Refunds and Financial Aid Disbursements FAQ

How will my financial aid funds be disbursed to me?

Approximately May 14, 2013, eligible financial aid students will have a credit at the Columbus State Bookstore, designated solely for the purchase of textbooks and course materials (exclusions apply) as long as tuition and fees are paid in full by the morning of May 13, 2013. For more information, click here.

It's important to note that no check or direct deposit disbursement of funds will be made prior to the second week of the term. Students who opt to purchase their textbooks and course materials elsewhere should plan accordingly.

When will my funds be disbursed?

An initial credit of up to $800 for the purpose of purchasing textbooks and course materials will be made available to students approximately May 14, 2013 through May 29, 2013. First time loan borrowers who do not have up to $800 available can contact the Financial Aid Office regarding their options. On-line purchases using financial aid must be completed by 11:59pm May 28, 2013. Students whose financial aid is available at the Columbus State Bookstore will be notified via e-mail to their CSCC student e-mail account.

The student's remaining financial aid credit balance (equal to the student's total financial aid disbursement minus tuition/fees, and minus the amount used at the Columbus State Bookstore) will be disbursed in the form of a check or direct deposit. Refunds, excluding 30-day delay loan funds will be processed beginning the second week of the semester. Students will start to see their Direct Deposit funds released around May 31, 2013. Checks will be mailed May 31, 2013. Please allow several days for USPS mail to arrive. Funds for 30-day delay loans are expected at the College thirty (30) days into the semester and will be disbursed to eligible students via direct deposit or check within 14 days of the credit balance posting on the student's account.

How will I know when my financial aid refund has been sent?

An e-mail notification will be sent at the time a financial aid direct deposit or check refund has been processed. Please check your CSCC student e-mail account for e-mail notifications. To view your refund amount, go to CougarWeb, and click on My Account Statement. Refund amounts are not released over the telephone.

How do I sign up for direct deposit?

Step 1: Go to CougarWeb (https://cougarweb.cscc.edu) and log in

Step 2: Click on the "Bank Information (U.S.)" link

Step 3: Enter your bank account information on the Bank Information (U.S.) screen

Step 4: Check the box to agree to the terms and conditions and then click "Submit"

You will be taken to a confirmation page and we will send an email to your CSCC student email account confirming the change.

If you have old bank account information that needs removed, check the "Delete" box and click "Submit" before entering any new bank account information.

Please note: CougarWeb and/or confirmation emails will only display the last 4 digits of the account number we have on file.

To be included in our first financial aid direct deposit disbursement, you must enter your bank information on CougarWeb by May 29, 2013. If bank information is not entered by the deadline, and we do not have bank information already on file for you, a check will be mailed about May 31, 2013.

If you do not have a bank account and would like to sign up for an Education First Credit Union account, you must do so by May 15, 2013, in the Cashiers and Student Accounting Office. Please have a valid, government issued photo ID with you (driver's license, state ID, or passport).  After you receive your banking information from Education First you must enter your information on CougarWeb. If you need help finding your routing number and/or account number, click on the "How do I find the routing number and bank account number?" link at the top of the page, or contact your financial institution.

How do I verify my mailing address?

Log in to CougarWeb and click on My Profile. If your mailing address is incorrect you can update it by clicking Address Change on the bottom right or by calling (614) 287-5353. An incorrect mailing address can delay receipt of your financial aid refund by up to 3 weeks or more. If you have a valid forwarding order on file with the US Postal Service at the time a check is mailed the US Postal Service will forward your check to your new address.

Why are my remaining financial aid funds being held?

Up to $800.00 of your financial aid credit balance is made available at the Columbus State Bookstore prior to the beginning of the term. Remaining financial aid funds are not released until later in the semester to ensure that financial aid amounts have been adjusted based on any schedule changes made through the 100% refund period for full-term courses. Changing your class schedule after funds have been disbursed may cause you to owe a portion or all of the funds back to the college. This disbursement schedule is in accordance with Federal Financial Aid Guidelines.

What about my other monthly expenses?

Financial Aid funds, loans and grants, are intended for education-related expenses, not monthly expenses.

How do I contact the Cashier's and Student Accounting Office?

Columbus Campus Office is located in the lobby of Rhodes Hall, 2nd floor. No appointment is necessary. Hours of operation are Monday -Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Delaware Campus Business Service Office is located in the lobby of Moeller Hall, 1st floor. No appointment is necessary. Hours of operation are Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Additional hours will be added during rush periods. Call for hours. Contact us by phone at 614-287-5658 or by email at stuacct@cscc.edu.

If I am not receiving financial aid and paid the tuition out of pocket or with a 3rd party, then how are funds disbursed to me?

The refunds will be disbursed after the full-term 50% refund period. This will be in the form of a check, unless your tuition was paid with a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

If your tuition was paid with a credit card, the refund will be returned to the credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover). If a debit card was used to pay tuition, then the funds will be returned to that account. The funds will take 4-7 business days to appear in your account after Columbus State’s refund process. Please watch for an email to be notified that the refunds have been returned to the credit card you used for fee payment. Note: Certain fees and charges are non-refundable once charged to your account such as the $50 Application, Records and ID fee, parking fee, and the Re-Registration fee.

Tuition and fees paid by a third party may need to be refunded to the agency that paid your tuition.

We wish you the best of luck in your studies at Columbus State Community College and a successful term.