The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s tuition invoice is comprised of various fees that make up the total mandatory attendance costs associated with enrolling at the University.
Breakdown of Fees
The University breaks down specific costs for students and parents to better understand how the fees were established and where their tuition dollars are being spent.
Board Assessed Fees
Board assessed fees are those fees assessed by the University of Louisiana’s System Board of Supervisors. The members of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. Members of the Board of Supervisors serve staggered terms of six years, except the student member who serves a one-year term. Annually, the Board elects a chair and vice-chair from its membership. The University of Louisiana System oversees nine institutions. http://www.ulsystem.com
Tuition (RS 17.3351(A)(5)(e))
-Tuition supports instructional costs across the campus, including teaching, services, and administrative support. Tuition is fixed annually by the Board. Tuition May be covered by TOPS. https://louisiana.edu/financialaid/types-aid/louisiana-tops-program
General Tuition Fee (RS 17.3351(A)(5)(e))
-The General Tuition Fee was established by the legislature in 2008 to support instructional costs across the campus, including teaching, services, and administrative support. The general fee is a subcategory of tuition cost, which is not covered by TOPS.
General Auxiliary Fee
-The General Auxiliary Fee was approved by the Board and the Legislature in 2008 to support institutional costs across campus, including teaching, services, and administrative support. The general auxiliary fee is not covered by TOPS.
Building Use Fee
-The building use fee was approved by the legislature in 1954 for construction and/or renovation of academic or academic-related facilities. Not to exceed $10.00 per semester. This building use fee is not covered by TOPS.
Building Use Fee-New
-The new building use fee was approved by the legislature in 2013. Proceeds are used to construct, acquire, repair, maintain, operate, or improve the facilities and physical infrastructure of the campus. Not to exceed $48 per semester. This building use fee-new is not covered by TOPS.
Academic Enhancement
-The academic enhancement fee was established by the system board to enhance the academic performance of the university. Not to exceed $25 per semester. This academic enhancement fee is not covered by TOPS.
Academic Excellence (RS 17:3351.9)
-The academic excellence fee was established by the legislature in 2003. The fee is used to promote academic excellence at the institution by enhancing instructional programs. Not to exceed $120 per semester. The academic excellence fee is not covered by TOPS.
Operational Fee (RS 17:3351(A)(5)(d))
-The operational fee was approved by the legislature in 2004. The fee is used solely for the enhancement of any instructional programs. The operational Fee is not covered by TOPS.
Student Technology Fee (RS 17:3351.1)
-The student technology fee was approved by the legislature in 1997. The primary purpose of this fee is for the maintenance and acquisition of computer and telecommunications equipment and software to expand technologies for the benefit of students. The student technology fee is not covered by TOPS.
Energy Fee
-The energy fee provides funding to offset energy costs of the University. It was approved by the System Board in 2012 and is adjusted annually according to a formula based on actual costs. The energy fee is not covered by TOPS.
Records and Evaluation Fee
-The Records and Evaluation fee provides funding for maintenance of student academic records and provides students with free copies of University transcripts. It was enacted in the Fall of 1992. The records and evaluation fee is $10 per semester and is not covered by TOPS.
ID Photo
-The ID fee was approved by the System Board in 2003 to provide for ID photographs, identification cards, and equipment necessary for the ID card system. Costs not to exceed $10 per semester. The Id fee is not covered by TOPS. https://cajuncard.louisiana.edu/
Auxiliary Operations Fee
-Provides ancillary student support for Auxiliary services which include the Student Union, transit system, operations, recreational sports/activities, the health clinic, and other student related services. The auxiliary operations fee was approved by the System Board in Spring of 2009. It is not to exceed $200 per semester and is not covered by TOPS.
Student Self-Assessed Fees
Student self-assessed fees are those fees assessed as an initiative of the UL Lafayette Student Government Association. Student self-assessed fees are submitted to the System Board for initial approval and require a student vote. These fees are not covered by TOPS.
