Sign Up for Direct Deposit

When your student account reflects more financial aid or payments than necessary to cover tuition and fees, you may be eligible for a student refund. You can also receive your federal work study payments electronically.

Benefits of Direct Deposit:

  • Safe: You don’t have to worry about lost/stolen checks
  • Convenient: No need to wait in line to cash your check
  • Fast: Your money deposited to your bank account as soon as it’s ready

Your Electronic Payment Option

Direct Deposit to your bank account eliminates the chance that your check will get lost, misdirected, or delayed during delivery, or misplaced once you receive it.

CUNY Direct Deposit

What are student financial aid or tuition refunds?

When a student’s account reflects more financial aid (e.g. federal loans, scholarships, Pell, etc.) or payments than necessary to cover tuition and fees, the student may be eligible for a refund. Refunds are generally processed by CUNY on a weekly basis. Students who do not opt to enroll in Direct Deposit will receive a check to their mailing address.

Don’t think you are eligible for a refund? Student refunds are not only triggered by financial aid activity. Students who pay their tuition and fees from non-financial aid sources such as checks, 529 plans, cash, etc. may be subject to a refund due to a change in classes or change in academic programs.

If you incur additional charges to your account, you are responsible for paying them. You can always view your student account by logging into CUNYfirst via Self-Service.

What are federal work study payments?

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study. You can receive these payments through Direct Deposit.

Questions

Review our Frequently Asked Questions.

For additional refund related inquiries, contact your Bursar’s Office.

For questions regarding FWS payments, contact your Federal Work Study Coordinator.

A CUNY student smiling on an elevated subway platform.