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Billing and Payments

Welcome parents, friends and families of Ferris students. At Ferris State University, we know that families often take responsibility for the billing and payment of student accounts.

Federal Educational and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Because of Federal privacy restrictions (FERPA), the Student Financial Services office is restricted from providing information to you regarding bills, payments, account balances or financial aid, without express written authorization from the student. This written permission must be obtained from the student in person - it cannot be emailed, mailed or faxed to our office. Because of the importance of this document, the FERPA release form is presented to students during new student orientation. Students may also complete, change or revoke the FERPA Authorization Form at the Student Service Center in the Timme Center for Student Services building, during business hours. It is recommended that you encourage your student to complete and submit this form, so we may better serve you.

Billing and Payment Information

Ferris State University sends billing statements electronically to students and authorized users every 30 days during a billing period. We bill for one semester at a time. Students are responsible for checking their monthly statements, reviewing their account balance, and knowing payment due dates. The student is responsible to make sure their payment is made by 4 p.m. on the payment due date to avoid his or her classes from being dropped or for incurring late fees.

Authorized Users

Each student may designate a parent or other person as an "authorized user" who has permission to view and to make online payments on the student's billing account. Students may enroll up to five (5) authorized users through their E-Bill account. Once enrolled, authorized users will receive two emails with instructions on how to set up and access the student's account. Once an authorized user has set up access, he or she will receive an email when new e-bills are issued. (Note - authorized user and the FERPA release are two separate processes. Completing one process does not satisfy the other).

Payment Plans

Ferris State University offers two to three payment plan options each semester as a convenience to students that are not able to pay the full balance due by the first payment due date of the semester. Only students or authorized users may select and enroll in a payment plan. Payment Plan options are limited after the fourth day of classes each semester. Please contact Student Financial Services at (231)591-3972 for payment Plan options after the fourth day of classes.

Students that have sufficient financial aid

If a student has enough financial aid to cover all of their semester charges, he or she does not need to make a payment or enroll in a payment plan. Students that do not have sufficient financial aid to cover their semester charges must select a payment plan and make their first installment payment; or pay their balance in full, to avoid having their class schedule dropped. Students will not be able to enroll in a payment plan until charges are posted to their student account. Student Financial Services will post tuition, housing, charges; meal plan charges, etc.; approximately one month before each semester begins. Please click here for available payment plan options and semester due dates.

Payment Options Online through E-bill

Electronic Check (E-Check) payment - May be made from your checking or savings accounts by using your bank routing number and account number. There are no fees associated with this option.

Credit Card payment - Credit card payments may be processed only through our electronic E-bill website. Credit card payments may not be made over the phone or via mail. Mastercard, Discover, Visa, and American Express are accepted. A 2.95% service fee will apply to all debit or credit card payments. Please visit the Service Fee Information page for additional information regarding credit card payments.

Mail or In-Person Payment Options:

Paper Checks may be mailed to the address below. Please make sure to include the student's name and student ID number on the check for accurate processing:

Ferris State University
Student Financial Services
1201 S. State Street CSS101
Big Rapids, MI 49307

In-Person - Payments may be made in person at the Student Service Counter located in the Timme Center for Student Services by check or cash. Please include the student's name and student ID number on all checks for accurate processing.

Third Party Payments (Outside Scholarships and/or Grants) - If a student has received notification of outside funding they will receive, the student should provide the Student Financial Services office with documentation. Student Financial Services will then make note of the anticipated payment on the student's account prior to the billing due date to reduce the out of pocket amount due.

If you have any questions or concerns about payments and/or billing information please contact the Student Financial Services Office at (231) 591-3972 or by email at [email protected].