Financial Aid FAQs

I went to a four-year school and I got my refund much earlier…

University processing differs significantly from Community College processing. One example is that we allow you to charge your books against your financial aid and the University will not allow that. Processing refunds early in the semester can create a substantial balance for students.

You’re holding our money!

We don’t actually have your money in our possession. Once we receive your funds, we are required to give them to you within three days. Typically we have your refunds out within 24 hours of actually receiving funds.

My refund is less! Why?!

If you have a minimester course beginning later in the semester, you will not be eligible for those funds until the class begins and we can verify your enrollment. Also, if you are not taking 12 hours or more, your grants will be reduced. You also must make sure you are taking required courses for your program. If you have further questions please contact the FA Office.

Y’all don’t answer the phone! What’s up?

Our phone volume is significantly higher during peak season, as well as our walk-in traffic. Students who come in to see us are our first priority and will take precedence over phone calls. It may be easier to email us at fin.aid@sdtlsw.com, which is checked daily. We do our very best to answer your call and respond to your voicemails as soon as possible.

My WebAdvisor account is zeroed out.

That typically means that a refund has been created and will post to your account within 14 days, per regulations. Most of the time, you will see your refund much sooner.

When will I get my refund?

You can expect your refund no later than the last day of the second month of the semester (or usually six weeks after the first day of class). However, we make every attempt to issue refunds sooner.

I was at another community college near us and got my refund earlier.

Smaller institutions with a lower number of refunds can typically issue refunds earlier. Although we are larger than many of our neighboring community colleges, we are still able to issue refunds earlier than most. We have found that many community colleges issue refunds 6-8 weeks after the beginning of the semester as compared to our 6 week processing time.

Last year I got my refund earlier than you said we would. Will I still get it earlier than the date you’ve stated this semester?

The date that is typically given is the latest date that you will receive your refund. We make every attempt to process refunds earlier than expected.

Refunds were disbursed and other students have their refunds but I don’t have mine. Why is that?

One reason maybe that your address is incorrect in WebAdvisor or you haven’t selected a refund preference. Please make sure your address is correct in WebAdvisor, as this is where your BankMobile  information will be sent. Also, make sure that you select a refund preference as soon as possible to avoid delays.