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The Financial Aid Office and Student Accounts Office work together to help students manage the cost of attending UWA, but each office handles different types of questions.

Contact Student Accounts if you have questions about:

• Tuition and fees
• Account balances
• Making payments
• Payment plans
• Refunds
• Billing

Contact Financial Aid if you have questions about:

• FAFSA
• Scholarships and grants
• Student loans
• Financial aid eligibility
• Financial aid awards
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Special circumstances and appeals

1. Create an FSA ID. The student and any required contributor (such as a parent) must create an FSA ID. An FSA ID is the username and password used to access Federal Student Aid websites and sign the FAFSA. Create an FSA ID on the .
2. Complete the FAFSA. Submit the for the appropriate academic year. When completing the FAFSA, enter the babyÖ±²¥’s Federal School Code: 001024.
3. Review your FAFSA Submission Summary. After your FAFSA is processed, you can view your FAFSA Submission Summary in your StudentAid.gov account. The summary includes:
   • The information you submitted on your FAFSA
   • Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
   • An estimate of your federal student aid eligibility
   • Your Data Release Number (DRN)

After you submit your FAFSA

UWA receives your Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) from the U.S. Department of Education and uses it to determine your financial aid eligibility.

Learn more about completing the FAFSA.

To receive priority consideration for need-based campus financial aid, students should submit the FAFSA by March 1 for the upcoming fall term. babyÖ±²¥ who apply after this date will be awarded aid on a rolling basis as funds remain available. The final deadline to submit the FAFSA for the previous academic year (ending with the summer term) is June 30.

The financial aid award year begins with the fall semester, while the summer semester serves as a trailer term. Any remaining loan eligibility or financial aid funds may be applied to summer courses, if available.

You can check the status of your FAFSA by signing in to your account and selecting your FAFSA submission from the My Activity section of your dashboard.

If you submitted a paper FAFSA form, you can check its status after it has been processed, typically 7–10 days after it is mailed.

Your FAFSA status may display one of the following:

• Draft: Your section of the FAFSA is incomplete.
• In Progress: You have provided your consent, approval, and signature, but the FAFSA has not been submitted.
• In Review: Your FAFSA has been submitted but has not yet been processed.
• Action Required: Your FAFSA requires additional action. You may need to provide consent or a signature, or you may need to correct information after your FAFSA has been processed.
• Processed: Your FAFSA has been processed successfully. No further action is required unless you are contacted for additional information.
• Closed: Your FAFSA was not submitted before the federal FAFSA deadline and can no longer be submitted.

Once your financial aid file is complete and your eligibility has been determined, UWA will prepare your financial aid offer. Your offer will include the maximum amount of federal financial aid for which you are eligible at the time your award is made, including Federal Pell Grants and federal student loans.

When your financial aid offer is ready, you will receive a notification in your UWA email account. The email will include instructions for viewing and accepting your financial aid offer in .

Once your financial aid file has been reviewed, you can view your financial aid offer and other important financial aid information by signing in to with your UWA email address and password.

Access Self-Service to review your financial aid offer, required documents, award status, and other financial aid information.

1. Sign in to using your UWA email address and password.
2. Select the Financial Aid tab.
3. On the next page, select the Financial Aid link. (You will also see links for Financial Information and Financial Aid Home.)
4. Use the drop-down menu to access your financial aid information, including:
   • Required documents
   • Financial aid awards
   • Outside awards
   • College Financing Plan
   • Correspondence

1. Sign in to using your UWA email address and password.
2. Select the Financial Aid tab.
3. Select the Financial Aid link at the top of the page.
4. From the drop-down menu, select My Awards.
5. Verify that you are viewing the correct academic year.
6. Review your financial aid offer and choose to accept, decline, or adjust your aid, if applicable.

Important: Financial aid offers are based on the maximum amount of aid you are eligible to receive when your FAFSA is processed and reviewed. You may reduce or decline your financial aid at any time. If you later wish to increase an award that you reduced or declined, contact the UWA Financial Aid Office to determine whether additional eligibility is available.

If your loan information is not on your account, you may be missing the required documents with the Financial Aid Office. If you have questions relating to the status of your financial aid, you can review your financial aid information in  or contact the Financial Aid Office at (205) 652-3576.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s education records. Because of FERPA, the University cannot discuss a student’s financial aid or other educational records with anyone—including a parent, guardian, or other family member—without the student’s written permission.

If your student would like UWA to share their information with you, they must complete the Student Records Release form.

Learn more about FERPA and the Student Records Release process.

• Visit the .
• Sign in using your FSA ID (username and password).
• Select the option that applies to you:
  • Undergraduate Student
  • Graduate/Professional Student
  • Parent Borrower (for Parent PLUS Loans)
• Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling. When prompted, enter the babyÖ±²¥’s Federal School Code: 001024.

