Book Advances

The Bristol Book Advance Program allows students to access their financial aid credit balance funds early to purchase technology (i.e. computer) along with their books and other course materials online at www.bristol.bkstr.com.

The Campus Card is needed for the book advance program. Book advances give you the opportunity to use some of your financial aid funds in advance of the first disbursement to purchase books and course material at the College Bookstore. 

If you have applied for Financial Aid and want to check on the balance of your Book Advance, simply visit eAccounts. This service will allow you to manage your account through any web browser or via a mobile application that is available for iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices.

Spring 2024 Book Advances

• Book advances open: December 12, 2023.
• Book advances close (online): February 15, 2024.
• Book advances close (in store): February 17, 2024.

Summer 2024 Book Advances

• Book advances open: May 13, 2024.
• Book advances close (online): July 5, 2024.
• Book advances close (in store): July 7, 2024.

Fall 2024 Book Advances

• Book advances open: August 12, 2024.
• Book advances close (online): October 2, 2024.
• Book advances close (in store): October 4, 2024.

Spring 2025 Book Advances

• Book advances open: December 9, 2024.
• Book advances close (online): February 19, 2025.
• Book advances close (in store): February 21, 2025.

Summer 2025 Book Advances

• Book advances open: May 12, 2025.
• Book advances close (online): July 1, 2025.
• Book advances close (in store): July 3, 2025.

Eligibility

The book advance amount is based on enrollment level, authorized financial aid, and charges. The maximum value is listed below.

• $1,300 for full-time students (12 or more credits)
• $1,100 for 3/4-time students (9-11 credits)
• $900 for 1/2-time students (6-8 credits)
• $700 for 1/4 time students (less than 6 credits)

A student may meet the eligibility requirements, but not be eligible for the maximum value. An example would be a full-time student with a $200 pending credit balance. Although the full-time limit is $1,300, the student will be eligible for only a $200 book advance.

The bookstore will not issue cash refunds on books or course material that were purchased with a book advance. Students do not need to spend the entire book advance. Book advance charges are added to the student’s bill. If eligibility changes and/or financial aid is not enough to cover book advance charges, the student is responsible for repaying the charge. If the student drops a class or fully withdraws from Bristol Community College and a book advance was used, they may be responsible to pay back all or part of the book advance.