Business Office FAQ

How do I view my student account balance?

Log in to Self Service at selfservice.hsutx.edu. Click on Student, then Account Summary to see your current charges, credits, and balance after financial aid is applied.

Why does my balance look high before financial aid is applied?

Your account first shows the full cost of tuition, fees, housing, and other charges. Financial aid — including scholarships, grants, and loans — is applied to that balance after the semester’s census date. The remaining amount is what you are responsible for paying.

What charges appear on my student account?

Your account may include:

• Tuition and course fees
• Housing and meal plan charges
• Other institutional fees

If you have questions about a specific charge, contact the Business Office.

I see a hold on my account. What does that mean?

Holds can prevent registration, transcript requests, or other services. Common reasons include an outstanding balance, a missing required agreement, or a past-due payment plan installment. Log in to Self Service to see the type of hold, or contact the Business Office for help resolving it.

When is payment due for the fall semester?

Two key deadlines apply for fall:

• July 1 — 6-month payment plan opens; first payment due.
• August 3 — 5-month plan opens; full balance due if you are not enrolled in a plan.

If payment or a payment plan is not in place by August 3, your classes may be dropped and your spot given to another student. Don’t wait.

What happens if I miss the payment deadline?

Unpaid balances after the deadline may result in late fees, registration holds, and dropped classes. If you are having trouble paying on time, contact the Business Office as early as possible — we can discuss your options.

What payment methods does HSU accept?

• Online (recommended): Log in to TRANSACT through Self Service. Pay by ACH/bank account at no extra charge. Credit and debit cards are accepted online.
• In person: Cash or check at the Cashier Window in Sandefer Memorial, 2nd Floor. Note: Credit and debit cards are not accepted in person or by phone.
• By mail: Send a check to the Business Office. Include your name, student ID, and the term in the memo line.

Can someone else make a payment on my behalf?

Yes. Use the Invite a Payer feature in TRANSACT to grant a parent or family member secure access to your account. They can view your statement, make payments, and enroll in Autopay — without needing your HSU login credentials. You will also want to complete a FERPA release form with the Registrar’s Office so the Business Office can speak with them directly about your account.

What payment plan options are available?

If your balance is not fully covered by financial aid, HSU offers two payment plans for fall semester — each with an $80 enrollment fee:

• 6-Month Plan: Opens July 1. Payments spread across July, August, September, October, November, and December. This is the best deal — enroll early.
• 5-Month Plan: Opens when registration opens; offer ends August 3. Payments spread across August through December.

Payments are due on the first weekday of each month. Both plans are per-semester, not for the full year.

How do I enroll in a payment plan?

Log in to Self Service, then navigate to TRANSACT and select View Payment Plan Options. You can enroll online and set up Autopay at the same time. Autopay is free and highly recommended to avoid missed payments

Will my payment plan adjust if I receive more financial aid?

Yes. If additional financial aid is applied to your account after you enroll in a plan, your remaining installments will automatically recalculate to reflect the new balance.

How does HSU process refunds?

HSU partners with BankMobile Disbursements to process electronic refunds. A refund may be issued if your financial aid or payments exceed your charges for the semester.

How do I set up my BankMobile account?

When a refund is processed, you will receive:

• An email notification from the Business Office
• A follow-up email from BankMobile (from RefundSelection.com)
• A personal code sent to your HSU email address

Go to RefundSelection.com, enter your personal code, and choose your refund delivery method:

• Direct deposit to your personal bank account (typically 1–2 business days)
• BankMobile Vibe Account (typically 1 business day)

When will I receive my refund?

Refunds are processed after financial aid posts to your account, which occurs on or after each term’s census date. Federal regulations require that Title IV credit balances reach students within 14 days of appearing on the account. Check your HSU email — you’ll be notified when your refund is on the way.

Where do I find scholarships at HSU?

HSU awards hundreds of endowed and departmental scholarships through AwardSpring. Once admitted, log in with your HSU credentials at hsutx.awardspring.com and complete the Annual Scholarship Application. AwardSpring automatically matches you to scholarships based on your major, activities, GPA, FAFSA data, and other criteria. You do not apply for individual scholarships separately. We strongly encourage every student to complete the application each year.

