Resources: Stanford ePay – Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Stanford ePay?

Stanford ePay is an electronic billing and payment service for students that accomplishes the following:

  • Produces an electronic, monthly University Bill (starting August 2006);
  • Allows students' parents or other third parties the ability to receive the bill; and
  • Allows students and authorized third parties to pay electronically.

Stanford ePay's easy-to-use, secure web site provides a convenient way for students and other designated payers to view and make payments to student accounts 24 hours a day.

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How will I know when my bill is ready to be viewed?

Stanford ePay notifies students and Authorized Payers by email on the 20th of each month when their online University Bill is available for viewing. In addition, Stanford ePay maintains online billing history from April 2006 to present for reference at anytime. Please make sure to check your "Bulk e-mail" In-box for the notification.

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What is an Authorized Payer and why would I want one?

Students may authorize others to access their Stanford ePay account and make payments on their behalf. Such individuals are referred to as "Authorized Payers". Students may set up to a maximum of five Authorized Payers if, for example, someone other than themselves is typically the one who pays their tuition, fees, or housing charges.

While students are able to see all payments made to their account, Authorized Payers can only view their own payments. Excepting this, Authorized Payers have access to all of the same features that students do, including the ability to view and print the student's University Bill, access billing history, set and maintain their own user preferences, and make deposits to the student's StanfordCardPlan.

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I'm an Authorized Payer and I'm having trouble logging in. How do I get help?

Stanford ePay user names and passwords are case-sensitive. Make sure the Caps Lock on the keyboard is turned OFF.

If you forget your Password or Login Name, you can reset them by clicking on the Forgot Password or Forgot Login Name and an email will be sent to you with the information.

If you are still having problems logging in, contact your student to verify your authorized payer account information (e.g. login name / password and correct email address associated with your account). Students control authorized payer access to Stanford ePay. For instructions, reference Quick Steps: Authorize Others to View / Print / Pay the University Bill. If necessary, your student can reset your password.

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What if I have a question that isn't addressed here?

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Can I pay all of my University charges through Stanford ePay?

Your University e-bill will include all of the standard charges, including tuition, room, board and other miscellaneous fees.

IT Services charges for telephone features, long distance calling, and cable television will appear on the University Bill monthly. You will be able to use Stanford ePay to make payments for those services.

Charges that are not available for payment through Stanford ePay include library fines, parking fees and permits, athletic tickets, books and supplies.

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Which credit cards are accepted?

MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards are accepted as payments on the University Bill. A convenience fee of 2.75% will apply when using a credit card. Deposits to the StanfordCardPlan may be made by eCheck only.

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Why do I have to pay a convenience fee for credit card payments?

Our goal is to provide you with convenient options for paying your University Bill. Stanford University has never accepted credit cards for tuition payment due to the high cost for the University to do so. Now, through a third party service offered via Stanford ePay, the convenience of credit card payments can be extended to those who wish to take advantage of it. The cost of the transaction is borne by the customer in the form of a convenience fee.

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Why can't I use my Visa Credit Card?

Visa would require the University to absorb its discount fee. This would unnecessarily raise the cost of doing business for the University and ultimately raise tuition costs for all students, including those who do not use Visa credit cards.

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Are there any alternatives to using a credit card and paying the 2.75% convenience fee?

All payments made through Stanford ePay by electronic transfers (eCheck) from U.S. checking and savings accounts are free of service charges. In the event of an unexpected financial need, students should consider contacting the University's Financial Aid Offices for additional information or assistance in financing their education at Stanford.

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Can I allocate my payment to a specific charge on my bill? Can I pay specific charges for a specific term?

Payments are allocated to charges on the bill according to existing student accounting rules at the University – Oldest charges are paid first. If you wish to direct your payment to a specific term's charges, you may visit the Cashier's Office at the Maude Modular (632 Serra Street, Suite 150) between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays. If we are able to, we will comply with your request. If you wish to dispute a charge on your bill, contact your Account Management Specialist or the administrative office that originated the charge.

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What happens if my checking account has insufficient funds when I make my eCheck payment through Stanford ePay?

If the payer's checking account has insufficient funds, the item will be returned the next business day. The student's account is then assessed a Returned Check charge in the amount of the returned eCheck as well as a non-refundable $25 administrative fee.

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What are the University bill payment due dates?

Please see the Payment Due Dates section of the Overview: University Billing page.

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What are the health insurance waiver due dates?

Please see the Using Your Own Health Insurance page on Vaden Health Center Stanford web site.

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I am a graduate student who receives a salary. Is there a payroll deduction process to pay my bill?

Yes, please see: Overview: Paying Tuition and Other Fees via Payroll Deduction (For Graduate Students).

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