If my tuition is 100% covered at Columbia - tuition deposit?

[GradSchool123]

Columbia accepted me and in their acceptance letter they stated that I am fully covered 100% as far as tuition is concerned.

Yet in their admission response letter they request a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit. If I don't pay tuition, why do I need to pay this (I know, dumb question - so I won't back out), but my real question is - if I don't have to pay tuition, what is a tuition deposit for anyway? Will I get it back?

Hey - I won't complain about not getting the $500 back, I'm just wondering what is up with it. I'm perfectly happy to have paid $500 out of $35K times four to five years. I just want to know the standard protocol.

[cardnav]

I can't answer the question of getting it back, since that seems like it is up to the school and something you should find out from the POI. The idea of the deposit is to reserve your spot and you have to put down a deposit so Columbia knows that you are taking them up on your offer.

I'm sure you aren't the first person who's had this question, so getting an answer from your department should be pretty simple.

[LostInTranslation]

If I don't pay tuition, why do I need to pay this (I know, dumb question - so I won't back out), but my real question is - if I don't have to pay tuition, what is a tuition deposit for anyway? Will I get it back?

Wouldn't it make more sense for you to call Columbia directly and ask them that question instead of posting it in this forum? :roll:

[Causofit]

Basically you reserving a spot..

[thelionking]

You will need to double check with the school but it is likely that you will be reimbursed the fee after the semester has started, as long as you attend. Usually schools want some kind of a deposit so they know that you are serious about attending. Most people will think twice about accepting an offer if they know they will lose $500 if they change their mind later on.