NOTIFICATION AND DISBURSEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID AWARDS
Evaluation of the student's application begins shortly after the deadline dates listed here. Award notifications for scholarships are finalized by May 1. Only those students who are awarded University scholarships will be notified by mail of selection decisions.
Contingent upon notification of funding from the U.S. Department of Education, award notifications for campus-based aid will be mailed by July 1. Federal Pell Grant and Federal Stafford Loan awards are made after they have been processed, which usually takes a minimum of eight weeks. Awards may be significantly delayed for students selected for verification. A student must be accepted for admission before aid will be processed or awarded.
When financial aid is awarded, credits for the amounts awarded are posted to the students' financial records. In mid-July, students are billed online for all semester charges less all credits posted to their financial record as of that date. Aid may be awarded after the advance bills are computed; if so, it will be credited to the students' online accounts.
If credits exceed charges for fees, a refund will be made. The first refunds are available by direct deposit on the first day of class for full-time students. Refunds may have to be paid back immediately if charges or financial aid are affeccted by changes to course load, housing or meal plans. Student loans that are not electronically transferred must be endorsed and Federal Perkins Loan promissory notes must be signed prior to the disbursement of a refund.
Students can place funds in a TigerStripe declining balance account to use excess aid to purchase books or meals on campus before refunds are issued. A TigerStripe account can be opened during the advance payment process or on late registration day. Refunds usually are available each Friday for aid posted through the previous Friday.
Many college students receiving financial aid are handling large sums of money and establishing credit histories for the first time. The acceptance of federal aid or scholarships brings the responsibility of managing these funds wisely. Students receiving financial aid, particularly off-campus residents, may receive substantial refunds to pay for living expenses. Students must take precautions to protect themselves and their money. Dependent students are encouraged to notify their parents of their refunds and to discuss money management strategies. Students should not make themselves targets by letting others know about their refund, or carrying large sums of cash. For convenience and safety of students, direct deposit is available through the Office of Revenue and Receivables, and a full-service bank is located in the Hendrix Student Center.
Students must pay tuition
and fees during the advance payment period to prevent
the cancellation of their preregistered classes. Signing
a financial aid award letter or loan promissory note does
not satisfy University fees, even if the financial aid
equals or exceeds all charges. Students must satisfy charges
and confirm enrollment through TigerWeb
or TigerLine ("FEES" option) by, using their numeric password
or PIN. All University charges must be satisfied by
late registration to prevent subsequent cancellation of
classes. Any questions regarding fees or direct deposit
arrangements can be answered by the Office of Revenue
and Receivables at (864) 656-5592 or www.clemson.edu/receivables.