How Financial Aid Is Paid Out

Once you’ve been sent your financial aid award letter, here’s what happens before you receive your money:

1. Review your financial aid in Workday: Log in to Workday and review your financial aid awards. Be sure to read the terms and understand what you need to do to maintain eligibility. This includes meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
2. Choose your refund method: If you haven’t done so already, you will also need to  verify your address in Workday (login required). Doing so allows you to then choose the method you prefer to receive any refund you may be owed through TouchNet. To learn more, view our Refunds and Disbursements webpage. 
3. Your aid is applied to your account: Next, your financial aid award is credited to your account. This usually occurs after the Verified Participation date (when your instructor confirms you are attending class). You must be attending your classes to receive financial aid. Any tuition you owe to the college will be paid first using your financial aid. 
4. The college reviews your eligibility: Dallas College then verifies the accuracy of financial aid award amounts credited to your account. This verification includes confirming your enrollment status and your financial aid eligibility. This step can take up to 14 business days. Note: If your award(s) include Pell, SEOG or federal loans, your eligibility must also be confirmed with the Department of Education during this time. 
5. You receive any remaining funds: After verification takes place and your eligibility is confirmed, any remaining financial aid award funds are sent to you through TouchNet. 

Important:  

You must complete all the above steps before you can receive your financial aid money. 

We know it may feel like your financial aid is taking longer than expected, but your funds will be released before federal deadlines. 

What Can You Do To Get Your Money Earlier Next Semester?

The easiest way to ensure your funds are processed as quickly as possible is to stay on top of your paperwork.

• Submit your FAFSA as early as possible. You can apply for financial aid as early as the October before the Fall semester you plan to enroll.
• Check your financial aid messages regularly.
• Respond quickly to any forms requiring input or requests for more information or signatures. 

Financial aid isn’t a race, but the sooner you fill out your paperwork and submit it, the better your chances of receiving money. Colleges are only given a certain amount of money every year to distribute to students. The earlier you submit your paperwork, the better your chances of receiving aid.  

Who Can Get a Book Advance?

Note: Most books and supplies are already included in tuition through Dallas College’s IncludEd program.

Book advances are available for students in the Dental Hygiene, Nursing and Culinary and Pastry Arts programs.

To qualify, you must have one of these programs listed as your primary program of study.

• Need help with your program of study?  Schedule an appointment with your success coach (advisor).
• Have financial aid questions? Contact Financial Aid.