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Explanation of Student Fees

Tuition-related fees are established by the PASSHE Board of Governors, and PennWest Clarion fees are set by the PennWest Clarion Council of Trustees. Fees are used to support student activities and the operation of university facilities. All fees appearing on the student account are payable whether or not the student plans to use these services or facilities related to those fees. Fee rates are provided on the tuition and fees schedules.

Semester Fees Charged to All Students

The tuition-related Technology Fee is charged each semester to each student in order: (1) to acquire, install and maintain up-to-date and emerging technologies for the purpose of enhancing student-learning outcomes; (2) to provide equitable access to technology resources, and; (3) to ensure, ultimately, that state system graduates are competitive in the technology-sophisticated workplace.

The Instructional Support Fee is charged each semester to each student in order to upgrade instructional equipment, improve library holdings, and for other instructional purposes.

Semester Fee Charged to Clarion and Clarion Online Students

A Student Fee is charged each semester to all Clarion and Clarion Online students to cover the cost of a broad array of career, counseling, tutoring, and technical student services and programs that are integral to student success. Departments receiving funding from this fee include:  Health Services, SOAR, Parent/Family Program, University Police, Career Services, Carlson Library, Counseling Services, Athletics, Judicial Affairs, Provost's Office, Student Support Services, and Leadership & Involvement.

Semester Fees Charged to Clarion Campus Students

(A student is considered a Clarion Campus student if they are taking one or more credits with a class location of Clarion Campus. If a student is taking credits at both the Clarion and Venango campuses, they are considered a Clarion Campus student when more than 50% of the credits taken are Clarion Campus credits.)

A Student Center Fee is charged each semester to Clarion Campus students to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the Gemmell Student Complex.

A Student Activity Fee is charged each semester to Clarion Campus students.  This fee is administered by the Clarion Student Association which is a student organization approved by the Council of Trustees.  The activity fee covers the cost of athletic, social, musical, theatre, and recreational activities.

A Recreation Center Fee is charged each semester to Clarion Campus students to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the Student Recreation Center.

Semester Fees Charged to Venango College Students

(A student is considered a Venango College student if they are taking one or more credits with a class location of Venango College.  If a student is taking credits at both the Clarion and Venango campuses they are considered a Venango College student when 50% or more of the credits taken are Venango College credits.)

A Student Support Fee is charged each semester to Venango College students to cover the cost of student support services provided at Venango College.

A Student Activity Fee is charged each semester to Venango College students.  This fee is administered by the Clarion Student Association which is a student organization approved by the Council of Trustees.  The activity fee covers the cost of athletic, social, musical, theatre, and recreational activities.

Individual Course Fees

Students in all Nursing (NURS) and Communication Speech Disorders (CSD) courses will pay a fee of $36.30 per credit for those high-demand, high-cost offerings.

A $2,500 Nanotechnology Fee will be added to the bill for all students participating in the Nanotechnology experience through Pennsylvania State University. This fee will be in addition to the charge for 18 credits for the term. This fee is mandated by Pennsylvania State University and is remitted to them on your behalf.

Students in science, technology, mathematics, and health (STEM-H) related courses – in which a lab, fieldwork, practicum, research, or internship experience is required – will pay a fee of $36.30 per credit to cover a portion of the costs of these experiences. 

To see which courses have additional fees please visit our updated course fee list

One-Time Fees and Other Charges

Clarion Campus students may obtain Parking Permits from the Public Safety Department to park their motor vehicles on university property.  Venango College students may obtain a permit at the Frame Administration Building.  Payments are not accepted in those respective offices; parking permit charges appear on the student's invoice.  Permits are valid from September 1 to August 31 each academic year.  New permits are issued at the beginning of each fall semester.

Late Payment Fees and Financial Registration Holds

A Late Payment Fine of $100 will be assessed to balances greater than, $500, that are not paid by the invoice due date.

Financial Registration Holds are posted to students with delinquent accounts. Students will not be permitted to register for courses until the registration hold is released. Academic records (transcripts and diplomas) will be withheld until the entire balance is paid.

Last Updated 8/23/23