Tuition & Student Accounts - Frequently Asked Questions


Managing your student account is an essential part of preparing for each semester. At Lenoir-Rhyne, the offices of financial aid and student accounts are here to support you if you have any questions after receiving your billing statements. Before each term begins, you’ll receive a preliminary statement that provides an estimate of your tuition, fees and housing costs. Final statements are issued once financial aid is applied to your account, and payments are due prior to the start of the semester unless you’ve enrolled in a payment plan. 

For additional information, visit our Understanding Tuition, Billing and Student Accounts webpage.

Q: What is a preliminary statement, and how accurate is it? 
A: Preliminary statements are issued before each semester to estimate your upcoming charges. This includes tuition, fees and housing and meal plan (if applicable). If your registration or financial aid doesn’t change, you can consider the balance due as accurate.

Q: When will I receive my final tuition bill for fall 2025? 
A: Final statements for the fall 2025 semester will be available after financial aid is disbursed on September 10, 2025.

Q: When is my bill due?  
A: Bills for the fall 2025 semester are due on September 15, 2025 unless you sign up for a payment plan. 

Q: When can I sign up for a payment plan, and how does it work? 
A: Payment plan sign-ups begin in July for the fall semester in your self-service portal. There is a $15 fee to participate. Balances are split into four installments, starting shortly before the semester begins in August. Payment plans sign-ups begin in December for the spring semester with the first payment due in January.  

Q: Can I pay my balance with a debit or credit card?  
A: Yes. Payments made by debit or credit card incur a 2.95% fee. There is no fee for ACH (bank account) payments or payments made by check or money order.

Q: How do I make payments online?
A: Online payments can be made by visiting the self-service portal. Your student can invite you to be an authorized payer on their account in the self-service portal where you can manage their account online. Onced authorized, you can log in with your account information or you can pay as a Guest using your student's 10-digital ID number (P00#######) and their last name through the payment portal. Payments may also be made online by credit or debit card through the Parent & Families website if you are unable to access the payment portal.

Q: To whom should I make checks payable?
A: Make checks payable to Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Q: To what address do I mail payments?
A: Mail to Lenoir-Rhyne University, Office of Student Accounts, 625 7th Ave NE, LRU 7164, Hickory, NC 28601.

Q: How do I use my 529 Plan to pay for tuition? 
A: You’ll need to contact your 529 Plan Administrator to request the funds. If needed, statements are available in your self-service portal for submission.

Q:What information do I need to include when mailing a payment (checks, money orders, scholarships, and 529s)? 
A: Please write student name/10-digit student ID number (P00#######) on check. Mail to Lenoir-Rhyne University, Office of Student Accounts, 625 7th Ave NE, LRU 7164, Hickory, NC 28601.

Q: When will I receive my financial aid refund, if I’m expecting one? 
A: Refunds from federal aid or loans are issued within 14 days of being disbursed to your account. To get your refund faster, sign up for eRefunds in your self-service portal.

Q: How can someone else, like a parent or guardian, access my student account or billing information? 
A: To give others access to your student information, you must complete the FERPA Student Disclosure Form. Then you can send them a payer invitation in the "My Account" section of the portal.

Q: How do I manage my student account online? 
A: You can manage your account 24/7 at on the self-service portal. You can also invite parents or guardians to help manage your account by sending them a payer invitation in the "My Account" section of the portal.

Q: How are Chapter 31 Veteran benefits processed? 
A: Students using Chapter 31 benefits pay each semester after the drop/add date.

Q: I have a balance on my account. Can I register for the next semester?  
A: Your student account balance must be under $700 in order to register for the next semester. You are strongly encouraged to contact student accounts to discuss your circumstances to ensure your account is considered current.  

Q: Who should I contact with questions about financial aid, including FAFSA, scholarships or loans? 
A: Please reach out to the Financial Aid Office at 828.328.7200 or finaid@lr.edu. You may also review the financial aid website for information.

Q: Who do I contact for other questions about my student account or tuition bill? 
A: Submit your questions using the Student Accounts Contact Form or email us at studentaccounts@lr.edu