Anyone who is not a first time student knows what a pain it can be to wait for your federal loan refund. Those who are getting to experience the wait for the first time here is an explanation to why it takes so long.

One of the most common student loans to apply for is the Stafford Loan. Applying for this loan is the best place to start if you are looking for finical help. There are four requirements to be considered as a candidate for the loan. The first requirement is that you must be a U.S citizen, permanent resident or eligible non citizen. Another requirement is that you must at least be enrolled in school half time. If you apply for a subsidized Stafford loan you have to meet finical need as determined by your school. To apply for the loan you can not be in default on any education loans or owe a refund on an education grant.

One of the most important requirements is that you must submit a FAFSA before anything can be processed. To file for a FAFSA it is a free process, it can be done electronically online. When filling out this application it is very important to remember to include the codes to the school you’re attending or wish to attend, so your finical information can be sent to those schools. Once your FASA is filled out in about three to four weeks you will receive in the mail a copy of your student aid report and then it will be sent your school. Once this process is complete a Financial Aid Reward Letter will be sent form your school directly to you. At this time you have to make the decision on which parts of the loan you want to accept. For example work study, personal loans, parent loans etc… Once the reward letter is returned to your school you will have to fill out a mastery Promissory note and return to your school.

Once all this paperwork is completed you are now able to receive your student loan money. The federal loan refund will not come right away or go directly to you. First your school will be able to use the loan to pay for tuition and all other school enrolment expenses like a dorm room if necessary. Once everything is paid if you have any extra funds you will receive a refund in the form of a check which can be used just like cash or applied back toward your loans. When this federal loan is refunded to a student it will occur usually right before classes begin or soon after the first week. Most schools will have their own personal set dates when the refunds will be released this can be found on most Universities websites. It is most likely you should have your refund in time to buy school books.