Payment Options

• Credit cards
• Checks
• ACH payment, E-check, and wire transfer

Unless there is a prior billing arrangement with the student's host institution, IAU will send an invoice to the student via email. If payment is not received by the due date indicated on the student invoice, a $150 late fee will be applied to the student’s account. IAU will not allow students to register for classes if their accounts show outstanding balances not related to documented financial aid disbursements and reserves the right to prevent students from sitting for final exams if their invoices are not paid in full.

Questions regarding invoices and payments should be directed to Kristin Mylander-Ouerfelli, Director of Finance and Administration, based in Aix-en-Provence, France. If your question is time-sensitive, you may also contact IAU’s U.S. Office with your inquiry.

Payment deadlines are as follows:

Credit Cards

Credit card payments can be made through IAU's secure payment portal. IAU accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Please note that IAU does not absorb credit card processing fees and therefore charges a convenience fee on any charges over $1,000. The exact fee varies based on the amount charged. Multiple credit card payments for the same student whose cumulative total exceeds $1,000 will also be assessed the fee.

Convenience Fee Charges:

• Up to $1,000 = no fee
• Over $1,000 = 2% of amount charged
  
  

Payments made on the portal should be clearly marked with the student's name in the description section.

Checks

Checks must be clearly marked with the student's name and IAU program listed in the memo section of the check. A $35 fee will be added to invoices if a check is returned due to insufficient funds.  Please see below for more information:

Please make checks payable to: The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM)

Checks can be mailed to:

The American College of the Mediterranean
409 Camino del Rio South, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92108

ACH Payment, E-Check & Wire Transfer

For payments by ACH, E-Check, or Wire, please contact IAU’s U.S. Office via email or (800) 221-2051.

Students on Financial Aid

Students who expect to receive financial aid disbursements to help pay for some or all of their program fees should notify IAU immediately by submitting the Financial Assistance Form. Students should complete the student portion and then have a financial aid advisor from their home institution complete the final section and return to IAU via e-mail, fax (847-864-6897) or mail (ACM, 409 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 200, San Diego, CA). Students are responsible for paying anything not covered by expected financial aid by the payment deadline.

Students must submit the Financial Assistance Form by the following deadlines:

529 Plans - College Savings Plans

Students who possess 529 plans, legally known as "qualified tuition plans", may be eligible to use them towards their IAU program costs. 529 plans are tax-advantaged savings programs created to help families save for future education costs. Each state has different plan advantages, options, restrictions, and applicable fees. More information about 529 plans and how they are operated can be found here. Moreover, students will need to consult their 529 plan requirements to learn how their funds can be used and if they can be applied towards IAU program costs. It is important to bear in mind that typically only U.S. accredited degree-granting institutions or Title IV institutions accept 529 plan funds. While IAU’s parent organization, the American College of the Mediterranean, is currently pursuing accreditation, students may be able to apply their 529 funds if they are issued by the banking institutions. Please note that while the parent/529 contributor can withdraw funds from the 529 plan at any time and for any reason, tax penalties may apply. Ultimately, students should speak with their 529 provider and home institution to determine the eligibility criteria for applying their 529 plan funds to study abroad.

Payment Plans

IAU is pleased to offer a payment plan for its study abroad students who pay IAU directly for their program fees. Students can spread their payments over a period of several months, interest-free, to conclude no later than one month before the end of their term abroad. There is a one-time $30 Payment Plan Fee that will be paid in addition to the first monthly payment. If you’re considering a payment plan, please contact Kristin Mylander-Ouerfelli to establish your payment schedule. Payment can be made by check or ACH payment. For the latter, IAU asks the student to initiate the ACH direct deposit, details for which will be shared by IAU directly. Please note, students who submit payment for the program to their home institution are not eligible to enroll in a payment plan through IAU.

1098-T Forms

Parents claiming students as dependents often wish to use tuition paid for study abroad programs toward educational tax credits. IAU does not issue 1098-T forms. If a student’s home institution bills for the program’s tuition, it should issue the 1098-T form. If students pay IAU directly, they or their parents are recommended to seek professional tax advice as to whether such payments would be eligible given that the home campus applies the credits toward a degree. While IAU cannot provide any tax advice, the Registrar can furnish a zero-balance account statement.