Student Accounts and Billing Office
Welcome to the Student Accounts and Billing Office at Prairie State College, your
hub for managing tuition payments and payment plans. We understand that navigating
the financial aspects of your education can be overwhelming, which is why our knowledgeable
staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Billing Office Information
The Student Accounts and Billing Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m to 6 p.m.
Billing Options
You are responsible for payment unless you drop courses in Records and Registrations Office by the dates listed on the Refund Table.
Third-Party Payments
The College accepts payments by third parties on student accounts, but any refund
due is made directly to the student. Sponsorship vouchers, 529 Prepaid Tuition Plans
and IDHS vouchers can be emailed to billing@prairiestate.edu.
Returned Checks
A $25 service fee is charged for returned checks. The College also will not accept
another check from your account for one year. If checks are not made good within two
weeks of notification, your account may be placed with a credit agency for collection.
If your check is returned due to stop payment or your account closed, the College
will not accept checks on your account for 10 years.
Cooperative Agreements
Out-of-district students may be offered the opportunity to attend Prairie State College
if their district does not offer the program at their community college. Applications
for Cooperative Agreements must be obtained from their local college. If the application
is approved, students will pay in-district rates at Prairie State College. Without
approval, out-of-district rates will apply.
Upon registration, eligible* students are automatically enrolled in the Pioneer Book Bundle program and will be billed at a rate of $25 per credit hour for all required textbooks, in addition to the cost of tuition and fees. (included in your total balance and payment plan total)
Check your Pioneer Portal --> Financial Information --> Student Finance --> Account Activity to view your statement.
If you wish to opt out, please visit the College Bookstore for more information.
*Please note that Allied Health, Early College Initiative, non-credit, dual-credit,
and company-sponsored programs are excluded.
Payment Options
Payments can be made by cash, personal check, money order, or cashier's check payable to 'Prairie State College.' We also accept Visa, Discover, and MasterCard, both credit and debit cards.
Our office is located in the main building at 202 S. Halsted Street, Room 1110, Chicago Heights.
You can mail personal checks, money orders, or cashier's checks payable to Prairie State College to the following address:
Prairie State College
Student Accounts and Billing Office
202 S. Halsted Street
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
We accept payments over the phone using Visa, Discover, and MasterCard, both credit and debit cards. Simply call our main office at (708) 709-3577 during regular business hours.
Follow the following steps to pay online:
- Sign in to Pioneer Portal
- Click on Student Finance
- Then click on the "Make a Payment" link
- Follow the directions on the page to complete your online payment.
Students can make a payment plan through Nelnet to break up the cost over the semester. The non-refundable charge for setting up the plan is $40 and is processed separately. If a down payment is required, it is processed immediately.
If you are waiting for Financial Aid funds to be applied to your student account, or have not received your award letter by the payment due date for the semester, here are your options:
- Go to the Financial Aid Office on the main campus, in room 1350, and complete a “Request to Hold Classes” form.
- Set up a payment plan and pay the down payment and the non-refundable set-up fee.
- Pay tuition and fees in full. If you subsequently receive financial aid, you may receive a credit.
- Payment is due at the time of registration for non-credit courses at Prairie State College.
- Payments can be made by cash (in person only), personal check, money order or cashier’s
check, payable to "Prairie State College" at the following address:
Prairie State College
Student Accounts and Billing Office
202 S. Halsted Street, Room 1110
Chicago Heights, IL 60411 - We also accept Visa, Discover, and MasterCard debit and credit card payments, either in person or over the phone.
- Online payments are available through the Instant Enrollment process or the Pioneer Portal (see Web Payments).
- Please note that in-house payment options are limited to a maximum of three payments for courses costing over $999.00.
- For assistance, please contact our main office at (708) 709-3577 during regular business hours.
- Tuition assistance may be available through WIOA scholarships for some vocational classes. Funding may assist with the cost of tuition, books, and mandatory fees associated with the courses. For assistance, contact WIOACenter@prairiestate.edu for more information, or call National Able at (708) 709-7975.