SMU Prepayment Plans
Pre-pay tuition to avoid future rate increases
Overview
SMU offers undergraduate students the option to pre-pay tuition and general student fees in one lump sum, allowing participants to lock in tuition at the current year’s rate.
Sponsors may choose a prepayment contract length ranging from 4 terms to 8 terms. Once established, the rates are locked for the entire contract period.
Prepayment Plan vs. Standard Tuition Billing
|
Feature |
Prepayment Plan |
Standard Tuition Billing |
|
Tuition Rate |
Locked in at the current year’s rate for 4–8 terms |
Subject to annual increases |
|
Payment Method |
One lump sum upfront |
Billed each term |
|
Coverage |
Fall & Spring tuition + general student fees |
Fall, Spring, Summer, and Intersessions billed as incurred |
|
Eligibility |
Full-time students (12–18 credit hours per term) |
All enrolled students |
|
Refunds |
Credits (from scholarships/overpayments) refunded each semester to the Sponsor |
Credits refunded to student account |
|
Withdrawal/Dismissal |
Unused credit refunded to Sponsor (after outstanding charges paid) |
Future billing stops: standard refund rules apply |
|
Risk Protection |
Shields against future tuition increases |
Exposed to tuition rate changes |
Key Benefits of the Prepayment Plan
- Tuition rate locked for the entire contract period (4–8 terms)
- Protects families from tuition increases
- Refunds directed back to the Sponsor each semester
- Simple, predictable financial planning
Contact Information
For Prepayment Plan documents or additional details, please contact: LeaAnn Palya at lpalya@smu.edu or 214-768-1096