Student Union
-The Student Union fee was established by Student Government in 1993 to provide funding for construction and maintenance of the swimming pool at Bourgeois Hall and services in the UL Lafayette Student Union. Fees are not to exceed $23 per semester. https://studentunion.louisiana.edu/
Student Union-New
-The Student Union – New fee was established in 2003 to provide funding for construction and maintenance of a new Student Center. The fee is not to exceed $55 per semester. http://studentunion.louisiana.edu
Student Union-Supplemental
-The Student Union – Supplemental fee was established in 2005 to provide funding for construction and maintenance of a new Student Center. The fee is not to exceed $20 per semester http://studentunion.louisiana.edu/
La Louisiane-Alumni
-The La Louisiana-Alumni fee was established in 1991 to be used for publication of the University magazine. Costs are not to exceed $2.50 per semester. http://communicationsandmarketing.louisiana.edu/news-publications/la-lou...
Debate
-The Speech and Debate Team Fee was established in 1999 to provide funding for travel, scholarship, and expenses for the University Speech and Debate Team. Fee not to exceed $1.00.
Entertainment
-The Entertainment Fee was established in 1984 to provide funding for SGA College Funds, Spirit Group/Spirit Leader, The Art Museum, University Program Council for events like Lagniappe Week, Ragin Roar, and Homecoming. UPC sponsored events are free to students. http://upc.louisiana.edu/
Day Care
-The Day Care Fee was established in 1999 to provide for high quality child care at affordable prices for children of full time students. http://childdev.louisiana.edu/
Intramurals
-The Intramurals Fee was established in 1995 to provide for intramural sports for UL Lafayette students. https://recsports.louisiana.edu/intramurals
Band Association
-The Band Association fee was established in 2004 to provide funding for the Pride of Acadiana March Band http://music.louisiana.edu/bands
Student Loan
-The Student Loan fee was established to provide for emergency loan assistance through the short-term loan program. The short term loan program is currently administered by the financial aid office.
Lyceum
-The Lyceum Fee was established to provide funds for academic speakers at the University. The cost of the fee will be less than $1 to round off the student tuition bill. http://sga.louisiana.edu/get-funded/lyceum
L'Acadian Yearbook
-The yearbook fee was established in 2004 to fund the publishing of the UL Lafayette yearbook. The fee of $12 is only assessed in the Fall semesters.
Southwestern Review – Book
-The Southwest Review Book Fee was established in 1995 to provide funding for UL Southwestern Review literary magazine. The fee is $.10 per semester.
KRVS
-The KRVS fee was established in 1998 to provide funding for KRVS, the campus radio station. The fee is $.50 per semester. http://krvs.org/
SGA
-The SGA fee was established in 2006 to provide funding for the Student Government Association. The fee is $7.50 per semester. http://sga.louisiana.edu/
Insurance
-The Insurance Fee was established in 1995. This accident only policy (a type of policy which is not required to follow ACA guidelines) is now included with tuition and fees for domestic students carrying sufficient hours. This $22.00 fee is not covered by federal financial aid unless there is a signed waiver to that effect on file in the financial aid office. For more information visit the Student Health website at: https://studenthealth.louisiana.edu/content/student-insurance
Vermilion
-The Vermilion fee was established in 2004 to provide funding for the student published newspaper. The cost is $2 per semester. http://thevermilion.com/
SGA Scholarship
-The SGA Scholarship was established in 1995 to provide funding for SGA - awarded scholarships. The fee is $.75 per semester. http://sga.louisiana.edu/node/69
International Student Council
-The International Student Council fee was established in 1999 to provide funding for the international student council. The fee is $.35 per semester. https://diversity.louisiana.edu/campus-culture/student-organizations
Club Sports – Other
-The Club Sports-Other was established in 2002 to provide funding for UL Lafayette Club Sports such as Judo, Bowling, Soccer, Rugby, Tae Kwan Do, Skeet Shooting, and Water Skiing. The fee is $3.15 per semester. https://recsports.louisiana.edu/club-sports
Performing Arts Theater Fee
-The Performing Arts Theater Fee was established in 1997 to provide funding for the UL Theater and Performing Arts. This fee is $3.50 per semester. https://music.louisiana.edu/performing-arts/theatre/theatre-productions-performances
Symphony Orchestra Fee
