Payment Policy Changes
Effective January 1, 2025, the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) is updating its tuition and fee payment options to enhance security and maintain compliance with industry standards.
Key Changes:
Discontinuation of In-Person and Phone Credit Card Payments: Starting January 1, 2025, KCAI will no longer accept credit card payments for tuition and fees via in-person or over the phone.
Service Fee on Credit/Debit Card Transactions: A non-refundable service fee of up to 2.85% will be applied to all tuition, housing related charges, and fee payments made by credit or debit card. This fee is set by our third-party processor, Nelnet Campus Commerce, and is not controlled or received by KCAI.
- If previously used Nelnet to pay your bill, this fee is not new.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Cost of Processing Fees: High processing fees from credit card companies have made this payment method financially unsustainable. These fees are covered by tuition revenues, reducing the funds available for academic programs and services that benefit all students.
Security and Compliance: Moving away from in-person and phone credit card payments enhances our security measures and ensures compliance with industry standards.
Alternative Payment Methods to Avoid Service Fees:
ACH Payments (Checking/Savings Account):
Processed through Nelnet Campus Commerce.
-Or-
Checks:
Payable To: “Kansas City Art Institute”
Include: Student’s legal name and ID# in the memo section.
Mail To:
Kansas City Art Institute
PO BOX 843036
Kansas City, MO 64184-3036
Need Assistance? If you have questions or need help with alternative payment methods, please contact the Business Office at 816-802-3500 option #1 or by email at bsnoffice@kcai.edu.
- To request a meeting, complete a meeting request form and we will be in touch shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is KCAI discontinuing in-person and phone credit card payments?
KCAI is discontinuing these payment methods to enhance security, maintain compliance with industry standards, and manage the high processing fees associated with credit card transactions, which currently reduce funds available for academic programs and services.
What is the service fee for credit and debit card payments?
A non-refundable service fee of up to 2.85% will be applied to all tuition, housing, meal, and fee payments made via credit or debit card, effective January 1, 2025.
Who sets the 2.85% service fee, and does KCAI receive any portion of it?
The service fee is set and assessed by our third-party payment processor, Nelnet Campus Commerce. KCAI does not control this fee and does not receive any portion of it.
Are there any payment methods that do not incur the 2.85% service fee?
Yes, to avoid the service fee, you can use ACH payments (electronic bank transfers) through Nelnet Campus Commerce or send a check payable to “Kansas City Art Institute.”
How do I make an ACH payment?
ACH payments can be made through Nelnet Campus Commerce. If you need assistance, contact the Business Office.
What should I include on my check if I choose to pay by mail?
Please make your check payable to “Kansas City Art Institute” and include the student’s legal name and ID# in the memo section to ensure proper processing.
Where can I mail my check?
Mail your check to:
Kansas City Art Institute
PO BOX 843036
Kansas City, MO 64184-3036
Who can I contact if I have more questions about these changes?
For any additional questions or assistance, please reach out to our Business Office at 816-802-3500 option #1 or by email at bsnoffice@kcai.edu.
To request a meeting, complete a meeting request form and we will be in touch shortly.