Iowa State University Educational Gift Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
Gift Giver:
What is an Iowa State University Educational Gift Certificate (gift certificate)?
A gift certificate allowing you to contribute to the educational expenses of a student attending Iowa State.
For what educational expenses will the gift certificate pay?
The gift certificate may pay for tuition, room, meal plan, and any other expenses on the student's account (U-Bill). You may not designate or restrict the types of expenses for which the gift certificate may be used. The gift certificate will be held on the student's account until expenses are assessed at which time the gift certificate will be applied to the student's U-Bill balance.
How do I purchase an Iowa State University Educational Gift Certificate?
You will need the gift certificate confirmation number and password as provided to you by the student. Go to www.giftcert.iastate.edu for step-by-step instructions. You may pay for the gift certificate with a check or e-check only. Credit card payments will not be accepted.
How will I know that the purchase of the gift certificate was successful?
You will receive an e-mail confirming the purchase of your gift certificate within 24 hours of your purchase. If you do not receive an e-mail, call 515 294-4363 or e-mail .
How will the student be notified that I have purchased a gift certificate on his or her behalf?
If you purchase a gift certificate online, a screen will appear with an option to print a PDF of the certificate. By selecting "Print Gift Certificate," Acrobat Reader will launch with a PDF version of the certificate that you can print or send electronically to the student. If purchasing a gift certificate by mail, an e-mail will be sent to you confirming your purchase along with a gift certificate that you can personalize and send to the student.
What if the student chooses not to attend or is no longer enrolled at Iowa State?
Gift certificates will be applied to pay any outstanding expenses on the student's account. If there are no outstanding expenses, the amount of the gift certificate will be refunded directly to the student once the non-attendance is verified.
Is the purchase of a gift certificate tax deductible?
The purchase of a gift certificate is not tax deductible for charitable purposes.
Student:
What is an Iowa State University Educational Gift Certificate (gift certificate)?
A gift certificate allowing family and friends to contribute to your educational expenses at Iowa State. The gift certificate will be held on your student account (U-Bill) until expenses are assessed at which time the gift certificate will be applied to your U-Bill balance.
How do I invite friends and family to purchase an Iowa State University Educational Gift Certificate?
Log in to AccessPlus, select the "Student" tab, and select "Gift Certificate" from the menu on the left to obtain a gift certificate confirmation number and password. The confirmation number and password will be linked to your U-Bill account. Print the gift certificate invitation and distribute to family and friends.
How do I know who has purchased a gift certificate on my behalf?
It is up to the gift giver to notify you that they have purchased a gift certificate on your behalf. A summary of your gift certificates is available on AccessPlus.
What if my U-bill is less than the amount of my gift certificates?
Gift certificates will be held on your student account until expenses are assessed or you are no longer enrolled.
What if I do not attend Iowa State or leave before all of my gift certificates have been used?
Gift certificates will be applied to outstanding expenses you may have accumulated. If there are no outstanding expenses, the amount of the gift certificate will be refunded to you.
