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Find the official policies that govern our student and academic community.
By enrolling at Stanford, students agree to pay all tuition and fees on time, with charges managed through their student account and multiple payment options available. Late or unpaid balances may result in fees, financial holds, credit reporting, or collection actions, while refunds and billing access are handled electronically through designated systems.
By accepting Stanford's offer of admission and enrolling in classes, each student accepts responsibility for paying all debts to the University, including tuition and fees, for which they are liable. An individual's registration as a Stanford student constitutes their agreement to make timely payment of all amounts due.
Each academic year, students also review and accept a Financial Responsibility Agreement opens in a new tab when logging in to the Bill & Payment System in Axess opens in a new tab.
Stanford students have access to financial literacy resources through the Mind Over Money program opens in a new tab including the Haven Money tool and 1:1 financial coaching for personal finance education.
Charges and credits from offices within the University are aggregated in a student's individual account and presented on the Stanford student account in Axess opens in a new tab. Student Financial Services notifies students and their authorized users of new charges and payment due dates electronically via email on a monthly basis. Students may view their account online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via Axess.
Students may designate 'Authorized Users' in the billing and payment system to allow others to view the student account and make payments. Students and Authorized Users may view the student account online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via Axess opens in a new tab. Payments should be made online through Axess or the Authorized User portals. If necessary, the student or Authorized Payer may print a statement from the same portal as well.
A list of payment due dates throughout the academic year is available on the Student Services website opens in a new tab. To avoid late payment penalties, online payments via Axess can be made up to 11:59 p.m. PST on the published due date. Personal payments received outside of Axess require manual processing, and students are encouraged to submit payment at least 10 business days before the billing due date to prevent late fees.
After the start of the term, adding units may result in additional tuition charges. Other fees, such as room damage repair charges, petition fees, late fees, lab fees, library fees, and other miscellaneous fees or charges are due on the 20th of the month after which they are billed (unless otherwise noted).
Students can make domestic and international payments directly in the Bill & Payment System, via Axess opens in a new tab.
Stanford does not accept cash, credit cards, or postdated checks for payments to the University bill. If students are unable to make electronic payments in Axess, Stanford accepts these additional methods of payment opens in a new tab.
Additional information and instructions for payment can be found on the Student Services website opens in a new tab.
Stanford uses Direct Deposit to refund credit balances to students. Students are expected to enroll in Direct Deposit at the beginning of their Stanford career or as soon as possible thereafter. Direct Deposits reach the bank within 24-48 hours of processing. Receipt of funds will not be delayed by mail time, lost checks, or the need to go to the bank as is the case with paper checks.
Generally, credit balances resulting from financial aid are refunded several times a week. Credit balances resulting from a personal overpayment (ePayments and paper checks, for example) will be refunded on a quarterly basis to inactive students. Students may request a refund of a personal overpayment at any time by contacting the Student Services Center opens in a new tab.
The University must receive the full amount due on or before the due date indicated on the bill. If full payment is not received by the due date, a late fee of 1% of the amount past due may be assessed. Anticipated aid (aid that has been accepted but not disbursed and is shown on the student account) reduces the total amount due prior to late fees being applied.
Accounts that become past due more than 30 days are subject to financial holds. Among other things, a financial hold blocks diplomas and enrollment eligibility.
A non-refundable $25.00 administrative fee will be assessed for checks or eCheck payments returned due to insufficient funds. In addition, student accounts are subject to holds, and late payment penalties may apply.
Delinquent accounts may be reported to one or more of the national credit reporting agencies. Severely delinquent accounts may be referred to a collection agency and/or placed in litigation in accordance with state and federal laws. Students with delinquent accounts may be held responsible for collection costs, attorney fees, and court costs. Stanford may consider past delinquent accounts in determining whether to provide Stanford loans.
PROCESS STEPS | RESPONSIBILITY |
| Student Financial Services (SFS) |
| SFS or Financial Aid |
| Degree Program |
| Student |
The Student Services Center
https://studentservices.stanford.edu/get-help opens in a new tab
During Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters, matriculated students are generally expected to register at the full-tuition rate, with some exceptions.
Stanford charges several mandatory and optional student fees, including ASSU fees that fund student organizations, a quarterly Campus Health Service Fee for Vaden Health Center services, and required health insurance unless waived.
Stanford offers need-based financial aid to undergraduates, meeting demonstrated need while expecting students and families to contribute and use outside resources, with aid calculated based on financial circumstances and cost of attendance.
Stanford graduate students are funded through a mix of university support, external fellowships, and personal resources, with some students relying on loans or other funding to cover remaining costs.
Students who withdraw from the University before the end of a term may be eligible to receive refunds of portions of their tuition under certain limited circumstances.
