Cashier's Office
The Cashier's Office, located in the Christofferson Building (Building 3) Room 345, is the central location for student account and payment services. Our office processes tuition and fee payments, payment plans, sponsorship payments, student refunds, and other financial transactions. We are committed to providing accurate, timely, and friendly service to help students manage their accounts and stay on track toward their educational goals.
Cashier's Office
Building 3, Room 345
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Summer Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
How to Pay
By registering for courses at College of Eastern Idaho, students agree to be responsible for all tuition, fees, and other applicable charges associated with their enrollment. Payment in full, or approved payment arrangements, must be completed by the published tuition and fee payment deadline for each semester as listed in the academic calendar.
We offer various payment options for your convenience. Payments to your student account for tuition and fees can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in-person using:
- Cash (U.S. dollars)
- Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or American Express credit or debit cards
- Personal, electronic, cashier's, or traveler's checks
- Money orders
Online
To view your account summary and make a payment by credit card or electronic check, visit CEI Student Self-Service and go to Student Finance tab. Click "Make a Payment" to continue to the Payment Center. You can also add authorized users who can access the Payment Center and make payments on your behalf.
Phone
To make a payment over the phone using a credit card, please call the Cashier at (208) 524-3000, option 3 during normal business hours. If your call goes unanswered, please leave a voicemail, and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Checks are accepted by mail made payable to College of Eastern Idaho.
Mail to:
College of Eastern Idaho
Attn: Business Office
1600 S. 25th E
Idaho Falls, ID, 83404
- Please include your student ID number on the bottom left of the check.
- For your security, please do not mail cash payments.
- If a payment is mailed and is lost or not received by CEI, the student remains responsible for making another payment to satisfy any outstanding balance.
In-Person
Make a payment in-person using a credit card, check, or cash (in U.S. dollars) at the Cashier’s Office during normal business hours.
Payment Plan
If you are unable to pay your student account balance in full by the Tuition and Fee payment deadline, you may sign up for a payment plan. A payment plan will allow you to make interest-free, monthly payments toward your tuition and fee charges.
Visit CEI Student Self-Service and go to Student Finance tab. Click "Make a Payment" to continue to the Payment Center to enroll in a payment plan.
- As a payment plan is a contractual agreement with CEI, you are expected to comply with payment due dates.
- A non-refundable fee of $50 per semester will be charged to enroll in a payment plan.
- Payments are due on the 15th of each month. Missed or late payments will be charged a late fee of $15.
- Payment plans do not have interest (0% APR).
A payment plan will be canceled if:
- All courses are dropped.
- Payments are not made by the due date.
- Additional funding was added to your account and applied to your balance.
Parents
Parents and family members can make payments toward a student's account using any of the convenient payment options below. Parents and other authorized payers should know the amount they wish to pay before contacting the Cashier's Office or submitting a payment.
FERPA privacy regulations prevent CEI from sharing a student's account balance or other education records without the student's written authorization. If a student wishes to authorize CEI to disclose their records to a third party, they must submit a Release of Information Form and present a valid government-issued photo ID.
In-Person - Make a payment in-person using a credit card, check, or cash (in U.S. dollars) at the Cashier’s Office during normal business hours.
Phone - To make a payment over the phone using a credit or debit card, please call the Cashier at (208) 524-3000, option 3 during normal business hours. If your call goes unanswered, please leave a voicemail, and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Mail - Checks are accepted by mail made payable to College of Eastern Idaho.
Mail to:
College of Eastern Idaho
Attn: Business Office
1600 S. 25th E
Idaho Falls, ID, 83404
- Please include your student ID number on the bottom left of the check.
- For your security, please do not mail cash payments.
- If a payment is mailed and is lost or not received by CEI, the student remains responsible for making another payment to satisfy any outstanding balance.
Online - Parents and other authorized users can be granted access to the Payment Center to conveniently make payments on a student's account.
Early College – Additional information for parents and families of Early College students is available on the Early College Information for Parents page.
College Savings Plan (529)
It's easy to use your college savings (529) plan to pay CEI directly. When requesting a payment from your 529 provider, choose the option to send funds directly to the school.
