Refunds & Direct Deposit

Refund Basics

Refunds may result from:

  • Schedule changes
  • Excess financial aid
  • Overpayments (e.g., scholarships)
  • Health insurance waivers

Who Receives the Refund

  • Student (default)
  • Parent borrower if Parent PLUS Loan (unless Parent Plus Loan Release Form is filed)
  • Original credit card if payment made by card

How Refunds Are Issued

All refunds processed through Heartland ECSI RefundSelect

  • Log in to my.SMU
  • Select Financials from the left-hand menu
  • Click MyRefundSMU

Need help? Check out the 

Refund Timeline & Payment Methods

  • Direct Deposit → 1–2 business days from when the refund is processed.
  • Paper Check→ 5–10 business days by USPS mail All checks are mailed to the Home Address on file in my.SMU
  • Reissue of Paper Check → 2 week waiting period. 

For more information on Heartland ESCI RefundSelect, visit:  RefundSelect Information

Refunds by Payment Type

Payment Method

Refund Process

Personal Payments

Available 2 weeks after payment posts

529 Plans (Flywire)

Returned to 529 plan on request

International Wires

Refunded to sender (minus $35 fee)

Credit Cards

Returned to original card (fees non-refundable)

Outstanding Refund Checks

Checks not cashed within 90 days will be voided and returned to original source