Using Financial Aid at the Bookstore
Bookstore financial aid is open Aug. 18 - Sept. 19, 2025
Students who have excess financial aid funds available can purchase course materials at the bookstore during set periods at the beginning of each term.
You must have your Palm Beach State College PantherCard on hand (physical or virtual) to make purchases. Students who have questions regarding eligibility or fund requests should speak with a financial aid advisor.
| Session | Open Period |
|---|---|
| Full Session 15 weeks | Aug. 18 - Sept. 19, 2025 |
| Express A | Aug. 18 - Sept. 19, 2025 |
| 12 Weeks | Aug. 18 - Sept. 19, 2025 |
| Express B | Oct. 13 - Oct. 24, 2025 |
PantherCard Information
A valid PantherCard is required for all financial aid purchases. Students may also use the online photo submission option to obtain a PantherCard prior to ordering online or visiting the bookstore. If you have not yet received a PantherCard, you can view your Virtual PantherCard to obtain the card number needed to make an online purchase.
Ordering Online
Students can also order their books online and request home shipping or store pickup.
Checking Your Financial Aid balance
- Log in to the PantherCard portal.
- You will be prompted to sign in with your student email address or student ID and password (same as used for accessing Workday and other College systems).
- Click “Login” to access your account. You are now logged into the PantherCard Online Card Office.
- The available balance will appear on the main screen. PantherDollars is the money that you have added to your card and can be used at any campus location. Financial Aid-Bookstore is the financial aid balance that can be used during the dedicated period at any Palm Beach State College Bookstore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Close AllWhen can I use my financial aid at the bookstore?
Students who have excess financial aid funds available can purchase course materials at the bookstore during set periods at the beginning of each term. Please see the dates of bookstore financial aid periods listed in the table at the top of this page.
If you need to request funds, please see a financial aid advisor. You must have your Palm Beach State College PantherCard on hand (physical or virtual) to make the purchase.
What if the bookstore does not have my book in stock?
Is the bookstore open on the weekends?
Are bookstore funds separate from my financial aid award?
Why does my friend have more money for books than I have for books?
Your bookstore allowance is calculated based on several factors, including your enrollment and amount of excess aid available. You can check your available balance at any time by viewing your PantherCard online card account. Questions about the amount of your bookstore allowance should be referred to your campus financial aid office.
Why is there no money on my card for books?
Financial aid funds are added to the PantherCards each morning. If you just registered for classes today, please check back tomorrow to see if your funds have been added. If you have been registered for more than 24 hours, please contact your campus financial aid office.
Can I rent books with my financial aid?
Yes, you can use your financial aid to pay the initial rental fee for your books. However, you will need to provide the bookstore with a credit or debit card for collateral in case the book is not returned. For more information, stop by a campus store or visit the Rent-a-Text website.
Can I purchase books online with my financial aid?
Yes! Students can purchase books online from the Palm Beach State Bookstores. To use your financial aid online, select "Financial Aid" as the form of payment. You can select store pickup or have the books shipped to you (shipping charges may apply). Don't forget to bring your PantherCard with you to the bookstore if you selected store pickup.