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As the fall semester winds down, now is the perfect time to get all your financial aid plans in order for spring. Whether you鈥檙e a first-year student or heading into your final semester, reviewing your financial aid and out-of-pocket expenses early can help you avoid last-minute stress, delayed refunds, or student account holds. Follow these steps to make sure you鈥檙e set up for a smooth start to the spring 2026 semester.

Step 1: Check Your FAFSA Status

If you haven鈥檛 already completed your 2025鈥�2026 FAFSA, do that as soon as possible鈥攜ou may be eligible for federal financial aid for both the fall 2025 semester and the upcoming spring 2026 semester.

• Verify that you completed the 2025-2026 FAFSA, not the 2026-2027 FAFSA (though you鈥檒l need that one for the following academic year!)
• Verify that your FAFSA was processed and not rejected
  • You should have received a confirmation email. If you didn鈥檛 receive one, login again to make sure it was submitted successfully.
• Make sure GBC鈥檚 school code (001429) was listed so we receive your FAFSA.
• If you were selected for verification, please submit all requested documents through the to avoid delays.

Step 2: Review Your Fall 2025 Account Balance

Login to Campus Web and navigate to the to check your current balance.

• Make sure all fall charges (including tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan) are paid in full or will be paid by the final fall payment due date (November 15^th)鈥攗npaid balances will prevent your access to spring registration or the droppage of previously registered spring courses
• If you see unexpected charges or would like an explanation for your account balance, contact the Business Office ([email protected]) to clear things up.

Step 3: Confirm Your Spring Enrollment

Your tuition charges and financial aid eligibility are both based on your enrollment status.

• If you plan to take fewer or more credits than you did in the fall semester, your tuition charges and financial aid will likely be different 鈥� check with the Financial Aid Office to see how this affects you.
• Full-time status (12+ credits) is required for most financial aid awards 鈥� if you registered for less than 12 credits, contact the Financial Aid Office to see how this impacts your award eligibility.

Tip: Finalize your spring schedule before the late registration deadline (December 12^th) to ensure it aligns with your financial aid requirements and degree progress.

Step 4: Review and Accept Your Financial Aid Awards

Log into the financial aid portal and confirm:

• Your loan(s) (if desired) and athletic scholarship(s) are accepted for spring.
• You鈥檝e completed all loan requirements ( and the ).
• If any of your awards are missing or incorrect, please reach out to the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Step 5: Set Up or Adjust Your Payment Plan

If you owe a remaining balance after all financial aid is applied, you can pay your balance in full (due January 15^th) or set up a 4-month payment plan.

• Enroll early in a payment plan so you have ample time to budget accordingly.
• Avoid late payment fees by setting reminders or reading emails you receive from the Business Office.

Tip: If enrolled in an annual plan, check to see if your monthly payments have adjusted 鈥� annual plans were set up based on your anticipated spring enrollment, which may differ from your actual spring enrollment.

Step 6: Check Your Refund or Credit Balance

If your financial aid exceeds your charges, you may be eligible to receive a refund.

• Monitor your email to see when your refund check is ready for pickup 鈥� spring refund checks are typically available in mid to late February.
• Remember: refunds can only be used for education-related expenses (books, transportation, supplies鈥�not shopping sprees!).
• If you would rather keep your credit balance on your account for future charges, please complete the .
  • If you opt to complete the form, please know that you can request any amount of these funds to be refunded to you at any time.

Step 7: Apply for External Scholarships

Spring is a great time to look for mid-year external scholarships.

• Browse the 鈥�Additional Scholarships鈥� section of our scholarship website to search for and apply for external scholarships.
• Scholarships and grants do not require repayment, so the more the merrier!

Step 8: Plan Ahead for Summer and Next Year

Once your spring aid is squared away, think ahead.

• If you鈥檙e planning to take summer courses, confirm your summer financial aid eligibility with the Financial Aid Office.
• Keep your GPA and completion rate on track鈥攁cademic progress affects future aid.
• Complete your 2026-2027 FAFSA to determine your federal financial aid eligibility for next year
  • You may want to adjust your spring 2026 and summer 2026 schedules depending on your financial aid awards for next year.