FAQ

To learn more visit the IRS Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center page.

You can also use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to help you determine if you're eligible for certain educational credits or deductions. (Estimated Completion Time: 10 minutes)

Unfortunately, TC doesn't accept phone payments. Students can pay the balances by following these steps:

1. login to MyTC (my.tc.edu)
2. click on the tab "Student Resources"
3. click on the link "Account Summary" 
4. click on the button "Pay Now". This will take you to the eBill & ePay site on Transact Payments. 
5. click on "Make a Payment". From this point, simply follow the online instructions.

No, the college does not accept post dated checks as payment. Checks are deposited to the bank on the same day they are presented. Checks presented with insufficient funds will be assessed a return check fee and are subject to all collection rules and policy.

Teachers College strives to collaborate with students to realize their educational goals. If you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID or are concerned about your ability to pay your account balance by the due date, the Bursar’s Office can assist you in enrolling in our deferred payment plan. Or, you can contact the office to schedule a meeting to discuss your student account. You also may contact your program’s Financial Aid Liaison in the Office of Financial Aid for further advice and assistance.

No, since tuition reimbursement programs return funds to employees directly, they are not considered Third Party.

ID cards can be obtained in the Office of Safety and Security located in Whittier Hall, Suite 1B and are valid for two-year periods. Every two years Teachers College identification cards must be updated. Student can obtain a ID card after registration.

You should contact the Office of the Registrar, (212) 678-4050. You may also drop/add via the myTC Portal. Failure to officially withdraw can cause an outstanding account balance that you will be responsible for paying.

Proceeds originating from student aid in excess of your account charges will be issued by direct deposit (if enrolled in eRefund) or a check mailed to your local address starting after the last day to add/drop courses for the term/semester. Refunds are processed on Wednesdays and Fridays, provided you satisfy all eligibility requirements.

Statements for accounts with outstanding balances is sent on a monthly basis. In addition you are required to check your balance via the Account Summary if you have adjusted your schedule in between official billings. You may also call the Office of the Bursar at 212-678-3056. We can also print and mail on-demand statement of accounts upon request.

The Office of Financial Aid and your lender will give you a general disbursement date. You can confirm disbursement by logging on to your account through myTC portal. Please allow 2-3 business days from the general disbursement date for internal processing. In addition, statements of account are sent out on a monthly basis. Finally, you are always welcome to call the Office of the Bursar at (212) 678-3056.

Private loan checks can be endorsed at the Office of the Bursar.

Housing payment is due in full on the same day as the term payment deadline. A late payment penalty may be assessed on unpaid housing and other charges.

To view your holds, visit the Student Profile page on the myTC Portal. Once you find out what type of hold is on your account, contact the appropriate office to determine how to have the hold cleared.

In most cases, you will lose your eligibility for federal funds and you may be required to return any amounts refunded to you. However, you may be eligible to file a Certificate of Equivalency (COE) form with the Office of the Registrar. Approval of this form may enhance your enrollment status for financial aid eligibility. You should consult a Financial Aid Counselor, (212) 678-3714, before changing your program.

Fall and Spring Hours
Our office works hybrid schedule hours Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Summer Hours
Our office works hybrid schedule hours Monday through Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am - 1pm (remote only).

You must speak with a Financial Aid representative to discuss returning these funds to your lender on your behalf within 14 days of the disbursement date. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website to get more information.

A hold is a restriction placed on your account for failure to comply with some obligation. The Office of the Bursar places holds on accounts for various reasons. The most common reason is failure to clear account balances by the payment due date. Holds prevent registration for future terms, release of transcripts, and other college services.

Direct Lending is a streamlined approach to delivering educational loans to eligible borrowers. This federal program allows you to borrow money directly from the federal government without having to find a bank (funds are electronically disbursed to Teachers College, Columbia University).

The College Fee is established by Teachers College (TC). It includes, but not limited to costs associated with the library, student services, and computing. Students are budgeted for the College Fee on a semester basis. See Tuition and Fees page for latest amount.

Please visit our Tuition and Fees page on our website.

Through third party processing, a sponsor (parents and relatives are not considered Third Party sponsors) authorizes to be billed for tuition. An authorization form is submitted to the Office of Bursar. Once the form is completed and approved, your sponsor will be billed, and payment must be made directly to Teachers College. Click here for Third Party Payment Instructions. Billing a third party does not relieve student from the obligation to satisfy charges assessed, should third party payer fail to pay students obligation.

You should contact the Office of the Bursar by emailing bursar@tc.columbia.edu, calling (212) 678-3056, visiting the office at Thompson Hall room 133, or writing at the address listed below, you may also submit inquiries via e-mail.

Office of the Bursar

Teachers College, Columbia University 

Box 305, 133 Thompson Hall 

525 West 120th Street 

New York, NY 10027 

Phone: (212) 678-3056 

E-mail: bursar@tc.columbia.edu

Please see the academic year calendar on the Office of the Registrar web site. Please note that the academic year begins with the fall semester and concludes with the summer semester. There are three terms/semesters in an academic year.

Please visit our Payment Deadlines page

Please check here for payment options.

In keeping with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Bursar's Office is only able to disclose account information with the student. To authorize access to other individuals, a permission release form must be completed by the student. Permission release forms are available for download in the Bursar's Office. Each office has their own FERPA waiver that must be completed by the student granting the office permission to discuss bills.

If you have any additional questions for the Office of the Bursar, or would like to discuss other concerns, please contact: 

The Office of Bursar 
Teachers College, Columbia University 
Box 305, 133 Thompson Hall 
525 West 120th Street 
New York, NY 10027 

Phone: (212) 678-3056 

E-mail: bursar@tc.edu

You should immediately contact the Office of the Bursar at (212) 678-3056 or come to Thompson Hall room 133 for assistance. Failure to resolve this issue may cause additional late payment charges and possible referral for collection.