Your  Account:

Fees and Payments

How to Pay for Classes

View details below on how to pay for a class, how to request a refund and more based on the type of class you are taking. 

  • Payment Methods

    We accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover Card, American Express, check, and company purchase orders. Please visit us online to read our policy on declined credit cards and dishonored checks. Rejected e-checks are subject to a $20.00 fee. You may also pay with check or money order, in person at Extended Learning (Monday through Friday only), or mail a check or money order made payable to Cal State San Marcos Extended Learning. No credit card payments can be accepted by mail. For online registration, Extended Learning accepts MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express and e-check payments securely. 

    Please Note: All Extended Learning credit card transactions will be charged a convenience fee of 2.65%. This convenience fee is subject to change and is nonrefundable

  • Payment Deadlines

    Non-Credit Students: Payment is due at the time of registration.

    Degree seeking students: Please refer to your MyCSUSM account for payment deadlines. All payments should be made via MyCSUSM or in person at Cougar Central. If you believe that you are eligible for financial aid, please consult the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. .

     

  • Fee Waivers

    The Cal Vet Waiver does not apply to the Extended Learning degree programs including ABSN, RN-BSN, RN-MSN, MBt, and B.S. in Kinesiology.

  • Dishonored E-Check/Check Payments
    Please visit us online to read our policy on declined credit cards and dishonored checks. Rejected e-checks are subject to a $20.00 fee.
  • Contract Credit
    Contract credit includes Study Abroad credit, BTSA credit and other similar courses/credit. There are no refunds for contract credit classes.

 Refunds

  • Credit Classes/ Degree Programs

    The Extended Learning refund policy does not necessarily coincide with the university add/drop period. You can drop your courses any time before the add/drop deadline via the MyCSUSM student portal. You will need your student ID and password. If you do not know your student ID and/or password, you may contact the Student Help Desk at 760-750-6505. If you withdraw before the specified date outlined on this table, you will receive a full refund. If you withdraw after the specified date you will receive no refund. 

    Due Dates

    View upcoming payment deadlines by program.

    Refund Schedule

    Classes 16 Weeks or More
    Refund Schedule Refund
    Up to 11:59 pm on the 14th day of the session 100%
    After the 14th day of the session 0%
    Classes 15 Weeks or Less
    Refund Schedule Refund
    Up to 11:59 pm on the 7th day of the session 100%
    After the 7th day of the session 0%

    Refunds may take four to six weeks to reach those who have withdrawn. To check on the progress of your refund go to your MyCSUSM portal account. The Extended Learning refund schedule may not follow CSUSM's add/drop or academic record penalty schedule.

    After the refund deadline has passed submit a completed Student Fee Appeal Form to the Cashiers Office

    *An administrative fee of $5.00 applies to all refunds. 

  • Noncredit Classes

    Cancellations and Refunds

    For all non-credit classes, cancellation notification must be made in writing. Written notice may be made by email to el@csusm.edu, three days before the first day of class to receive a full refund. A $20.00 administrative fee will be charges for all refunds. The  2.65% convenience fees (if applicable), and purchased material fees are non-refundable. No refunds will be issued once a class has started. No refund will be issued for online classes once online material has been accessed by the student. “NO SHOWS” ARE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT IN FULL FOR NON-CREDIT CLASSES.

    Transfer or Substitution

    One non-refundable transfer or substitution is allowed (for select programs) instead of receiving a refund. This transfer/substitution must be used within the same fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), and all transfers must be requested and completed prior to the second session in a multi-session course. No credits will be issued; refund or transfer must be made at time of cancellation. Refunds may take four to six weeks to reach students who have withdrawn.

  • Online Noncredit Classes

    Cancellations and Refunds

    Requests for drop, refund, hold, or transfer must be made in writing. For refunds requested within 10 calendar days commencing on the date listed as the start date on the student’s account, 100% of the tuition amount will be refunded, minus a $20 admin fee, provided no more than 20% of the program has been completed and all course materials are returned in as-new condition at the student’s expense. Such materials must be received within 10 days of the date of receiving the materials return instructions. The cost of materials not received or those that cannot be returned (such as software, memberships, exam vouchers, or exam sponsorship) shall not be refunded. No credits will be issued; refund or transfer must be made at time of cancellation. Refunds may take four to six weeks to process.

    Transfer or Substitution

    As an alternative, students may request one non-refundable transfer or substitution. This transfer/substitution must be used within the same fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Transfers will not be approved once Extended Learning has invoiced a third party. An exception can be made if the cost of the course (or combination of courses) is of equal or lesser value. We are only able to accept payments for the exact amount of the course(s) registered for. Any unrecoverable costs from the original course cannot be refunded. Students may request a hold on their studies for up to three months. Students with a hold must resume their studies prior to the three month deadline.

  • Osher Classes

    Cancellations and Refunds

    All Osher drop/refund requests shall be submitted in writing 24 hours before the start date of class and submitted to el@csusm.edu for eligibility.

    A $5.00 admin fee will be charged per dropped class.


Extended Learning Fees

View details below on specific Extended Learning fees based on the type and location of the program or class you are taking. 