Be sure to include:
- Student's full name
- CEI ID number
Mail payments to:
College of Eastern Idaho
Attn: Business Office
1600 S. 25th E
Idaho Falls, ID, 83404
If your financial aid, scholarship, or other payments create a credit balance on your student account after all tuition and fees have been paid, you may be eligible for a refund.
How You'll Receive Your Refund
eRefund (Direct Deposit)
The fastest and most secure way to receive your refund is through eRefund (direct deposit). If you are enrolled in eRefund, your refund will be deposited directly into your designated bank account.
To enroll in eRefund, you will need to provide your bank routing number and account number. Please ensure your bank account information is accurate. If the information provided is invalid or your bank cannot accept the deposit, a paper refund check will be mailed to the current mailing address on file with the College.
Students who are not enrolled in eRefund will receive a paper refund check mailed to the current mailing address on file. To avoid delays, please make sure your mailing address is accurate and up to date.
Paper Refund Checks
Paper refund checks should be deposited or cashed promptly. Refund checks expire 120 days from the issue date.
CEI will make reasonable efforts to notify students regarding expired or outstanding refund checks. If no response is received, the check will be voided, and the funds will be returned to the appropriate agency or processed as unclaimed property with the State of Idaho, in accordance with applicable laws.
Credit Card Refunds
If a payment was made by a credit card and a refund is due, CEI will first attempt to return the funds to the original credit card used for payment. If the refund cannot be processed back to the original credit card, the standard refund process described above will be followed.
Refund Timeline
Refund processing will begin approximately one week before the start of each semester. The timing of your refund may vary depending on when financial aid and other eligible funds are applied to your student account and all requirements have been completed.
- eRefund (Direct Deposit): Funds are typically available within 3–4 business days after the refund has been processed.
- Paper Checks: Please allow additional time for printing and mailing.
Stay Informed
Watch your CEI email and Student Self-Service for updates regarding your refund, including processing notifications and any action you may need to take.
Tuition and Fees
College of Eastern Idaho tuition and fees help support the educational experience and services provided to students. Tuition and fees are charged based on your enrollment, residency status, program of study, and applicable course fees.
Understanding Your Charges
Your student account may include charges for:
- Tuition based on the number of credits you are enrolled in
- Required course fees, including lab fees and course materials fees (when applicable)
- Student support and service fees
- Other applicable institutional charges
Students are responsible for reviewing their account balance and ensuring all charges are paid by the published payment deadline.
Tuition Refunds For All Courses
Workforce Training and Continuing Education refunds are program specific. Please refer to the refund procedure for each class.
Refund of tuition is based upon the date of notification of withdrawal.
Tuition Refunds Information
- Withdrawal prior to first day of term – 100%
- Withdrawal during first week of course – 100%
- Withdrawal during the second week of course – 50%
- Withdrawal during the third week of course – 25%
- No refund after the third week of course – 0%
Module Tuition Refunds
- Withdrawal prior to first day of module course – 100%
- Withdrawal during first week of module course – 50%
- No refund after the first week of module course – 0%
A $10 administrative fee will be deducted for all refund checks except those issued for canceled courses. A $10 administrative fee will be added to any amount left owing to CEI. Some miscellaneous fees are not refundable. Institutional departments set miscellaneous fees.
Financial aid recipients may be required to repay some or all financial aid upon withdrawal, depending on the type of aid received, the documented day of withdrawal, and applicable rules and regulations governing financial aid.
The refund policy is not changed for late registrants. College of Eastern Idaho reserves the right to deduct from the refund any outstanding bills to the extent allowed by federal regulations. Refunds will first be used to offset any financial aid owed.
The 1098-T Tuition Statement is an informational tax document provided to eligible students to assist with determining eligibility for education-related tax benefits. CEI reports eligible tuition and related expenses, as required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
How to Access Your 1098-T
Students can access their 1098-T Tuition Statement through CEI Student Self-Service. Electronic delivery allows you to receive your statement sooner and provides convenient access when preparing your tax return.
Important Information
- CEI provides 1098-T statements to eligible students by the IRS required deadline each year.
- The 1098-T reports amounts billed for qualified tuition and related expenses and certain scholarship and grant amounts. It does not determine whether you qualify for a tax credit or deduction.
- Students should use the information on their 1098-T, along with their other tax records, when completing their tax return.
