Up & Down Financial Aid: How to Prepare for a Financial Aid Disbursement

For many students, a financial aid disbursement is a critical moment each semester. Whether the funds help cover tuition, books, housing, or everyday living expenses, preparing can make the difference between a smooth semester and unnecessary financial stress. Below are the best ways students can prepare for a financial aid disbursement.

1. Understand What a Disbursement Actually Is

A financial aid disbursement is not extra money—it is financial aid that first pays charges on your student account. Financial aid covers tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans before any remaining credit (if applicable) becomes available to you. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations about how much money you may receive.

2. Confirm Your Enrollment and Eligibility

Financial aid is tied directly to your enrollment status. At Goldey-Beacom College, 12 credits or more is considered full-time enrollment. Enrolling in fewer than 12 credits will likely affect your financial aid awards. Before disbursement, students should:

• Confirm the financial aid they will receive based on their current enrollment intensity (check the GBC Financial Aid Portal).
• Ensure all courses apply toward their degree program, as non-degree courses are not eligible for financial aid.

Dropping or changing courses—even early in the semester—can impact financial aid eligibility and the timing of disbursement.

3. Complete All Requirements Early

Missing required steps can delay financial aid disbursement. Students should regularly check their GBC Financial Aid Portal for any financial aid requirements, including:

• FAFSA Verification requests
• Loan requirements, such as Entrance Counseling or a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
• Accepting awards

Completing these items as early as possible allows the Financial Aid Office time to process aid before disbursement.

4. Know GBC’s Disbursement Timeline

Contrary to popular belief, financial aid at Goldey-Beacom College is not eligible for a disbursement on or before the first day of classes. At Goldey-Beacom College, financial aid is disbursed after the Drop/Add period. For the Spring 2026 semester, disbursement will occur on February 4. Students enrolled in Session-II courses only will receive their disbursement after the Drop/Add period for those courses.

Students should plan for books, transportation, and personal expenses if they rely on financial aid refunds, as funds may not be available immediately at the start of the semester. If a credit balance is available on your account, you may request a book voucher before disbursement for textbook purchases made through the GBC online bookstore. To request a book voucher, please get in touch with the Business Office ([email protected] or 302-225-6268.

5. Understand Loans vs. Grants

Not all financial aid works the same way. Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid, while loans do. Students should be aware of:

• How much of their aid includes loans
• Their total loan borrowing for the year
• When repayment begins after leaving school

Borrowing only what is necessary can help reduce future debt. If you accepted more loan funding than needed, please contact the Financial Aid Office to make the necessary adjustments promptly.

6. Keep Communication Open

If aid appears missing, delayed, or different from what you were anticipating, students should contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. We can assist with questions about eligibility, disbursement timing, and missing requirements. Students are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected], by phone at 302-225-6264, or in person at the office for timely assistance.