Finances

How much does it cost to attend Sewanee?
The following fees have been established for the 2008-2009 academic year: $32,488 for tuition; $272 for fees; $4,870 for room; and $4,490 for board. In planning college expenses, families should also take into consideration such items as books, supplies, and personal items; the cost of such expenses is estimated to be $1,900 per year.  Each family should also plan for travel expenses to and from school and expenses for special lessons and social organizations, if applicable.

Students without adequate health insurance coverage may not be allowed to register for classes. 

Parents should be aware that inflation necessitates increases in tuition and fees. Parents are informed each spring by the Dean of the College of the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for the following year.

It may help to know that tuition and fees cover only about two-thirds of the real cost of a Sewanee education. Gifts from alumni, foundations, and friends, and the income from endowment provide each student with a hidden scholarship of more than $5,000 per year.

What kinds of financial aid are available?
The responsibility of financing the cost of higher education must be assumed by students and their families to the extent of their ability. However, students who need financial assistance to attend Sewanee should apply for need-based financial aid. Students who qualify may receive scholarships, grants, loans, and work based upon a system of aid allocation. This system is designed to distribute available funds most equitably to the greatest number of deserving students. Aid is allocated on the basis of demonstrated financial need, academic achievement and promise, and date of application. Additional information on financial aid is available in A Guide to Student Financial Aid, which may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.

In addition to need-based aid, several forms of alternative financing are available from The University of the South. These include prepayment, installment, and extended repayment of loan plans. Information on these plans is sent to all parents in the spring of each year by the Office of Financial Aid.

When will I be billed?
The Treasurer mails tuition bills as follows:

IN ADDITION, deposits are due as shown below:

A late fee of $100.00 is assessed if payment of semester charges is postmarked after the due date.

Is a refund possible?
The University and the student commit time and resources to each other on registration day each semester. The Treasurer’s Office refunds charges paid before registration day, less a charge of $300.00, upon receiving written notice of cancellation.

A student may withdraw from the college only through consultation with the Associate Dean of the College. Withdrawal is official only upon approval by that office. The following policy applies:

Financial Aid recipients without federal Title IV aid and non-aid recipients — Refund of fees is made only for reasons of illness and if the percentage of the semester completed is 60% or less. The refund is calculated by prorating fees for the period from the date of withdrawal to the end of the semester. The amounts to be prorated are one-half of the semester‚s total tuition and room charges, and three-fourths of the board charge. No refund is made for any other fees, or if more than 60% of the semester has been completed.

Financial Aid recipients with federal Title IV aid — Refund of fees is made only if the percentage of the semester completed is 60% or less. Refunds to Federal Title IV funds are calculated according to the applicable Federal regulation (34 CFR 668.22). A student is not eligible for a refund of personal/family payments until all Federal Title IV programs and other scholarships are reimbursed as required and all outstanding balances with the college have been cleared. No refund is made if more than 60% of the semester has been completed.

Examples of refund and repayment calculations may be seen in the Student Accounts Office.

Refund insurance is available through an outside vendor. Information is sent to you with the fall semester billing. You may also obtain applications through the Student Accounts Office.

The University recognizes that rare circumstances may warrant an exception to the refund policy. A student who feels an exception should be made should write to the Associate Dean of the College, explaining the reasons for the request. The Associate Dean will consider the request in consultation with the Provost.

How are charge accounts handled by the University?
Campus Identification Card
A SEWANEECard will be issued to all students as a means of identification.
1)    The card must be presented for cashing checks at the University Cashier’s Office, using the library, entering McClurg Hall and using the Fowler Center.
2)    The card is not transferable — its loss should be reported immediately to the Telecommunications Office for replacement. There will be a $25.00 charge for replacing the card.
3)    The card becomes void upon interruption or termination of enrollment.

Other Charges
Students who have traffic, library or other fines (e.g., for late registration), or have account balances have their monthly statement sent to their home address unless requested to be sent to a different address. This statement is due within 30 days to avoid a late payment charge.

What is the arrangement for students to make long distance phone calls?
Students who wish to take advantage of the University’s discount rate on long distance calls are issued a personal long distance authorization code that can be charged back to their student account, credit card or banking account. Monthly credit limits can be set up so students can easily control their long distance bills. Also available are pre-paid calling cards — ranging from $20 to $50. In addition, special telephone features, such as call waiting, may be purchased at an extra charge. Additional information about long distance plans are mailed during the summer months or you may call extension 1095.

Where should a student bank?
Regions Bank has a local branch office within walking distance of the campus. (Special arrangements are available for any student who is unable by reason of disability to go to the Cashier’s Office. Call the Dean of Students office to request such assistance at extension 1229.) Some students open accounts at Regions or at other banks in nearby towns, while others continue accounts at their hometown banks. The choice often depends upon such factors as service charges and convenience in making deposits.

The University does not keep student funds but does offer a check-cashing service. Personal checks up to $100.00 can be cashed at the Cashier’s Office any weekday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. The cashier at the Treasurer’s Office will endorse checks over $100.00 to permit cashing at the local bank.