Tuition & Fees

Student Accounts: Financial Information & 2020-2021 Fee Schedule

Palm Beach Atlantic University reserves the right to change fees and other charges that the Board of Trustees considers to be in accord with sound management.

Evening Undergraduate & Online Program Tuition

*The B.S. in Organizational Leadership program for Boynton Beach Fire Rescue requires a signed deferment agreement from student in order to qualify for tuition deferment for this program. Upon receipt of the signed deferment agreement, the student will qualify for a reduced tuition rate. In addition, the student must qualify for Boynton Beach’s employer tuition assistance program in order to receive the discounted tuition rate. Boynton Beach Fire Rescue students who do not qualify for Boynton Beach’s employer tuition assistance program will be charged at the published per hour rate. The discounted tuition rate does not apply to the Summer term. 

**The B.A. Ministry / Christian Studies program for Church-by-the-Glades is billed at a flat rate of $5,000 in the Fall and $5,000 in the Spring. This flat rate includes up to 12 credit hours in Fall, up to 12 credit hours in Spring, and up to 6 credit hours in Summer. Hours over 12 in Fall, hours over 12 in Spring, and hours over 6 in Summer are billed at $490 per credit hour.  Failure to enroll in Summer courses does not reduce the $10,000 flat rate (billed at $5,000 in Fall and $5,000 in Spring).

Course Fees

Course fees are set by each school to cover additonal expenses associated with certain courses. Palm Beach Atlantic University reserves the right to change fees and other charges that the Board of Trustees considers to be in accord with sound management.  Occasionally, course fees are added past the publish date of this catalog to cover expenses directly related to the course. 

Other Fees

*NOTE: Students should contact the Center for Experiential Learning to determine fees for travel-study courses and study abroad.

Auditing a Course

The rate of tuition for auditing course work is one half the applicable per-hour charge for evening and online undergraduate students.  Traditional daytime students should refer to the “Auditing a Course” section of the Daytime Undergraduate Catalog for their audit rates.

Meal Plans

Information regarding meal plans may be found in the Fees section of the Undergraduate Day catalog.

Professional Education Credit (PEC)*

Students who are approved for Professional Education Credit will be charged $100.00 per credit. The charge is applied to the student account upon approval. Prompt payment of these charges is expected and failure to comply may result in a financial hold placed on the account. PECs are non-refundable once charged.

*Please see the Professional Education Credit  section for further details.

Student Accounts: Financial Policies and Services

Billing Information – Tuition and Fees

Initial billing statements will include charges and anticipated financial assistance as of invoice date. Any charges not covered by anticipated financial assistance are due by the tuition due date for each specific term.  See the “Payment Policies” section of this catalog for further information about student account payments.  

Any charges on the account that are accrued after the due date for the term are due within one week of the date that the balanced changed.

Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you are expecting financial assistance that is not shown as anticipated aid on your billing statement. Do not submit communications about your bill with your payments. For questions or comments regarding items other than financial aid, please contact the Student Account’s Office by e-mail at Student_Accounts@pba.edu or by telephone at (561) 803-2152.

Note: Student account charges and/or financial aid awards may be revised throughout the semester if there is a change to enrollment and/or financial aid eligibility.  In addition, estimates on the account for third party funds such as Florida Prepaid, VA, etc. are subject to change based on the student’s enrollment and eligibility.  If revision to charges, estimates, or aid takes place, the student is required to adjust payment arrangements to cover the balance in full within one week of the revision.  Please call the Student Accounts Office to inquire about these changes.  

Billing Errors

Palm Beach Atlantic University strives for excellence in all areas, including billing communications.  However, administrative, clerical, or technical billing errors do not absolve the student of his/her financial responsibility to pay the correct amount of tuition, fees, and other associated financial obligations assessed as a result of registration at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Billing Method

Palm Beach Atlantic University uses electronic billing (e-bill) as its official billing method, and the student is responsible for viewing and paying the student account e-bill by the scheduled due date. Failure to review the e-bill does not constitute a valid reason for not paying the bill on time.  E-bill information is available at https://pba.afford.com.  

Campus Store Return Policy

The PBA Campus Store return policy for textbooks purchased by individuals whose National Guard and Reserve Units have been activated is as follows:

• All textbooks that are in new condition and in their current edition and are being used for a course at Palm Beach Atlantic may be returned for full credit.
• All textbooks that are in used condition (having underlining, highlighting, inscribed name or other markings, or whose binding is cracked), and are in their current edition, and are being used for a course at Palm Beach Atlantic can be returned for one-half of their retail price.
• All textbooks, in resalable condition and in their current edition, that were used for a course at Palm Beach Atlantic when the student was activated for service but are no longer being used can be returned, but the amount of the refund will depend on the wholesale prices set by the used-book company contracted by the bookstore. Receipts are required for refunds, and the individual must present identification and proof of military service. 
• All textbooks not in their current edition are non-refundable regardless of their condition. 