What is the Texas Equalization Grant (TEG)?

TEG is a state-funded grant for Texas residents attending private universities like HSU. There is no separate application — simply complete your FAFSA at StudentAid.gov each year and submit any requested documents through Self Service. Eligible students are automatically reviewed. Because TEG funding is limited, complete your FAFSA as early as possible.

My church gives me a scholarship. Can HSU match it?

Yes! HSU’s Church Match Program may match your church scholarship up to $1,000 per semester. Complete the Church Match Form (available on the HSU website), obtain signatures from two church staff members, and submit it to HSU. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.

How do I accept my financial aid?

Log in to Self Service, click Financial Aid, and select Review and Accept your Financial Aid Package. Many students have subsidized or unsubsidized loans available that simply need to be accepted. You may also need to complete a Master Promissory Note (about 5 minutes) and Entrance Loan Counseling (about 25 minutes) at StudentAid.gov before loans can disburse.

I plan to use VA benefits, a 529 plan, or Texas Workforce funding. What should I do?

Let the Business Office know in advance if outside funding is paying part of your balance. For outside scholarships, notify the Financial Aid Office. This helps us avoid mismatched charges and ensures your account is set up correctly before payment deadlines.

What if I need additional funding beyond my financial aid package?

If scholarships, grants, and loans don’t fully cover your balance, private education loans are available. Compare lenders at Elm Select (elmselect.com/v4/school/32/program-select) — it’s free and lender-neutral. When applying, use HSU School Code 003571 and select the correct loan period. Start early; private loan processing can take several weeks.

Can I work on campus to help cover my costs?

Yes. HSU offers Federal Work-Study, on-campus student employment, and off-campus work-study opportunities. Browse open positions in Handshake through HSU Central. If you were awarded Work-Study, contact Career Services for next steps: (325) 670-1166 | careerservices@hsutx.edu.

You can also authorize your paycheck to be applied directly to your student account. Contact HR/Payroll to complete a Student Receivable Account Direct Deposit Authorization Form.

Does my employer offer tuition assistance?

Many Abilene-area employers — including Chick-fil-A, H-E-B, United, Hendrick, Starbucks, Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, FedEx Ground, and Walmart — offer tuition reimbursement or scholarship programs, sometimes up to $5,250 per year. Ask your employer if they offer tuition assistance before you start the semester.

Can I reduce my housing costs?

Resident Assistants (RAs) receive significant reductions in housing and meal plan expenses while gaining leadership experience. Contact Residence Life to learn about eligibility and upcoming application openings: (325) 670-1252 | residencelife@hsutx.edu.

What GPA do I need to maintain to keep my aid?

Requirements vary by program, but a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is a strong target that supports eligibility for most HSU institutional scholarships and state aid programs, including TEG. If your GPA falls below 2.0, you may lose eligibility for all institutional aid. Check the specific requirements for each award you receive.

Can dropping or withdrawing from a class affect my financial aid?

Yes — this is one of the most common surprises students face. Financial aid eligibility depends partly on your completion rate (the percentage of attempted credits you successfully complete). Withdrawals, failing grades, and repeated drops can reduce future aid eligibility. Before dropping any class, speak with the Business Office and Financial Aid Office to understand the full impact on both your charges and your aid.

What is FERPA and why does it matter for my account?

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that protects the privacy of your educational records, including your student account. By default, the Business Office cannot share your account information with anyone — including your parents — without your written permission.

If you would like your parents or another person to discuss your account with us, complete a FERPA release form with the Registrar’s Office. You can also use the Invite a Payer feature in TRANSACT to give them access to view and pay your account online.

I have a question that isn’t answered here. Who do I contact?

If we can’t answer your question, we’ll connect you with the office that can. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact the Business Office

325-670-1001

businessoffice@hsutx.edu

Can I see my student’s account information?

Federal law (FERPA — the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects the privacy of your student’s educational records. By default, the Business Office cannot share account details, balances, or financial information with parents or family members without your student’s written permission.

