[ditsy88]

When it come to college I'm really clueless especially with financial aid. I don't really understand how it work. Cause my financial aid got delay since I changed school. So I registered for the classes and had pay with my own money. I still need to give them the income tax papers and stuff. I was wondering if they will give me a refund once my finacial aid is complete? Are they going to give me a check or something? will they give me the left over money for my books? Or do I have to pay it with my own money? About how long will it take? I'm really confuse and so frustrated since I don't even have money right now to buy books. Thanks a lot of you can help.

[Brusky]

When it come to college I'm really clueless especially with financial aid. I don't really understand how it work. Cause my financial aid got delay since I changed school. So I registered for the classes and had pay with my own money. I still need to give them the income tax papers and stuff. I was wondering if they will give me a refund once my finacial aid is complete? Are they going to give me a check or something? will they give me the left over money for my books? Or do I have to pay it with my own money? About how long will it take? I'm really confuse and so frustrated since I don't even have money right now to buy books. Thanks a lot of you can help.

It's going to depend on what type of financial aid it is. Some of the money you get is "credit" and can only be used at that certain institution whereas others are actual money (some of which can be only used for school or at school, some of which you'll receive in the form of a check to spend on whatever you like.)

I'll use myself as an example. I receive a few types of financial aid: Board of Governors Fee Waiver, Cal Grant B, and Pell Grant. The BOGFW is a "credit" type that I can only use at school for tuition. It have $1,250 in credit and it pays for all of my tuition ($~400/semester). That leftover $800 or so, I'll never get to use unless I take more classes. Cal Grant B and Pell Grant on the other hand, they send me a check every semester for the amount I'm awarded and I'm allowed to spend it as freely as I like.

So to answer your question, whether or not you get a "refund" depends on what types of financial aid you qualify for and receive. As for processing the paperwork and information, it generally takes a few weeks. I submitted all of my stuff almost a month ago and still haven't received any news as to how much I'll be receiving.

[ditsy88]

thank you so much for the explanation. I understand now.