Tuition Fees

Payment Policies

Students must ensure payment of any outstanding balance on their student accounts. All tuition, fees, and charges for room and board are expected to be settled by the first business day following the add/drop period of the term unless the student qualifies for and selects one of the installment payment options provided. Those registering after this due date are obliged to make payment at the time of registration. Registration and confirmation of class assignments remain incomplete until financial clearance is obtained, indicating full or partial payment as per the payment policies outlined below. Should a student fail to attend class or depart from SBU for any reason, formal withdrawal must be completed through mySBU portal. Neglecting to undergo this withdrawal process will result in ongoing obligations for tuition and associated fees.

Accepted Forms of Payment

In addition to financial aid and loans applied toward a student account balance, the University accepts various payment methods, including cash, checks (drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars), and wire payments. International wire payments via Flywire can be initiated online through mySBU using the “Make a Payment” link. For domestic wire payments, students should contact the Student Accounts Office for instructions and payment destination details. Online payments by check are also available through mySBU and the “Make a Payment” link.

When submitting paper checks, ensure they are made payable to Sakya Buddha University and include the student’s name and University-issued ID number. These checks can be dropped off at the Student Account office or mailed directly to SBU at the following address:

Sakya Buddha University
Admissions Office
3404 Westminster Avenue
Santa Ana, California 92703

Books and supplies can be bought at the University bookstore and must be paid for separately. Personal spending money should be given directly to the student or deposited into their bank account rather than sent to SBU or deposited into the student’s student account. A fee will be charged for each returned check or e-check that fails to process. If returned checks occur repeatedly, future payments must be made in cash, cashier’s check, or wire transfer.

Refund Policies

A refund of tuition fees paid will be made if SBU is unable to provide the academic course offered or SBU withdraws an offer of enrollment for any reason (except if the student provided incomplete or incorrect information).

A student at SBU has the right to cancel his/her enrollment agreement and obtain a 100% refund of paid tuition fees during the Add/Drop Period. Refer to the Add/Drop Policy for details of the Add/Drop Period and Academic Calendar to determine the First Day of the Fall and Spring semester classes begin.

SBU will refund unearned institutional charges if a student cancels their enrollment agreement or withdraws during a period of attendance. Students are eligible for a refund if they withdraw before completing eight (8) weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters, one (1) week of the Winter Session, and four (4) weeks of the Summer Session. This refund will be prorated. Students who have completed more than eight (8) weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters are not entitled to a refund.

The refund granted will have a further deduction for a registration or admission fee, not to exceed $250. The final refund amount will be returned to the student via check payments within 30 days of withdrawal. SBU does not accommodate electronic payments, including but not limited to wire transfers and ACH debits/credits. This policy applies to all payments from SBU to students whenever necessary.

If a student is more than one month (30 days) late in paying the required tuition, SBU reserves the right to apply late fees and/or un-enroll the student from the term, course or year. If the student is over 3 months (90 days) late in payment, SBU reserves the right to administratively withdraw the student from the institution.