Mathand

Sorry if this topic is redundant. I searched for similar threads and couldn't find one.

Last night I read the "I plan to enroll in your school" card that will be submitted with a deposit on/before April 10. There is a statement on the card that says once you've submitted the card you owe the full tuition, regardless of whether the student ever enrolls or completes the academic year.

Does anyone have any practical knowledge of whether that's enforceable or, in practice, actually enforced?

To be clear, if I send that card in then I fully expect to honor it. However, sometimes plans change unexpectedly.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Mathand

One more clarification. I'm most interested in the period between April 10 and the date in the summer when tuition is due.

ops

You're signing a contract with the school. In signing the contract and providing the deposit you have committed to honor the balance of the tuition. I'm not sure but there would appear to be a short window to forego the deposit if lets say, hypothetically there is an opening off the waitlist between the time deposit was made (April 10) and a substantial portion of the tuition is paid, which I believe for most is in July. In other words, all you lose is your deposit. Another reason the school has the waitlist. You're going to want more opinions than mine on this as I've only heard the dilemmas and never the outcomes.

You will also want to read thoroughly the Tuition Insurance clause which should clarify the funds involved and under what, specifically, you would be entitled for a refund, if any. Some schools provide the insurance an an option and for others it is required by all, which actually reduces the expense. No one can predict the future and the schools are reasonable when it comes unexpected or unforeseen circumstances.

2prepMom

Tuition deposits are lost if the student does not enroll. Perhaps your card says that the deposit is non-refundable if the students chooses not to enroll? Most schools have that policy.

As for being financially responsible for the full tuition, that usually happens a little later at most schools (summer). There is a tuition contract that is sent to you, which you should read carefully and sign with care. The contract also usually includes an optional charge for "tuition refund insurance" should your student begin, but be unable to stay at the school. It pays off the full tuition you would still be responsible for.

That's why occasional late waiting list spots open up in the summer, from those who are not returning contracts as expected.

However, each school is different, so be careful what you send and sign.

Mathand

Thank you, ops and 2prepmom.

What you are describing sounds like the formal contract and real expectation to pay the full tuition amount comes when you send in the formal tuition contract and refund insurance (if applicable).

The April 10 pledge card language sounds ominous, but is not the legal commitment to pay the rather large tuition balance due in July.