Navigating the intricacies of college finances can be a daunting task, but the Towson Bursar’s Office is here to provide support and guidance every step of the way. This comprehensive guide will delve into the services offered by the Bursar’s Office, including financial aid, student accounts, and payment options, to empower you with the knowledge you need to manage your finances effectively.
Financial Aid: Unlocking Access to Education
The Towson Bursar’s Office is committed to ensuring that all students have access to the financial resources they need to pursue their higher education goals. The office administers a wide range of financial aid programs, including:
- Scholarships: Merit- and need-based scholarships are awarded annually to recognize academic excellence and support students with financial need.
- Grants: Federal and state grants provide assistance to eligible students who meet specific financial criteria.
- Loans: Low-interest loans are available to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.
- Work-Study: Part-time employment opportunities on and off campus allow students to earn money to help pay for their education.
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA collects information about your family’s financial situation and determines your eligibility for various financial aid programs.
Student Accounts: Managing Your Finances
The Bursar’s Office maintains individual student accounts that track all financial transactions related to your education at Towson University. These accounts include:
- Tuition and Fees: Your account will be billed for tuition and fees each semester. Payment deadlines are established in the university’s academic calendar.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid funds applied to your account will offset the cost of tuition and fees.
- Student Loans: Loan payments will be automatically withdrawn from your account if you have enrolled in an auto-debit program.
- Other Charges: Additional charges, such as housing and meal plans, may also appear on your account.
You can access your student account online through the university’s MyTU portal. Here, you can view your account balance, make payments, and review your financial aid status.
Payment Options: Convenience and Flexibility
The Towson Bursar’s Office offers a variety of payment options to accommodate the financial needs of students and families. These options include:
- Online Payments: You can make secure payments online through the MyTU portal using a checking account, savings account, or credit card.
- Mail Payments: Payments can be mailed to the Bursar’s Office at the following address: Towson University Bursar’s Office, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-0001.
- In-Person Payments: Payments can be made in person at the Bursar’s Office located in the Administration Building.
- Payment Plans: The Bursar’s Office offers installment payment plans that allow students to spread out their tuition and fee payments over multiple months.
Additional Services and Resources
Beyond financial aid and student accounts management, the Towson Bursar’s Office provides a number of additional services and resources to support students:
- Financial Literacy Workshops: The Bursar’s Office offers free workshops and webinars designed to help students manage their finances effectively.
- Student Employment: The Bursar’s Office oversees the work-study program, which provides part-time employment opportunities on and off campus.
- Crisis Loans: Emergency loans are available to assist students who are experiencing financial hardships.
Contact Information and Hours of Operation
The Towson Bursar’s Office is located in the Administration Building on the Towson University campus. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
To contact the Bursar’s Office, students can:
- Call: (410) 704-2373
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit in person: Administration Building, Room 116
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I apply for financial aid?
You can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. When is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
The FAFSA should be submitted as early as possible after January 1 of each year. However, the Towson University priority deadline is March 15.
3. What is the difference between a grant and a loan?
Grants are funds that do not have to be repaid, while loans must be repaid with interest.
4. How can I make a payment on my student account?
You can make payments online through the MyTU portal, by mail, or in person at the Bursar’s Office.
5. What is a payment plan?
A payment plan is an installment plan that allows students to spread out their tuition and fee payments over multiple months.
6. What if I have financial difficulties?
The Bursar’s Office offers a variety of resources to help students who are experiencing financial difficulties, including emergency loans and financial literacy workshops.
Table 1: Financial Aid Statistics at Towson University
| Year | Number of Students Receiving Aid | Total Aid Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 12,500 | $165 million |
| 2020-2021 | 11,800 | $157 million |
| 2019-2020 | 11,200 | $149 million |
Table 2: Payment Options and Deadlines
| Payment Option | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Online Payments | 5 business days prior to the payment due date |
| Mail Payments | 10 business days prior to the payment due date |
| In-Person Payments | Day of the payment deadline |
| Payment Plans | Enrollment deadline is 2 weeks prior to the payment due date |
Table 3: Services and Resources Provided by the Bursar’s Office
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Aid Administration | Assists students with applying for and managing financial aid |
| Student Account Management | Manages individual student accounts and processes financial transactions |
| Financial Literacy Workshops | Provides free workshops and webinars designed to help students manage their finances effectively |
| Student Employment | Oversees the work-study program, which provides part-time employment opportunities on and off campus |
| Crisis Loans | Provides emergency loans to assist students who are experiencing financial hardship |
Table 4: Contact Information
| Contact Method | Information |
|---|---|
| Phone | (410) 704-2373 |
| [email protected] | |
| Address | Administration Building, Room 116 |
| Hours of Operation | Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm |