To improve the student experience and streamline university operations, the Bursar's Office recently led a campuswide effort to update when confirmation deposits are released to student accounts. Beginning this semester, confirmation deposits, which are paid at the time a student confirms their enrollment at CU Boulder, will be applied to student tuition bills during their first semester of enrollment.

Previously, the $200 confirmation deposit was held until graduation and then refunded or applied to any outstanding balance. Under the new process, the deposit will be released earlier, directly reducing tuition in the student’s first semester.

“This change helps reduce some of the financial burden students face in their first semester and improves the overall student refund experience,” said Somchanok Sitchawat, the bursar. “It also decreases administrative overhead and eliminates the need to track down updated addresses or banking information years later.”

Key updates

• Continuing and new students who began in spring 2026 saw their deposit applied to their account in January 2026.
• Students beginning in summer 2026 and moving forward will have their deposit applied to their account as soon as tuition and fees are available to view in Buff Portal.
• Students who do not attend classes after confirming their enrollment will continue to forfeit the deposit.

The university cited several reasons for the change, including challenges with refunding deposits to students who have separated from CU Boulder, especially international students who face difficulties cashing checks abroad.

By applying the deposit earlier, CU Boulder aims to streamline the refund process for students and reduce administrative costs.

Visit the Bursar's Office for more information about the new confirmation deposit release process.