There are two ways to get access:

• FERPA Release Form: Your student completes this form with the Registrar’s Office, authorizing HSU staff to speak with you directly.
• Invite a Payer (TRANSACT): Your student grants you online access to view statements, make payments, and enroll in Autopay — without sharing their HSU login.

We encourage families to take care of both before the first payment deadline.

💡 Tip: Ask your student to complete the FERPA release and send you a TRANSACT invitation before move-in. It only takes a few minutes and makes everything easier.

What is the Invite a Payer feature?

• Invite a Payer is a feature in TRANSACT (HSU’s online payment portal) that your student can use to grant you secure, independent access to their student account. Once invited, you can:
• View account statements and current balance
• Make one-time payments or set up Autopay
• Receive account-related email notifications

You do not need your student’s HSU username or password. Your student controls the access

When is the fall payment deadline?

Two key dates apply for the fall semester:

• July 1 — 6-month payment plan opens; first installment due.
• August 3 — 5-month plan opens; full balance due if no payment plan is in place.

⚠️ Important: Classes may be dropped if payment or a payment plan is not established by August 3. Your student’s spot in a class could be given to another student, and reclaiming those sections may not be possible. Please don’t wait.

What happens if payment isn’t made by the deadline?

Unpaid balances can result in late fees, registration holds, and dropped classes. If your family is facing a financial hardship, encourage your student to contact the Business Office before the deadline. We work with families to find solutions whenever possible.

What payment methods does HSU accept?

• Online via TRANSACT (recommended): Log in through Self Service. ACH/bank account payments carry no additional fee. Credit and debit cards are accepted online but may incur a processing fee.
• In person: Cash or check at the Cashier Window, Sandefer Memorial Building, 2nd Floor. Note: Credit and debit cards are not accepted in person or by phone.
• By mail: Send a check to the Business Office. Include your student’s name, ID number, and the term in the memo line.

Can I make a payment directly without logging in as my student?

Yes — once your student sends you an Invite a Payer invitation through TRANSACT, you will have your own login to make payments, view statements, and set up Autopay independently. You will not need your student’s HSU credentials.

What payment plans are available?

If your student’s balance is not fully covered by financial aid, HSU offers two installment plans for fall semester, each with an $80 enrollment fee:

• 6-Month Plan: Opens July 1. Payments spread across July, August, September, October, November, and December. Enrolling early in this plan gives you the most flexibility.
• 5-Month Plan: Opens when registration opens; offer ends August 3. Payments spread across August through December.

Payments are due on the first weekday of each month. Plans are per semester. Autopay is free and strongly recommended.

Can I enroll in the payment plan on my student’s behalf?

If your student has added you as a payer in TRANSACT, you can enroll in and manage the payment plan using your own login. Otherwise, your student will need to initiate enrollment. Either way, we recommend setting up Autopay to avoid missed installments.

What happens if additional financial aid comes in after we’ve enrolled in a plan?

Good news — payment plans automatically recalculate when new financial aid is applied to the account. Your remaining installment amounts will adjust downward to reflect the updated balance.

What is a Parent PLUS Loan?

A Parent PLUS Loan is a federal loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help cover educational costs. Key details:

• You apply using your own FSA ID at StudentAid.gov — after your student has completed the FAFSA.
• Credit approval is required as part of the application process.
• Loan proceeds are sent directly to HSU and applied to your student’s account.
• If the loan exceeds your student’s balance, the remaining funds will be refunded to you or your student, depending on your preference during the application.

For more information, visit the HSU Loans page at hsutx.edu/tuition-aid/loans or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Should we consider a Parent PLUS Loan or a private loan first?

Federal loans (including Parent PLUS) generally offer more protections and repayment flexibility than private loans. The Financial Aid Office can help you compare options based on your student’s aid package. Private loans are available through Elm Select (elmselect.com/v4/school/32/program-select) if additional funding is needed after federal options are exhausted.

My student has a credit balance. How does HSU issue refunds?

HSU partners with BankMobile Disbursements to process electronic refunds. A credit balance typically results when financial aid — scholarships, grants, or loans — exceeds the total charges on the account.