The Parent PLUS Loan application must be completed by a parent who is listed as a contributor on the student’s current FAFSA.

To apply:

1. Visit the .
2. Sign in using the parent’s FSA ID (username and password).
3. Select Parent Borrowers, then choose Apply for a PLUS Loan.
4. Complete the Parent PLUS Loan Application.
5. Complete the Parent PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN).

The parent must use their own FSA ID to complete both the Parent PLUS Loan Application and the Master Promissory Note.

To apply for a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must be enrolled as a graduate or professional student.

1. Visit the .
2. Sign in using your FSA ID (username and password).
3. Select Graduate/Professional babyÖ±²¥, then choose Apply for a PLUS Loan.
4. Complete the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Application.
5. Complete a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN).

To receive a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan at UWA, your application must be credit-approved and you must complete the required Master Promissory Note (MPN). Once these requirements have been met, UWA can process and award your loan.

If you are considering a private student loan, you can review a historical list of private lenders used by UWA students on the Private Loan Programs page. You may also research private lenders independently. Be sure to compare lenders carefully, including interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and borrower benefits before selecting a loan.

The UWA Financial Aid Office does not recommend or endorse any private lender. Once you choose a lender, the lender must submit your loan certification to UWA through Education Loan Management (ELM) or another approved electronic certification process.

Before your loan is finalized, federal law requires private lenders to provide you with:

• A final loan disclosure that explains the terms and conditions of your loan
• A Self-Certification Form
• A three-day right to cancel the loan

Complete and sign the Self-Certification Form and return it to your lender. Many lenders allow you to complete this form electronically through their website.

Private lenders may have additional eligibility requirements, such as:

• Enrollment at least half-time
• Meeting UWA’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements

Your lender will verify your eligibility with UWA through ELM or another electronic communication system.

Important: Your total financial aid—including federal, state, institutional, and private loans—cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA).

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the standard used to measure your progress toward completing an eligible certificate or degree program.

Federal regulations require the UWA Office of Financial Aid to monitor the academic progress of students who receive financial aid. To remain eligible for federal, state, and certain institutional financial aid programs, you must meet UWA’s SAP requirements.

If you do not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for financial aid, you may be eligible to submit a SAP appeal.

Before submitting an appeal, review the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy webpage for eligibility requirements, appeal deadlines, and step-by-step instructions for completing the appeal process.

If you have questions after reviewing the policy or need additional assistance, contact the UWA Financial Aid Office at [email protected].

A SAP appeal may be submitted if you experienced circumstances beyond your control that affected your academic progress, including:

• The death of a family member
• Your illness or injury
• Other documented special circumstances, such as:
  • A difficult transition to UWA
  • Family-related challenges
  • Legal issues
  • Employment or financial difficulties

Supporting documentation and an academic plan may be required as part of the appeal process. Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for complete appeal requirements and submission instructions.

If you receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid, your eligibility may be affected if you withdraw from one or more courses or stop attending classes.

Official Withdrawals

If you officially withdraw from the University, your federal financial aid is subject to proration based on the number of days you were enrolled. Through the 60% point of the semester, aid is recalculated in accordance with the Federal Return of Title IV Funds regulations. Any required repayment of unearned Title IV funds is your responsibility and will be charged to your student account.

Unofficial Withdrawals

An unofficial withdrawal occurs when a student:

• Does not earn a passing grade in any course for the term,
• Fails to participate academically beyond the 60% point of the semester, and
• Does not officially withdraw from the University.

For unofficial withdrawals, financial aid will be recalculated according to the Federal Return of Title IV Funds requirements. babyÖ±²¥ may be required to repay a portion of the aid received, and any repayment will be added to the student account.

No Shows

babyÖ±²¥ who never attend or participate academically in any of their registered classes are required to repay 100% of the financial aid received for the semester.

Important Note

If you stop attending all of your classes, you must officially withdraw from the University by contacting the Registrar’s Office. Failure to officially withdraw may result in additional financial obligations.

In addition to affecting your financial aid eligibility, withdrawing from courses or failing to complete coursework with passing grades may also impact your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

babyÖ±²¥ who withdraw from the University must complete the Withdrawal Form provided by the Registrar’s Office. The withdrawal date is generally the date the completed form is received.

Federal law (Higher Education Act, Section 484B; 34 CFR 668.22) requires students receiving Title IV financial aid to earn that aid by remaining enrolled and attending classes. Up to the 60% point of the payment period, earned aid is calculated on a prorated basis. After the 60% point, students are considered to have earned 100% of their Title IV aid.

A student begins earning Title IV funds on the first day of attendance. Therefore, even if a student withdraws before financial aid is disbursed, UWA must calculate the amount of aid earned based on the student’s attendance.

