New Higher One ATM machines are in place on all campuses, and TCC Choice Cards have been distributed districtwide.
David Reid/The Collegian
The card is not a credit card but a debit card that is one of three options students have for receiving their financial aid refunds. They can still use their personal bank account or receive a paper check by mail if they choose.
The Choice Card is the fastest way to get the refunds, according to Karen Shelton, NE coordinator of business services.
“We chose Higher One in order to help with student success by getting them their refund money faster,” she said. “We are growing so fast, which makes it difficult to get the money to them. Students need the money prior to the semester starting so that they can get all the materials and books they need before the first day of the semester.”
The ATM machines are free for students who decide to use the Choice Card to make withdrawals. There is a $3 fee for those who use a card associated with a different bank.
The decision to go with the Higher One ATMs was part of the contract between TCC and Higher One.
“It’s really no different than the old ATMs,” Shelton said. “They had fees for users with other bank cards as well. So it’s really no different. It’s just a change, and people are wary of change.”
NE Campus student Bennett Black said he is leaning toward using the card for convenience and to save money.
“When I wanted to withdraw money from the old ATMs, it really wasn’t worth it after the fees from the ATM and my bank got tacked on, especially for small transactions,” he said. “Now it seems logical to use the Choice Card since I am here anyway and will be able to withdraw money at no charge from the new ATMs.”
South coordinator of business services Michelle Davis-Mohammed said, for the most part, everyone seems pleased with the change and convenience of the program.
“So far, everyone has been happy about Higher One,” she said. “The younger students are pleased because it is the fastest way to get their money. A lot of them did not have bank accounts prior to this and waited on paper checks, which took weeks to get sometimes. The few complaints I have heard were older students who thought they were receiving a credit card they did not want. The younger generation doesn’t really fear change, so they are embracing it.”
— Kenney Kost
