Student Account Payment Instructions and Deadlines

Payment Option 1: Single Semeter Payment

 Choose this option to pay the entire account balance in full for the semester. Paid once each semester.

  • Due 7 days prior to the start of each semester. Payment processing fees for debit/credit cards apply.
  • Pay online through Meadow Pay.
  • To mail a payment (including funds from an educational savings/529 plan), please note the student's name and ID# on the check and mail to:
    Cornell College
    Student Accounts Office
    600 First St. SW
    Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1098
  • To make a payment by phone, call us at 319.895.4593 and we can assist you by processing an electronic check or a credit/debit card payment. 

Payment Option #2: Semester Payment Plan

Divide the semester balance into 5 monthly payments each semester. You must set this up each semester.

  • Payments are due on the first business day of each month August-December (fall) and January-May (spring). Payment processing fees for debit/credit cards apply.
  • A payment plan should be set up each semester you do not use the single semester payment option.
  • $50 fee set up fee due as you set up your monthly payment plan each semester. 
  • Set up your plan and pay online through Meadow Pay.

Important account information

  • Each semester, student accounts are expected to be paid in full or enrolled in the pay plan by the semester payment option date. (See payment dates below for specific dates.)
  • Accounts are considered delinquent when accounts are not paid in full by the semester payment option date or are late/insufficient on the payment plan.
  • LATE FEES WILL BE ASSESSED on the 10th of each month. $25/month for all delinquent accounts.
  • Registration holds will be placed on delinquent student accounts. Registration for summer, the next academic year, and/or the next academic semester will be prevented until the student account is paid in full or brought current on the payment plan.
  • Housing selection holds will be placed on delinquent student accounts. Students will not be able to draw a number, select a room, or participate in any housing lottery processes until the student account is paid in full or brought current on the payment plan.
  • Students are subject to the Financial Suspension Policy when their student account remains delinquent at the end of Block 4 and Block 8.

Billing & payment dates

2025-2026

Date Detail
July 15 Fall bills available online through Self-Service - Students/Families may begin setting up Payment Plans for Fall semester.
August 1 Monthly Payment Plan Option:  First payment due for all students utilizing the Monthly Payment Plan Option for fall semester (due on the first business day of each month, August-December)
August 18 Semester Payment Option:  Payment due for students choosing the Semester Payment Option for fall semester (full balance payment)
September 10 Late fees begin accruing on the following student accounts: those with a balance due but are not enrolled in the Monthly Payment Plan Option or; those who are late on their payment plan payments ($25 per month on the 10th of each month)
December 16 Spring bills available online through Self-Service - Students/Families may begin setting up payment plans for spring semester
January 1 Monthly Payment Plan Option: First payment due for all students utilizing the Monthly Payment Plan Option for spring semester (due on the first business day of each month, January-May)
January 5 Semester Payment Option:  Payment due for all students choosing the Semester Payment Option for spring semester (full balance payment)
January 31 Business Office holds placed on delinquent student accounts as a reminder to resolve any outstanding balance in order to avoid issues or delays with Registration and Housing Selection in March.
February 10 Late fees begin accruing on the following student accounts: those with a balance due but are not enrolled in the Monthly Payment Plan Option or; those who are late on their payment plan payments ($25 per month on the 10th of each month)
March 6 Registration and Housing holds (for upcoming academic year) placed on delinquent student accounts
May 5 Delinquent student accounts are subject to the Financial Suspension Policy