When a refund is issued:

• The Business Office notifies your student by email.
• BankMobile sends a follow-up email with a personal code to your student’s HSU email address.
• Your student visits RefundSelection.com to choose a delivery method: direct deposit (1–2 business days) or a BankMobile Vibe account (typically 1 business day).

Refunds are issued to the student, not the parent, unless a special arrangement has been made through BankMobile or the Parent PLUS Loan application.

When can we expect a refund?

Refunds are processed after financial aid posts to the account, which happens on or after each term’s census date. Federal regulations require that Title IV credit balances reach students within 14 days of appearing on the account. Your student will receive email notifications from both the Business Office and BankMobile when the refund is in process.

What scholarships should my student be applying for?

Beyond merit and athletic scholarships, HSU awards hundreds of additional endowed and departmental scholarships through a platform called AwardSpring (hsutx.awardspring.com). Your student logs in with their HSU credentials each year and completes one application — AwardSpring automatically matches them to eligible scholarships based on major, activities, FAFSA data, and other criteria. We encourage every student to complete the AwardSpring application annually.

We’re active in our church. Is there any benefit for us at HSU?

Yes — HSU’s Church Match Program may match a church scholarship up to $1,000 per semester. If your church awards your student a scholarship, have your student complete the Church Match Form, obtain signatures from two church staff members, and submit it to HSU. Contact the Financial Aid Office for the form.

My student is a Texas resident. Are there state grants available?

Yes. The Texas Equalization Grant (TEG) is a state-funded grant for Texas residents attending private universities like HSU. There is no separate application — your student simply needs to complete the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov each year. Eligible students are automatically considered. Because TEG funding is limited, filing the FAFSA early is important.

Does my student’s employer — or mine — offer tuition assistance?

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that families often overlook. Abilene-area employers including Chick-fil-A, H-E-B, United, Hendrick, Starbucks, Target, Lowe’s, and Home Depot have such programs. National employers like FedEx Ground and Walmart offer up to $5,250 per year. It’s worth checking with both your employer and your student’s employer before the semester begins.

We’re planning to use a 529 plan or outside scholarship. What should we do?

Let the Business Office know in advance if a 529 plan, outside scholarship, VA benefits, or Texas Workforce funding will be paying part of your student’s balance. For outside scholarships, notify the Financial Aid Office as well. Advance notice helps ensure the account is properly set up before payment deadlines.

What GPA does my student need to keep their scholarships?

Requirements vary by award, but maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required for eligibility for most HSU institutional scholarships and the Texas Equalization Grant. If GPA falls below 2.0, a student may become ineligible for all institutional aid — which would significantly increase out-of-pocket costs. Encourage your student to connect with an academic advisor if they are struggling.

What happens if my student drops or withdraws from a class?

Dropping classes can have real financial consequences. Financial aid eligibility is partially based on completion rate — the percentage of attempted credits that are successfully completed. Withdrawals, failures, and repeated drops can reduce future aid eligibility.

Additionally, dropping below a certain enrollment threshold mid-semester can cause already-disbursed aid to be partially returned, which may create a balance due immediately.

💡 Tip: Before your student drops any course, encourage them to speak with both the Business Office and the Financial Aid Office. The impact on charges and aid can vary significantly depending on timing and circumstances.

How will we know about account balances and payment deadlines?

HSU communicates primarily through your student’s HSU email address. The most reliable ways to stay in the loop:

• Invite a Payer in TRANSACT: Receive copies of account notifications and statements directly.
• FERPA Release: Allows Business Office staff to speak with you by phone or email about account details.
• Encourage your student to check their HSU email regularly and share important notices with you.

My student’s account shows a hold. What should we do?

Holds can prevent registration or other services. Common causes include an outstanding balance, a missed payment plan installment, or a missing required agreement. Your student should log in to Self Service to identify the hold type, or call the Business Office directly. If you have Invite a Payer access and a FERPA release on file, you can also call us, and we’ll walk through the situation with you.

Who do we call if we have a question that isn’t answered here?

Please reach out — we are glad to help. If we can’t answer your question directly, we will connect you with the right office. Our goal is to make your student’s experience at HSU as successful and affordable as possible.