Is it legal for a university to charge retroactively for a course when the charge was not clearly disclosed to the student?
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Is it legal for a university to charge retroactively for a course when the charge was not clearly disclosed to the student?
My university charged me 4 months ago for a course I took a year ago. I was enrolled in a study abroad program through the university and paid my tuition in full at that time. I was never clearly informed that I would be charged additionally for a course at my home institution (assignments submitted on-line), and the charges were only brought to my attention after I had already completed the course. Therefore I never had the right information to make an informed decision on taking the course or dropping it. I believe they have acted illegally. Have they? If so, how do I file a claim?
Asked on October 3, 2011 under General Practice, Arizona
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If the charges were truly not disclosed--the information about them was not available to you--prior to or at the time you agreed to the take the course, they cannot retroactively add a charge. However, if information about the charge *was* available, but it's simply that you did not notice that charge, then you may be obligated to pay it; so, for example, if the costs were reflected in the course brochure, the paperwork you signed to take it, etc., then you probably have to pay them even if they were not specifically called out to you. You say that the charges were only "brought to my attention" after the course was completed; if this means the information was available, but you simply weren't aware of it, then unless the information was so confusing or well-hidden the average person couldn't have become aware of it, you likely have to pay.
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