FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
For additional information or assistance, please contact our staff anytime.
Scholarship Basics
Your initial award is based on full-time enrollment. Census occurs at the end of the
day on the last day to drop/add courses for the semester (typically the Friday of
the first week of classes). Your aid will not disburse at less than full-time status
and your enrollment will be evaluated for aid purposes at that time.
If eligible, exceptions for Institutional Scholarships can be completed in JagSPOT.
For other scholarships and awards, distributed through the colleges, schools, and
programs, please contact the Office of Scholarship Services directly.
Additional courses registered for after the census date will not be taken into consideration with regard to your scholarship and aid eligibility.
Searching & Applying for Scholarships
Using JagSPOT
Accepting and Using Scholarships
Scholarship funds, as defined by IRS Publication 970, must be "qualified educational expenses". These are clearly defined by the IRS as:\
- Tuition and fees required to be enrolled at an eligible institution
- Course-related expenses, such as books, supplies, and equipment for a course
Per IRS guidelines (Publication 970) the following expenses do not qualify as educational expenses (under scholarship tax defined guidelines):
- Travel
- Research
- Clerical Help
- Equipment and other expenses that are not required for enrollment in or attendance at an eligible educational institution.
External Scholarships
All scholarship checks should be mailed to:
University of South Alabama
Office of Scholarship Services
Meisler Hall, Suite 1225
390 Student Center Circle
Mobile, AL 36688
The donor must include the student's name and Jag Number (Student ID) on the check or on attached documentation. Donors should specify what semester(s) and aid year the check should be applied to in addition to minimum enrollment hours for disbursement (full-time, half-time, less than half-time).