Award Refunds

North Carolina community colleges are required by the state to verify attendance in all classes prior to issuing financial aid refunds. Thus, award refunds are often disbursed later than four-year institutions.

Due to the attendance verification process, students typically receive refunds approximately six weeks after the start of the semester.

Students should plan accordingly for immediate financial needs during this period. Students who should receive refunds following payment of tuition, fees, and bookstore charges will have the refunds disbursed after the start of the semester.

Enroll in Direct Deposit for Award Refunds

Direct Deposit allows students to receive refunds quicker and more securely than by check through automatic deposit of funds to the student’s bank account. Follow these steps to learn how to enroll in direct deposit in Self-Service.

Disbursement Dates

Refund dates are based on when paperwork was completed. These dates are subject to change.

Fall Semester 2024

Refund DateFile Completion Deadline Date
September 27September 1
October 15October 1
November 13October 31
December 13November 25

 

Spring Semester 2025

Refund DateFile Completion Deadline Date
February 21January 31
March 14February 28
April 18April 1
May 12April 30

 

Summer Term 2025

Refund DateFile Completion Deadline Date
June 16May 30
July 22July 2


A file complete deadline date means all required financial aid paperwork is accurately submitted to the Financial Aid Office. If you are requesting a student loan, this includes the Loan Authorization form. We cannot guarantee your refund will be on the associated refund date if any of the required paperwork is submitted after the related deadline.

The last file completion deadline date is the final deadline for the term. Any paperwork, including the Loan Authorization form, submitted after this date may not be processed before the completion of the semester. Financial Aid will process your aid at the beginning of the next semester.

Please contact your Financial Aid advisor if you have specific questions.