When you go to make a payment, Backpack asks you to enter an amount. Backpack helps you send the payment, but the amount you owe is set by your student's school, not by Backpack. That means you will need to get the current balance from either your student or directly from the school.
Here are the two best ways to find it.
Option 1: Ask your student for the tuition bill (fastest)
Your student can see their current balance and billing statement by logging in to their school's student account or billing portal.
Ask your student to log in to their school portal and open their student account or billing section.
Have them find the amount due for the term you are paying.
Ask them to share that amount with you, or to send you a copy of the statement.
Enter that amount on the payment screen and select the matching term.
Option 2: Become an authorized user on your student's account (recommended)
Most schools let a student give a parent or family member access to view their account and billing information. Depending on the school, this is called an "authorized user," "authorized payer," or "proxy" or "third party" access.
We recommend this because you will be able to see the balance and statements yourself before each payment, without having to ask your student every time.
A few things to know:
Your student has to set this up. For privacy reasons, you cannot add yourself. Your student invites you or grants you access from their side.
Where to find it varies by school. It is usually in the student account or billing section of the school portal, under a heading like "Authorized Users," "Grant Access," or "Share Access."
Once you have access, log in to the school's billing portal to view the current amount due for the term.
If you are not sure how to set this up, your student's school website (often the Student Accounts, Bursar, or Student Financial Services page) will have step by step instructions for that school.
A few tips before you pay
Pay only what is shown on the official bill from the school. If anything looks unclear, confirm the amount with your student's school before paying.
Make sure the term you select on the payment screen matches the term you are paying for.
Balances can change as new charges post or financial aid is applied, so check the current amount before each payment.