<p>I wanted to know how long does it usually take for financial aid to begin processing and paying for my expenses for college? and If you want to buy books how will financial aid pay for it if I bought it online? Should I wait for the financial aid to kick in because I have a need to get my textbooks as soon as possible?</p>
<p>The schools I have experience with the FA money is credited to the bursar’s account, any direct school expenses (tuition and fees, roon and board etc) are charged to the bursar’s account. If the FA moneys exceed the direct charges the excess is “refunded” to the student. However the timing of the refunds varies from school to school. My daughter’s school pays the refunds after the add/drop period which is 2 weeks after class starts. My son’s school pays the refund about 5-6 weeks after class starts. I have heard of schools doing it earlier and later. Only your school can tell you when they do it.</p>
<p>Fwiw, I’ve noticed signs posted in bookstores on a few of my recent college tours indicating that the bookstore can charge the student’s account with the school before refunds are issued. Not helpful when you’re trying to save money by buying from other sources but good to know if you have to get one of those custom packages or have the option to rent from your bookstore. As swimcatsmom says, you should check with your school to find out their refund policy - it’s likely on their financial aid webpage as well.</p>