Campus Purchases with PBACard

Funds may be added to your PBA Card for purchases or services in the Campus Store, Einstein Bros Bagels, Chick-Fil-A, P.O.D. Express, Greene Complex for Sports and Recreation, The Fresh Food Company, vending machines, laundry facilities, etc. by contacting the PBA Card office or at the ADM machines located on campus by cash, check, or credit card. To use approved financial aid credit on your PBA Card, you may transfer funds online using the Transfer PBA Card Funds form on MyPBA.

Check-In

At the beginning of each semester, ALL students are required to complete check-in to have their PBACards (student identification cards) activated. This activation must occur before a student is eligible for campus services (class attendance, entrance to campus facilities, Campus Store purchases, meal plan use, etc.). Failure to complete the Check-In process does not release the student from his or her financial obligations. A student who has not cleared Online Check-In will still be responsible for paying all charges incurred, even if access to services is limited by failure to activate the PBA Card in a timely manner. Students are required to produce ID upon request for security purposes.  While Online students are not required to have a PBA Card, they are required to complete the Check-In process before classes begin.

Dropping a Course

When a student drops an individual course before the census date (but does not withdraw from the University), the student receives a full refund of tuition for the course dropped. The add/drop period for all Subterms within a semester is the first week of classes of the entire semester. Tuition refunds follow the course status assigned by the Registrar’s Office. Any course that is listed as “dropped” on the student’s record is given a full refund. Any course that is listed as “withdrawal” on the student’s record remains fully feel liable (non-refundable). If a student decides to drop all courses, he/she must follow the procedure detailed in the “Withdrawal from the University” section of this catalog. 

Financial Aid Awards

First-time students who have applied for financial aid may expect to receive a financial aid award within two to three weeks of being accepted for admission beginning March 1 of each year. Returning students who have completed the registration process for fall and who have completed/submitted required financial aid applications/forms may expect to receive notification of financial aid eligibility by June 15.

Each semester financial aid funds are applied to the student’s account upon verification of enrollment, receipt of required documentation, completion of the FAFSA and required certifications, and PBA’s receipt of funds from the funding source(s). Aid is not applied to student accounts until attendance in the minimum required number of classes has been verified.

Financial aid listed as “estimated” or “pending” on the Financial Aid Award does not represent actual or guaranteed payment, but is an estimate of the aid the student may receive if he/she meets all requirements stipulated by that aid program.

Note: All awards are estimated and subject to change in response to information received (e.g., Student Aid Report verification documentation, changes in fund allocations, and/or receipt of additional aid) by the Financial Aid Office.

Florida State Aid Programs Refund Policy

Requirements of the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance state that PBA must return funds to the State in accordance with PBA’s institutional financial aid refund policy.

Health Insurance

Palm Beach Atlantic University requires that all full time day undergraduate, pharmacy, and international students be covered by adequate insurance while attending school. PBA has made available to students a low cost health insurance plan. The plan is an annual policy effective 08/16/20 to 08/15/21 for fall enrollment and 01/01/21 to 08/15/21 for new spring enrollment.

Note: All fill time day undergraduate, pharmacy, and international students must either enroll in or waive the insurance coverage. The cost of the insurance coverage is included in on your tuition bill and will not be removed unless proof of adequate coverage has been provided by on-line waiver. In order to be approved for check-in, you must either enroll or waive the insurance by September 1, 2020.  Please visit the Health & Wellness section of MyPBA to find detailed instructions for waiving or accepting the student health insurance.

Online Students

All Online students are required to have a validated PBA student identification number. The student’s ID number must be activated each semester after the student account balance has been cleared.

Parking Permits

Vehicles parked in PBA designated parking areas must be registered with Campus Safety and Security each academic year. If the student parks outside authorized areas, the student will be ticketed and can find payment information on the Campus Saftey section of MyPBA. Parking decals may be obtained during Check-in or from Campus Security year round. Overnight parking permits for the parking garage are obtained at Safety and Security. (Parking permits are not required for Orlando or Wellington campus students unless they are utilizing Main Campus facilities.)

Payment Policies

Bills for full tuition, housing and fees will be generated and are due in according to the schedule below.  Payments not received by the due date for the prospective term may be subject to course cancellations and loss of housing if applicable.

