Financial Aid & Scholarship Office, CSU, Chico
Disbursements / Receiving Your Money
Disbursements
Financial aid and scholarships are disbursed once a week throughout each semester, after the primary disbursements in August and January. The primary, or first possible disbursement of federal and state aid and scholarships each semester, is the Thursday prior to the first day of classes, which is five days before the beginning of each semester. Disbursement, or payment of aid, is contingent on your financial aid file status and your enrollment. We will disburse your award within 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.
Receipients of financial aid and scholarships will receive money on the first disbursement day of each semester only if:
- You have signed and returned all requested documents promptly.
- Your file has been reviewed and finalized.
- Your loan has been certified (and if you are borrowing for the first time, you have completed your master promissory note and completed loan entrance counseling).
- You are enrolled in at least half-time units.
- There are funds left over after your registration charges and other costs are paid.
Your initial financial aid offer is an estimate based on full-time enrollment. The amount of funds disbursed to you will be adjusted based on actual number of enrolled units. Access your Student Center to review carefully your financial aid offer. Also view University Census.
- Note to Borrowers of Alternative/Private loans: Because of processing needs, the first possible payment of an alternative loan will be the Thursday of the second week of classes each semester. Fall 2008: First possible disbursement date is August 28.
Receiving Your Money
The preferred method for receiving your aid is via electronic transfer, known as EFT (electronic fund transfer), and we highly recommend it. 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 checking account. To authorize EFT, download a form from Student Financial Services.
If you have not signed up for EFT, a check will be prepared for any funds remaining after all charges are paid. 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.