Money.
That’s the first thing that comes to mind when paying for college, especially in the current economy. Many students are still wondering where their money, or more specifically their financial aid is.
Financial aid is usually distributed during the first week of the semester.
According to Tina Lent, Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Services, “the first Financial Aid Disbursements are made on the 3rd and 5th day of the semester.”
“Financial Aid Disbursements are (then) made weekly for the remainder of the semester,” Lent wrote in an email interview.
According to Lent “the financial aid office received 23,121 financial aid applications for the 2011/2012 semester. As of September 2nd all of the applications were accepted.”
Some students tell the Collegian staff, though, they have yet to see any money so far.
“It’s very frustrating to have such a long wait and not knowing when the money will get here,” said Sidus Choup.
Choup said he’s heard students have even gone so far as to set up a Facebook group to exchange or sell books at discounted prices because of now strained finances.
Other students are choosing to contact the financial aid office themselves.
“We assisted over 2,800 students during the first two weeks of school,” Lent said.
When asked if she knew when the rest of the students would be receiving their checks and if this has ever been a problem before, Lent said “financial aid disbursements are made on a weekly basis throughout the entire academic year.”
The mixed messages here from school officials and students, reflect that financial aid is not really late; it is just not here for some.
President/Superintendent Dr. Jeff Marsee said in an interview that he had requested a report on the issue from the financial aid office, but had yet to receive any information.
