Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the University accept credit cards or electronic payments by check for tuition?
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse does accept MasterCard, American Express and Discover for tuition purposes. Debit/Credit Card payments can be made via the Web only.  UW-L also accepts payment by check electronically on the Web. We do not accept credit/debit cards at the Cashier's Office window.  There is a 2.75% convenience fee for all debit and credit card transactions.  There is no fee for electronic check (e-checks) transactions.  Please note UW-L does not accept VISA Debit/Credit cards because of their convenience fee structure.  If you have a VISA debit card, you can simply do an e-check from the bank account the debit card is linked to instead. 

Q: How much do I owe for tuition and fees?

If you have settled on the number of credits that you will be taking, you will find the amount in the schedule of tuition fees maintained by the Cashier's Office. Further information is also available regarding fees and billings. Once the semester has started, you can also view your current semester fees through WINGS.

Q: What are segregated fees and why do I pay for these fees if I do not use what they fund?

The term “Segregated University Fee(s)” describes charges in addition to instructional fees that are assessed to all students for services, programs, and facilities that support the primary mission of the university. Segregated fee funding is designed to provide funds for recreational, cultural, and leisure activities and groups that are not funded through other state appropriations. Segregated fees are not designed to be user fees, but are intended to contribute to the richness of the university community. Because segregated fees are not intended to be user fees, they function more like a tax. Students do have some control over where these fees are distributed. Segregated fees are allocated to groups using the Student Association committee structure. The Apportionment Committee develops the segregated fee budget and the Student Senate finalizes the approval. If you have additional questions regarding segregated fees please call University Centers at 608-785-8888.

Q: I'm from Minnesota and I was charged non-resident fees. Why?
  • It is the student’s responsibility to apply for the Reciprocity Agreement. Reciprocity is not automatic. The State of Minnesota grants reciprocity on the basis of the application provided by the student. Students must apply online at www.ohe.state.mn.us.
  • Those who do not apply or apply late and/or are not approved, will be required to pay non-resident rates.


Q: What should I do if I don't get a tuition/fee bill?

Bills for tuition and fees will be e-mailed to your campus e-mail account or you can view your bill on the web through the TALON System. Tuition due dates can also be viewed on this website. See links.

Q: Where do I submit my payments for tuition and/or fees?  
  • You may pay by credit/debit card or electronically by check (ACH) on the web through the WINGS system or from the "Parent" page at http://www.uwlax.edu/parents.
  • You may pay cash in the Cashier's Office, Room 121 Graff Main Hall. You may also place payments in the drop box outside of our office. An envelope is not necessary. Please make checks out to UW-La Crosse and be sure that the student's id number is written on the front of the check.
  • If you would like to mail your payment, please send to:
    Cashier's Office Room 121 Graff Main Hall 1725 State Street La Crosse, WI 54601
    Please include the student's id number on the check. The payment must be RECEIVED by the due date NOT POSTMARKED!


Q: How do I receive my financial aid?

Good News! Most financial aid is directly applied against your charges on your student account. Once financial aid is applied, it will appear on your tuition bill. If you are expecting your financial aid to overpay your tuition and fees, these funds will be disbursed to you based on the preference you chose when you activated your Tower One Card: http://www.uwlax.edu/TowerOneCard/finaid.htm

Q: My parents have a PLUS loan. How should we pay tuition and fees?

PLUS loan proceeds are sent either electronically or by paper check to the university. This will depend on the option chosen when the loan application was completed. PLUS loans that are sent electronically will be applied directly to the student bill and any overpayment will be refunded directly to the student. PLUS loans sent via paper check will be mailed to the parents home address. Parents should then send a personal check to the University before the assigned due date.

Q: If I drop credits, what do I do about financial aid?

Any reduction in the amount of your tuition/fees for the semester is apt to affect your financial aid package. You should contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as you discover that your tuition/fees will be changed.

Q: A 3rd Party sponsor is paying my tuition. When will I get a refund?

You will receive a refund for any excess tuition/fees amount on your account. In general, the sponsor will be billed after the first two weeks of classes have ended. The refund process will begin only after the check from your sponsor has been received in the Cashier's Office and applied to the student's account. Refunds are disbursed to you based on the preference you chose when you activated your Tower OneCard: http://www.uwlax.edu/TowerOneCard/

Q: My Credit/Debit Card has a large enough available balance to pay my tuition. Why is my payment being declined?

Many Credit/Debit cards have a transaction or daily limit on them to help prevent fraud. Try entering a smaller payment amount. All "One Account" holders have a $2500 daily limit.