FREQUENTLY ASKED FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS

Applying for Financial Aid

For all the details on how to apply for financial aid, be sure to read our Applying for Financial Aid page.

How long will the application process take?

If you apply through FAFSA on the web, it will take approximately two to three weeks.

What documents will I need to complete my financial aid file?

Check your financial aid status online to see if we need any additional documents from you. If tax returns are required, you will need a “tax transcript” from the IRS. We cannot accept copies of tax returns done by you or outside agencies. (Linking to the IRS from within your FAFSA application speeds up this process.) If the Department of Education has chosen you for verification, see the information about Verification on the Applying for Financial Aid page to see what is required.

What if I need help in completing the financial aid application?

We offer workshops throughout the year to help students and parents apply for financial aid and complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Find upcoming sessions on the Workshops on Financial Aid and FAFSA page.

You can also stop by Enrollment and Student Services during open hours for assistance.

What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?

To make sure you have your financial aid when classes start, you should have a complete financial aid file by the priority deadline. This deadline is about six to eight weeks before classes start. You’ll find the exact deadlines on the Applying for Financial Aid page.

How will I be notified if I am eligible?

We will send an email to your RiverMail account. Your award will be based on the enrollment status reported by you. If you are not eligible, we will let you know.

How many credit hours must I be enrolled in to qualify for financial aid?

You must be enrolled full time to receive the maximum award amounts. Full time means at least 12 semester hours for all terms (including summer sessions). Certain award programs, such as the Pell Grant, may prorate awards to correspond to your enrollment status (i.e., if you are half time, you will receive half of the full-time award).

Students must have at least half-time status (6 credits or 180 clock hours) to receive a student loan.

What should I do if my family’s situation changes?

If changes in your family occur such as unemployment, divorce or the death of a parent, you should contact the Financial Aid Office. A financial aid advisor will determine if your situation warrants a recalculation of your information and what forms and/or information you must provide in order to determine any changes in your financial aid eligibility.

I am a veteran of the Armed Forces. Do I qualify for benefits?

You may be eligible. Contact the Veterans Services Office, located within the Financial Aid Office. Students may also wish to contact the Veterans Administration Office directly at 1-800-827-1000 to see if they qualify for benefits, apply online or refer to the Military Benefits page for information.

Scholarships

For information on all the scholarships available to Indian River State College and details on how to apply, check on our Scholarships page.

Does IRSC provide transfer scholarships?

If you are:

• Nearing graduation, or recently graduated from, Indian River State College, and
• Continuing your education with a bachelor’s degree at The River or at another university

We encourage you to apply for transfer scholarships.

Disbursements

The payment of your financial aid award to you is known as a “disbursement.” For all the details on disbursements, check the Receiving and Using Your Financial Aid page.

When will I receive my disbursement?

Most financial aid checks will be mailed and direct deposits made within four to six weeks from the first day of classes. Direct deposits can take three to five business days. Disbursements will continue until commitments are fulfilled.

If you have Express Schedule classes or classes that started later in the semester, your disbursement may be delayed and you may not receive part of your disbursement until after the drop-with-refund date for those classes. We will work to disburse those as soon as possible.

How does the disbursement process work?

Disbursement uses your financial aid award to pay your charges for tuition, fees, books, and any other college charges. Any remaining funds are paid to you, either by check or by direct deposit, depending on what you have chosen.

To receive loan disbursements, you must be in 6 compliant credits (meaning 6 credits that count towards your eligible financial aid program).

How can I set up direct deposit to get my disbursement faster?

You can sign up, or “elect,” to receive your disbursement by direct deposit, which is often quicker than receiving a check via postal mail. You’ll find directions on the Receiving and Using Your Financial Aid page.

What happens if I elect direct deposit after disbursement starts?

If disbursements have already started when you elect direct deposit, whether you get a check or a direct deposit will depend on whether your disbursement has already been processed or not. You can check your account to see if your disbursement has already gone through before making the change.

Where is my disbursement date in Workday?

Disbursement dates are no longer available in Workday.