Due dates are as follows:

Account Payment Options

• Payment in full each semester (on/before the due date)
• Monthly Payment Plan: The student may enroll in an approved PBA payment plan that allows him/her to make monthly payments. Contact the Students Accounts Office for further information.  The student is responsible to review monthly statements to ensure the payment plan is amended to reflect any additional charges or changes in financial aid.

Account Payment Methods

• ACH: Electronic payments from checking or savings account are accepted online at https://pba.afford.com or over the phone at 1-800-334-7924.
• Credit Card: Credit card payments are accepted on-line at https://pba.afford.com or over the phone at 1-800-334-7924.  Note that a processing fee applies to all credit card payments.
• Personal check or money order: Make payable to Palm Beach Atlantic University and mail to Sailfish Services at P.O. Box 24708, West Palm Beach, FL 33416-4708.
• Wire Transfers: Contact Sailfish Services for instruction via phone (561.803.2000 or 888.468.6722) or email (Sailfish_services@pba.edu).
• Cash: Is acceptable in person at the Sailfish Services Office. 

Charges

By registering for classes, the student acknowledges that he/she incurs a financial obligation to Palm Beach Atlantic University. Additionally, by choosing to reside in Palm Beach Atlantic University’s residence halls, selecting a meal plan or parking permit, opting to use other campus facilities that may incur fines or additional fees or any other expenses, the student acknowledges that he/she is responsible for paying such excess fees. If the student decides to withdraw from courses, he/she must follow the official withdrawal procedure as stated in the Catalog.  The student is responsible for paying all tuition and fees as well as any applicable room and board charges or other fees and fines which accrue on his/her account by the published due date. Please refer to the “Delinquent Account Penalties” section of this catalog for details about accounts that are not paid in full by the due date.

Note: Students who decide not to attend some or all of their courses after registration are required to officially withdraw by contacting Sailfish Services. Otherwise, students will be held responsible for all charges on their accounts. There are no exceptions to this cancellation and withdrawal procedure.

Credits & Refunds

Disbursement of financial aid occurs according to federally mandated regulations. If a credit balance results once financial aid is applied to a student’s account, the surplus will be refunded to the student within 14 days of the aid posting date reflected on the student account. The student may elect to have refund disbursements automatically deposited into a checking/savings account. Students who do not enroll in automatic deposit will have their information provided to a third party service provider in order to have a reloadable stored value debit card issued to them.  The terms and conditions for this account are available at https://pba.afford.com.  The student may select or change his/her method of refund at any time online at https://pba.afford.com.  

Delinquent Account Penalties

A Student whose account is not paid in full by the tuition due date will not receive transcripts, diplomas, or other services offered to students with accounts in good standing, and are not permitted to register for a new semester until the balance owed is paid in full. If the student’s account becomes delinquent, his/her PBA Card may be deactivated, thus suspending access to campus facilities, meal plans, and other services on campus.  In addition, other actions may be taken up to and including suspension from the current term. If the student has a delinquent account, he/she is responsible to pay Palm Beach Atlantic University the fees of any collection agency, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33.3% of the delinquent account, together will all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by the University in such collection efforts.  The delinquent account may be reported to one or more of the national credit bureaus.  

Delinquent Payment Plan Accounts

Payment plan participants are required to make consecutive monthly payments as scheduled. Accounts with two missed payments or two returned checks will be canceled from the payment plan. Once can celled, the due date will revert back to the original due date of the prospective term. Therefore, the student must make immediate payment in full of the account balance owed.

If the student’s account becomes delinquent, his/her PBA Card may be deactivated, thus suspending access to campus facilities, meal plans, and other services on campus.  In addition, other actions may be taken up to and including suspension from the current term. If the student has a delinquent account, he/she is responsible to pay Palm Beach Atlantic University the fees of any collection agency, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33.3% of the delinquent account, together will all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by the University in such collection efforts.  The delinquent account may be reported to one or more of the national credit bureaus.  

Late Payment Fees

Failure to pay the student account bill or any monies due to Palm Beach Atlantic University by the scheduled due date will result in a late payment fee of $30 per month on the student account each month until the account is paid in full.  

Returned Payment Fees

Any check or ACH payment returned by the bank for any reason will be charged back to the student’s account along with a $30 fee.  Multiple returned payments may result in the cancellation of classes and/or suspension of eligibility to register for future classes.  

PBACards (Student Identification Cards)

All students are required to have a validated PBA student identification card. The student card must be validated each semester after the student account balance has been cleared. The card is required for check cashing, access to campus facilities, and services in the library, sports complex, computer lab, dining hall, etc. Students are required to produce their PBA ID card upon request. Identification cards, new or duplicate, are issued by the PBACard Office, and there is a charge for replacement cards.

