Q: Do I need to activate the “Pride Card” to get my excess aid?

A: No! You do not need to activate the “Pride Card” to get your aid. Federal law requires the University to get your aid to you within 21 days. If you do not activate your card, they have to send out a check.

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Q: Can I still get a check?

A: Yes! And the best part is, you barely have to do anything to get it. The downside is UND will make you wait the maximum amount of time allowed under the law: 3 weeks.

Q: Even next year, when SAS says there won’t be any more checks?

A: Yes! They are required to send you your aid, whether or not you participate in the “Pride Card” system.

Q: Is there a fee to get my aid by check?

A: No. UND pays a service charge when you get your aid by check, but this is NOT taken out against you.

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Q: Can I still get direct deposit into my own bank account?

A: Yes. However, you have to go a bit out of your way to find the option on the HigherOne website, then print a form out, fill it out with some of your most sensitive banking information, and either mail it out to HigherOne or drop it off at Student Account Services.

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Q: What is UND getting out of this?

A: Less work at Student Account Services. SAS says their focus is on improving the overall experience for students, and that HigherOne will do more of the mundane office work for them.

Q: What is HigherOne getting out of this?

A: Money. Students that choose the “OneAccount” option will provide HigherOne with transaction fee money from their MasterCard purchases, and be subject to other administrative banking fees.

Q:   What are students getting out of this?

A: Generally, more fees for students that take the “OneAccount” option. More paperwork for students that want direct deposit. More delays for people who prefer their aid in a check. And an overall loss of privacy.

The card can suit students that do not already have a bank account, as the process to use the Pride Card as a “OneAccount” has been made as simple as possible — but note that this is because HigherOne makes almost all of its money when students take this option, and there are fees you’ll have to learn to avoid. (The schedule is at https://undpridecard.higheroneaccount.com/info/outfees.jsp)
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Q: Do I have to deal with HigherOne?

A: UND has made that choice for you. The university has signed a convoluted contract that makes HigherOne some sort of subdivision of the Finance office. This allows UND to front the notion that HigherOne is an authorized agent of the University, and funnel all of our information through them. If you get excess aid this year, HigherOne is processing it.

Q: Is there any way out of the contract?

A: UND’s contract can be cancelled after the first year or any subsequent year. If we work together, we can convince the University this was a mistake!