With the Fall 2026 semester right around the corner, finalizing your college finances is one of the most important steps to ensure a smooth transition into classes. Whether you rely on Pell Grants, scholarships or self-payment options, keeping track of upcoming financial aid dates ensures your class schedule remains secure and your funds are ready when you need them.
If you are preparing for the upcoming semester at Rend Lake College, use this timeline and checklist to stay ahead of key financial deadlines.
July 15 – Fall Payment Deadline: RLC's primary fall payment deadline has passed, but if you still have an outstanding balance, you must take action immediately. Setting up a payment plan or confirming your financial aid deferment ensures your registered classes are protected from being dropped for non-payment.
If you missed this deadline, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 618-437-5321 ext. 1385 to review your account status, explore late payment options or request an aid deferment before class rosters are finalized..
August 17 – First Day of Fall Classes: All financial aid verification, book vouchers and schedule arrangements should be fully processed before stepping onto campus for day one.
August 28 – Final Add/Drop Deadline: This is the last day to drop a 16-week fall class for a full refund or adjust your class schedule without financial penalty.
Important Aid Note: Dropping below full-time status (12 credit hours) or changing your schedule before August 28 can directly alter your Pell Grant, MAP Grant, or scholarship award amounts. Always check with Financial Aid before adjusting your schedule.
The Pell Grant is disbursed in three equal portions during the fall semester. Before a student receives a refund, disbursements will cover tuition and fee charges. Only after the student's bill has been paid in full will remaining funds be issued as a refund. For more information, visit rlc.edu/types-of-financial-aid.
First Disbursement: September 9th
Refunds Issued: September 16th
Second Disbursement: September 23rd
Refunds Issued: September 30th
Third Disbursement: October 14th
Refunds Issued: October 21st
Log into your RLC Student Self-Service portal to ensure Rend Lake College (Federal School Code: 007119) is listed on your FAFSA. Check your student notifications tab to verify that no additional verification documents or tax forms are requested by the Financial Aid Office.
If your financial aid package is still processing, do not leave your account balance unattended. Unpaid accounts that have not set up payment arrangements by the term due date may be administratively withdrawn for non-payment. If financial aid has been awarded, you remain responsible for all remaining account charges unless you officially drop courses by the 100% refund deadline.
Pay via cash, check or major credit/debit card at the Business Office in the Baker Administration Building during regular office hours (note: credit card processing fees apply).
Send a check to ATTN: Business Office, 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846. Please include your Warrior Tag with all mailed payments. Mailed payments must be received prior to the payment deadline.
Pay online via the Self-Service Ellucian Student Application using an electronic check (ACH) or credit/debit card. ACI charges a $1.50 service fee for one-time ACH payments; card processing fees also apply.
Enrollment Fee: A $25.00 nonrefundable setup fee per semester is required to enroll in an automated payment plan through ACI.
Payment Methods: Installments can be automatically scheduled using an ACH bank transfer (checking or savings) or a major credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express).
Additional Processing Fees: Standard credit/debit card processing fees charged by ACI apply. A $20 non-refundable late fee will be charged if payments are not made by the due date deadline.
Choose Your Refund Preference
If you are expecting excess financial aid for living expenses or supplies, set up your refund delivery preference (direct deposit or BankMobile account) through the RLC Experience portal before September 16 to prevent delays.
The financial aid team is available to help walk you through your award summary, setup options, or missing documentation. Contact the financial aid department by email at rlcfa@rlc.edu or call 618-437-5321 ext. 1385.