Disbursement FAQs
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about financial aid disbursement.
Financial Aid at TCC
Plan Today: Paying for College
Tuition and Fees: Before classes begin, financial aid will be used toward the term’s tuition and fees.
Textbooks and Learning Materials: You may use your anticipated financial aid for textbooks, learning materials, and electronics (including a laptop - online only) before the term begins, and during the first week of class.
Book Advance: If you do not use any of your bookstore credit at the campus bookstore, you will receive a book advance of up to $500 by the 7th day of the term, if eligible. If you use any of your bookstore credit, you will not receive a book advance.
Refunds to You: After the census date(s) for your class(es), financial aid refunds will be issued to eligible students who have been attending classes.
If You Owe a Balance: For students whose anticipated aid will not cover the entire cost of tuition and fees, be sure to pay or make payment arrangements.
Check Your Aid: Log into MyTCCTrack to view your financial aid, anticipated aid, tuition costs, and account details.
Review the Financial Aid Refunds FAQs for additional information.
What is financial aid disbursement?
Disbursement is when your financial aid is applied to your student account to pay your tuition, fees, and other eligible charges.
What is the difference between a disbursement and a refund?
- Disbursement: Aid pays your term balance.
- Refund: Any remaining money is sent to you.
Refunds are issued after the Census Date and only if you have been attending your classes.
Learn about refund delivery options.
How and when do my classes get paid?
How Your Classes Get Paid
If you enrolled in classes, accepted your financial aid award, and your financial aid is pending, your classes will not be dropped if you haven't paid for them by the payment deadline. They will be held until your financial aid is disbursed.
When Your Classes Get Paid
Aid is disbursed after the term begins. You will receive an email to your @my.tccd.edu account with details about your disbursement.
After Your Classes Get Paid
If you still owe a balance, learn how to pay or set up a payment plan.
How much aid could I receive in my disbursement?
Your disbursement amount depends on:
- your total award,
- the number of credit hours you're enrolled in (also know as your enrollment status),
- and if you're registered for courses required in your academic plan.
Learn more about enrollment status requirements for:
Pell Grants Enrollment Level
Use the charts below to estimate how much of your award you may receive based on the number of credit hours you’re enrolled in for the semester.
| Credit Hours Enrolled | Percentage of Aid (Enrollment Intensity) |
|---|---|
| 12+ | 100% |
| 11 | 92% |
| 10 | 83% |
| 9 | 75% |
| 8 | 67% |
| 7 | 58% |
| 6 | 50% |
| 5 | 42% |
| 4 | 33% |
| 3 | 25% |
| 2 | 17% |
| 1 | 8% |
TPEG and FSEOG Grants
| Credit Hours Enrolled | Percentage of Aid (Enrollment Intensity) |
|---|---|
| 12+ | 100% |
| 9–11 | 75% |
| 6–8 | 50% |
| 1–5 | 25% |
Other Types of Financial Aid
Contact Student Financial Aid Services for help understanding enrollment requirements for other aid types.
I'm not taking a 16-week class: when will I receive my disbursement?
If your class is in a non-standard term (anything shorter or different from the regular 16-week schedule), your aid will disburse after that class begins.
Non-standard terms may include, but are not limited to:
- MOD Math
- STSC 0111
- 8-week classes
- Weekend College
What happens if I still have a balance after my disbursement?
You must pay any remaining balance before the Census Date to avoid being dropped from your classes.
You may pay the remaining balance with Business Services or sign up for a payment plan. Learn more about available payment methods.
I'm thinking of dropping a class, will it affect my disbursement?
Yes, changing your schedule can affect how much aid you receive.
Before adding or dropping classes, review financial aid recalculations rules and contact Student Financial Aid Services for help understanding how your aid may change.
Updated December 19, 2025