How Aid is Disbursed
VGCC offers 16-week classes and two 8-week classes each Fall and Spring term. VGCC offers an 8-week and two 4-week classes each Summer term. Student enrollment is reviewed two times per semester: once in the first 8 -week term (or 4-week, if summer) and a second time in the second 8-week term (or second 4-week if summer). For example, if you are enrolled in two 3-credit hour classes for the first eight weeks and two 3-credit hour classes for the second eight weeks, your aid will be part-time for both terms, which will total a full-time disbursement for the semester. The amount disbursed will be based on the enrollment for that that term and any adjustments made to enrollment prior to the student’s census date.
| Class term | Census Date |
|---|---|
| First 8-week/16 week only | Financial Aid uses the 16-week census date |
| Second 8-week | Financial Aid uses the second 8-week census date (even if in combination with 16 -week classes and/or first 8-week classes) |
Any classes dropped prior to the census date reduce enrollment. This may cause an overpayment if aid has already been disbursed. Classes not attended second 8-weeks also impact financial aid eligibility for the semester.
** Please contact Financial Aid prior to dropping to determine the impact on your aid.**
After a student’s tuition, fees and any bookstore purchases have been paid with financial aid and/or scholarships, a student will be mailed a check (refund) for any excess aid. The check will be mailed to the address on file with the Records Office. If a student’s address changes, it needs to be updated immediately. If students are unsure of what address is on file, they can check My Profile in their myVGCC.
Below are the anticipated dates for the financial aid disbursements:
Disbursement for 16-week and first 8-week courses (for Summer, first 4-week courses):
- Fall: Mid-to-late September
- Spring: Mid-to-late February
- Summer: Mid-to-late June
Disbursement for 2nd 8-week courses (for Summer, second 4-week courses):
- Fall: Mid-to-late November
- Spring: Mid-to-late April
- Summer: Mid-to-late July
Late or additional financial aid refunds will be mailed approximately every 2-3 weeks after the semester’s first disbursement of aid is processed.
