Book Advance
What is a Book Advance
Book Advance allows you to use a portion of your anticipated financial aid to purchase textbooks, education-related technology, and supplies prior to the disbursement of financial aid funds. It is not free or additional funds.
A Virtual Bookstore Advance allows you to receive a portion of your anticipated financial aid to purchase textbooks, education-related technology, and supplies with our contracted vendor, Follett. You DO NOT need to do anything to receive this book advance. Once you have financial aid awarded and meet all of the Book Advance requirements below, you will be able to purchase books at the bookstore within 1-2 business days.
Book Advance Dates
| Virtual Bookstore Advance Period | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Fall 2025 |
Regular Start |
August 11 thru September 5 |
|
October Start |
October 13 thru October 24 |
|
|
Winter 2026 |
Regular Start |
January 5 thru January 23 |
|
March Start |
March 2 thru March 13 |
|
Book Advance Requirements
- Students should have a final class schedule. Any changes to the student’s schedule after receiving the book advance will be the student’s responsibility.
- Tuition and fees will be paid first from the student’s eligible financial aid funds and the remaining aid will be applied to book advance charges.
- Students must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students with an undetermined SAP status will not be eligible for a book advance.
Please Note: If a student is issued book advance funds and later is determined to be ineligible due to schedule changes, courses that do not count toward the student’s program, or any other eligibility change, funds may be owed back to the college. Any balances caused by a change in eligibility are the responsibility of the student.
Book Advance Best Practices
- Check your financial aid in your MyGOCC student portal and your e-mail account frequently to ensure that you do not miss important information.
- Schedule changes will effect financial aid and book advance eligibility. Visit with a financial aid staff member before purchasing books to make sure that your award is correct.
- Spend conservatively; If you spend more than you are eligible to receive, you will owe money back.
Bookstore Advance Checklist
- Step 1: – Final class schedule
- Step 2: – Meets Satisfactory Academic Progress and all eligibility requirements for your awards.
- Step 3: – Check myGOCC in Student Finance to confirm you have financial aid awarded and a credit balance after tuition and fees.
*If any of the above items are not complete, you must wait 24 to 48 hours after the requirement(s) are met to make purchases in the bookstore. Should you have concerns, please contact the Financial Aid office.
