The Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) begins processing financial aid funds* approximately one week before the first class day of each semester. OSFS will continue to release financial aid funds every weeknight throughout the semester.

*Fall funds for any student enrolled in Summer classes will be held until after Summer grades are posted.

• Outstanding UT Austin debt (i.e. tuition and on-campus housing) is paid first. Remaining funds, if any, are then released to the student to buy books and pay living expenses (i.e. food, off-campus rent, and bills) for the semester.
• If you have already designated a banking institution for direct deposit, the remaining funds will be deposited into your bank account. If you have not designated a bank yet, do it today; otherwise you will be sent a paper check sent via regular mail.

If your funds haven't released, check CASH for any requirements that you may need to complete.

Here are a few common reasons that financial aid funds may be delayed:

• Local address needs to be updated.
• Enrollment is less than full-time.
• For Undergraduates: Full-time enrollment is defined as 9 credit hours spread over both sessions in Summer and 12 credit hours per long semester (Fall or Spring).
• For Graduates: Full-time enrollment** is defined as 6 credit hours spread over both sessions in Summer and 9 credit hours per long semester (Fall or Spring).
• **Enrollment status may vary among colleges/departments; check with your academic advisor to determine the number of hours for which you should be registered.
• Student Loan Entrance Counseling needs to be completed.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress is required.
• Master Promissory Note(s) (MPN) need(s) to be signed.
• An MPN is the legal agreement between a student (or parent) borrower and the lender that the borrower will repay a loan. The promissory note must be signed by the borrower – either electronically or via paper – before loan funds can be disbursed.
• The MPN message will remain in CASH until UT Austin receives your loan funds. If you are uncertain whether you have signed your MPN, contact your lender. If you have already signed your MPN, disregard the message in CASH.

If you think you need additional funding, take a look at these additional loan options: