Financial Aid Disbursements and Refunds

Disbursement of most federal and institutional awards at Stony Brook begins after the fourth day of each term, while disbursement of New York State awards occurs after 100% tuition liability (5th week of the term).

Upon successful clearance, financial aid awards are disbursed and credited to your University account. Any resulting excess credit is refunded to you (or sent to your parent, if it’s a PLUS loan refund) within 14 days.

Cancellation of Disbursed Federal Loans

You have the right to cancel all or a portion of your Federal Stafford or Perkins Loan, even after the loan funds have been disbursed and credited to your University account. If you wish to cancel an already disbursed loan for the current term, you must notify Financial Aid in writing (paper or electronically) prior to the end of the term.

The parent borrower has the right to cancel all or a portion of the Federal PLUS, even after the loan funds have been disbursed and credited to the student's University account. If the parent wishes to cancel an already disbursed PLUS, the parent borrower must notify Financial Aid in writing (paper or electronically) prior to the end of the term.

Adjustments to Already Disbursed Aid

If changes are made to your financial aid package, it is sometimes necessary to bill you back for aid already disbursed and credited to your University account.

Withdrawal from Stony Brook University and the Impact of Disbursed Federal Aid

You may be billed for a portion or all of your federal financial aid if you withdraw from the University. It is therefore recommended that you contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services prior to withdrawing from the term to review the impact on your Federal aid as a result of withdrawing. See Withdrawals for more information.

To check the status of your University account or refund, click on the 'What Do I Owe/Account Summary' link via Stony Brook’s on-line SOLAR System.

For additional questions regarding your University account balance or refunds, contact the Bursar/Student Accounts Office.

Withdrawal from Stony Brook University and the Impact on State Aid

Dependent upon the time of withdrawal, your eligibility for New York State Aid may be impacted. If you withdraw after 100% liability your will eligibility to receive New York State Aid for the next term of attendance will be impacted. It is therefore recommended that you contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services prior to withdrawing from the term to review the impact on your State aid as a result of withdrawing.