Aid disbursement

Once your funds are available, NAU will apply them to your account: tuition first, then housing and other charges. If there’s anything left over, it will be refunded to you. Here’s how it all works (and how to avoid delays).

How and when you'll get your financial aid funds

Financial aid disbursement is the process of releasing your scholarships, grants, loans, and other aid to your LOUIE account to cover tuition and other university charges.

“Disbursement” just means your financial aid is being sent to NAU. It goes directly into your student account in LOUIE and pays for things like tuition, housing, and meal plans. If there’s money left over, it gets refunded to you.

How financial aid gets applied

Your aid goes toward your NAU charges in this order:

  1. Tuition and fees
  2. Housing
  3. Meal plan
  4. Departmental or miscellaneous charges

When to expect your financial aid funds

Financial aid disbursement starts up to 10 days before the semester begins. To avoid delays, double check that your LOUIE To Do List is complete. Still have items listed? Your aid won’t disburse until they’re completed. 

How excess financial aid gets refunded to you

If your aid covers everything and there’s still money left, that extra amount will be refunded to you. Refunds go out every Tuesday and Thursday once disbursement begins. Set up direct deposit in LOUIE under "Finances" to get your refund faster. If you do not set up direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to your address on file (which can take up to two weeks).

First time borrowing loans?

You’ll need to complete entrance counseling and sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN). Once both are submitted, allow 3-5 business days for your loan to process.

Don't forget these loan and disbursement tips

Your LOUIE To-Do List is your top priority. Don’t skip over your LOUIE checklist items. Your aid won’t move forward until everything’s marked complete. 

New to student loans? Give yourself 3–5 business days after completing entrance counseling and your MPN before expecting funds. 

Got too much loan money? Return what you don’t need with no penalty if you send it back within 14 days using the Loan Return Form. 

Timing matters. Federal loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS) must be disbursed within the same semester they’re awarded. If the semester ends, so does your disbursement window.

Still have questions? We are here to help!

Reach out anytime. We're here to help you make sense of it all. Call 928-523-4951 or email financial.aid@nau.edu.