Financial Aid & Scholarship Office

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 earliest financial aid refund date is the Thursday prior to the start of the term, but 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.

  • Fall 2023: First possible financial aid refund date is August 17
  • Spring 2024: First possible financial aid refund date is January 18

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 2023: First possible refund date for a private alternative loan is August 31
  • Spring 2024 First possible refund date for a private alternative loan is February 1

Disbursement Requirements

Disbursement, or payment of aid, is contingent on your financial aid file status and your enrollment. If your file is not complete in time for the first possible disbursement date, we will disburse your award after a minimum of one week after all of your financial aid holds are cleared, all of your financial aid To Do List items are completed, you have registered for courses, and we have completed the review of your application information.

Recipients of financial aid and scholarships will receive funds on the first refund day of each semester only if:

Your initial financial aid offer is an estimate based on full-time enrollment. The actual amount of funds disbursed to you will be adjusted based on actual number of enrolled units. If units are added after your initial financial aid refund, you may be eligible for an additional refund of financial aid. However, if you drop units units after your initial refund, you may have a decrease of financial aid resulting in a repayment due back to the school. Access your Student Center to review your financial aid offer. Also view University Census, when awards are adjusted for enrollment.

Receiving Your Money

The quickest way to receive your money is via e-Refund (direct deposit). Registration fees, housing charges, and other financial obligations you owe the University are deducted from your award and any remaining amount is deposited directly into your bank account. You can enroll in e-Refund in your Student Center by clicking on the "Enroll in e-Refund" under the Financials section.

If you have not signed up for e-Refund, a check will be mailed for any funds remaining after all charges are paid. This option may delay receipt of your money for up to several weeks from the disbursement date. 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 addresses up to date. You may check your current addresses on file in your Student Center.