To ensure proper payment, all financial aid resources are reviewed either (1) after the first week of classes or (2) at the time of disbursement if aid is processed later in the semester. At the time of payment, financial aid will be based on the number of credit hours for which a student is enrolled, housing status, and residency classification. Award offers are split into two disbursements; one in the Fall and one in the Spring typically, unless the student is only attending one semester, in which case they may receive two disbursements in one term.
Most initial offers are based on full-time attendance (12+ credits). Offer amounts may be reduced, or offers cancelled for less than full-time enrollment. If a student’s attendance level drops below full time after an offer notice is sent, the financial aid office will adjust the offer to the correct enrollment level. If a student drops courses during the 100 percent refund period, financial aid payments may be adjusted. Other situations that could affect payment include: withdrawing before the end of the term; stopping attendance (unofficial withdrawal); not starting a class; dropping a late-starting class before the start date; a cancellation of a late-starting class before the start date.
PLEASE NOTE: Only classes that apply to a student’s declared program of study can be funded by federal financial aid. Classes not listed as requirements on a student’s degree audit/program evaluation will not be included in enrollment status for federal aid.
Financial aid is usually credited directly to the student accounts. If anticipated offers exceed direct costs (tuition, fees, and on-campus housing), a student is allowed to charge books at the EWC Bookstore until the end of late registration. If aid is processed by the end of the late registration period and a student is due a refund, the refund check will be available approximately one week after the last day of late registration. Funds received after that date will be processed, posted, and disbursed once a week throughout each semester. Torrington Campus students may obtain their financial aid checks from the Information Center on Fridays. For Douglas Campus and Outreach students, refund checks are mailed weekly. Federal Work-Study/Institutional Employment paychecks are available to students the last day of each month worked.