Frequently Asked Questions about Higher One, Inc.

Who is Higher One, Inc.?

Higher One, Inc. is a financial services company founded by three college students while they were still in school in 2000. Higher One provides refund management services to Empire State College through a card-based solution. The refund disbursement process through Higher One provides refund choices to students, reduces costs and increases student customer service.

Why do I have to get my refund through Higher One?

Empire State is committed to providing the most efficient services to our students. We selected Higher One to distribute our students’ financial aid refunds because of Higher One’s experience, ability to serve our students, and positive recommendations from other colleges (including other SUNY schools). The college made substantial changes in our processes and computing system in order to disburse financial aid refunds in this manner; therefore, all student financial aid refunds will be processed through Higher One, Inc. Remember, you may choose to have your refund delivered by paper check or direct deposit into your own bank account.

Why do I need a Higher One card?

We must be able to authenticate your identity on the Higher One website www.escchoicecard.com, where you will make your refund method selection. This will be done by using the information on the card that is mailed to you (in a bright green envelope) and by entering information that only you will know. Information is contained in the system to authenticate you as a user, making it is easy to select your refund preference.

It is important that you visit www.escchoicecard.com as soon as you receive your card to make your refund selection.

Does Higher One pay commissions to Empire State College?

No. Empire State College does not receive any compensation from Higher One, Inc. We use Higher One to distribute financial aid refunds so that our students may receive their refunds in a manner that works best for them. We do not, nor will we ever, receive a bonus from Higher One for students opening accounts with them or for any other reason.

Am I going to get charged a lot of fees in order to get my refund?

No. You can select to have your refund sent to you in a paper check or direct deposited into your own bank account. If you choose to open a Higher One bank account, you may be subject to charges—the disclosure of which, along with suggestions on avoiding fees, are on the Higher One fee webpage.