Disbursement Schedule

All financial aid funds are disbursed on scheduled dates each term. Scheduled dates represent the major disbursement dates for our aid programs each term, but disbursements are processed on a weekly basis thereafter, to adjust payments for students who add or drop units prior to the enrollment freeze date, which occurs before the second Pell disbursement. 

If you are enrolled in an eligible program and your file is complete, you may receive two disbursements of Federal Grant aid each semester, based on your enrollment level and classes actively in session. If you are enrolled in a class that is due to start on a future date, it will be paid when your attendance begins.  

Federal grant aid (includes Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant). Federal Direct Loans are also disbursed in two payments based on the approved loan period. Cal Grant funds and Full-Time Incentive Grant funds will be disbursed at the beginning of the semester. 

All disbursed financial aid (grants, federal student loans, and scholarships) will be first applied towards current institutional fees you may owe Cañada College, College of San Mateo, or Skyline College such as enrollment fees, health fees and nonresident tuition. For most students, your financial aid award is more than the amount owed, and you will be paid the remaining balance, commonly called a financial aid refund.