Loans can help bridge the gap when disbursement is delayed

Washburn makes bridge loans available for students with approved Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Graduate Plus Loans that the Financial Aid Office can confirm will be released to the student account at a later, specified date. The purpose of the bridge loan is to "bridge the gap" between the student's need for the funds (i.e., if studying abroad) and the release of those funds.  Bridge loans will not be issued to students who simply want funds earlier than the term's first scheduled financial aid release dates. The bridge loan cannot be issued via direct deposit, so students studying abroad should allow enough time ahead of departure to complete all requirements, have the check printed, and pick up the check at the cashier window in Morgan Hall 103.

Complete the bridge loan application and submit it in person to the Business Office in Morgan Hall 103, or you can scan the form and email it to business-office@washburn.edu.

Students share lunch during a busy afternoon in the Union Market at Washburn.

First-time freshmen and first-time borrowers may experience a delay before receiving their first financial aid disbursement. These students may qualify for a bridge loan prior to their delayed disbursement, but not before the initial financial aid disbursement date for the semester.  All pending aid must first be confirmed by the Financial Aid Office.


Bridge loans can be issued for up to the amount of the refund expected to be received after the pending financial aid disbursement is applied. The amount of the bridge loan is added to the student’s balance and is paid in full when the financial aid disbursement occurs.  


Note:  A reduction in term credit hours or a change in the financial aid awards may result in a reduction of expected financial aid.  If this happens, a bridge loan may not be fully repaid from financial aid and cause holds to be applied that prevent release of transcripts or future enrollment.
Washburn's campus as the sun sets.

  • Bridge loans are not issued to students who have not completed all requirements for financial aid disbursement.
  • Bridge loans are not issued to students without pending financial aid that can be confirmed by the Financial Aid Office.
  • Bridge loans are not issued prior to the first published financial aid disbursement date each semester except for students studying abroad.
  • Students must be currently enrolled in the term for which they are requesting a bridge loan.
  • Students cannot apply for a bridge loan until after the first financial aid disbursement has occurred for the term unless studying abroad and the funds are needed prior to leaving the country.
  • Students must have pending financial aid that will disburse later in the term, or in the case of students studying abroad, early in the next term. The only pending aid considered for bridge loans includes Subsidized Loans, Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate Plus Loans. Pending scholarships are not considered.
  • Pending Parent Plus Loans are not considered for bridge loans unless the parent has directed, in their loan application, that excess funds can be refunded to the student.
  • If the application is scanned and sent to the Business Office via email, the image received must be clear when printed or viewed electronically. Poor quality images must be resubmitted or the paperwork delivered in person to the Business Office, Morgan 103.
  • A reduction in enrolled hours may reduce the amount of the pending disbursement of financial aid, thereby making a student ineligible for a bridge loan.
  • A reduction in financial aid that reduces the amount of the pending disbursement may result in a balance due.  Please be aware of any changes to the term awards package.
  • The full amount of the bridge loan will become immediately due and payable to Washburn University in the event a student withdraws from the Institution.

Bridge loan applications must be approved by the Bursar for all undergraduate, graduate and law students. Bridge loan checks are printed twice a week and cannot be direct deposited to the student’s bank account. Students who receive a bridge loan must pick up their check at the Cashier window in Morgan 103-O.

If, once the pending aid is applied, the amount of aid available is not sufficient to pay the student's outstanding balance (including the bridge loan), the remaining balance is immediately payable to Washburn. If the remaining balance is not paid within five business days, a late payment fee of $25 will be charged.
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