please contact the Business Office for more information.
Financial Aid funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded.
Fall 2024/Spring 2025
To be eligible for a refund for the 1st disbursement of the fall 2024 semester, you must finalize with the Business Office and your Financial Aid (including but not limited to scholarships, grants and loans) file must be complete by the following date:
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 by 4:30 p.m.
- The 1st refund disbursement will be:
- Friday, September 6, 2024
Student financial aid is being applied to a student account after our typical add/drop period rather than the first day of classes (to include loans, scholarships, grants etc.). The university’s primary last day to add/drop for the fall semester is Friday, August 23rd.
To be eligible for a refund for the 1st disbursement of the spring 2025 semester, you must finalize with the Business Office and your Financial Aid (including but not limited to scholarships, grants and loans) file must be complete by the following date:
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 by 4:30 p.m.
- The 1st refund disbursement will be:
- Friday, January 31, 2025
Student financial aid is being applied to a student account after our typical add/drop period rather than the first day of classes (to include loans, scholarships, grants etc.). The university’s primary last day to add/drop for the fall semester is Friday, January 17th.
WNMU follows federal regulations that allow 14 days in which to process refunds after the date that financial aid has paid over onto the student account.
If a student has not enrolled for direct deposit through Touchnet, refund checks will be mailed to the mailing address (MA) in Mustang Express as soon as they have been processed.
If a student’s MA address is not correct, he/she may follow these instructions to update it.
- Log into Mustang Express via WNMU’s website (www.wnmu.edu).
- Click on the Student Tab and follow the steps after selecting the ‘Click here to alter your Mailing address’ link.
If the check is returned due to an incorrect address, the Business Office will make an additional attempt to contact the student, but if unsuccessful any Federal Financial Aid (including Student Loans, Pell Grants, SEOG Grants) in excess of a student’s tuition and fees will be cancelled (equal to the amount of the refund check). Please contact the Business Office for more information.
Financial Aid funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded.
Normal Refund Schedule
A student’s financial aid must be transmitted from the Financial Aid Department no later than Tuesday at 4:30 pm. Checks will be mailed out on Friday. Direct deposit of funds also occurs by Friday.
Policies
Tuition Refund Policy
Students dropping courses or officially withdrawing during the semester are eligible to receive a refund as follows:
Dropping Courses Summer 2024
| Part of Term | Last day to drop |
|---|---|
| 4 | May 7, 2024 |
| 5 | July 14, 2024 |
| 6 | June 10, 2024 |
| SSA | May 23, 2024 |
| SSB | May 22, 2024 |
| SSC | June 25, 2024 |
A student who drops courses up through the dates listed above by part of term will be given a 100% refund. Keep in mind, however, that dropping a course or courses can lead to a change in enrollment status (full-time to part-time), which could lead to changes in federal aid, scholarships, athletic eligibility or veteran’s benefits. Classes added will be posted to your account as additional billed hours and may be subject to additional tuition and/or fees. Please refer to the tuition and fee schedule.
A student who drops courses after these dates will not receive a refund of tuition or fees.
Dropping Courses Fall 2024
| Semester Timetable | Potential Refund Status |
|---|---|
| From pre-registration through August 23, 2024 |
If finalized, 100% of tuition and student/course fees less registration fee or installment plan fee, if applicable. |
| August 23, 2024 to the last day of class | NO REFUND |
A student who drops courses up through August 18, 2023 will be given a 100% refund. Keep in mind, however, that dropping a course or courses can lead to a change in enrollment status (full-time to part-time), which could lead to changes in federal aid, scholarships, athletic eligibility or veteran’s benefits. Classes added will be posted to your account as additional billed hours and may be subject to additional tuition and/or fees. Please refer to the tuition and fee schedule.
A student who drops courses after August 23, 2024 will not receive a refund of tuition or fees.
If your class starts before or after August 19, 2024 or ends before December 12, 2024, the refund dates may differ, please check with the Business Office or Registrar to see if you are eligible for a refund.
Dropping Courses Spring 2025
| Semester Timetable | Potential Refund Status |
|---|---|
| From pre-registration through January 17, 2025 |
If finalized, 100% of tuition and student/course fees less registration fee or installment plan fee, if applicable. |
| January 17, 2025 to the last day of class | NO REFUND |
A student who drops courses up through January 17, 2025 will be given a 100% refund. Keep in mind, however, that dropping a course or courses can lead to a change in enrollment status (full-time to part-time), which could lead to changes in federal aid, scholarships, athletic eligibility or veteran’s benefits. Classes added will be posted to your account as additional billed hours and may be subject to additional tuition and/or fees. Please refer to the tuition and fee schedule.
