The financial aid lock date is the day after the date on which enrollment for a semester or summer term is certified for state reporting purposes. During the fall and spring terms the state reporting date is the 12th class day, and during the summer terms, the date is the fourth class day. This important date is always published on the academic calendar. On the day after the official certification date of each semester or summer term, the registered credit hours are locked and used to determine how much of a financial aid award should be disbursed. Registration for flexible entry classes and distance learning courses must be complete before the lock date to be counted as part of the enrollment level for financial aid purposes. Classes that are registered for after the lock date will not be paid by most FA awards.

For example, if you register for 12 credit hours but drop three credit hours before the lock date, the enrollment level will lock at nine credit hours or ¾ time, so some awards such as PELL will be prorated. If a financial aid award type requires full-time enrollment (12 credit-hour minimum), then 100 percent of the award would be canceled, and you would be required to repay any part of the award that had been disbursed. Failure to pay any outstanding balance due could result in you being dropped from all classes.

For more information, please contact your Financial Aid Office.