Understanding your financial commitment is one of the most important steps in transitioning off campus.
If your scholarships or loans exceed tuition and fees, the remaining balance may be refunded to you. These funds may be used toward housing and living expenses. Refunds are typically issued at the beginning of the semester, while rent may be due earlier. Students should plan accordingly.
In almost all cases, financial aid offers will not reduce because a student lives off-campus. There are a couple scholarships for a small group of students (Athletics & Meeting Street) that pay a set amount for off-campus housing instead of actual costs like they do for on-campus, regardless of housing cost, but that is not the majority of students.
Any financial aid remaining after tuition and fees are paid will be issued to the student as a refund. These funds may be used for other education-related expenses, such as off-campus housing and living costs.
For students with completed financial aid files and remaining aid after charges are paid, refunds are expected to begin processing around August 18, 2026, for fall 2026, and January 6, 2027, for spring.
Students who plan to borrow additional funds (such as a Parent PLUS Loan or a private education loan) to help cover remaining expenses are strongly encouraged to complete the application process by mid-July for fall or early December for spring to allow enough time for processing before the first refund dates.
Students should be able to check their spring bill to view their tuition/fee charges compared to paid financial aid to see how much aid would remain as a refund if they didn’t have housing and meal charges. If they have trouble reading their bill to find that, Student Account Services can be reached at sas@winthrop.edu. Make sure student is signed up for Direct Deposit to always get refund the fastest.
Is there any possibility of deferring the August and January rent payment with proof of a pending refund? We have heard of some places that will defer that payment to allow time for refunds to process if you provide a copy of your aid offer. We can’t guarantee, but it is definitely something to ask as you look for apartments.
Will be available by late June. However, a student should be able to review their current 25/26 aid offer to get an idea of what they will receive next year. If they are unsure of any of the aid renewal requirements, they can contact Financial Aid at finaid@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2189. Most importantly, if they haven’t completed the 26/27 FAFSA yet they should do it ASAP at fafsa.gov.
Rent is only part of your monthly cost. Utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and personal expenses should all be included in your budget.
