Frequently asked questions

In the Catholic Benediction tradition of community and hospitality, the Student Financial Service Center is committed to serving the SMU community as well as possible. We hope that the following information will answer some of the most often asked questions. If you do not find the information you seek here, do not hesitate to contact us.

When is payment due for the semester?

Payment is due in full by the first day of the semester or term for which the student is enrolled. If a payment plan is desired for Lacey campus students enrolled in regular 16 week semester, a payment plan with our servicing agency Tuition Management Systems must be in place by the first day of the semester as well. Payment arrangements for off site programs running 8 weeks must be in place with our Extension Office or the Student Financial Service Center on the Lacey campus by the first day of the term.

What types of payment are accepted?

Saint Martin's accepts payment by cash, check, money order or traveler's checks in person or by mail. MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards will be accepted online only. Please be aware that credit card payments are subject to a convenience fee. We unfortunately cannot accept Visa and credit card payments cannot be accepted in person, by phone, mail, fax or email. Electronic check payments (e-check) are free and can be made online through the student's Self Service account.

Why did I receive a bill in the mail if I have financial aid that will cover my balance?

For Lacey campus students and/or extension programs that run the full 16 week schedule:

Since financial aid is not disbursed to the student's account until sometime after the add/drop period for the current semester, most students will show a balance due during the first statement period. Not all financial aid is disbursed at the same time either, and you will continue to receive a "statement of account" until the account is clear.

For extension campus students and/or programs that run on the eight week schedule:

Students enrolled in eight week programs are not eligible to receive their financial aid until after the add/drop period for terms two and four. Since terms one and two are equivalent to the main campus' fall semester, and terms three and four are equivalent to the spring semester, students generally must be enrolled for both terms to be eligible for their aid. Also, for students receiving military tuition assistance or other sponsored assistance, the University cannot bill the sponsoring agency until after the drop date has passed or later based on the agreement with the sponsoring agency. This ensures more accurate billing in cases of any adding or dropping. These students will receive statements until the billing is complete.

When are student paychecks available?

Student paychecks are available the last working day of the month and are picked up by the student in the Student Financial Service Center. Automatic deposit is recommended and can be set up with the payroll office. Automatic deposit forms are available in our Payroll Office or with Student Financial Services.

When are financial aid refunds available?

Main campus students enrolled in the full 16 week semester expecting a refund from their financial aid will begin seeing aid disbursed to their account around the third week of the semester. Once the student's account is showing a credit balance from the disbursed aid, a refund check will be processed for the following Friday. Refunds are automatically mailed to the address we have on file unless a specific written request to pick it up has been received in Student Financial Services. A refund request and authorization form is required to ensure proper processing of the refund. Forms are available in the Student Financial Service Center or can be downloaded here.

How often do I need to submit the online insurance waiver?

The University requires insurance coverage of all students attending the Lacey campus at least half time. The waiver is good for the entire school year unless the student's insurance company information changes or if they are an international student. All international students are required to have insurance coverage and must provide proof of coverage each semester with the Office of International Programs or will be charged for the University's plan. Waivers for domestic students are submitted online and can be processed here.

What does the technology fee cover? (for some offsite programs)

The technology fee covers all of the technological services offered at the University and allows the University to keep services in this area as updated as possible. It allows for use of the computer center and access to personal e-mail as well as technology services in the library.

What does the activity fee cover?

The activity fee is a mandatory fee for all undergraduate students enrolled on the Lacey campus. The fee covers more than campus activities. It provides the student with an ID card, it covers parking (the University does not charge for parking), and allows for discounts at university functions. More specific information may be obtained from the Office of Residence Life, 360-438-4299.

What does the residential program fee cover?

This fee supports the activities developed by the Office of Residence Life staff for all students residing on campus.

What does the health center fee cover?

We are excited to have the addition of the health center on campus. It is something our students have been asking for. The health center fee is a mandatory fee for all undergraduate students enrolled on the Lacey campus. This fee covers the use of the center and access to a medical professional who will be available to all undergraduate students. Graduate students and other students in programs who are not required to pay the fee will be able to receive services at the health center for a fee collected by the health center at the time of service. This fee has nothing to do with health insurance and is charged regardless of insurance coverage the student may possess.

What is a 1098T tax form?

The 1098T fax form is a document that reports the 'allowable' charges assessed to a student during a particular calendar year. These charges are tuition and mandatory fees as defined by the federal government. It also includes any grants or scholarships applied to the account during that tax year. Forms are post marked by January 31 of each year.