Receiving Your Money: How Financial Aid Is Disbursed
Disbursement Dates
Financial aid is disbursed once all holds and To-Do list items are complete and you are enrolled in enough units to receive aid. The first possible disbursement of federal and state aid and scholarships each semester is the Thursday prior to the start of classes. Financial aid is generally disbursed as one lump sum.
- Fall 2025: First possible financial aid refund date is August 21
- Spring 2026: First possible financial aid refund date is January 15
Your aid may disburse later due to availability of funds or processing delays. If your aid is delayed, please reach out to our office for assistance.
Note to Borrowers of Alternative/Private loans: The first possible payment of an alternative loan will be the Thursday of the second week of classes each semester.
- Fall 2025 First possible refund date for a private alternative loan is September 4
- Spring 2026 First possible refund date for a private alternative loan is January 29
Disbursement Requirements
Disbursement, or payment of aid, is contingent on your financial aid file status and your enrollment. You may receive funds on the first disbursement day for each semester only if:
- You have signed and returned all requested documents promptly. Check your To-Do list.
- Your file has been reviewed and finalized.
- Your loan has been certified (and if you are borrowing for the first time, you have completed your Master Promissory Note (MPN)(opens in new window) and completed Loan Entrance Counseling(opens in new window)). Check your To-Do list.
- There is a remaining balance of aid after your tuition fees and other direct costs are paid.
If your file is not complete in time for the first possible disbursement date, we will disburse your financial aid after a minimum of one week once all of your financial aid To-Do list items and holds are completed, we have completed the review of your file, and you have registered for courses.
Your initial financial aid offer is an estimate based on full-time enrollment. The amount of funds disbursed to you will be adjusted based on actual number of enrolled units. If units are added after your initial disbursement, you may have an additional disbursement of financial aid. Review your financial aid through the link emailed to you or access your financial aid offer through your Student Center. Also view University Census, when awards are adjusted for enrollment.
Cal Grant B Access award recipients may submit a request to us to receive this award instead of having it pay for current outstanding Chico State fees. This request must be completed no later than a week prior to the disbursement of this award. In order to be eligible for this request, Cal Grant B Access award recipients must have no outstanding university holds or financial aid To-Do list items, be enrolled in at least half-time status (6 units), and meet with a Financial Advisor prior to the disbursement of the award.
Receiving Your Money
The quickest and safest way to receive your money is via e-Refund (direct deposit). You can enroll in e-Refund in your Student Center by clicking on the "Enroll in e-Refund" under the Financials section.
Tuition fees, housing charges, and other financial obligations you owe the University are deducted from your financial aid and any remaining amount is deposited directly into your bank account.
If you have not signed up for e-Refund, a check will be mailed for any funds remaining after all charges are paid. Your check will be mailed to your mailing/local address, as it appears in your Student Center. If you choose this option, it is your responsibility to keep your address up to date. Check you current local and permanent addresses on file in your Student Center.
