Direct Deposit and Student Refunds

If you receive awards, grants, scholarships, and loans, and the amount received exceeds your current-semester Bursar balance, the bursar authorizes a refund. You can sign up to get your funds by direct deposit, or you can receive a check, which you must pick up at the Bursar’s office. See below for important information about refunds. Also see below for more information about getting your refund by check.

Sign Up for Direct Deposit for Student Refunds

To sign up, you must be a registered, full-time, undergraduate, graduate, or professional student, and the primary account holder of the account used for direct deposit.

How to Sign Up

1. Go to Nelnet Business Services and log in using your Cornell NetID and password. Cornell's Two-Step Login is required for authentication.
2. Verify or edit the Student Profile Information.
3. Select your method of refund. If this is the first time you are entering checking or savings information in Nelnet, you will be prompted to add your checking or savings account information on this screen.

What to Expect

• Refunds issued by direct deposit will appear in your bank account within 2-3 business days.
• Your default primary e-mail address in Nelnet is your Cornell e-mail address. You can add additional e-mail addresses once you’re enrolled, but you cannot change the default email address.
• Any Nelnet account not used for one year will be deleted.
• You will receive an email when direct deposit refunds or stipends have processed.

Important Information About Refunds

When you receive a refund, examine your bill carefully to make sure all of the charges you expect to incur have been paid (for example, dining, housing, fitness center charges might not yet be on your bill). Also consider any adjustments in Cornell aid you expect. You cannot later receive additional financial aid to cover these charges. If you’re in doubt, put the refund back in your Bursar account to make sure all your expenses are covered.

Note: It’s possible that you are receiving a refund but still have a prior-term balance that needs to be paid. Please check the Student Center or email us or call us at (607) 255-2336 to confirm your balance.

Getting Your Refund by Check

Cornell University will process a paper refund check only if you have not signed up for direct deposit. When you pick up your check, bring proper photo ID.

The Office of the Bursar conducts all its business directly with the student. Just as monthly charges are listed in the student’s name, so are any awards, grants, scholarships, and loans that might produce a refund. Therefore, direct deposits/refund checks are drawn in the name of the student.

The Office of the Bursar reserves the right to withhold any refund check when the student has a Bursar/Cornellcard or Cornell Installment Plan balance. Cornell is authorized to use any credit balances to offset any debts owed by the student to the university.