Disbursement Updates

WNCC must ensure that financial aid dollars go to eligible students who are fulfilling their obligations to receive those funds. Both the college and the aid recipient share the responsibility to make this happen. Please read the important information about the dates and processes that need to be known to receive funds.

How are grants and scholarships disbursed?

Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Nebraska Opportunity Grants and any other grants or scholarships will be posted directly to the student's account if you meet the following criteria:

You are registered for the required number of credit hours to qualify for your aid,
Your financial aid is not suspended,
You are in an approved program of

The student MUST attend classes to be financial aid eligible. Attendance rosters are completed online by your instructors and attendance will be confirmed before financial aid checks are released.

If financial aid funds exceed direct WNCC charges, the remaining amount will be available in the form of a check and will be mailed by the Scottsbluff Business Office unless other arrangements are made with the Business Office at 308-635-6020 or e-accounts@wncc.edu.

Financial aid will NOT be adjusted for enrollment changes occurring after the census date, which is usually during the third week of the fall or spring semester, (except in the case of complete withdrawals).

When will I receive my money?

Students who have received award letters from the Financial Aid Office by the start of the semester and who meet all other eligibility requirements should have checks available on the first disbursement date (see Important Dates). No funds will be released before this date for any reason.

Financial aid disbursements will continue throughout the semester as eligibility is determined and aid is processed. Checks are typically available on Fridays, within two weeks of the student's award letter.

Where do I pick up my financial aid checks?

If arrangements have been made with the WNCC Business Office, checks can be picked up at any one of our three campuses (Scottsbluff Campus Business Office, Sidney Campus, or Alliance Campus).

Contact the Business Office at 308-635-6020 or e-accounts@wncc.edu to make arrangements.

How are loans disbursed?

If the student indicated on their FAFSA that they were interested in Federal Direct Student Loans, the award letter indicates the amount of subsidized loan for which the student is eligible. Students may have unsubsidized Federal Direct Student loan eligibility not relected on the award letter.

Loan disbursement dates are the same as for grants except for first-year, first-time borrowers. If a student has never had a student loan before and is a freshman at WNCC, the loan check will not become available until 30 days after the first date of the semester.

All loans must be disbursed in two equal payments. If a student requested a semester-only loan rather than an academic year loan (fall/spring), the second portion of the loan will not be available until after the mid-point of the semester.

Students will be notified via WNCC e-mail when loan funds have been disbursed to their account. Students may choose to cancel all or part of their loan within 14 days of disbursement notification.

How will I get paid for my Federal Work Study and Student Employment position?

Federal Work Study is an employment program funded by the federal government and WNCC and is based on the results of the FAFSA. It provides students with part-time jobs to help meet the cost of education. Jobs pay at least minimum wage and generally average 10 hours per week. Student Employment positions funded entirely by WNCC may be available on campus for students who do not qualify for Federal Work Study.

Time entry is completed online to ensure accuracy and that students are not working during class time. Students are paid twice a month (on the 15th and 30th) for the previous two weeks. Paychecks may be picked up in the Scottsbluff Campus Business Office, or the Sidney or Alliance campuses. Or students may elect direct deposit to a bank account.

Federal Work Study earnings generally cannot exceed the amount listed in the award letter or contract. Students must make sure to inform their supervisors of this amount. The student and their supervisor should monitor hours and wages to ensure the student does not exceed the allowable limit.