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Disbursement of Funds

How are financial aid funds disbursed?

Once the student has accepted the award and returned any required paperwork, CSULB begins preparing financial aid funds for disbursement. All funds in excess of any University charges, such as registration fees or housing charges, are refunded to the student via direct deposit through the university’s eRefund process.

Grants

Grant funds are credited directly to a student's University account. If excess funds remain after deducting any outstanding University charges, a refund will be automatically issued via direct deposit through eRefund.

Federal Perkins Loan

After submitting a signed promissory note and attending the entrance interview session (required for first-time borrowers at CSULB), the Perkins Loan funds will be credited automatically to the student's University account. If excess funds remain after deducting any outstanding University charges, a refund will be issued automatically to the student via direct deposit. Perkins funds are disbursed following the Add/Drop period of each semester.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans

Federal Direct Stafford Loans are disbursed in two equal amounts, usually at the beginning of the semester – with one disbursement occurring per semester. In order for your Direct Stafford Loan to disburse, you must first have done the following:

  1. Returned all requested documents to the Office of Financial Aid at CSULB.
  2. Accepted the Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan offer on MyCSULB.
  3. Completed the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN).
  4. Completed the Online Entrance Counseling (first-time borrowers at CSULB only).
  5. Enrolled in the appropriate number of units for half-time status (6 for undergraduates; 5 for Master’s level).
  6. Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress on your degree or certificate.

Once all of the above requirements have been met, the loans will disburse and be credited towards any outstanding university-related charges (the earliest date of disbursement is 10 days prior to the start of classes). If there is any amount remaining from the loan disbursement, a refund will be issued to you via direct deposit through the eRefund process.

Federal Work-Study Awards

Students in approved work-study positions are paid monthly for hours worked. The student must submit a time sheet to the employer by the 23rd of each month so that the student can receive a check on the 15th of the following month. Students should discuss specific payroll procedures with their employer.

Scholarships

You are required to notify the Financial Aid Office of any scholarships you are receiving, including those awards issued by academic departments as well as awards you receive payment of directly. We must include this funding with your other financial aid award(s). If necessary, we may adjust other awards.

Students who receive scholarships from their high school or community groups should have their funds sent directly to

Bursar's Office
CSU Long Beach, Brotman Hall 155
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840

CSULB will then disburse the funds directly to the student based on the donor's instructions. All outstanding University charges must be settled before the funds can be released.

Some scholarships are administered through the CSULB Foundation, and award checks are disbursed directly from the Foundation Office. Check with the awarding department to determine if the award will be disbursed through the Foundation. If so, the student can contact the Foundation Office at (562) 985-5537 for specific information. It is the student's responsibility to settle any outstanding University charges with the Bursar's Office before the Foundation can disburse any funds.

Who can answer further questions about Financial Aid?

For specific questions about your financial aid visit the Office of Financial Aid, which is part of Enrollment Services, located in Brotman Hall, windows 14 and 15, or call the office at (562) 985-8403.

When are funds processed?

In general, funds are disbursed at the start of each semester. It is important that you complete all paperwork and return any requested documents to the Office of Financial Aid prior to the start of the semester to ensure that funds will be available.

Your financial aid refund will be issued via direct deposited through the university’s eRefund process.  To sign up for eRefund, log on to MyCSULB, click on "Finances and Aid" and then "Request eRefund Direct Deposit.” If you need additional assistance refer to the Sign up for eRefund guide.

What delays disbursement of funds?

The following are reasons why the student's funds may not be available on the first day of classes:

  • A late application submitted after the March 2 deadline.

  • Missing documents.

  • Not promptly accepting the financial aid award.

  • Not completing a Direct Loan MPN.

  • Not completing the Online Entrance Counseling for Direct Loan borrowers.

  • Not returning your Stafford or Perkins promissory note.

  • Not attending a Perkins Loan entrance interview session.

  • Not meeting the minimum requirement for enrollment: 5 units (500 or 600 level) for Master's students, 6 units for all other students.

  • Not making Satisfactory Academic Progress towards your degree or certificate.

  • Unresolved University charges; for more information contact the Bursar's Office in Brotman Hall, First Floor, windows 8-10.

  • Being in default on a student loan or owing a repayment to any Title IV financial aid program.

Who can answer further questions about refunds?

For specific questions about refund disbursements visit the Disbursements Office, which is part of the Bursar's Office, located in Brotman Hall, First Floor, Windows 11 and 12, or call the office at (562) 985-5541.