FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

In this page you will find answers to the Bursar's most frequently asked questions by students and families. You can click on the "Category" drop down menu below or type a keyword in the "Search FAQ" box, then click on "Apply Filters" to see the results. You can also scroll down to view all FAQs.

If the answer to your question is not listed here, please submit a Contact Us form. A Bursar representative will respond as soon as possible.

Refunds

General Questions

What is eRefund and how do I enroll in eRefund?

Penn State will refund a credit balance on the student account. Students should sign up for eRefund, which is a direct deposit of their refund to their bank of their choice. eRefund is only available to students at this time.

To enroll in eRefund follow these steps: 

  1. Login to your Student Home Base in LionPATH.
  2. Click on "My Finances" on top of the page
  3. Select “Manage My Account/ Make A Payment” to go to your Student Account Dashboard
  4. Scroll down the overview page and click on “Sign up” at “Sign up for direct deposit refunds!”
  5. Agree to the electronic Student Refund Authorization Agreement, and click “Continue”
  6. Complete the information requested

After an eRefund has been generated by Penn State to your financial institution, the process may take up to 3-5 business days before it will appear as a credit in your account. Please refer to your financial institution's policy concerning the availability of these funds.

How do I get a refund of the credit balance on my account?

For the quickest delivery of refunds, students should enroll in eRefund.

Why did I not get my Federal Direct PLUS refund?

The Federal Direct PLUS funds are applied to the student's tuition and fees first, and then the student's other financial aid funds are applied. Typically, the PLUS funds are used in full, and the student's other financial aid causes the credit amount on the student's account. If there are excess funds from other financial aid (non-PLUS aid), they are refunded to the student directly. Occasionally, excess funds are the result of a Parent PLUS Loan. If there are excess funds from a Parent PLUS Loan, it is refunded directly to the borrower.

If the student is entitled to a refund, how will it be handled?

When all University charges have been satisfied and the financial aid creates an overpayment, the student is entitled to a refund. Refunds can be electronically deposited into their bank account by signing up for eRefund.

Why are you holding a credit balance in my account?

When a payment is received by personal check, a 14-day hold is placed on your Student Account to ensure the check has cleared the bank. Once this time period has past, we will refund the credit balance via direct deposit to your bank account (eRefund) or via a paper check.

Why have I not received my refund?

There could be several reasons why your refund has not been processed. Here are some possible reasons:

  1. If a payment was made by personal check, a refund will not be processed for 14 days from receipt of that payment.
  2. If you are signed up for eRefund, the account information provided may be incorrect. If this is the case, you will receive an email notification.
  3. Paper refund checks are only printed and mailed once weekly. We strongly recommend signing up for eRefund for faster receipt of any future refunds. 
  4. You have not "accepted" your loans/financial aid in LionPATH.
  5. Your financial aid has not disbursed into your account. The Office of Student Aid is responsible for disbursing your financial aid.