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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
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    2

    Default Re-Assessed Tuition - Not a Loan

    My question involves collection proceedings in the State of Illinois and I thank you in advance for your help:

    My college retrospectively re-assessed tuition charges and now I have a hefty balance which used to be paid in full every semester. Is that legal? Can they re-assess because they think they under-charged you in the past?

    In the absence of an official policy on which tuition to assess students enrolled in multiple programs at the same institution, does it imply that the the tuition assessed will be that of the more expensive program?

    Is there legal help available in illinois for this? Please advice and help.

    Thank you!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Behind a Desk
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    98,846

    Default Re: Re-Assessed Tuition - Not a Loan

    If they undercharged you by error, they can correct the error. Your tuition rates are determined by virtue of your contract with the university; I can't read your contracts or the university's written policies from here, official or otherwise. Perhaps your school has a "student legal aid" clinic that can help you interpret school policies.

    If the school says "Program A costs $20,000 per year, and Program B costs $25,000 per year," and you jointly and fully enroll in both programs, it's perfectly understandable why they would charge the higher tuition rate. Also, most notably at the graduate level, it's not unusual for certain specialized programs to carry different rates of tuition.

    Are you telling us that the new bill is incorrect, or that you think you should get away with paying less because they previously made an error by underbilling you?

    What was the timeframe between when you paid off your account and when they billed you the new, higher figure?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Re-Assessed Tuition - Not a Loan

    Thank you Mr Knowitall for your reply. I have tried to answer your specific questions below your original comments.

    Q: If they undercharged you by error, they can correct the error. Your tuition rates are determined by virtue of your contract with the university; I can't read your contracts or the university's written policies from here, official or otherwise. Perhaps your school has a "student legal aid" clinic that can help you interpret school policies.
    A: I asked the school their policy, they do not have one regarding students enrolled in two degree programs. I was enrolled in a lower cost program first before taking on a concurrent second higher-cost program.

    Q: If the school says "Program A costs $20,000 per year, and Program B costs $25,000 per year," and you jointly and fully enroll in both programs, it's perfectly understandable why they would charge the higher tuition rate. Also, most notably at the graduate level, it's not unusual for certain specialized programs to carry different rates of tuition.
    A: True but there is no official policy in place regarding what tuition will be charged.

    Q: Are you telling us that the new bill is incorrect, or that you think you should get away with paying less because they previously made an error by underbilling you? What was the timeframe between when you paid off your account and when they billed you the new, higher figure?
    A: It was re-assessed a few weeks ago for the past two years.

    What is your advice?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Re-Assessed Tuition - Not a Loan

    Q: If they undercharged you by error, they can correct the error. Your tuition rates are determined by virtue of your contract with the university; I can't read your contracts or the university's written policies from here, official or otherwise. Perhaps your school has a "student legal aid" clinic that can help you interpret school policies.
    A: I asked the school their policy, they do not have one regarding students enrolled in two degree programs. I was enrolled in a lower cost program first before taking on a concurrent second higher-cost program.
    unless there is a policy statement that allows you to enter under one program, and pay for that program and then change to a higher cost program without paying the additional fees, you would be required to pay for the higher priced program. Dang guy, from what you posted, I can see where they could charge you for BOTH programs.

    btw; if you fail to pay what they determine they believe you agreed to, they can withhold any degree and transcripts involved. If you disagree, you have the right to sue them.

    guess who usually wins.

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