The colleges where you have been accepted and you have indicated on your FAFSA will send you an award letter which will detail the financial aid you can expect if you attend that school.

Consider the offer outlined in each college award letter, which may include grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs. Make sure you know what is a grant award and what is a loan. Examine each award to determine if it applies for more than the first year and if there are conditions to receiving or continuing the award – such as maintaining a certain GPA, declaring a certain major, or living on campus.

Compare financial aid packages offered by each school. Use the HESC Financial Aid Award Packages Comparison Tool as a guide. Or use The College Board’s comparison worksheet.

When you have chosen a school, tell the financial aid office that you accept or reject all or part of the financial aid package. Complete any other forms required by the school.

Disbursement is the process of financial aid paying electronically into your student account.  Financial aid pays charges in your student account.  If you have sufficient financial aid funds to pay off your account, you will receive a credit balance in the form of a direct deposit to your bank account or a check will be mailed to you.  If your financial aid doesn’t cover your balance, you will receive a bill for the amount you owe.

Credit balances are paid within fourteen calendar days following the disbursement.

Disbursements will not be issued on pending financial aid (aid that has not been confirmed).  If you have questions regarding pending financial aid please contact the Financial Aid Office at 785-309-3100.

Under no circumstances will financial aid be released before the designated disbursement date.