Financial Aid

Financial Aid Disbursement Timing for Fall 2026

As we begin the Fall 2026 semester, please note an update to the timing of financial aid disbursements this year.

Due to new federal regulations tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), all types of financial aid are now more closely tied to verified enrollment and credit hour counts. As a result, the Office of Financial Aid will not be able to begin releasing aid until enrollment can be fully verified after the last day to add or drop classes, August 30.

This means disbursements will begin Monday, August 31, once enrollment is confirmed. This is a shift from previous years, when aid was typically released the week before classes began, but it does not affect the aid you've been awarded. Your financial aid remains in place; only the timing of when it disburses has changed.

View the full academic calendar, including the add/drop deadline. If you have questions about your specific award, please reach out to our office.

Important Update: Refund Timing for Fall 2026 

We know many students rely on their financial aid refund to help cover expenses like rent, and we want to make sure you have accurate information to plan ahead. Due to new federal enrollment verification requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), financial aid disbursements this fall cannot begin until after the last day to add or drop classes, August 30. You can view this date on the official academic calendar.

Official statement for reference: All refunds will be processed after August 30, potentially leading to direct deposits appearing in bank accounts shortly after September 1. If you have a bill or payment due before then, we encourage you to plan accordingly and reach out to the relevant party (e.g., landlord) if you need to discuss timing.

If an outside entity requires confirmation of your financial aid status or the disbursement process, please contact the Office of Financial Aid for any documentation we may provide. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach us! 

FAFSA now available for academic year 2026-2027.

Complete your FAFSA now at studentaid.gov and list Radford University using school code 003732.

Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines

View our Financial Aid Timeline for important information regarding financial aid each term.

Account Information available 24/7

Check out your account status on OneCampus!  You can simply search for financial aid to learn more about your current status.

Aid Offer Notification Information

Once your FAFSA processing has been completed and your financial aid offer has been finalized, you will receive an aid offer notification via email.  Learn more about the aid offer notification process for students.

Watch a video about Financial Aid offers for admitted students on YouTube.

Federal Student Loan Changes for Graduate Students

Significant changes to federal student loan programs for graduate and professional students go into effect July 1, 2026. We've compiled the information you need to know about these changes for easy access.

Submit a FERPA

We encourage all students who will be enrolling at Radford University to complete and submit a FERPA.  This allows our team to talk with you and your family throughout the enrollment process!

Can we help?

Has your family's financial situation changed since you filed the 2025-2026 FAFSA?  Learn more about the special circumstance process to see if an adjustment to your student aid index (SAI) is possible.

Radford Tuition Promise

Radford Tuition Promise is a commitment from Radford University to help Virginia students earn their degree. Learn more about the Radford Tuition Promise and eligibility requirements.