Frequently Asked Questions

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 is designed to protect the privacy of a student's educational records. These confidential records include academic, financial aid, scholarship and billing/account information, and cannot be released without written consent (FERPA password) from the student.

1. Click 'One Stop Forms' located in the left navigation.
2. Click 'eForms' from the dropdown menu.
3. Click 'Student e-Forms' located in the left navigation.
4. Click 'FERPA Release' from the dropdown menu.
5. Complete and Submit the form. 

You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year in order to be considered for federal grants and loans. 

2023-2024 Academic Year: FAFSA Open Date = October 1, 2022
This FAFSA should be submitted for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and/or Summer 2024 semester(s).

2024-2025 Academic Year: FAFSA Ope Date = December 2023
This FAFSA should be submitted for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and/or Summer 2025 semester(s).

Submit your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov. 

It may take 6-8 weeks for you to receive a financial aid offer once your FAFSA is received by the University of South Alabama.

Ensure the fastest processing time by turning in all requested information in a timely manner.

Check your PAWS account and JagMail regularly for updates.

 You must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for federal loans. Keep in mind that all federal aid is subject to being adjusted if you are enrolled less than full-time. 

• Undergraduate: Half-time = minimum 6 credit hours | Full-time = minimum 12 credit hours
• Graduate: Half-time = minimum 3 credit hours | Full-time = minimum 6 credit hours

The classes you take must be required for your declared program and major.

Federal student aid regulations have defined that a student who completely withdraws or stops attending prior to completing 60% of a term has not earned 100% of the federal student aid that was received. If you drop all of your classes the Office of Financial Aid may be required to return a portion of the federal student aid that was applied to your student account. More information can be found here on Return to Title IV Funds Policy..

You must also make satisfactory academic progress towards your degree in order to maintain federal student aid eligibility, and any classes dropped or failed may affect your progress. For more information, refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

1. Log in to PAWS.
2. Click 'Student Services & Financial Aid'
3. Click 'Student Records'
4. Click 'Additional Links', if using a mobile device.
5. Click 'Student Account Access'. 

From here you will be able to view your balance, any estimated financial aid, and your remaining balance that includes your estimated financial aid.

You can also click 'Make a Payment' or 'Enroll in Payment Plan' from this screen.

If you click 'View Activity', you will be able to review your charges, estimated aid, and any payments in more detail by specific semester.

You can sign up in the USA Payment Plan through PAWS, by selecting “Student Account Access” under the “Student Records” section. Select “Payment Plans” to begin the enrollment process.

Parents and/or guardians may have access to a student's financial records through the creation of an Authorized User Login. This 24/7 service lets students and their families view bills, make payments, and manage the students' accounts. Students can set up the authorized user through their student account access. 

Visit the https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/financialaffairs/studentaccounting/parent-guardian-access.htmlOffice of Student Accounting's webpage for detailed instructions.

Refunds should be processed within 10 business days after the drop/add period. Please see the University’s financial calendar for specific dates.

Electronic Direct Deposit is required for financial aid and other student refunds. Refunds may be due from the University of South Alabama for a variety of reasons, such as excess financial aid. An unexpected refund could be due to late class cancellations, schedule changes, academic program changes, etc. To ensure your refunds go directly into your bank account, sign up for direct deposit.

Direct Deposit means you will receive your refund faster, with the refund being directly credited to your checking account, instead of waiting on the postal service to deliver your check. It also eliminates address problems with your refund checks and possibly having to take your check to the bank. This convenience is being provided at NO COST to you.

Here are five easy steps for signing up for direct deposit:
1. Go to PAWS (https://paws.southalabama.edu)
2. Sign on to "Enter Secure Area"
3. Click Student Services and Financial Aid
4. Click Student Records
5. Click Direct Deposit Information (Enter Banking Information)

Enter your bank information via the secure Update Direct Deposit Information option. Please ensure that you input your bank routing and account numbers accurately. There is no verification process to validate your input. Direct deposit will remain in effect while you are attending the University of South Alabama. If your bank information changes, you will need to update your Electronic Direct Deposit information in PAWS.

Once your bank information has been updated successfully, your next refund will be electronically transferred into your bank account. Notifications will be sent to your southalabama.edu email address when a direct deposit transaction has been initiated.

Some USA courses require special course fees (ex. Computer Lab Fee, Accounting Fee, etc.). Please refer to the Schedule of Classes on PAWS.

If you are unable to charge your books to your student account, you have either not been awarded financial aid at USA or you did not have sufficient aid available to allow for a bookstore charge.