The best way to determine if your financial aid will pay for your tuition and fees is to look at your award letter. The amount that you receive is identified quarter by quarter and by financial aid program. Compare the amount of aid awarded for the quarter with the tuition and fees to determine if you be responsible for part of the costs. Most financial aid awards cover more than just the cost of tuition and fees. If you qualify for Work Study, you will have to earn the award through a job, which means that the money isn't available to pay tuition and fees.
Federal regulations require a student's tuition to be paid prior to releasing a loan check.
You have to pay your tuition, usually by check or credit card, before the loan check can be released. The balance of your aid, after part of it has been used to pay your tuition and fees, is usually used for your books and other educational expenses, such as room and board. You can pick up your check on the first day of class or five days after you have signed your award letter which ever comes later. You will need to submit a Proof of Attendance form signed by one of your teachers. You are required to make Satisfactory Academic Progress each quarter as a condition to receiving financial aid.