Note: If your card is lost or stolen, notify The PBACard Office or Safety and Security immediately to have the card deactivated.

Personal Property Insurance

Palm Beach Atlantic University does not carry insurance on students’ personal belongings (e.g., automobiles, computers, etc.) and is not responsible for loss or damage from any cause. Students are advised to review their family’s homeowner’s insurance policy to determine if personal belongings are insured while on PBA property. If not, students may wish to obtain personal coverage.

Resource Fee

In keeping with our ongoing commitment to outstanding student support, and to maintain the highest level of service to our students, Palm Beach Atlantic charges a Student Resource Fee. The purpose of the semester fee is to enable the infrastructure required to provide services that are vital to the success of our student population. Services include, but are not limited to:

• Remote system access
• Online course access
• Library utilization (including on-line library usage)
• Computer labs
• Student information access (grades, schedules, student account information)
• Facilities and activities access
• Student identification cards
• Yearbooks
• Help Desk support

Special Circumstances

If the student thinks he or she has special circumstances that should be considered in determining the student’s financial aid eligibility (e.g., loss of family income or request for change in dependency status), contact the Financial Aid Office at 561.803.2000. The student will be given information about the process and documentation needed to have the student’s appeal reviewed by PBA’s Professional Judgment Committee.

Title IV Authorizations

The student must provide signed authorization, as required by federal regulations, if the student requests that PBA apply the student’s federal financial aid to the student account balance for charges other than tuition and fees, room (residence hall or other PBA housing) and board. Acceptance of the financial aid award letter is verification of this authorization. This authorization form, as well as other required authorizations, is available in Student Accounts.

Title IV Repayment Calculation

If a student drops or withdraws from a course, this may affect their financial aid eligibility.  The Financial Aid office will calculate the amount of the repayment required to the financial assistance programs based on the Federal Return to Title IV guidelines. Based on Federal regulations, the repayment or refund will be distributed to programs in the following order: Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS, Pell Grant, FSEOG, ACG and other Title IV programs, and then any independently administered scholarship or loan program.

Tuition Deposit

A mandatory tuition deposit is required for all first-time students.  The amount of this deposit depends upon the program of enrollment.  Contact your Admissions counselor for information about the amount of your deposit.  This deposit holds the student’s registration and is applied toward the student’s tuition balance at the beginning of the student’s first semester.

Tuition Reimbursement from Employers

Palm Beach Atlantic University will accept reimbursement from students’ employers who pay PBA directly, as long as the employer pays 50% or more of the tuition and fees due before the end of the semester. An authorization voucher or a statement signed by the employer verifying that the employer will be liable for the tuition must be submitted to the Student Accounts Office. The student whose employer pays less than 100% will need to pay for the balance not paid by his or her employer or arrange for a loan or a payment plan for this portion prior to check-in. PBA bills the employer according to the instructions provided by the employer’s authorization after the census date. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor both the status of this employer-paid tuition benefit and the status of the student account balance. Any balance not paid by the employer for any reason is the student’s responsibility.

Those students who are reimbursed directly by their employers, or those whose employer does not pay until after the successful completion of the term, will need to enroll in a monthly payment plan, apply for loans, or pay their account balance in full. The loan, payment, or payment arrangements must be in place before classes begin.

Note: Student account charges and/or financial aid awards may be revised throughout the semester if there is a change to enrollment and/or financial aid eligibility. If revision to charges or aid takes place, the student is required to adjust payment arrangements made at the beginning of the semester. Please call the Student Accounts Office to inquire about these changes. (Orlando students should contact the Orlando campus.)

Withdrawal from the University

When a student withdraws from the University, the student forfeits his or her rights and privileges as a student, including the use of all PBA facilities. He or she will be required to move out of campus housing immediately and turn in his or her PBACard and key to PBA Security, Sailfish Services or Residential Life. When a student withdraws from the University he/she must properly complete the withdrawal process. The Withdrawal from the University form may be obtained from the Dean of Students’ Office. The last date of attendance is used to calculate any applicable refund of allowable institutional charges, including tuition and fees and/or room and board. Any refund will be determined by the University’s institutional refund policy in compliance with the Federal Return to Title IV financial assistance regulations. Funds may be required to be repaid to Federal programs. Calculations for repayment will be in accordance with Federal regulations. Example calculations may be obtained from Sailfish Services or Financial Aid.