A student who drops courses after January 17, 2025 will not receive a refund of tuition or fees.
If your class starts before or after January 13, 2025 or ends before May 8, 2025, the refund dates may differ, please check with the Business Office or Registrar to see if you are eligible for a refund.
Refund percentages are applied to total charges assessed and not the amount paid. Once the refund of charges is applied to the student’s account, there may be a balance due to the University or a credit due to the student. Rarely does refunding of charges result in the student’s account having a zero balance. A zero balance would require no action by either the University or the student.Once a student registers, the student is responsible for the total charges assessed regardless of whether the installment plan is used.
The tuition refund policy is subject to change(s) made by the Office of Business Affairs and does not apply to complete withdrawal from the University.
TA Returns – 16 Week Session
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded.
Western New Mexico University, will return any unearned TA funds on a prorate basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. These funds are returned to the military Service branch.
Instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the educational institution will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the return portion.
| Week | Percentage Return |
|---|---|
| Before or during Week 1 | 100% Return |
| Week 2 through Week 9 | 18.75% Return |
| After Week 9 | 0% Return |
Official Withdrawal
A student who is withdrawing from all courses must do so by logging into their Mustang Express Account. The Semester Withdrawal link is under the Student Services tab. When the student drops or withdraws to zero credit hours and had been awarded financial aid, the Office of Business Affairs will adhere to Federal regulations following the refund schedule provided by the Office of Financial Aid (as mandated by the reauthorization of the U.S. Title IV Program). Not attending classes does not constitute an official withdrawal.
A withdrawal may result in financial responsibility for the remainder of the balance due on your account.
Delinquent Accounts
Any account not in current status on a deferred contract will be considered past due. Once past due, a billing will be generated to elicit payment (or payment arrangements) within thirty days. Non-receipt of said billing does not relieve responsibility of payment. No response automatically turns the account over to TSI, our collection agency. In the event collection actions are necessary, any/all collections fees, will be added to the amount due and shall be paid by the debtor. Western New Mexico University may refuse subsequent registration for any classes and/or drop current classes, deny future enrollment in any payment plan, and withhold records or diplomas from being released until the unpaid balance, as well as all attorney fees, legal expenses, and other collection costs are paid in full. Western New Mexico University will follow our current agreement on file with our collection agency in regards to release of student holds upon payment.
If judgment is obtained by WNMU in a court of law, all collection agency fees, court costs and attorney’s fees shall be the liability of the debtor.
If your account has already been submitted to the collection agency, you will need to contact TSI directly at 1 (888) 899-1591.
Method of communication
The Business Office’s official communication with all students is through the utilization of their Mustang Express e-mail account. The Business Office will also mail financial information to the student, including statements, refunds, and tax documents. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their contact information updated with the Registrars Office. WNMU cannot be responsible for any delayed communication due to out-dated addresses.
Upon registration, you will receive a Statement of Financial Responsibility electronically via Mustang Express. The document discusses several areas, including refund information, financial holds and collection costs. It is recommended that you save this document for future reference. Contact the Business Office for more information or if you have any questions regarding your account.
Forms
Instructions
Help
Business Office Definitions
Finalize – to accept financial responsibility for charges assessed to the student account. This is done by completing payment arrangements — paying your account in full, setting up on a payment plan, payment in full by a Third Party agency, or having sufficient financial aid to cover your total charges.
Third Party Payer – is an agency, which agrees to provide partial or complete payment on the student’s behalf. This would include such agencies as employers and job training organizations
Memo – is financial aid, which has been approved by the Financial Aid Office and accepted on an award letter by the student. The funds, however, have yet to be received by the university.
Disbursement – is the action of releasing financial aid payments to the student account. The release of funds is a function of the Financial Aid Office.
Refund – is generated to a student account when the funds applied by disbursement exceed the assessed charges. Typically the source of funds is disbursed as financial aid.
Hold – is a status placed on your account alerting other offices within the University of an unresolved issue. A hold can be placed on a student account to prevent certain processes such as registering for classes, graduation, or finalization of registration.
Contact & Location
Location: Castorena Hall (Administration Building)
Phone: 575.538.6150
Email: busaf@wnmu.edu
Executive Director of Fiscal Affairs: Amanda Stern
Financial Services Project Specialist: Annette Pas
Financial Services Representative: Nancy Ramirez
Financial Services Representative: Tonja Powell