General Disbursement Process
- Timing: For students who complete all application requirements, including eligibility verification documents, financial aid awards (excluding work programs and outside scholarships) will be disbursed to their billing account shortly before each term begins.
- Verification Deadline: If selected for FAFSA data verification, students must submit all requested documents to the Office of Financial Aid at least two weeks before the start of their first term of the award year to ensure eligibility review is completed on time.
Aid Disbursement Based on Enrollment Level
- Enrollment Status: Financial aid is based on the student’s actual enrollment level each term.
- Enrollment Changes: If a student’s aid was disbursed assuming full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) and it is later found that they are enrolled in fewer credits, their awards will be adjusted according to federal, state, and institutional policies.
Book Expenses for Federal Pell Grant Recipients
- Access to Books: Federal law requires colleges to provide Federal Pell Grant recipients a way to access funds for books within seven days from the start of each term if the student expects a credit balance refund from their Pell Grant.
- Rensselaer’s Solution: Pell-eligible students may charge their bookstore purchases to their Bursar Office billing account, allowing them to access required materials before receiving their credit balance refund.
