Finances

The Office of the Bursar serves as the university's primary hub for managing student-related financial matters, encompassing tuition, fees and related expenses. 

Tuition & Payment

Tuition expenses are billed in July (fall semester) and January (spring semester). All financial accounts including current semester tuition and fees are due before registration for that semester can be permitted. Monthly statements include new charges and credits for both the Bursar and CornellCard accounts. Learn more about payment options. 

• Bursar Billing: The university sends monthly e-bills, including current semester tuition, electronically via Cashnet. In order to review your account or let other users/payers, including your parents, view your account and receive monthly statements, you must invite them.
• The Cornell Installment Plan allows you to pay your tuition in regular increments. Using the installment plan may help you borrow less.
• The Tuition Refund Plan is an elective insurance plan. It is designed to protect you from the loss of tuition should you find it necessary to withdraw from the university because of an illness, accident, or for other medical reasons.
• Your student refunds can be deposited directly. Enter your US banking information through the secure Cornell student refund system.

Financial Aid & Student Employment

Cornell University provides a wide range of financing options to make education affordable. Students who applied for financial aid for the upcoming academic year will receive communication directly from the Office of Financial Aid shortly after receiving their offer of admission.

• Financial aid recipients should read the information for newly admitted students thoroughly.
• Planning to work? Please be aware that the United States Department of Homeland Security requires that all new employees (including students) complete the Form I-9 within 72 hours of employment. Federal regulations require that you present original, unexpired documents to verify your identity and employment authorization to work in the United States (copies are not allowed). Review the list of acceptable documents. International students may have additional documentation requirements. Contact the Student Employment Office if you have questions.

Other Financial Services

• Money Matters – Short videos about money-related topics including Bursar and related billing/finance questions, Financial Aid and Student Employment (how to find a job), Dining Information for Entering Students (and laundry dollars), and Housing Information for Entering Students.
• CornellCard is an optional program that allows you to make purchases on the Ithaca campus using your Cornell ID card.
• Local Banking – There are several banks on or near the Cornell campus to assist students with their banking needs.

Paying Your Tuition Bill 

You will use your NetID and password to access Cashnet. Other users/payers, such as parents, must be invited to receive your e-bill via Cashnet. The Fall 2024 e-bill will be generated on the evening of July 12th and will be due by August 7.