Tuition Payment Plans

East Carolina University offers a variety of interest free installment payment plans each fall and spring semester. Students and authorized users can sign up for a payment plan through ECU’s TouchNet Bill+Payment system. An installment payment plan fee is due upon enrollment each semester.

Please keep in mind that ECU bills tuition by term. You must return to the TouchNet Bill+Payment website to enroll in a new plan each semester that you use a payment plan.

What payment plans are offered by ECU?

ECU offers various interest free installment plans each Fall and Spring semester.

The 5-pay plan runs from June through October for the Fall semester and November through March for the Spring semester. After the enrollment period for the 5-pay plan ends, other payment plans may be made available prior to the start of each semester. Payment plan enrollment must be completed prior to the payment deadlines for each term to prevent late fee assessment and/or schedule cancellation.

Please keep in mind that ECU bills tuition by term. You must return to the TouchNet Bill+Payment website to enroll in a new plan each semester that you use a payment plan.

How do the estimated payment plans work?

Estimated plans are only offered before billing begins. The Cashier’s Office will convert each estimated plan into a recalculating plan once billing begins.

Upon enrollment into an estimated plan, the enrollee is required to enter estimated costs into a payment plan worksheet in order to set up the payment schedule for the plan. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate and your estimated plan will convert to a recalculating plan once we begin to bill for the semester. Any differences between the estimated and actual costs will be factored into the remaining installments once your plan has been converted.

NOTE: Estimated payment plan amounts cannot be changed, so if you need assistance with estimating costs, please contact our office at cashier@ecu.edu or 252-737-6886 before completing the payment plan enrollment.

What is the cost of enrolling in a payment plan?

The plans are interest-free. A $20.00 installment payment plan enrollment fee is due when you sign up for a payment plan each semester. Depending on the payment method you select, additional charges may apply.

Who can enroll in a plan?

Current ECU students and their authorized users can enroll in payment plans.

When can I enroll in a plan?

Payment plan enrollment is typically available a month or two prior to the start of billing for each term and ends prior to the first day of class.

To review the payment plans that are currently available, log in to the TouchNet Bill+Payment system by following the instructions under “How do I enroll in a plan?” Select the term which you are interested in enrolling in a payment plan. The currently available payment plans, if any, will display.

How do I enroll in a plan?

Students or authorized users can enroll in a payment plan by following these steps:

• Students will log into PiratePort using their PirateID and Passphrase. Students will then click on “Tuition Statements, 1098-T Statements and Payments”. Then click on Payment Plans.
• Parents/Authorized Users can log in to ECU’s TouchNet Bill+Payment system using their Email address and Password. (Note to Parents/Authorized Users: Your student must set you up as an authorized user before you will be able to access this )
  • Select the “Payment Plans” tab
  • Select “Enroll Now”
  • Choose the correct term and click “Select”
  • Click continue and follow the prompts to complete the payment plan enrollment

I am setting up an estimated plan. How should I estimate the costs?

In the event that the current billing rates are not available yet, we suggest using the tuition & fee brochure figures from the prior year to estimate the charge amounts. Click here for our online Tuition & Fees Information page.

NOTE: Estimated payment plan amounts cannot be changed, so if you need assistance with estimating costs, please contact our office at cashier@ecu.edu or 252-737-6886 before completing the payment plan enrollment.

How do the recalculating payment plans work?

If you are enrolled in a recalculating payment plan, or your estimated plan has already been converted to a recalculating plan, the remaining monthly installment amounts will be adjusted up or down as your account balance changes. Changes to your schedule, housing, dining, or other costs may cause your payment plan installment amounts to change.

How will I know if my installment amounts have been recalculated?

The student (and authorized user if the plan enrollee was not the student) will receive an email notification each time the installment amounts are recalculated.

Why do I keep receiving emails about my payment plan being recalculated?

Each day that changes are made to the billing amount for your account, or your student’s account, our system will notify you that the plan installments have changed. If no changes are made, you will not receive recalculation notices.

What other email notifications will I receive?

Listed below are some reasons why you may receive email notifications about your payment plan:

• An installment amount is due
• A payment was not made on time
• Your payment plan was converted from an estimated plan to a recalculating plan
• Payment confirmation
• Other administrative messages may be sent regarding your payment plan

How do I make installment payments?

Students and authorized users can make a payment online towards an existing payment plan by following these steps:

• Students can log in to PiratePort and select “Tuition Statements, 1098-T Statements, and Payments” link in the Cashier section
• Parents/Authorized Users can log in to ECU’s TouchNet Bill+Payment system using their Email address and Password. (Note to Parents/Authorized Users: Your student must set you up as an authorized user before you will be able to access this )
  • Select the “Payments” tab
  • Under the “Payment Plan Installments” box, select “Pay” next to an installment amount
  • Enter the amount you wish to pay and click “Continue”
  • Choose a payment method and follow the prompts to submit your payment

What happens if I miss an installment payment?

If you fail to make an installment payment according to the payment plan agreement, your payment plan may be terminated. In addition, you (or your student) may be at risk of late fee assessment and/or schedule cancellation if payment in full is not made by the payment deadline(s).

To review the payment deadlines for each semester, please refer to the appropriate Tuition & Fees Information page.

Who should I contact with questions regarding ECU’s installment plans?

Please contact the ECU Cashier’s Office at cashier@ecu.edu or 252-737-6886. You may also visit our office at G120 Old Cafeteria Complex.