Credit Card Payments for Tuition and Fees Policy

St. John’s University has updated its policy regarding the use of credit cards/debit cards for the payment of tuition, room, board, fees, and other student account fees. The University will no longer directly accept and process credit card/debit card payments.

Effective November 7, 2022, credit card payments will no longer be accepted over the phone or in person at the Student Financial Services center for tuition, room, board, fees, and other student account charges.

Credit Card Payment Partner

Students and authorized users may pay tuition, housing related charges and fees by credit card online through the Student Account Suite using TouchNet PayPath, a third-party company that provides a fee-based online credit and debit card service.

Starting on November 7, 2022, when processing an online credit card payment, TouchNet PayPath will assess a non-refundable service fee of 2.85 percent of your payment transaction amount ($3 minimum fee). If students or authorized users enroll in a payment plan using a credit card, the down payment and each future monthly installment will also be assessed the non-refundable service fee at the point of payment. This fee is established and charged solely by TouchNet PayPath; the University does not control this fee and does not receive any portion of this fee.

The University surveyed other colleges and universities and found that most are charging a servicing fee or are partnering with a service company like TouchNet PayPath. The fee being charged is in line with fees charged by other institutions.

 TouchNet PayPath accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Credit Card/Debit Cards Payments Still Accepted Online

Students and their authorized users will still be able to make credit card/debit card payments online and enroll in payment plans using a credit card for tuition, housing-related charges, and fees through their Student Account Suite. At the point of credit card payment, the process automatically will direct the student/authorized user to the TouchNet PayPath portal for the processing of the payment. Students and their authorized users will also still be able to use an online check or ACH transaction to enroll in the University’s online payment plans without the additional service fee.

St. John’s Alternative Payment Methods

Students who wish to avoid paying this non-refundablePayPath service fee have other payment options. The University continues to accept the following payment methods:

  • Online electronic check/ACH payment
  • Paper check
  • 529 account payments
  • Wire transfer

Commonly asked Questions and Answers

Q: Why is St. John’s University making this change?

The cost associated with processing credit and debit cards have grown over the years. You may have noticed a credit card processing fee on bills for purchases of goods and services. Unfortunately, St. John’s University, like most institutions, can no longer continue to absorb the processing cost associated with credit card and debit card payments.

Q: Can I still pay tuition, room, board, and other student account charges with a credit/debit card?

Yes. While the University itself no longer accepts credit/debit cards for tuition and other student account charges, it has partnered with TouchNet PayPath, a third-party company, to provide a fee-based online credit and debit card processing service so students and authorized users can continue to use credit/debit cards as a payment method.

Q: Why is the service fee 2.85 percent? How was that percentage established?

The service fee of 2.85 percent and/or $3 minimum is the amount established by the credit card processor, TouchNet PayPath Service. This fee covers the credit card transaction fees charged by the credit card companies. St. John’s University receives no part of this fee.

Q: Do other colleges and universities charge a service fee for credit card transactions?

Yes. The University surveyed other colleges and universities and found that most charge a service fee or partner with a service company like TouchNet PayPath. The fee being charged is in line with fees charged by other institutions.

Q: How can I pay my student account and avoid the service fee?

You may make payment online via electronic check (ACH), 529 account payment, or paper check and not incur the TouchNet PayPath service fee. Mail paper checks to

St. John’s University, Office of Student Financial Services, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439.

Please make the check payable to St. John’s University. To ensure timely processing, please include the invoice and student X-number in the memo field of the check. (Note: It is University policy for our staff to write in X-numbers on checks where it has not been included.)

Q: If a credit card payment is made in error, will the service fee be refunded?

The service fee is nonrefundable, even if the payment to which it relates is canceled, refunded, credited, or charged back.

Q: Will the service fee that I am charged show on my St. John’s student account?

No. The service fee is charged by a third-party company, TouchNet PayPath, and it will not show on your student account and student account statement.

Q: How will this appear on my credit card statement?

You will see two separate transactions on your credit card statement: one for the student account payment, and one for the service fee.

Q: Can I make a credit card payment in person in the Student Financial Services center in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business/Bent Hall?

No. Credit card payments will no longer be accepted by the University. Credit card payments may be made online through the Student Account Suite. As part of the payment process, students who choose credit card/debit card as their payment method will automatically be passed to TouchNet PayPath for payment processing.

Q: Can I make a credit card payment over the phone?

No. Credit card payments will no longer be accepted by the University for tuition, housing charges, and other student account fees. Credit card payments may be made online through the Student Account Suite. As part of the payment process, students who choose credit card/debit card as their payment method will automatically be passed to TouchNet PayPath for payment processing.

Q: Can I use American Express as a payment type?

Yes, American Express is accepted by TouchNet PayPath.

Q: Can I use credit cards to enroll in an online payment plan?

Yes, you will still be able to use a credit card to enroll in the University’s online payment plans, but the down payment and the monthly installments will accrue the 2.85% service fee on each transaction using a credit card. For a fee-free option, you can use an ACH transaction from your bank’s checking or savings account for payments in full or enrollment in the online payment plans.