Paying your bill

How do I pay my tuition?

Going to college is an exciting step, and paying your tuition doesn’t have to be stressful. Sandburg offers clear, flexible options to help you manage your bill in a way that works for you. Whether you’re paying in full, using financial aid, setting up a payment plan or having a parent help, we’re here to support you. 

What you need to know 

No matter how you choose to pay, make sure your tuition and fees are paid by the tuition deadline so you’re not dropped from your classes. 

• You can enroll early and make partial payments up to the tuition deadline. 
• If you register after the tuition deadline, payment is due at the time of enrollment. 
• You’re responsible for paying all charges on your account, even if you expect financial aid. 

There may be additional costs beyond tuition and fees, such as books, supplies or lab fees.

Pay your tuition through transact 

Sandburg's secure online payment system

Sandburg currently uses Transact, a secure online payment system that makes it easy to manage your tuition in one place.

With Transact, you can: 

• View your activity details and account balance.
• Make payments using available payment methods.
• Enroll in a payment plan. (A $37 non-refundable enrollment fee applies.)
• Send a payer invitation to allow a parent or guardian to help with your bill.
• Sign up for electronic deposit of financial aid refunds and view 1098T for tax purposes. 
  
  

Paying with help from a parent or family member 

You can log in to your Sandburg account, choose the Transact tab and invite a parent or other trusted individual to assist with your account. This allows them to view bills and make payments without accessing academic or personal records. 

Once added, authorized payors will receive instructions from Transact on how to log in and pay. 
Pay your bill through Transact.

View the Transact Student Guide.

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Payment options 

Pay in full 

You can pay your balance in full through Transact at any time before the tuition deadline. 

Payment plans 

Payment plans are available through Transact and let you spread payments over time. Plans must be set up by the tuition deadline. Options may vary by term. 

Pay with financial aid 

Sandburg participates in federal, state and institutional financial aid programs to help cover the cost of college. 

• Financial aid can be applied to tuition and fees once it’s finalized. 
• Aid is disbursed based on your enrollment status. 
• If your aid isn’t finalized by the tuition deadline, you’re still responsible for paying your balance or enrolling in a payment plan. 

The Business Office automatically applies financial aid to eligible charges, such as tuition, fees, etc. Any remaining funds are refunded to you after attendance is confirmed — usually about 14 days after the semester begins. 

It's also worth noting there may be costs incurred in addition to tuition and fees. 

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Refunds 

Financial aid and overpayment refunds 

If your payments or financial aid exceed the charges on your account, a refund will be issued. 

• Refunds are typically processed about two weeks after classes start or after the overpayment occurs. 
• Refunds are issued the same way the payment was made whenever possible. 
• Adding your banking information to Transact for refunds helps prevent delays. 

Third‑party payments

If an outside organization pays for your tuition or books, it’s considered a third‑party payment. This may include: 

• Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) 
• Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) 
• College Illinois (529 plans) 
• Your employer 

An authorization on official letterhead must be submitted to the Business Office by the tuition deadline. 

If you’re using National Guard benefits or the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG), contact the coordinator of veterans and military services or Financial Aid at 309.341.5283 for help. 

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Tuition waivers for seniors (65 and older)

If you’re a District 518 resident who’s 65 or older, you may enroll in credit‑bearing courses at no charge for tuition, as long as space is available and tuition‑paying students meet the minimum enrollment. 

• Courses are taken as audit only (no academic credit awarded). 
• You’re responsible for all fees, books and supplies. 
• Proof of age is required at registration. 

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Refunds when a class isn’t working out

You have a few days at the start of the semester to decide whether you can continue in a course. Review your syllabus carefully to be sure you have the time, resources and materials you need. 

If something unexpected and beyond your control happens after the refund deadline, you can submit a refund appeal with documentation after withdrawing from the course. 

• The refund committee meets monthly. 
• Decisions are mailed within 30 days. 
• Appeals aren’t considered after the term ends and grades are posted. 
  
  

Withdrawals and refund deadlines

Refunds depend on the length of the course and when you withdraw. If you withdraw after the refund deadline, you won’t receive a refund. 

100% refund deadlines 

Community education courses dropped the day before the class starts receive a 100% refund. 

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Attendance and financial aid

Sandburg has a mandatory attendance policy. If you don’t attend at least one class meeting during the first four days of the course (or within the refund period for shorter courses), you may be dropped. For more information, view the no-show policy. The college follows the federal requirements for the repayment of Title IV funds. For more information, understand more about why you may lose your aid.   

If you withdraw before completing 60% of the term and received federal financial aid, you may be required to repay part of that aid. This follows federal guidelines and may affect your future eligibility. It’s always wise to talk to financial aid before choosing to drop a class.  

Additional payment policies 

To avoid unexpected issues with your account, please keep the following policies in mind: 

• A $30 fee is charged for any returned or not‑sufficient‑funds (NSF) payments. After an NSF payment, future payments must be made using cash, money order or debit/credit card. 
• If tuition and fees aren’t paid by the tuition payment deadline and through the 100% refund period, you’ll be dropped from your class(es). If space is available, you can re‑register, but payment in full is required at the time of re‑registration. 
  Learn more about refunds. 
• Students with unpaid charges or who haven’t returned college‑owned materials won’t be able to re‑register for classes. Any past‑due balances may be referred for collection in accordance with state and federal laws. 

Questions? We’re here to help.

If you have questions about your bill, payments or refunds, contact the Business Office / 309.341.5260 / building E / room 100. 

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