- CEI cannot provide tax advice or determine eligibility for education tax benefits. Please consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS for assistance.
Questions About Your 1098-T?
For questions regarding your 1098-T, please contact the Business Office. For questions about education tax credits or how to use your 1098-T when filing taxes, please consult a tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my refund?
Refunds will begin processing approximately one week before the start of each semester. The timing of your refund depends on when your financial aid and other eligible funds are applied to your student account and whether all requirements have been completed.
Students enrolled in eRefund (direct deposit) typically receive their funds within 3–4 business days after the refund has been processed. Paper check refunds require additional time for printing and mailing.
How do I sign up for eRefund?
Log in to CEI Student Self-Service Student Finance tab. Click “Make a Payment” and continue to Payment Center. In the Payment Center click the “Electronic Refunds” option. Complete the verification process and provide your bank account information. You will need your bank account and routing number to complete the setup.
We encourage students to enroll in eRefund at any time before their refund is processed to receive their funds faster and securely.
Why did my refund amount change?
Your refund amount may change if there are updates to your student account, including changes to your financial aid, enrollment status, charges, or other payments. If your enrollment or financial aid eligibility changes, your refund may be adjusted accordingly.
Where can I see my refund status?
You can view your student account activity and refund information through your CEI Student Self-Service Student Finance tab.
You should also monitor your CEI email for refund notifications and important updates regarding your account.
Why haven’t I received my refund yet?
There are several reasons your refund may not have been issued yet. Refunds cannot be processed until financial aid and other eligible funds have been received, all required financial aid steps have been completed, and any enrollment requirements have been met.
Your refund may also be delayed if there are changes to your enrollment, financial aid eligibility, account balance, or if additional information is needed.
Please check your CEI email and CEI Student Self-Service for updates regarding your account. If you have questions about your refund status, please contact the Business Office.
What happens if I don't deposit my refund check?
Refund checks should be deposited or cashed promptly. Checks expire 120 days from the issue date. If your check expires, you will need to contact the Cashier Office to request a replacement or your refund will be processed as unclaimed funds.
What should I do if I lost, never received, or damaged my refund check?
If you were issued a refund check but never received it, lost it, or accidentally damaged it, you may request a replacement check through the Cashier's Office in Building 3.
Replacement checks can be requested 10 business days after the original check issue date. To request a replacement check, you must visit the Cashier's Office and present a valid government-issued photo ID.
If the original check cannot be returned or is no longer available, a $30 replacement check fee will be deducted from the replacement check amount.
When is my tuition and fee payment due?
Tuition and fees are due by the published tuition and fee payment deadline for each semester. Payment deadlines are listed in the academic calendar and communicated through CEI student notifications.
By the deadline, students must have payment in full, approved payment arrangements, or sufficient anticipated financial aid in place.
Students are encouraged to review their student account balance and complete payment arrangements early to avoid being dropped from courses for non-payment.
How do I know how much I owe?
You can view your current student account balance through CEI Student Self-Service. Your account will show tuition, fees, payments, financial aid, and any other charges or credits applied to your account.
Please review your account regularly to ensure your balance is accurate and all payments or financial aid have been applied.
If you need assistance understanding your account balance, the Cashier's Office is happy to help.
Does my financial aid automatically pay my balance?
Once your financial aid has been approved, it will appear on your student account as "Anticipated" financial aid. Anticipated aid is expected to cover eligible tuition and fees; however, the funds have not yet been received and applied to your account.
After your tuition and fees have been paid, any remaining financial aid balance (shown as a credit or negative balance on your student account) will be refunded to you by check or eRefund (direct deposit). Refunds are scheduled to be available the Friday before the semester begins, provided all eligibility requirements have been met.
If your financial aid does not cover your full balance, you are responsible for paying any remaining amount by the published tuition and fee payment deadline.
To avoid delays, monitor your CEI email and CEI Student Self-Service for any outstanding requirements or updates regarding your financial aid.
What happens if my financial aid has not been processed yet?
If your financial aid has not been processed by the tuition and fee payment deadline, you may still be responsible for your student account balance unless sufficient anticipated financial aid is showing on your account.
