Based on inquiries by phone and email, below are the top five topics of the week. 

• My financial aid is not reflecting correctly on MyBill. Is it because I am waitlisted for courses?

• Waitlisted courses do not count towards the 12-unit requirement for full disbursement of some types of financial aid, such as Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and Middle Class Scholarship, which are unit-sensitive. Once the 12-unit requirement is met, eligible students can expect the full aid to disburse within 24-48 hours. To understand how the number of units you are enrolled in affects your financial aid disbursement, visit Changes That May Affect Your Aid.

• What if I cannot pay my remaining balance for the winter quarter?

• Please check the Estimated Financial Aid section in MyBill to ensure that the aid you are eligible for is factored into your total remaining balance. If you cannot pay your fees by the payment deadline for the winter quarter (December 15, 2024), Student Accounting offers a Deferred Payment Plan. This payment plan allows for eligible tuition and fees to be paid in monthly installments.

• When will refunds for winter quarter be issued?  
• If you have a NEGATIVE balance on your MyBill, you are eligible for a refund in that amount for the quarter; either through direct deposit or a paper check. Refunds will be available after the first day of instruction for the winter quarter (January 3rd, 2025). For more information on refunds, please contact Student Accounting. If you are in financial hardship and need the funds early, you can apply for a Short Term Loan.
• I have a Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) estimate on MyAwards. How can I receive these funds?
• Eligible students will see a Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) estimate on their MyAwards. This estimated amount may be adjusted at any time during the academic year if you receive other financial assistance. Actual eligibility and MCS amounts are confirmed with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Our office will disburse the MCS near the end of each term, once the funds are confirmed.
• I received an email indicating that I was over-awarded financial aid because of the Middle Class Scholarship; what does this email mean? 
• As we reconcile the final amounts of the 2024-25 Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), which is managed by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), we identify any student whose financial aid package now exceeds their financial need. Financial need is determined by the information on the student's FAFSA or CADAA. It is against federal regulation to award a student more than their financial need. To resolve this over-award, an adjustment will be made to your Middle Class Scholarship amount, which may result in a balance due on your student account.

For answers to common questions, Ask Gunrock! Our virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer your general financial aid and scholarship questions. You'll find Gunrock on select web pages, including this one, in the lower right corner.

Here's a quick guide on the types of questions that can be answered 24/7 here online, or when an email, phone call, or visit is recommended.