Disbursement of Financial Aid Awards

A student’s financial aid (except Federal Work-Study) is credited directly to their student account and applied to tuition and fees for each semester. For on-campus residents, financial aid is also applied to housing costs each semester. Aid funds are credited for other charges on the student account (books, meals, etc.) with authorization from the student. Federal Work-Study funds are paid in the form of a biweekly paycheck. Funds are paid for authorized hours worked. 

Financial Aid Disbursements generally begin 30 days after the start of classes. This include Title IV aid (Pell Grants, SEOG, and Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS)), and Private Loans. Timing of disbursements for non-Title IV aid varies by program. Some sources of aid (like NYS TAP) are disbursed upon receiving notification from the State that the award has been finalized. Other sources of aid are disbursed upon receipt of funds from the program source. If a student is enrolled in coursework that starts after the beginning of the standard term, some of the student's financial aid disbursements may be delayed until the student begins attendance in late start classes. If a student’s financial aid awards exceed their charges, the student could receive a refund. Excess financial aid will be refunded to the student within fourteen (14) days of disbursement. Refunds are processed by the Student Accounts Office and issued through BankMobile or by check. Refunds are issued on a weekly or bi-weekly basis throughout the semester.