Dates & Deadlines

Financial Aid Important Dates and Deadlines

The 2025–26 and 2026–27 FAFSA forms are now available online.

To ensure you meet tuition deadlines and receive any eligible credit balance stipend on time, SCU has established the following priority financial aid processing deadlines. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA and submit all required financial aid documentation before the start of each term.

Important: All dates are subject to change.

Spring 2026 Term

January 5, 2026 – April 19, 2026
(All programs excluding BSHS Sub-terms, MSMS 11-Month program, and PsyD Reiss-Davis)

Key Milestones

  • Tuition & Fees Billing: December 22
  • Direct Deposit Enrollment Deadline: January 10
  • Start of Term: January 5

Payment Deadlines

  • Payment Due Date: January 16
  • Payment Plan Enrollment Deadline & First Payment Due: January 5
  • Late Payment Fees Assessed: January 26

Financial Aid Disbursement & Credit Balance Stipend

  • Graduate Students
    • Disbursement (posted to student account): January 9
    • Credit Balance Stipend: January 16
  • Undergraduate Students
    • Disbursement (posted to student account): January 16
    • Credit Balance Stipend: January 23

Spring 2026 – BSHS Sub-Terms

Sub-term A

January 5, 2026 – February 25, 2026

Key Milestones

  • Tuition & Fees Billing: December 22
  • Direct Deposit Enrollment Deadline: January 10
  • Start of Term: January 5

Payment Deadlines

  • Payment Due Date: January 5
  • Payment Plan Enrollment Deadline & First Payment Due: January 9
  • Late Payment Fees Assessed: January 19

Financial Aid

  • Disbursement (posted to student account): January 9
  • Credit Balance Stipend Released: January 23

Sub-term B

February 25, 2026 – April 19, 2026

Key Milestones

  • Tuition & Fees Billing: February 11
  • Direct Deposit Enrollment Deadline: February 28
  • Start of Term: February 25

Payment Deadlines

  • Payment Due Date: February 25
  • Payment Plan Enrollment Deadline & First Payment Due: March 2
  • Late Payment Fees Assessed: March 9

Financial Aid

  • Disbursement (posted to student account): March 5
  • Credit Balance Stipend Released: March 13

Understanding Your Financial Aid Timeline

Disbursement of Financial Aid

Financial aid disbursement is the process by which your financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applied to your student account.

  • Federal aid is applied first to outstanding charges
  • Institutional aid and other funding sources are applied next
  • Your account balance may change as aid is processed

If your financial aid is disbursed on time and fully covers your balance, late fees will not be assessed. If a balance remains, you are responsible for paying the difference by the applicable due date.

Credit Balance Stipend

A credit balance occurs when your financial aid exceeds the charges on your student account.

  • Funds are issued via direct deposit if enrolled
  • Otherwise, a check is mailed to your permanent address on file
  • These funds are intended for educational expenses, including:
    • Housing and food
    • Books and supplies
    • Transportation
    • Personal expenses

Important Considerations

Receiving a credit balance stipend does not always mean your account is fully settled. You may still have a balance due if:

  • Your course schedule changes
  • Additional charges are applied after your credit is issued
  • A prior balance cannot be covered by current aid

Unpaid balances may result in a hold on your account.

Recommended Next Steps

To stay on track and avoid delays:

  1. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible
  2. Complete all required financial aid documentation
  3. Enroll in direct deposit before the deadline
  4. Monitor your student account regularly
  5. Contact Financial Aid or Student Accounts with any questions