FAQ about Payment Options
Q What is an eCheck?
An eCheck or electronic check is an electronic version of a paper check and may be used by U.S. bank account holders with existing checking and savings account to make a payment online. It is a convenient, safe and secure method of payment.
To use an eCheck, you will need your personal account information, including your bank account number and ABA routing number, which is available on your personal check. Company checks and some money market accounts cannot be used as eCheck transactions. For savings account holders, contact your bank directly for your ABA routing number.
eCheck payments are accepted online at no additional charge through QuikPay by Nelnet Business Solutions.
Q Does SMC accept credit cards for payment?
Yes. Credit Card payments are only accepted on-line through QuikPAY by Nelnet, a third-party payment vendor, operating under the agreement with SMC to process payments on your behalf.
QuikPAY accepts the following cards: MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
PLEASE NOTE: QuikPAY charges a 2.75% Service Fee based on your payment amount for processing your credit card payment. The Service Fee is non-refundable, even if the payment to which it relates is cancelled, refunded, credited or charged back. For this reason, we recommend you pay using an electronic check.
Q Why can't I use my Visa Card to pay?
SMC uses QuikPay by Nelnet Business Solutions, a third-party vendor, operating under the agreement with SMC to process all credit card payments. Nelnet does not accept Visa.
Q When will I receive a tuition bill and when is it due?
Bills are sent electronically through email notification to your Saint Mary's College email account using ebill & epay, SMC's online billing and payment system. Email is SMC's primary method of communication. Accounts with returned or undelivered email will be assessed a fee.
Fall semester bills are sent to pre-registered students in early July and payment is due in August.
Spring semester bills are sent to pre-registered students in early December and payment is due in January.
Additional bills are sent throughout the year based on the status of your account.
Q My bill shows pending aid. What does this mean?
Pending aid is the amount of financial aid offered for a specific term. This aid can be applied to the student's tuition account however it has not yet been disbursed. For this reason, it shows as pending aid. Financial aid will not disburse until all required documents have been received and approved by the Financial Aid Office and the student's enrollment status meets all requirements. Please contact your lender to determine if any fees will be deducted from your loan proceeds.
Q How can I view my bill and make a payment?
- To view your bill and make a payment go to https://gaelxpress.stmarys-ca.edu.
- Click the Log In button and enter your User ID and Password
- Click Submit
- Click on Current Students
- Under Bill Payment, select View My Bill/Make a Payment
- Choose from the left screen menu options to view account, make payment, etc
Q How can I set up an authorized payer?
- To set up an Authorized Payer (parents, grandparents, etc.).
- Click on Authorize Payers
- Click on Add New
- Enter name, login name, password, confirm password, and email
- Click Add
Q What is the link for parents and other authorized payers who have obtained the login information from their student?
The link is https://quikpayasp.com/stmarysca/busoffice/authorized.do
Q Can I pay my account by mail?
Yes. You can send a check, money order or certified check made payable to "Saint Mary's College of California" to: Business Office, P.O. Box 4600, Moraga CA 94575-4600. Please print the PDF version of your bill and return the bottom portion with your remittance. Please make sure to write your student account number and/or full name on the check.
Q Can I pay my account in person?
Yes. You can pay in person at the Business Office. Our hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Please note: We do not accept credit card payments for tuition and fees in the Business Office.
Q Why am I being charged for medical insurance if I have my own?
Every year, you must file a waiver by providing proof of comparable coverage. You must go to www.aetnastudenthealth.com and click on 'Students'. Click on 'Find your School' then enter our school policy number, 812850. You must then click on the Enroll/Waive link. If you believe you have submitted a waiver and are still being charged for medical insurance, please call the Health Center at (925) 631-4254.
