Disbursement of Financial Aid
Financial aid (including student loans) is disbursed - or applied to the student account - one semester at a time based on the student's enrollment at the time of each disbursement.
The Student Financial Aid Office begins to apply aid to student accounts approximately 10 days before classes begin for students who have completed the necessary requirements.
Federal Loans
First-time Federal Direct Loan borrowers are required to sign a Master Promissory Note and complete loan entrance counseling before loan funds are credited to the student account. After these loan requirements are completed (no sooner than 10 days prior to the start of the semester), federal loans are applied to the student account. Disbursements are made to the student account in two equal payments (unless the loan is for one semester) - one for each semester covered by the loan. It is very important to understand that before federal student loans disburse, loan proceeds are reduced by the federal origination fee. Upon disbursement, actual amounts may be viewed by logging into Student Information Online (SIO) and selecting “Student Account Activity” from the “Finances” menu.
Federal Loan Term Dates
Loan Term |
Loan Term Dates |
Earliest Disbursement Date |
| 2024 Summer All | 5/13/24 - 8/2/24 | May 6 |
| 2024 Summer One | 5/13/24 - 6/21/24 | May 6 |
| 2024 Summer Two | 6/24/24 - 8/2/24 | June 17 |
| 2024-25 Academic Year | 8/26/24 - 5/6/25 | August 19 |
| 2024 Fall Semester | 8/26/24 - 12/16/24 | August 19 |
| 2025 Spring Semester | 1/13/24 - 5/6/25 | January 6 |
Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are determined by the Student Financial Aid Office and are applied directly to the student account on a semester basis to pay charges for tuition, fees and on-campus room and board (if applicable).
Private Loans
Generally, private loan disbursements occur at the beginning of each semester covered by the loan. Students should review their loan disclosures from their lender in order to determine the actual anticipated disbursement dates for private loans. Actual disbursements amounts can be viewed after they occur by logging into Student Information Online (SIO) and selecting “Student Account Activity” from the “Finances” menu.
Federal Work-Study
Students who are offered Federal Work-Study may earn Federal Work-Study funds by working in positions with eligible employers. Wages are paid bi-weekly through the payroll system. These funds are not disbursed directly to the student account.
Outside Scholarships
Once the Student Financial Aid Office receives outside scholarship funds, they are credited to the student account and the student is notified if the outside scholarship reduces their eligibility for other financial aid. If the scholarship provider issues the funds by check, the student will be contacted to endorse the check prior to the funds being credited to their student account.
Financial Aid/Student Account Refunds
When financial aid disburses, it is credited against the student account balance. If there is a credit balance remaining on the student account after all tuition and fees are paid, the student account is reviewed to determine if the student is eligible for a credit balance refund. If eligible, the refund is issued to the student either electronically (if you signed up for electronic refunds) or by paper check.