Collections
The purpose of collections is to ensure timely payment of student accounts to avoid negative consequences such as registration holds, class cancellations, late fees, interest charges and debt collection.
Managing and resolving outstanding balances supports students in maintaining their academic progress and financial stability.
For Current Students
Account Review and Payment
Regularly review your account for balance information and pay promptly to avoid:
- Student holds, preventing registration
- Cancellation of registration
- Late fees
Billing and Payment Portal
Not viewing a bill or notice is not a valid reason for non-payment. All charges are
available through the Student Account Center in EZ Arts, which redirects to the TouchNet
Billing Portal. Here, students can view their current balance, account activity and
statements in real time using “On Demand Statement.”
Penalties for Non-Payment
- Class Cancellation: Pay your balance or arrange a payment plan before the published deadline each semester to avoid cancellation of registration.
- Student Holds: Unpaid balances can result in holds on the student account, preventing actions like class registration and receiving a diploma. Remove past due holds by making a payment online using certified funds (like credit card) on the Student Account Center or by bringing payment to the Cashiers Office in person with certified funds (certified check or money order).
- Late Payment Charges: Past due balances can incur a late payment penalty.
For Non-Enrolled Students
Past Due Accounts
An account is considered past due and subject to additional collection activities if:
- The student is not currently enrolled at UNCSA.
- The account contains unpaid balances outstanding for 30 days or more after the last day of the term or attendance.
Student Record Holds
Unpaid balances can result in holds on records, preventing actions like class registration
and receiving a diploma. Remove past due holds by making a payment online using certified
funds (like credit card) on the Student Account Center or by bringing payment to the
Cashiers Office in person with certified funds (certified check or money order).
Interest and Late Payment Charges
Past due balances incur a late payment penalty of 10% of the total due (one-time charge)
and interest at a rate of 7% annually, assessed monthly at 0.58% of the unpaid balance.
Debt Collection Methods
- Third Party Collection Agency: UNCSA mails letters to students with past due accounts outlining the amount owed and payment instructions. If unpaid, the account is assigned to a state-contracted third-party collection agency. The student must then contact the agency directly to arrange payment.
- Setoff Debt Collection Act (SODCA): Debts of $50 or greater are listed with the N.C. Department of Revenue for potential setoff against NC individual income tax refunds. The amount owed plus a SODCA collection fee is deducted from the state tax refund and applied to the outstanding balance.
- State Employees Debt Collection Act (SEDCA): State employees with past-due balances must pay in full as a condition of employment. This act applies to employees whose salaries are paid in whole or part by state funds.
For more details, please refer to Policy 317.