  • CSUSM San Marcos Campus - Degree Programs
    Main Campus - Degree Programs
    Mandatory Fee Spring '24 Assessed by EL Summer '24 Assessed by EL  Fall '24 Assessed by EL
    Academic Records $12 $12 $12
    Associated Students $75 N/A $75
    Athletics $100 N/A $100
    Child Care Services Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10
    Health Facilities/Services  Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95
    EL Technology Fee $48 $48 $48
    AESS $250 N/A $250
    Mental Health Opt-In $99 Opt-In $99 Opt-In $102
    Recreation $35 Opt-In $35 $35
    Student Union $315 $75 $315
    IRA Fee $5 N/A $5
    TOTAL MAND FEES $840 $135 $840
  • CSUSM Temecula Campus - Degree Programs
    Temecula Campus - Degree Programs
    Mandatory Fee Spring '24 Assessed by EL Summer '24 Assessed by EL Fall '24 Assessed by EL
    Academic Records $12 $12 $12
    Associated Students $75 N/A $75
    Athletics $60 N/A $60
    Child Care Services Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10
    Health Facilities/Services  Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95
    AESS  $250 N/A $250
    Mental Health Opt-In $99 Opt-In $99 Opt-In $102
    Recreation Opt-In $35 Opt-In $35 Opt-In $35
    Student Union N/A N/A N/A
    Temecula
    Facilities/Operations
    $415 $75 $415
    EL Temecula
    Technology Fee
    $115 $48 $115
    Career/Writing/Math Fee $37 N/A $37
    Library Fee $20 N/A $20
    IRA Fee $5 N/A $5
    TOTAL MAND FEES $989 $135 $989
  • Fully Online Degree Programs
    Fully Online - Degree Programs
    Mandatory Fee Spring '24 Assessed by EL Summer '24 Assessed by EL  Fall '24 Assessed by EL
    Academic Records $12 $12 $12
    Associated Students N/A N/A N/A
    Athletics N/A N/A N/A
    Child Care Services Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10
    Health Facilities/Services Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95
    EL Technology Fee
    Open Univ.
    $48 $48 $48
    AESS N/A N/A N/A
    Mental Health Opt-In $99 Opt-In $99 Opt-In $102
    Recreation Opt-In $35 Opt-In $35 Opt-In $35
    SA-EMS Admin Fee N/A N/A N/A
    TOTAL MAND FEES $60 $60 $60
  • Credit Certificates and Offsite Programs

    The fees below apply to students taking the following programs: 

    • Credit certificate programs
    • Programs being offered at a contracted off-campus location (hospitals, businesses, etc.) 
    Credit Certificates and Offsite Programs
    Mandatory Fee Spring '24 Assessed by EL Summer '24 Assessed by EL  Fall '24 Assessed by EL
    Academic Records $12 $12 $12
    Associated Students N/A N/A N/A
    Athletics N/A N/A N/A
    Child Care Services Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10
    Health Facilities/Services Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95
    EL Technology Fee
    Open Univ.
    $48 $48 $48
    AESS N/A N/A N/A
    Mental Health Opt-In $99 Opt-In $99 Opt-In $102
    Recreation Opt-In $35 Opt-In $35 Opt-In $35
    SA-EMS Admin Fee N/A N/A N/A
    TOTAL MAND FEES $60 $60 $60
  • Individual Credit Courses

    The fees below apply to students taking the following courses: 

    • Open University courses
    • Special Session courses (non-degree)
    • Intersession courses
    • Summer courses (degree or non-degree)
    Individual Credit Courses
    Mandatory Fee Spring '24 Assessed by EL Summer '24 Assessed by EL  Fall '24 Assessed by EL
    Academic Records $12 $12 $12
    Associated Students N/A

    N/A

    N/A
    Athletics N/A N/A N/A
    Child Care Services Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10 Opt-In $10
    Health Facilities/Services Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95 Opt-In $95
    AESS N/A N/A N/A
    Mental Health Opt-In $99 Opt-In $99 Opt-In $102
    Recreation Opt-In $35 Opt-In $35 Opt-In $35
    SA/EMS Admin Fee N/A N/A N/A
    EL Technology Fee $48 $48 $48
    Student Union N/A $0 N/A
    TOTAL MAND FEES $60 $60 $60

Fee Explanations

EL Technology Fee
The EL Technology fee is a mandatory fee required to enroll into self-support courses at the university.  Funds are used to support the information technology services and infrastructure related to administering self-support courses.

Please Note: Students enrolled in a degree seeking program will not have fees adjusted if taking a required course at an alternative campus location or modality. For more information, view the Explanation of Fees.

Credit Card Convenience Fee

Extended Learning credit card transactions will be charged a convenience fee of 2.65%. Please note that the convenience fee is subject to change and is nonrefundable.

As a campus we have contracted with CASHNet, a third party company, to provide credit card processing services for all student accounts. This partnership helps keep overall costs low and allows us to continue to provide the convenience of credit card payments. We also continue to offer a free payment option through online e-check payments.

Credit Card Payment Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I pay by credit card?
     Yes, but only online. CSUSM Extended Learning does not accept credit card payments through the mail, in person or over the phone.
  • Which credit cards does CASHNet accept?
    CASHNet accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
  • Why is there a convenience fee for making an online payment?
    CASHNet is an independent company that provides an outsourced solution so CSUSM can provide more payment options to students. The convenience fee covers the cost of the service, the software provided and the cost of maintaining a secure site for making payments.
  • Why is the fee 2.65%?
    2.65% is the amount established by our third-party credit card processor to cover the credit card transaction fees assessed by credit card companies. You will be required to pay a separate, nonrefundable convenience fee—2.65 % (for domestic and international credit cards) of the payment amount—at the time of each credit card payment. The nonrefundable convenience fee, assessed by our vendor, CASHNet, will appear as a separate line item on your (or the payer's) credit card statement.
  • Does CSUSM make any money from the convenience fee?
    No, CSUSM does not make any money from the convenience fee.
  • How can I avoid paying the convenience?
    You can avoid paying the convenience fee by choosing to pay by check, e-check, cash or money order.
  • Can I make a credit card payment over the phone?
    We no longer accept credit card payments over the phone. Credit card payments made online provide added security and confidentiality for our students.
  • Will I be charged the convenience fee if I use my debit card?
     Yes, you will be charged a 2.65% convenience fee if you use your debit card to pay your student account charges.