Financial Aid Disbursement and Application of Title IV (Federal) Funds
Disbursement Timing and Refunds
Financial aid is disbursed each payment period (term) after students have met all eligibility requirements, including confirmation of enrollment and completion of any required federal verification or documentation requirements.
The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility based on federal regulations, institutional policies, the student's enrollment status, and coursework required or allowed under the student's eligible graduate degree program. Financial aid is applied to allowable institutional charges in accordance with federal regulations and University policies.
Financial aid is first applied toward eligible charges on the student's account. If financial aid exceeds allowable charges, the remaining credit balance is refunded to the student.
Refunds are processed by the Student Financial Services Office. Students may receive refunds more quickly by enrolling in Direct Deposit. Students without Direct Deposit will receive a paper check mailed to the address on file.
The Financial Aid Office may delay disbursement or place financial aid on hold when additional documentation, verification, enrollment review, or clarification is required.
Title IV Funds – Charge Application Summary
| Charge Category |
Title IV Application |
| Tuition |
May be automatically applied |
| Mandatory fees (e.g., Health Services Fee, Student Unit Fee) |
May be automatically applied |
| Standard on-campus room and meal plans |
May be automatically applied |
| Required course-related fees or laboratory fees |
Student Authorization Required |
| Study abroad program fees |
Student Authorization Required |
| Required educationally related institutional charges, including required health insurance when applicable |
Student Authorization Required |
| Books and supplies charged through authorized University processes |
Student Authorization Required |
| Prior-period institutional charges within limits permitted by federal regulations |
Student Authorization Required |
| Optional fees (parking, gym) |
Not permitted without appropriate authorization |
| Fines or penalties |
Not allowed |
| Optional meal plans or housing upgrades |
Not permitted without appropriate authorization |
| Health insurance waived or purchased independently |
Not allowed |
| Non-credit or non-degree courses |
Not allowed |
| Personal expenses (transportation, supplies) |
Not allowed |
Students may authorize the University to apply Title IV funds toward certain additional allowable charges. Authorizations remain valid until revoked by the student or until otherwise required by federal regulations.
Enrollment Changes and Course Applicability
For federal financial aid purposes, enrollment status is determined based on coursework required or allowed under the student's eligible graduate degree program.
Courses included in a student's financial aid enrollment status must apply toward completion of the student's eligible graduate degree program for the applicable payment period. This may include required courses, approved electives, and other coursework that satisfies degree requirements.
Financial aid eligibility is not determined solely by the number of credits for which a student is enrolled. Courses that do not apply toward the student's eligible graduate degree program may not be included when determining enrollment status or financial aid eligibility.
Students should work with their academic advisor and graduate program to ensure curriculum changes, course substitutions, and approved academic adjustments are accurately reflected.
Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office before making enrollment changes, as changes to courses, enrollment status, or academic plans may affect financial aid eligibility, award amounts, and disbursement.
Changes made to enrollment after the term begins, including adding courses, dropping courses, withdrawing from courses, or reducing credit hours, may affect financial aid eligibility, award amounts, and disbursement.
Overawards and Financial Aid Adjustments
The Financial Aid Office administers financial aid programs in accordance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.
Students may not receive financial assistance that exceeds their eligibility under applicable regulations, including Cost of Attendance limits, federal aid limits, and program-specific requirements.
A student's financial aid package may include:
- Federal financial aid;
- Federal Direct Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans, when eligible;
- Institutional scholarships and grants;
- Departmental awards;
- Assistantships;
- Tuition waivers;
- Vocational Rehabilitation benefits and other educational benefits;
- Employer educational benefits;
- Outside scholarships; and
- Other educational resources.
Students must report all additional financial assistance received or expected from outside sources or other University departments as soon as possible. The Financial Aid Office reviews changes in resources and adjusts financial aid packages when required by federal, state, or institutional policies.
Adjustments to financial aid may occur due to changes in:
- Enrollment status;
- Degree program or academic plan;
- Additional educational resources;
- Eligibility requirements; or
- Federal, state, or institutional regulations.
Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Funds
Students who withdraw, stop attending, or otherwise cease enrollment after receiving federal financial aid may be subject to federal Return of Title IV (R2T4) requirements.
The Financial Aid Office is required to calculate any necessary adjustments to federal Title IV aid in accordance with federal regulations. The amount of federal aid a student earns is based on the percentage of the payment period completed before withdrawal.
A Return of Title IV Funds calculation may result in a reduction of federal financial aid eligibility and a balance owed by the student to the University.
Students should review the Return of Title IV (R2T4) / Withdrawal Policy section of this catalog and consult with the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing or making enrollment changes that may affect financial aid eligibility.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for:
- Reviewing financial aid awards and requirements through Workday;
- Completing required financial aid applications, documentation, and authorizations;
- Reporting outside scholarships and other educational assistance as soon as possible;
- Maintaining accurate contact and banking information;
- Monitoring account balances and payment deadlines;
- Reviewing academic plans with academic advisors to ensure courses apply toward degree requirements;
- Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as required for financial aid eligibility;
- Reviewing enrollment and academic program changes before making schedule adjustments;
- Understanding how enrollment and academic changes may affect financial aid eligibility; and
- Responding to financial aid communications and action items in a timely manner.
Students should regularly review Workday notifications and communications from the Financial Aid Office to remain informed about financial aid requirements, award changes, and important deadlines.