Withdrawal: Information for Active Duty Students

PBA students called to active duty in the military reserves or the National Guard of the United States after the beginning of a semester or summer session have two options they may consider depending upon their personal situation, the time remaining in the semester, and agreements which can be made with the dean’s office of the school in determining their enrollment status with the University. Students must provide a copy of their orders to the Veteran’s Affairs representative located in the Office of the Registrar at the time of withdrawal.

• Students may withdraw from all courses in which they are enrolled as of the effective date of the orders to report to active duty. When this option is selected, a full credit of all tuition, fees, and admission deposits will be made to the students’ accounts. Students will receive a pro-rated credit of dining service and housing contract charges. Financial aid awards, which were credited to students’ accounts, will be used to cover dining or housing charges. Students receiving Title IV Federal Funds and state aid will follow the refund policies as provided by the agencies sponsoring the aid. These policies may result in the student being responsible for repayment of funds to the agencies. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office prior to selecting an option. (Orlando students should contact the Orlando offices.)
• Students may take a grade of incomplete in all courses. There will be no refund of tuition. The conditions for completing course work and receiving a regular grade should be agreed on between the student, the appropriate dean of the school in which the student is enrolled, and the Provost. Withdrawn-Active Duty will appear on the student’s records and transcript. Upon separation from active duty, students may complete the course work without paying any additional tuition and fees. Students will receive a pro-rated credit of dining service and housing contract charges. The student’s financial aid will be applied to the account and the student will be fee liable for the semester’s charges. Payment arrangements will be made accordingly. Students receiving Title IV Federal Funds will follow the refund policies as provided by the agencies sponsoring the aid. These policies may result in the student being responsible for repayment of funds to the agencies. Students should consult with the Student Accounts Office and the Financial Aid Office prior to selecting an option. If administrative drops or withdrawal are processed, records and transcript will clearly state “Called to Active Duty.”

Active Duty Withdrawal Procedure

Students recalled to active duty should notify Sailfish Services. Fax 561.803.2186, phone 561.803.2000, or e-mail Sailfish_services@pba.edu. Sailfish Services and the Office of the Registrar will coordinate with the student and deans’ offices to effect the desired option.

Applicants to PBA who have accepted an offer of admission but who have not yet registered in a degree program will be permitted to enroll for the next appropriate semester following their discharge from active duty provided the school to which the student has been admitted receives adequate notice of the applicant’s intention to enroll. Application for readmission does not require an application fee. Any pre-paid admission deposits, tuition, room, or board charges will be refunded. This policy is applicable to all students registered at PBA. For further information, contact Sailfish Services at 561.803.2000.

-Adopted October 2001

Medical Withdrawal: Information for All Students

If a student withdraws from the University due to documented medical requirements, and this documentation is provided to the University within ten days of the date of last class attendance, tuition and fees and/or room and board will be refunded as per the following schedule with the last date of attendance (LDA) being back-dated one week. (See Refund Schedule below).  Medical withdrawal information available in the Academic Support Office.

Withdrawal: Refund Schedule

Note:  The following refund schedules apply only if the student is withdrawing from all courses.  A student who is dropping from individual courses should refer to the “Dropping a Course” section.

Withdrawal requests must be submitted to the Registrar’s office. In the case of a request for a medical withdrawal, please be sure all proper paperwork is filed with the Academic Support Office. Please refer to the published academic calendar for the census date for each term as well as subterm start and end dates.  Percentage of refund is based off of the student’s last date of attendance (LDA) as determined by the Registrar’s office upon completion of the full withdrawal process. 

8 Week Courses, First Subterm:

8 Week Courses, Second Subterm: 

16 Week Courses:

Church by the Glades Program:

The refund percentages below are applicable to the flat rate tuition for the Church By the Glades program (1-12 hours) for the Fall and Spring semesters only.  The Church-by-the-Glades program includes 6 Summer hours for no additional cost. Failure to take advantage of the 6 Summer hours does not reduce the flat rate paid in Fall and Spring.

Withdrawal: University’s Request

Palm Beach Atlantic University may request withdrawal of a student. Once the student has been notified that a suspension is pending, any withdrawal on the student’s part will not be processed for tuition refund until the suspension committee has reached its decision.  When a student is required to withdraw from the University, the student forfeits his or her rights and privileges as a student, including the use of all PBA facilities. The student will not be entitled to any refund of tuition or fees, and any unpaid accounts are due and payable at once. Furthermore, if the student is required to withdraw at the University’s request while living on campus, he or she will be required to move out of campus housing immediately and turn in their PBACard and key to PBA Security or to Residential Life. See also Emergency removal and return policy in The Navigator: Student Handbook.