Disbursements and Refunds

Disbursement Timeframes – Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

• Earliest disbursement for Fall 2026 – August 31
  • This is the earliest possible date for disbursement, but may be later, depending on processing timeframes. Note: that most disbursements will begin after this date for Fall 2026.
• Earliest disbursement for Spring 2027 – January 18
  • This is the earliest possible date for disbursement, but may be later, depending on processing timeframes. Note: that most disbursements will begin after this date for Fall 2026.
• Loans generally begin disbursing during the above timeframe for full-time students.
• Need-based aid (e.g. Federal Pell Grant, SEOG, Hardge/Forleo, University grant, RI Promise, etc.) and Merit aid (e.g. Presidential scholarship, University scholarship, Transfer scholarship, etc.) are held until the add/drop period is over
• Refunds are processed shortly after the funds are disbursed, following the disbursement date above.

Disbursement of all financial aid awards, excluding Federal Work-Study, will be applied as a credit to your term bill, as noted on the Award Notification.  If your total semester financial aid, including any cash payments you make, exceeds the term bill, as refund will be processed for you. 

EArly Disbursement Request form