Refund/Cash Advance Policies


Refund Policy

Scholarships and loans are applied to the student's account at CWRU to pay direct charges (tuition, fees, medical plan). Institutional scholarships, and loans are initially applied as pending/anticipated aid but are actually disbursed on the first day of the fall and spring semesters for students who have met all eligibility requirements and have completed all required loan documents. Disbursement is then run on a weekly basis for the term. Once disbursement occurs, no pending/anticipated aid will be shown in SIS. Financial aid for the summer term is disbursed in early July in accordance with the university’s fiscal year.

Outside assistance, including outside scholarships and private loans, is disbursed as funds are received from the sponsor/donor.

If financial aid disbursements exceed charges, the excess funds are refunded to the student.

Student Financial Services Refund Policy


Cash Advance Policy

First year MD students may request a cash advance of up to $2,000 once tuition billing for the Spring term is visible on their SIS account. Incoming MD students are not eligible for an advance in the Fall term.  

Second, third, fourth and fifth year MD students may request a cash advance of up to $2,000 once charges for the upcoming term are visible on their SIS account to cover living expenses until their aid disbursement. Students will receive their full disbursement less the cash advance taken in July (third, fourth, and fifth year students) and August (second year students) to cover their fall term living expenses. 

PA and MSA students may request a cash advance of up to $2,000 once charges for the upcoming term are visible on their SIS account to cover living expenses until their aid disbursement. Students will receive their full disbursement less the cash advance taken in July to cover their summer term living expenses.

Students should plan carefully to avoid falling short of funds during the academic year. Financial aid funds are expected to last until the end of the academic year. A student's cost of attendance budget cannot be increased for students who find themselves out of money due to improper budgeting.

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