5 Tips for Book Advances

Need funds to purchase books? Take a look at Rio Salado’s Book Advance Program to see if you are eligible. Each semester, Rio Salado College initiates a one-time only book advance that eligible students can use to purchase text books and supplies for upcoming classes.

Here are five tips to follow if you opt to receive a book advance:

1. Review the financial aid terms and conditions to ensure you qualify to receive a book advance.
2. Use the Maricopa Student Refund Program for the fastest way to have book advance and financial aid funds delivered.
3. Monitor your Gmail account for notification. Enrollment instructions for MSRP will be sent through the my.maricopa.edu student center.
4. Use caution when purchasing course materials from a third party. Advance funds are not restricted to the Rio Salado College bookstore, but investigate the options.
5. Know that book advance funds may not be an appropriate option if you prefer to purchase books prior to the first day of class.

Here's a look at the typical Book Advance timeline:

• Funds are posted to the Rio Salado College account 6-9 days prior to the start of class.
• Funds can take 4-6 business days to be received by City Prepaid Services.
• Funds that are deposited on a holiday or weekend may take even longer.
• Remaining financial aid funds will not be available until two weeks after the start of class.