-The Symphony Fee was established in 1997 to provide funding for the UL Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Department, Opera Department, Choral Department, and UL Lafayette Jazz studies. This fee is $3.50 per semester. https://music.louisiana.edu/music/bands-ensembles/orchestra
Cheerleaders
-The Cheerleaders Fee was established in 2004 to provide funding for UL Lafayette Cheerleaders and Ragin Jazz Spirit groups. https://getinvolved.louisiana.edu/spirit-squads/ragin-cajun-cheerleaders
University Police
-The Police Fee provides funding for the University Police Department for scholarships, student officers, Code Blue emergency systems, crime prevention programs, and equipment to enhance services provided by the UL Police Department. https://police.louisiana.edu/
Art Museum
- The Art Museum Fee was established in 2003 to provide funding for the operation of the University Art Museum. This fee is $5.00 per semester. http://www.hilliardmuseum.org/
Transportation Services
- The Transportation Services fee was established in 2002 to provide funding to maintain the UL Lafayette Transit System, improve parking facilities, and provide parking at Cajun Field and Zone 40. https://park.louisiana.edu/
Recreational - Facility/Equipment
-The Recreational Facility/Equipment Fee was established in 2002 to provide for additional weight, fitness, and outdoor areas and equipment, upgrades and maintenance of all equipment and facilities and provide for maintenance and operational costs of recreational sports facilities. This fee is $20 per semester. https://recsports.louisiana.edu/
Student Health Service
-The Student Heath Service Fee was established in 2002 to provide health care services to student free of charge. This fee is $20 per semester. https://studenthealth.louisiana.edu/
Student Health Service Support Supplemental
-The Student Health Supplemental fee was established in 2006 to provide maintain the operation of UL Lafayette Student Health Services which provides support for the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. This fee is $5.00 per semester. https://studenthealth.louisiana.edu/
Auxiliary Improvement
-The auxiliary Improvement fee was established in 2003 to provide funding for a training facility for all athletes, including an allocation to assist band operations. The fee is $15 per semester.
Masterplan Advancement Program
-The MAP fee was established 2013 as a comprehensive campus master planning with the goal of charting a course for future university development and for codifying growth.
-The fee provides funding for campus improvements with input from students.
http://louisiana.edu/sites/louisiana/files/ArchStandards_ULMPrevised9.3....
Initial Enrollment Fee
-Provides enrollment services to first-time students. This fee is $7.50 and is only charged to first-time freshman.
Graduate Fee
-The Graduate Fee is for a graduate student who is enrolling in any institution under the University of Louisiana System's management and supervision. The fee is $30 per credit hour.
Graduate Enhancement Fee
-The Graduate Enhancement Fee provides for graduate student enrichment programs and activities, technology updates, and enhancements.
When will my TOPS award be posted to my account?
TOPS awards are typically posted by mid-semester.
How will my refund be handled?
First day of class:
Students who are eligible for a refund 10 days before the first day of class and are participating in the Direct Deposit program will have funds made available in their
checking accounts on the first day of class. A deposit notice will be sent. Students who elect NOT to have funds direct deposited will have a refund check prepared and mailed on the first day of class.
During semesters:
Refunds for balance due to students are normally processed within 7 -10 business days. LATE SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS, OVER-AWARDS, AND RESIGNATIONS MAY HAVE LONGER PROCESSING TIME TO ENSURE UNIVERSITY AND FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS ARE MET BEFORE DISBURSING FUNDS.
Students participating in the Direct Deposit program will have funds deposited into their checking or savings accounts. Students who have elected NOT to participate in the Direct Deposit program will have funds mailed to the established Mailing Address.
How do I participate in the Direct Deposit Program?
To participate in the Direct Deposit Program of refunds or student payroll, please report to the Student Cashier Center located in Student Union Room 135 with your ID, a voided check for direct deposit into a checking or a savings account. For more information, please contact the Disbursement Staff at 337-482-6385.
You may also want to mail your direct deposit request in by printing the form from UL Lafayette’s Bursar’s website (bursar.louisiana.edu). Simply mail the completed form to the address provided on the form with a voided check from your account.