How aid is packaged
Financial aid awards are packaged in a predetermined sequence; it is most beneficial to students that gift aid (that is, aid that does not have to be earned or repaid) is sequenced above self-help aid (that is, work-study or loans). In this way, we ensure that self-help aid is not preventing a student’s receipt of grants, scholarships, and fee remissions.
As a rule, most aid for a given academic term cannot be disbursed into a student’s Bursar account more than ten days before the beginning of that term. Aid awarded for a full academic year typically disburses in thirds -- one-third for the fall term, one-third for the winter term, and one-third for the spring term.