Financial aid disbursements vary by type and term. Pell grants are disbursed twice in fall and spring, once before classes start and once a month in, while summer Pell is disbursed once at the term's start. Cal Grants disburse once about a month after term begins and are not awarded in summer. Scholarships usually pay at the term's start. For other aid, contact the Financial Aid Office for details.
There are many factors that affect when you will receive your financial aid funds. If you have any concerns about whether you will have access to your financial aid by a given date, the best way to be certain is to contact the Financial Aid Office.
Pell Disbursements
For Pell disbursements, the most common and largest kind of cash aid disbursement, the Financial Aid Office disburses funds twice per term in the fall and spring. The first disbursement occurs 1 week before classes begin. The second disbursement occurs about 1 month into the term. Students who took classes during summer may or may not be able to make the first disbursement, as SAP statuses must be calculated prior to disbursing Pell, and summer grades may not be in when that disbursement goes out.
In the summer, Pell is disbursed only once at the beginning of the semester. If you are in a later summer session, it will be disbursed on the first disbursement after your class actually begins.
What about other kinds of cash aid disbursements, like Cal Grant?
While the most common schedule is for cash aid to be paid at the beginning of the term, there are some important exceptions:
- The Cal Grant typically disburses about 1 month after the term begins. It is disbursed once per semester. (The Cal Grant is not awarded during summer.)
- Scholarships can vary, but it is most common for them to be paid out once at the beginning of the term.
- For other less common forms of aid, it’s best to contact the Financial Aid Office or, if applicable, the sponsoring organizations, for up-to-date information on disbursement dates.