Financial Aid Refunds
Cashier's Office
Financial Aid
Know When and How Refunds Are Issued
If your financial aid award is larger than your tuition, fees an other charges, you’ll receive a credit balance on your account. This may be used for textbooks and supplies at The Oaks Store..
Refunds are processed no sooner than the fourth week of each semester and all charges are paid in full and your attendance has been verified. Please see the refund date schedule below.
How Financial Aid Refunds Work
- You must attend and participate in your classes before aid is disbursed.
- Refunds are issued via direct deposit (ACH) or mailed checks, to the current address, on file with the registration office.
- Refund schedules differ based on class start dates and whether your loan is full-term or single-semester.
- To avoid delays, always keep your address up-to-date with the Registrar's Office.
- Check your refund amount on your MyGOCC student portal under Student Finance. Make sure to select the current term.
Winter 2026 Refund Schedule
Class Start Date: January 12, 2026
Use Financial Aid at Oaks Store: January 5 – January 23, 2026
Grants & Scholarships
(After all charges are paid)
- Direct Deposit (ACH): Week of February 2, 2026
- Paper Check Mailing: Week of February 9, 2026
All Loan Borrowers (Fall/Winter or Winter/Summer Loans – 100% Refund)
(After all charges are paid)
- Direct Deposit (ACH): Week of February 16, 2026
- Paper Check Mailing: Week of February 23, 2026
Winter-Only Loan Borrowers (Refunded in Two Payments: 50% / 50%)
(After all charges are paid)
- Direct Deposit (ACH):
- Week of February 16, 2026
- Week of March 2, 2026
- Paper Check Mailing:
- Week of February 23, 2026
- Week of March 9, 2026
Summer 2026 Refund Schedule
Class Start Date: May 18, 2026
Use Financial Aid at Oaks Store: May 4 – May 29, 2026
Grants & Scholarships
(After all charges are paid)
- Direct Deposit (ACH): Week of June 8, 2026
- Paper Check Mailing: Week of June 15, 2026
All Loan Borrowers (Winter/Summer Loans – 100% Refund)
(After all charges are paid)
- Direct Deposit (ACH): Week of June 22, 2026
- Paper Check Mailing: Week of June 29, 2026
Summer-Only Loan Borrowers (Refunded in Two Payments: 50% / 50%)
(After all charges are paid)
- Direct Deposit (ACH):
- Week of June 22, 2026
- Week of July 6, 2026
- Paper Check Mailing:
- Week of June 29, 2026
- Week of July 13, 2026
FAQs
Q: When will I get my financial aid refund?
A: Refunds are issued no sooner than the 4th week of each semester after classes begin,
depending on your enrollment and attendance. See specific dates above.
Q: What happens if I’m taking late-start classes?
A: Your refund will be delayed. Aid is disbursed 2+ weeks after the start of your
latest class, pending attendance confirmation.
Q: How do I set up direct deposit?
A: Visit Nelnet to sign up for ACH direct deposit. It's the fastest and most secure refund method.
Q: Can I use financial aid in the bookstore?
A: Yes! Use your aid in The Oaks Store during the dates listed for each term.
Q: Who do I contact if I have refund questions?
A: For questions about Nelnet or direct deposit, contact thethe Cashier’s Office at 269-294-4215. For questions about your Financial Aid Awards,
contact the Financial Aid Office at 269-294-4260.