The bursar doesn't hand out money--that's a job for the financial aid director--but at most schools the office can help students budget by setting up a deferred payment plan that splits bills into regular chunks. Though the plans usually cost between $40 and $100, it's "a cheaper option than getting a late fee" that can be as much as 5 percent of the unpaid bill, says Mike Landi, the bursar at the University of Maryland. And, he adds, unlike paying late or not at all, "it keeps the students in good standing with the university."
If a payment plan won't solve bill-paying problems, bursars will often help students apply for more financial aid. Most offices have counselors who will go over options with students and even take them to the financial aid office. Suellyn Hull, the bursar at the University of Arizona, says her goal is "making sure that money isn't the thing that keeps students from going to class." -Elizabeth Querna
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