All financial aid disbursements and payments received by the university are first used to pay for tuition, fees, housing, dining, and any other charges on the student's bill. A student will receive a refund after the outstanding charges are paid in full. Since not all financial aid is disbursed at the same time and students have different charges, students will receive refunds at different points throughout the semester.
Students will not physically receive their refunds the same day aid disburses. Once a refund is due to a student, it takes 2-3 business days for the funds to be electronically deposited into their account if they have signed up for direct deposit or 7-10 business days for a paper check to arrive at their permanent address.
Are you due a refund?
We have partnered with Nelnet to allow for a quicker, safer setup process and also giving the option to have your refund loaded to a reloadable debit card.
CURRENT DIRECT DEPOSIT USERS: As long as your past information is correct, there is no action required.
NEW USERS: The sign-up is also quick and simple.
We also know you want your money fast, so SUNY Buffalo State University is not only offering you an easy and convenient way to receive your refund, but is cutting unreasonable fees in the process. You choose how to receive your refund.
Direct Deposit
Quick and easy. Simply provide bank account information and we will deposit funds directly into the account.
Reloadable Debit Card
Nelnet can disburse a refund to any existing reloadable debit card.
For Direct Deposit/Reloadable Debit Card Registration:
- Log in to your Banner Self Service account.
- Choose “View/Pay Bill” then “Manage Your Refunds”.
- Select how you want to receive your refund.
Fill in the necessary information.
Your refund will then be sent using the option you selected.
Stay current with mobile alerts!
Students can sign up to receive a text message once a refund has been issued. Click the mobile alert icon on the dashboard and enter their 10-digit phone number to enroll.
Questions?
If you have any questions about how the refund process works, contact:
Student Accounts Office
stuaccts@buffalostate.edu
716-878-4121
Are you expecting a refund from your Spring 2024 financial aid? If you answered yes to this question, then you may be eligible to apply for a Textbook Deferment online via self-service Banner.
The Textbook Deferment link can be accessed in the Student, Student Accounts, or Financial Aid sections in self-service Banner. Only students with a credit balance (excess financial aid and/or payments) will have the option displayed to request a Textbook Deferment. A student may only apply for one (1) Textbook Deferment per semester. Therefore, before submitting the request, the student should ensure that all tasks are completed to maximize your textbook deferment (up to $750).
A Textbook Deferment will allow you to purchase textbooks at the Barnes & Noble Buffalo State Bookstore only. This online option for applying for a Textbook Deferment via self-service Banner is available from Monday, January 8, 2024 to Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (4:30p.m.) for eligible students only, with the final date to use in the bookstore Friday, February 23, 2024.
Textbook Deferment requests submitted online by 7:00 p.m. will be available to use the next business day.
Textbook Deferment requests submitted online after 7:00 p.m. will be available to use in two business days.
Please be advised that an in-person Textbook Deferment is still available for students that prefer this option. Report to Moot Hall during normal business hours and visit either the Financial Aid Office or Student Accounts Office to apply. In-person requests will be available to use in two business days.
A student may only apply for one (1) Textbook Deferment per semester.