Navigating Liberty University's Financial Check-In Process
Liberty University requires all students to complete Financial Check-In (FCI) each semester. FCI is the gateway to starting classes at Liberty and confirming course schedules, charges, financial aid, discounts, military funding, and payment arrangements. It is a vital step in the registration process that secures enrollment in courses. Housing and class registration fill up quickly, and students who have completed FCI get first choice. The FCI deadline for new Spring 2026 students is in January, while the general deadline is in December.
What is Financial Check-In (FCI)?
Financial Check-In (FCI) is the process by which students confirm their course schedule, charges, financial aid, discounts, military funding, and payment arrangements are correct before securing enrollment in courses. All students must complete Financial Check-In (FCI) each semester, even if they have a zero-dollar balance, a balance requiring a payment arrangement, or are faculty or staff utilizing continuing education.
Key Aspects of FCI
- Confirmation of Details: FCI allows students to verify their course schedule, charges, financial aid, discounts, military funding, and payment arrangements.
- Requirement: FCI is required of all students each semester they are enrolled in courses.
- Final Step: FCI is the final step in the registration process.
- Gateway to Liberty Life: FCI is the gateway to everyday life at Liberty.
The Importance of Meeting the FCI Deadline
Since FCI is the final step in the registration process, it is vital to complete it by the deadline. If FCI is not completed by the deadline, courses and housing (if applicable) may be dropped, and a $150 late fee may be assessed. Please make sure you are aware of the Financial Check-In deadline for your courses.
Payment Options
All web and installment payments must be set up using a checking account. Your initial payment will begin processing upon completion of FCI. If you have a previous balance on your account, it may need to be resolved in order to complete Financial Check-In or request further course registrations.
Military Payment Plans
Liberty University offers specific payment plans for military students, recognizing the unique financial circumstances they may face.
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- Online Military Students: The FCI deadline depends on the first term of enrollment each semester. For example, if you are taking courses in the B and D sub-terms, you will be required to complete FCI for the entire semester by the B sub-term deadline.
- Military Payment Plan for Online Students: Liberty offers a military payment plan for online students utilizing the Montgomery GI Bill®* (Active Duty-Ch.30 and Selected Reserves-Ch.1606), the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Ch.35), and VA National Guard State Tuition Assistance (TA).
- FCI is a binding contract, and the military payment agreement is part of said contract. Payment will be drafted on the date(s) specified in the plan regardless of whether a payment has been issued to the student from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Military Payment Plan for Residential Students: If you’re a residential military student using a GI Bill or Military Tuition Assistance, you will have a special military payment plan option in FCI. This plan will allow you to make an initial 0.5% payment and then split the remainder of the bill into three payments, with the first payment deferred until the second month of the semester.
- The deferred payment plan for residential students is only offered in the fall and spring semesters.
- Online Students Using Tuition Assistance: Online students using Tuition Assistance are eligible to have their initial FCI deadline extended to the one that corresponds with their latest term of enrollment.
- Students must maintain their enrollment in the later term. When these criteria are met, the FCI extension applies automatically.
- You may be dropped from your courses if these arrangements are not made before the deadline.
- Online Students Using GI Bill Benefits: Online students using GI Bill benefits must ensure they have notified the Office of Military Affairs that they will be using them.
- Under Chapter 33 and Chapter 31, tuition is paid directly to the school by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students using these benefits are responsible to complete FCI by the established deadline.
- Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 students should work with the Office of Military Affairs to ensure their credit has been posted to their account in time to complete FCI by the deadline.
- Under Chapters 1606, 30, and 35, students are responsible to pay the school for their courses and will be directly reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To assist these students with up-front payment costs, the Military Payment Plan is available in Financial Check-In.
- During a term where a student is exhausting their benefits, Liberty is unable to post projected credit to their account. These students will be offered the VAOB Military Plan when completing FCI. This plan will allow eligible students to complete FCI at no charge as we await partial payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) within 90 days of the term start date.
Managing Changes After FCI
If charges or changes occur after the FCI agreement is in place, resulting in an increase or decrease in any remaining draft amounts, it is your responsibility to confirm the adjustment of your payment plan. This can be accomplished by re-completing FCI and confirming the new draft amounts. Once you have confirmed the new draft amounts, you will receive an updated Check-In receipt that displays the changed draft amounts.
Completing FCI
Liberty University’s Financial Check-In (FCI) process is required for all students to complete each semester to secure their course registration, remit payment, confirm personal information, request book vouchers, and view important policy information. Financial Check-In must be completed, even if a student does not have a balance.
FCI Application
Our Financial Check-In application works with your phone, tablet, or computer. Set your future life at Liberty up with one app!
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