Instructions For eBill and Cougar Trail Users

**After the semester begins, payment for Express Classes is due upon Registration**

Frequently Asked Questions

1.         How will I receive my bill?

The e-Bills will be sent to all pre-registered students through the Edisto email account and any Authorized
User’s email address established in the e-Bill system.

The instructions for adding an Authorized User in the e-Bill system can be found at.
http://www.treasure.cofc.edu/eBillInstructions.html.

2.         What is the difference between e-Bill and Cougar Trail?

e-Bills are “snapshots” of the student’s account at the time that the e-Bill is created.  It functions the same way as a paper bill—that is, it will not reflect any changes or payments made after the issuance of the e-Bill until subsequent e-Bills are created.  

Cougar Trail is a live system that reflects the balance, payments made and charges incurred in real time. 

When you receive an e-Bill, you are given an option to enter Cougar Trail.  It is suggested that you confirm your payment has been received by checking your Cougar Trail, not e-Bill, balance.

3.         What if I have a third party paying my balance, such as a State Pre-paid Tuition Plan, Military Assistance, Social Services Assistance, etc.?

Once the e-Bill is received (see chart above) notify the Treasurer’s Office as to the type of assistance
you will be receiving and the amount.  Verification may be required by faxing an award or eligibility letter
to 843.953.5573.  Any balance not covered by the third party is due by the date of the bill.

4.         How do I enroll in the payment plan?

Once the tuition statement is received (see chart above), click on the "pay" option on the e-Bill, or enter onto "Account Summary and Payment Options" on Cougar Trail. The payment plan will divide the remaining balance into four payments and add a one time $25 fee. For more information about payment plans, see http://www.treasurer.cofc.edu/PaymentPlan.html

THERE ARE NO PAYMENT PLANS FOR THE MAYMESTER AND SUMMER TERMS.

**Please note: Payment plans will recalculate your payment schedule once financial aid monies (loans, scholarships, grants) are applied to the balance due. Please be sure to note the expected payment due on each new eBill.  The due dates for payments for the Fall 2007 semester are:  August 6, September 15, October 15, and November 15.   If you register after the first due date, your first payment is due immediately.  Additionally, any change in classes, meal plans, housing, etc. will also alter the expected payment for payment plans.

--Spring 2008 payment plan dates are December 10, February 15, March 15 and April 15.--

5.         Can I pay by credit card or check online?

Yes.  Both e-Bill and Cougar Trail provide options for paying online with credit/debit cards or checks.  College of Charleston accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards.  There is a $30 convenience fee each time a credit or debit card is used online.  **Note:  we can only accept credit or debit card payments online or in person. 

6.         What if I do not pay my bill on time?

It is imperative that all due dates are abided by.  Failure to pay the balance due (whether paying the entire balance or the first payment of the payment plan) will lead to cancellation of the student’s schedule.   Although a student can re-register if their schedule has been cancelled, there is no guarantee that the same classes will be available.  This could delay an anticipated graduation date.

7.         What if I have questions about my bills or payments?

The Treasurer’s Office can be reached at 843.953.5572 or by emailing us at treasurer@cofc.edu.  Our hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.