The Tuition Payment Portal is a one-stop, comprehensive tuition payment portal that allows you to view your financial information in a single screen, see charges related to your tuition account, and make online payments in a 24/7 online format.  You and your authorized users can make full payment or enroll in a payment plan via direct debit from your bank account or by using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card.  You can also set up recurring tuition payments and have them automatically deducted from a bank account or credit card on their due date.  Be sure to sign in regularly to keep up to date with your student account status as well as important financial information.

Your Payment Options:

You can make full tuition payments or enroll in a payment plan for which you are eligible for that semester through the Tuition Payment Portal at myportal.essex.edu.  Submit your payment from your bank account via ACH/electronic check without incurring an extra fee.  You will need your bank routing and account number to use this service.  You can also pay using a credit or debit card – an additional 2.95% fee or a minimum $3 fee will be added to your total payment for card processing. Payment plans have a $50 non-refundable enrollment fee.

All card payments and enrollment in the tuition payment plan must be done through the Tuition Payment Portal at myportal.esex.edu.

ECC Tuition Payment Plan Details:

Spring I 2024 & FOCUS/Ironbound Semesters (Three Payment Plan):

  • Register November 13 – December 15, payment is due by December 15, 2023
  • Register December 15 – January 2, payment is due by January 3, 2024
  • Register after January 2, payment is due within 24 hours of registration
  • Second payment is due February 6, 2024
  • Third payment is due March 6, 2024

Spring II 2024– Second Session (Two Payment Plan):

  • Payment is due within 24 hours of registration
  • Second payment is due March 6, 2024


How to Use the Tuition Payment Portal:

  • Login to MyPortal.essex.edu
  • Enter your Username then you will be asked to authenticate your student profile and set up security questions.  This adds layers of security to the College’s application system that you currently access.
  • Then click on the Pay MY Tuition tab.
  • Click Enroll in Payment Plan – 1/3 payment required. For full payment or additional payments go directly to the Make Payment tab
  • Select the term/semester
  • Click Method to submit payment by credit or debit card or by ACH/electronic check from your checking or savings account.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

The service fee of 2.95% and/or $3 minimum is the amount established by the credit card processor, TouchNet PayPath Service. This fee covers the credit card transaction fees charged by the credit card companies.

Yes, an increasing number of schools are collecting service or convenience fees for credit card transactions. These fees offset the merchant fees imposed by the credit card companies. This allows us to continue to offer the service of credit card payments.

You may make payment via electronic check (ACH) or paper check and not incur the service fee or mail paper checks to Essex County College at 303 University Ave. Newark, NJ 07102 Attn: Bursars Office.

The service fee is non-refundable, even if the payment to which it relates is canceled, refunded, credited, or charged back.

ECC offers a three-payment plan for the Spring 2024 semester. Students you register for the Winter 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, can combine the two semesters into one payment plan. Also, you can only enroll in a single plan per term.

You can sign up for a payment plan and pay via ACH (direct debit from your bank account), credit or debit card. You can also make a one-time payment using the same payment methods.

If an installment payment is late, a $30 late fee will be assessed to your student account and if the account is not paid in full by the end of the semester, you student account will be assessed a $100 contract default fee.

The Payment Plan adjusts your installment amounts as new charges or credits are applied to your student account.

If a student is awarded financial aid for a semester, installment payments will be reduced to reflect the amount of the award. If a student’s award is reduced during the semester and a balance is owed, installment payments will be processed against the card/account on file for any installment due dates that have not passed.

Other Questions? Contact the Bursar’s Office at 973-877-3381 for additional information.