Business Services Office
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a student account?
It is an accounts receivable account where all individual student financial transactions with the University are maintained.
May I keep a credit balances for future charges?
No, credit balances are automatically refunded to you.
If I drop a class or withdraw from the University, how do I get my refund?
Academic refunds are automatically refunded to you and mailed to your permanent address. Please allow 3 - 4 weeks after the first day of classes to receive a refund check. Financial aid students, please remember all refunds must be applied to financial aid sources first.
When are bills mailed?
Begining Maymester/Summer I, 2003 bills will no longer be mailed. You can view, print or process your bill by logging on to vip.sc.edu . (select "FINANCIAL" then select "SCHEDULE & BILL" )
What is the web fee payment system (VIP)?
You now have the option of paying your fees via the Internet. Web fee payment requires that you have sufficient Financial Aid to cover your fees, or that you pay by Electronic Check or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover), or a combination of both. We encourage students to take advantage of this new method of payment. To access fee payment on the Web, direct your web browser software to Visual Information Processing (vip.sc.edu) .
May I pay my charges without a bill?
Yes, fees and charges may be paid via the Web site or in person at the Finance Office, room 114 Admin building. Fees can be paid by mailing your payment directly to the Finance Office by the stated cut-off date. Please identify all correspondence and checks with your student number.
Do you accept credit cards for payments of charges?
Only on VIP do we accept credit card. DISCOVER, MASTERCARD, and VISA cards are accepted. There is a convenience fee associated with all credit cards.
If a financial hold is placed on my records, what actions should I take in order to get the hold released?
Contact the Finance Office (803-641-3246) to make arrangements to satisfy the conditions of the hold obligation.
Does the University have a deferred payment plan?
Yes, the university has developed a deferred payment plan. This plan may be obtained under certain conditions: Returning students must have a GPA of at least 2.0, be in good financial standing with the University and have no outstanding past due charges. Students must set-up the deferment during walk-in fee at the Cashiers office, room 326 Admin building.
Forty (40) per-cent of the balance due plus an administrative fee of $50 must be paid when the deferment is established. If a student has available financial aid, this will be used as the down-payment, as long as it equals or exceeds the 40%. The administrative fee must be paid by the student.
Two additional equal payments will be set-up, payable in the two subsequent months by in person or by mail on or before the payment dates. A late fee is charged for each day that a payment is late. Consultation with the Finance Office during walk-in fee payment period is required.
Deferred Payment Plans are not available for the summer terms.
How do I change my meal plan or cash card?
Prior to fee payment, meal plans and Pacer Cards can be added via the web (vip.sc.edu ). To make additions and changes for meal plans after you have made your fee payment, contact Student Housing at 803-641-3790.
How do I find out more about the student loan interest deduction and other requirements or conditions that may apply to me?
As always, you should contact your tax advisor for guidance. However, you can obtain complete information about this deduction in IRS publication 970, "Tax Benefits for Higher Education." This publication is available from your local IRS office and may also be downloaded from the IRS website . The U. S. Department of Education's website also provides some information about this deduction.
