Using Your Pell Grant Refund to Purchase Books

All registered students who have extra financial aid funds (Pell Grant), remaining after their tuition and fees have been paid, will receive a "financial aid refund" paid directly to them. These funds may be used to buy books and supplies.

The payments will be available as follows:

  • All Spring 2024 registered students who have their financial aid awards finalized and posted to CUNYfirst (Pell Grant), and have extra financial aid funds available after their tuition and fees have been paid will be eligible.
  • Financial Aid refunds will be available on a weekly basis.
  • Payments can be received by Direct Deposit or Paper Check.
  • Paper checks which will be mailed to your home by the CUNY Central Office.

If you have not already signed up for Direct Deposit your Spring 2024 Financial Aid refund will be sent to you via paper check. You can sign up for the Direct Deposit for future financial aid payments.

The Pell book refund process is a two part process in CUNYfirst. The first part of this process refers to disbursement dates. Disbursement dates in CUNYfirst indicate that leftover Pell grant funds have been applied to the students’ account. The second part of this process allows the leftover funds to be payable to the student. If you have Direct Deposit you will receive your funds on the Friday of the week your leftover funds have been disbursed. If you opt for a paper check to be mailed to your residence, the check is then mailed on that Friday. All students should check their CUNYfirst accounts for information regarding both disbursement dates and dates payable to the student.

The dates are as follows:


All students who have not yet applied for financial aid and/or have not yet submitted requested documentation must allow 3-4 weeks for processing, so please do so immediately to reduce the delay in receiving your book advance.

Please note, all students who withdraw from some or all classes and/or do not attend classes will be responsible to repay some or all of the book advance funds. Please contact the Office of Financial Services for instructions or questions regarding how to return the funds, if you think this applies to you.

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center exterior lit up at nightOpens in a new window
Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window
QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoonOpens in a new window
QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.