If UWA determines that a student has stopped attending classes or participating in academically related activities without officially withdrawing, an unofficial withdrawal calculation will be performed using the student’s last documented date of attendance or the semester midpoint, whichever is more beneficial to the student.

If it is determined that a student received more federal aid than they earned:

• UWA must return the unearned portion of Title IV funds within 45 days of determining the student’s withdrawal.
• Any required post-withdrawal disbursement will be offered within 30 days and, if accepted, processed within 120 days, provided all federal requirements are met.
• babyÖ±²¥ and parents must provide written authorization before Title IV loan funds can be disbursed after withdrawal.
• Federal Pell Grant funds, when applicable, may be credited to the student’s account without additional authorization as required by federal regulations.

Title IV funds are returned in the following order:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
3. Federal PLUS Loan
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

babyÖ±²¥ are not required to repay grant overpayments of $50 or less.

If an overpayment exists after the Return of Title IV calculation is completed, the student is responsible for repaying the remaining balance. babyÖ±²¥ who owe an overpayment are not eligible to receive additional Title IV financial aid until the overpayment has been resolved.

Current tuition and fee rates are updated as approved by the UWA Board of Trustees.

View Current Tuition & Expenses

You can view your current account balance, account activity, and make online payments through Self-Service.

To view your account balance:

1. Log in to using your UWA email address and password.
2. Select Student Finance.
3. View your latest account statement, account activity, and available payment options.

Your Student Finance account includes your current balance, payment history, financial aid disbursements, and account activity.

The babyÖ±²¥ offers payment plans to help students divide tuition and fees into manageable installments.

To view available payment plan options or enroll in a payment plan:

1. Log in to .
2. Select Student Finance.
3. Choose Payment Plans.

You may also contact the Student Accounts Office at (205) 652-3542 for assistance.

If you need to modify your payment plan, the change must be completed at least one business day before your next scheduled installment.

To change your payment plan:

1. Log in to .
2. Navigate to Student Finance.
3. Select Payment Plans.
4. Choose View Payment Plan.
5. Select Consolidate to update your payment method.

To cancel your payment plan, please contact Student Accounts.

No. Past-due balances must be paid in full before enrolling in a new term or establishing a new payment plan.

UWA reserves the right to submit delinquent accounts to a collection agency.

If payment arrangements are not completed by the tuition payment deadline:

• A $75 late registration fee will be added to your account.
• UWA reserves the right to deregister students who have not made satisfactory payment arrangements.
• babyÖ±²¥ who are deregistered are removed from all scheduled courses.
• Deregistered students are not permitted to move into campus housing.

Course cancellations allow advisors and other students to accurately determine course availability.

Please refer to the Academic Calendar for payment deadlines and deregistration dates each term.

If you are deregistered for non-payment but are able to pay your balance and any applicable administrative fees shortly afterward, you may be eligible to have your courses reinstated.

Once your account has been financially cleared, you may:

• Contact your academic advisor to determine whether your courses can be reinstated. Original course sections may no longer be available.
• Register for available courses.
• Become eligible to move into campus housing.

For assistance with your account, contact Student Accounts at [email protected].

If your questions relate to financial aid eligibility or awards, contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected].

If your financial aid, scholarships, grants, or other credits exceed your tuition, fees, and other university charges, the remaining balance will be issued to you as a refund.

Refunds are issued by one of the following methods:

• Direct Deposit (recommended): Funds are typically available within 2–3 business days after disbursement.
• Paper Check: If you have not enrolled in direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to the local address on file with the University.

To avoid delays, students are encouraged to enroll in direct deposit before refunds are processed.

The babyÖ±²¥ offers direct deposit as the quickest and most convenient way to receive student refunds.

To enroll in direct deposit:

1. Log in to .
2. Navigate to Banking Information.
3. Enter your checking or savings account routing number and account number.
4. Allow up to 10 business days for your account to be verified.

Important Information

• Allow up to 10 business days for your direct deposit information to be verified.
• Verify your routing and account numbers carefully to avoid delays.
• Enroll in direct deposit before refunds are processed to receive your refund as quickly as possible.
• Keep your login credentials secure and avoid accessing Self-Service from shared or public computers.

1. Log in to .
2. Navigate to Banking Information.
3. Deactivate the bank account that is no longer valid.
4. Enter your new routing number and account number.
5. Allow up to 10 business days for verification.

If your refund is sent to a bank account that has been closed, your bank will return the funds to the University. UWA will then issue a paper check to the local mailing address on file.

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total cost of attending the babyÖ±²¥ for one academic year. It includes both direct educational costs and estimated indirect expenses.

The Cost of Attendance may include:

• Tuition and fees
• Housing and meals
• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Personal expenses

The COA represents the maximum amount of financial aid a student may receive from all sources, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and student loans.

For more information about how the Cost of Attendance is calculated, visit the Cost of Attendance page.