To avoid delays, complete all required financial aid steps as soon as possible, including submitting any requested documents or completing outstanding requirements. Financial aid cannot be applied to your account until all required steps have been completed and your eligibility has been determined.
If you have questions about your financial aid status or missing requirements, please contact the Financial Aid Office. For questions about your account balance or payment options, please contact the Cashier's Office.
What happens if I can't pay my tuition and fees by the payment deadline?
Payment in full, approved payment arrangements, or sufficient anticipated financial aid must be in place by the published tuition and fee payment deadline each semester.
If your financial aid has not been finalized because you have outstanding requirements, you may still be responsible for paying your tuition and fees by the deadline. To avoid delays, complete all financial aid requirements as early as possible.
If payment, approved payment arrangements, or sufficient anticipated financial aid are not in place by the payment deadline, you may be dropped from your registered courses on the Friday after the Tuition and Fee deadline.
If you have questions about your financial aid eligibility, contact the Financial Aid Office. If you need assistance with your student account balance or payment options, please contact the Cashier's Office before the payment deadline.
What happens if I am dropped for non-payment?
If you are unable to pay your tuition and fees by the published payment deadline, do not have approved payment arrangements, or do not have sufficient anticipated financial aid in place, you may be dropped from your courses on the Friday following the payment deadline.
To avoid being dropped, please make sure payment arrangements are completed by the deadline. The payment deadline cannot be extended for students who do not make arrangements in sufficient time.
If you are dropped for non-payment and would like to register again, you will need to pay a $50 re-registration fee before enrolling in classes again. Please remember that the courses, class times, or instructors you originally selected may no longer be available.
What happens if I add a class after paying?
If you add a class after making a payment, additional tuition and fees may be added to your student account. You are responsible for reviewing your account balance and paying any additional charges by the published tuition and fee payment deadline.
If your financial aid has already been disbursed and any remaining funds have been refunded to you, adding a class may result in a balance due. You will be responsible for paying any additional charges not covered by available financial aid or other payments.
What happens if I drop a class after paying?
If you drop or withdraw from a class after making a payment, your student account may be adjusted based on the College’s refund and withdrawal policies. Depending on when you drop or withdraw from the course, you may be eligible for a refund or may remain responsible for all or part of the tuition and fees.
Dropping a class may also affect your financial aid eligibility. If your enrollment changes, your financial aid may be adjusted, and you may be required to repay a portion of your financial aid.
Before dropping or withdrawing from a class, please contact the Financial Aid Office. They can review your individual situation, explain how the change may affect your financial aid, and provide guidance on any steps you may need to take.
Do I need to pay for a class that I am waitlisted for?
No. You are not charged for classes you are waitlisted for. Tuition and fees are only charged after you are officially enrolled in a course.
If you are moved from the waitlist into a class, the tuition and any applicable fees will be added to your student account. At that time, you will be responsible for paying the tuition and fees associated with the course by the published tuition and fee payment deadline.
What happens if I have an unpaid balance?
Students are responsible for paying all tuition, fees, and other charges owed to the College by the published deadlines. If you have an unpaid balance, a financial hold may be placed on your student account.
A financial hold may prevent you from registering for future classes or accessing other College services until the balance has been resolved.
If you have an outstanding balance, please contact the Cashier's Office as soon as possible to discuss payment options. If your balance remains unresolved, your account may be referred to collections, and an additional collection fee may be added to the outstanding balance.
What happens if my account is sent to collections?
Outstanding balances that remain unpaid after 90 days may be referred to a collection agency for recovery. If your account is referred to collections, additional collection fees and costs may be added to your balance.
Before an account is referred to collections, CEI will make reasonable efforts to notify students of their past-due account status through CEI email or mailed notice. Students are responsible for regularly monitoring their CEI email and student account for important notifications.
Once your account has been referred to collections, you will need to work directly with Action Collection Service to make payments and resolve your outstanding balance.
I need help logging in to my CEI Student Self-Service. What should I do?
If you're having trouble logging in to your CEI Student Self-Service, first make sure you're using your current CEI username and password. If you're unable to access your account or need to reset your password, please contact the Help Desk at (208) 524-3000 option 9 for assistance.
If you're able to log in but need help locating your student account information or have questions about your account, the Cashier's Office is happy to help.