Navigating college finances can be overwhelming. Fortunately, both Business Services and the Office of Financial Aid are here to support you. While their services may seem similar, each serves a unique role. Here’s a quick guide of business services vs. financial aid:
Business Services: Managing Your Finances
As the University’s central financial hub, Business Services handles everything related to your student account and financial records. This office supports students with billing, tuition payments, and account management on SOAR.
“Business Services is the main connection point for students to receive information regarding their student accounts. “Students should direct any questions about specific items on an account, balances, repayment plans, refund setup, or BankMobile to Business Services,” says Brian Kees, Assistant Director of Student Financial Services for Business Services.
Business Services offers guidance on:
- Interpreting and managing semester invoices
- Setting up direct deposit with BankMobile
- Staying aware of important dates, like refund schedules and withdrawal deadlines
- Understanding institutional charges and anticipating aid
Office of Financial Aid: Funding Your Education
The Office of Financial Aid assists both current and prospective students in exploring and securing financial support.
The Office of Financial Aid can help you:
- Explore funding options, including grants, loans, and scholarships
- Meet application deadlines for aid programs
- Arrange a full payment or payment plan before the start of each term
“The Office of Financial Aid addresses questions about applying for financial aid, aid approvals, and scholarships — with the exception of outside or third-party scholarships, which Business Services handles directly,” Kees adds.
This office also provides detailed financial calendars with key dates relating to FAFSA, scholarships, tuition invoices, refunds, and more.
Quick Reference Guide for When to Contact Each Office…
Business Services:
- Navigating Your SOAR Student Account
- Fee Payment
- Student Expenses
- Important Dates/Billing Information
- Withdrawals and Tuition Credit
- Invoices/Refunds
- BankMobile
- Installment Payment Plan
- International Wire Transfer Services
- 1098-T Forms
Office of Financial Aid:
- Financial Aid Awards/Application
- Aid Programs (e.g., Pell Grant, Work Study, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS Loans, and more)
- Financial Calendars
- FASFA Help
- Cost of Attendance
- Determining Eligibility
- Repayment Plans
By knowing where to turn for specific support, you can better manage your finances and make the most of the resources available to you.
Contact Information:
Business Services
Hattiesburg Campus:
601.266.4137
101 Forrest County Hall (FCH)
118 College Dr. #5133, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
Gulf Park Campus:
228.214.3370
Student Services One Stop, Gulf Coast Library (GCL) 101
730 East Beach Blvd., Long Beach, MS 39560
Office of Financial Aid
Hattiesburg Campus:
financial.aid@usm.edu
601.266.4774
Kennard-Washington Hall (KWH) 101
118 College Dr. #5101, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
Gulf Park Campus:
OneStop_GP@usm.edu
228.214.3370
Student Services One Stop, Gulf Coast Library (GCL) 101
730 East Beach Blvd., Long Beach, MS 39560
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