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Home > Degree Programs > Student Financial Services > Tuition & Expenses > Student Billing and Refunds
Student Billing and Refunds
In July, before each academic year, Harvard University’s Student Receivables Office (SRO) sends an e-bill with the Fall semester charges and anticipated financial aid. E-bills are prepared monthly and will be emailed the student's Harvard Kennedy School email address. Once the Harvard University ID and PIN are received, students may view their e-bill.
Any student with a credit on their student billing account, for example housing office credits or computer lab credits, is eligible to receive a refund. Refunds are approved no earlier than one week prior to the first day of class. They can take up to ten working days to be processed and applied to the student's account.
After the start a semester, credits from loan disbursements, stipends, or other activities are issued to the e-bill on a weekly basis.
Refund checks cannot be released until all requested financial assistance documentation has been submitted. For new students, this includes attendance to the mandatory Student Loan Entrance Counseling Session.
Refund Example
A student has the following charges and credits for the 2008 Spring Semester:
| Charges | |
| Tuition | $17,404 |
| Blue Cross/Blue Shield | $681 |
| Student Health Services Fee | $713 |
| Activity Fee | $150 |
| Total | $18,948 |
| Credits | |
| Deposit | $750 |
| Anticipated Subsidized Stafford | $4,187 |
| Anticipated Unsubsidized Stafford | $5,910 |
| Anticipated Grad PLUS Loan | $21,011 |
| Total | $31,858 |
In this example, the student would receive a Fall semester refund in the amount of $12,910 to assist with living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How will I be notified that I am eligible to receive a refund?
A1. You may determine whether you are eligible for a refund by reviewing your e-bill.
Q2. When can I expect to receive my refund check?
A2. Checks will be processed automatically for currently enrolled students (graduated students should email financial_aid@ksg.harvard.edu with the address they would like the check sent). Refund checks typically take between one and two weeks after a loan is approved or another credit is applied to the e-bill. You will be emailed when your check is ready.
Q3. What about charges not appearing on the bill at the time of the refund?
A3. It is often the case that not all charges will appear on the bill at the time a student receives a refund. For example, many students who live in Harvard Affiliated Housing arrange to have their rent charged to their bill on a monthly basis. Other charges that may not be reflected at the time of the refund include course materials and computer printing charges. If charges do not appear on the bill at the time the refund check is cut, please be aware that you are responsible for paying the balance on your bill.
Q4. What if I borrow more loans later? Will a new refund automatically be sent to me?
A4. Refunds are automatically prepared. If you receive more financial aid from any source (such as borrowing an additional loan) or, if charges on your e-bill are reversed (such as waiving the health insurance), you should receive a refund within two weeks.
Q5. Will I receive a refund check in the Spring Semester?
A5. Yes. Your financial aid is typically disbursed half in the Fall semester and half in the Spring semester. Your Spring semester check will be processed automatically and be available by the first day of classes.
Q6. Can my refund check be direct deposited?
A6. No. You will need to personally deposit your refund check into your account.
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