When will my financial aid funds be available?

Once you have accepted your financial aid, funds from award sources other than Federal Work-Study and outside scholarships will be applied to pay your registration fees automatically prior to the deadline to pay fees, as long as you have submitted any required documents, enrolled in courses, cleared all holds, and completed pre-loan counseling (new borrowers). You should accept your awards on GROWL and submit your loan promissory notes at least two weeks prior to the date that fees are due in order to allow time for processing in order to ensure that your financial aid awards are available by the fee payment deadline.

Federal Work-Study is paid on a monthly basis in a payroll check for hours worked the preceding month. Outside scholarships may be issued to you directly in a check, depending on the procedures of the donor. Scholarship checks made payable to UCR are credited to your student account.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan funds are generally applied to your student account. However, if your parents prefer, they may request direct payment by check. PLUS Loan funds made directly payable to the parent borrower are not available to pay fees or other institutional charges, which must be paid from personal resources or other funds. Information regarding the process to request direct payment is included with the PLUS Loan application. This disbursement process may result in delays in receipt of loan funds.

You will receive the balance of any remaining financial aid in a refund. You may elect to receive your financial aid refund in a direct deposit to your student bank account via electronic funds transfer. Direct deposits are usually available to you on the first day of the quarter each term. If you do not sign up for the Direct Deposit option with the Student Business Services Office, your refund check will be mailed to you at your billing address at the beginning of each quarter.