Student Accounts

PennWest University provides electronic billing through the myPennWest student information system. Charges for tuition, fees, room, and board are posted each semester or session as students register, and payments are recorded upon receipt.

Students receive email notifications to their university email when an invoice is posted. Paper invoices are not mailed, so students should print invoices from myPennWest if needed for other parties. Detailed billing information is available on the "Account Activity" screen in the Student Center's Finances section.

• Fall & Spring Semesters: Invoices are available approximately 30 days before the semester begins.
• Winter & Summer Sessions: Invoices are available approximately 10 days before the session starts.

Other departments and timing issues may affect bill processing.

Students can make payments online through their myPennWest Student Accounts Portal, which will direct them to the PennWest University Online Payment Processor.

Online Payment Methods

• Electronic Check (eCheck) – no processing fee.
• Credit Card Payment - Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. A nonrefundable convenience fees of 2.95% through May 4, 2025, and 3% effective May 5, 2025, for domestic credit cards.
• International credit cards will incur a 4.25% convenience fee.

In-Person

Cash, check, or debit card payments may be made in person in the Student Accounts office located on each campus.  Credit card payments cannot be made in the office. Please Note: Debit cards cannot be used at California campus.

• PennWest California: Dixon Hall First Floor
• PennWest Clarion: Becht Hall, First Floor
• PennWest Edinboro: Hamilton Hall, First Floor

By Mail

Payments, scholarships, and 529 check payments should be made payable to PennWest University, include the student’s PennWest ID number in the memo field, and be mailed to:

PennWest University
Office of Student Accounts Box 83
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419

Payments can be made by check or money order. DO NOT mail cash

International Students

International Students can make payments online through Flywire or Transfermate (accessed through myPennWest).

Return Check Fee

Payments returned for insufficient funds will be subject to the fees outlined in the Policy FA015: Insufficient Fund Check Payment. Senders of checks that are not acceptable to the bank for any reason will be charged a fee in the amount of $30. An accounting hold will be placed on the student's records and the schedule will be subject to cancellation if the check is not cleared.

Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

The financial aid listed on your billing statement is tentative and is subject to change based upon eligibility requirements and enrollment status. If you are receiving a private scholarship, it will not be reflected as a credit on your account until the funds are received by the Office of Student Accounts. If you are borrowing a federal loan, you have the right to cancel the loans if you choose. To cancel the loan, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

View Financial Aid Programs and Disclosures

Our payment plans make tuition more manageable by spreading payments over the semester. While the total cost remains the same, you’ll have more time to pay with smaller, scheduled payments.

How It Works

• Payments are divided into monthly or bi-weekly installments.
• A $40 non-refundable fee per semester applies.
• Payments are automatically withdrawn on the due date.
• Late payments incur a $15 fee and may result in a registration hold.
• Credit card payments will incur a 2.95% convenience fee through May 4, 2025, and 3% effective May 5, 2025, for domestic credit cards.
• International credit cards will incur a 4.25% convenience fee.
• Returned Checks will be assessed a $30 fee.
• Two late payments will cancel your plan.
• Payment plan will be recalculated once financial aid is applied.

Important Notes

• Due dates cannot be changed.
• Payment methods can be adjusted, but plans cannot be canceled without approval.
• To cancel a payment plan, email studentaccounts@pennwest.edu at least 5 business days before the due date.
• Repeated default payments will make you ineligible for future plans.

How to Enroll

• Students: Log in to myPennWest, go to Student Accounts Portal, and click "Enroll in Payment Plan."
• Authorized Users: Parents/guests must be added as authorized users via myPennWest Student Accounts Portal under “My Profile Setup”
• Tip: Students need to login into myPennWest and go to the accounts portal before they can update the profile.

Payment Plan Resources

• Spring 2025 Payment Plan Schedule
• Summer 2025 Payment Plan Schedule
• Online Payment Request Form (For former students who no longer can access the myPennWest)

Students with delinquent balances may face:

• Late Fees for unpaid balances over $500.
• Registration Holds for balances over $500 (prevents course registration).
• To avoid late fees, ensure all outstanding balances not covered by financial aid are paid by the start of the semester.
• View Policy FA028: Late Fees, Holds and Collection of Student Accounts

If your employer is covering part or all your tuition, you may qualify for PennWest’s Student Tuition Reimbursement Plan, which allows you to defer 80% of tuition until 60 days after the semester end. A new deferred billing agreement must be completed before the start of each term.

How to Enroll

1. Complete the Student Tuition Reimbursement Agreement Form.
2. Submit the form via email to studentaccounts@pennwest.edu.
3. Once approved you will receive email instructions to enroll in the Tuition Reimbursement Payment Plan through myPennWest.

How it Works

• Accounts must be in good standing to enroll in the Employer Reimbursement plans
• Payment is due 60 days after the semester end.
• Down payment of 20% is required*
• A $40 non-refundable fee per semester applies*
• Payments are automatically drawn on the due date.
• Credit card payments will incur a convenience fee of 2.95% through May 4, 2025, and 3% effective May 5, 2025, for domestic credit cards.
• International credit cards will incur a 4.25% convenience fee.
• Returned checks will be assessed a $30 fee. (subject to change)

*UPMC employees are not subject to this requirement.

Important Notes

• Due dates cannot be changed
• Payment methods can be adjusted, but plans cannot be cancelled without approval
• To cancel a payment plan, email studentaccounts@pennwest.edu at least 5 business days prior to the due date

Refunds

If your financial aid exceeds your account charges, the Office of Student Accounts will issue a refund via:

• Direct Deposit to your personal check or savings account. To enroll:
  • Log in to your myPennWest student accounts portal.
  • Click the "Electronic Refunds" link on the right-hand side.
  • Follow the instructions to enter your deposit information
• If you are not enrolled in direct deposit, your refund will be mailed as a paper check to the permanent address on file. This applies regardless of your campus attendance.

Withdrawals

After the 100% refund period (add/drop), withdrawal from a course, while remaining enrolled for that semester or session, will result in no reduction of charges (or refund), but may result in a return of financial aid not fully earned. Students who receive aid and are considering withdrawing from a course or courses, should speak to the Financial Aid office regarding the impact the withdrawal may have on aid eligibility. View Refund Policy.

Winter 2024 Tuition Adjustment Schedule

Spring 2025 Tuition Adjustment Schedule

Student Terms and Conditions

Details regarding the student’s acknowledge and responsibility terms and conditions are available in the Financial Terms and Conditions Agreement.

1098-T Tax Form

The Office of Student Accounts generates the 1098-T form for tax purposes. Current students can retrieve their 1098-T through myPennWest:

1. Log in to myPennWest.
2. Click on Student Accounts Portal in your Student Quick Links tile.
3. Select View Statements next to “Your Latest 1098-T Statement.”

Important Information

• If you have not given consent to receive electronic 1098-T tax information, a paper form will be mailed to your permanent address on file by January 31.
• If you previously consented to receive your 1098-T electronically but now prefer a paper copy, you must request this change in writing from your PennWest email account. Send your request to studentaccounts@pennwest.edu.
• Former students can access their 1098-T through Heartland ECSI.
• About 1098-T Information

W-9S Form

• All students who enroll in credit-based courses during the tax year and who have a missing or invalid Social Security Number (SSN) on record will receive a W-9S in the mail.
• Download W-9S Form