Financial Aid Processing
Financial Aid Disbursement and Application of Title IV Funds – Graduate Students
Disbursement Timing and Refunds
Financial aid is disbursed after the Add/Drop period, which serves as the official enrollment verification for each term. Federal regulations prohibit disbursement of aid earlier than 10 days after the first day of classes.
Aid is applied to any outstanding balances on a student account, and any remaining credit is refunded to the student. Refunds are processed by the Student Financial Services (SFS) Office and may take up to 14 calendar days.
Direct Deposit (DD) is the preferred method for receiving refunds. Students without Direct Deposit will receive a paper check mailed to the address on file.
The Financial Aid Office may place aid on hold if additional documentation or clarification is required. Once reviewed and verified, funds are released to the student account.
Title IV Funds – Charge Application Summary
| Charge Category |
Title IV Application |
| Tuition |
✅ Automatic |
| Mandatory fees (e.g., Health Services Fee, Student Unit Fee) |
✅ Automatic |
| Standard on-campus room & meal plans |
✅ Automatic |
| Course or lab fees required for classes |
⚠ Student Authorization Required |
| Study abroad program fees |
⚠ Student Authorization Required |
| Required health insurance billed by University |
⚠ Student Authorization Required |
| Books and supplies from University bookstore |
⚠ Student Authorization Required |
| Past institutional balances ≤ $200 |
⚠ Student Authorization Required |
| Optional fees (parking, gym) |
❌ Not allowed |
| Fines or penalties |
❌ Not allowed |
| Optional meal plans or housing upgrades |
❌ Not allowed |
| Health insurance waived or purchased independently |
❌ Not allowed |
| Non-credit or non-degree courses |
❌ Not allowed |
| Personal expenses (transportation, supplies) |
❌ Not allowed |
Overawards
The Financial Aid Office ensures compliance with federal aid program guidelines, including preventing students from receiving more aid than they are eligible for.
If a student’s total financial assistance—including institutional grants, departmental assistantships, stipends, vocational rehabilitation support, waivers, or outside scholarships—exceeds their financial need, the Financial Aid Office may reduce or cancel awards to prevent overawards.
Students must report any expected or received assistance from outside sources or other University offices so the Financial Aid Office can accurately determine eligibility and adjust awards as needed. Institutional grants are limited, and adjustments may be required to ensure availability for students without other sources of support.
Student and University Responsibilities
Students are responsible for:
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Understanding their institutional charges
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Providing necessary authorizations for applicable charges
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Keeping contact and banking information current
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Reporting all outside and internal sources of financial assistance
The Financial Aid Office applies Title IV funds in compliance with federal regulations and coordinates with Student Financial Services and other departments to manage billing and disbursements. Scholarships and outside awards are applied according to federal, state, and institutional policies.
Financial Aid Office Communication
Updates or changes to financial aid awards are communicated via Workday or email. Students should:
Student Responsibilities and Timeline
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Ensure FAFSA and enrollment information are current for accurate award determination
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Respond promptly to requests for documentation or authorizations from the Financial Aid Office
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Monitor account balances and disbursement dates via Workday or Student Financial Services
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Maintain up-to-date banking and contact information to receive refunds quickly via Direct Deposit or mailed check
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Plan ahead to avoid gaps in funding, especially for mid-year enrollment changes or adjustments in course load