Book Advances
The book advance is a pre-disbursement program that allows you to use a portion of your anticipated financial aid to purchase textbooks and supplies for the semester’s upcoming classes. The Maricopa Student Refund Program (MSRP) issues these funds, and you will receive them no earlier than nine business days before the start of the semester.
To qualify for a book advance, you must:
- Have a projected financial aid award
- Have opted in through your Student Center
- Be registered for classes for the upcoming term
- Have enough funds to cover your tuition and fees and receive a book advance
- Be meeting the required Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)*
*SAP evaluations occur approximately seven days after completing your last class from the prior semester.
Special note: Not all types of financial aid are eligible to receive a book advance, and past due debts will prevent you from qualifying for one.
Your Responsibilities
Book advances are not free and are not additional funds; they are an advance payment of your anticipated financial aid. When receiving a book advance, you have certain responsibilities.
Keep the following in mind:
- Use the funds only to purchase the required books and supplies for your classes.
- Review your class schedule for specific information about the books and supplies you will need.
- If you receive a book advance and are later found ineligible, you are responsible for returning the funds to your school.
- If you receive a book advance and decide not to attend school, you are responsible for repaying the amount you received.
- You are not permitted to purchase books for other students.
- Misuse of the book advance credit is a violation of federal regulations.
Book Advance Amounts
Your book advance amount will be based on your financial aid award and the number of credits you are registered for at the time of the book advance disbursement. To qualify for the maximum amount, you must have enough financial aid to cover your outstanding student account balance and the total book advance amount.
You cannot receive additional book advances above the amount you are eligible to receive.
| Semester Enrollment Level | # of Credits | Maximum Amount per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 12 or More Credits | $552 |
| 3/4 Time | 9 to 11 Credits | $414 |
| 1/2 Time | 6 to 8 Credits | $276 |
| Less than 1/2 Time | Less than 6 Credits | $138 |
Process Overview
To receive your book advance as soon as possible, monitor your Maricopa student email account and online Student Center. Book advances will be issued through the Maricopa Student Refund Program (MSRP). The direct deposit option is generally the fastest way to receive refunds.
How to Opt In
Students who have accepted their financial aid and any scholarships (or are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant) and qualify to receive a book advance may opt in to the program through their Student Center. If you opt in, we will disburse your book advance money as early as nine business days before the start of classes. You will receive your remaining financial aid refund AFTER school starts. Please review the college’s financial aid refund processing policies for more information.