How do I know if my financial aid is ready?

Sometimes things can get confusing. That’s why we’re here to help you figure out exactly what is going on with your financial aid. You’ve filed your FAFSA and confirmed the Financial Aid office has all the documents you need. But, what’s your next step?

What happens after my FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is completed?

The financial aid office will confirm all your documentation (if necessary) is received. Once they have confirmed that, they will start to process your financial aid award.

Did you know?

More than 80 percent of the Southern Miss student population receives some form of financial assistance, so we understand the importance of acquiring scholarships and financial aid. 

What is the Student Aid Report?

The SAR is the Student Aid Report that comes from the U.S. Department of Education. Once you receive this, review it to be sure all the information is correct.

How do I know USM has received my SAR?

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 601.266.4774. Or check your status on Southern Miss student center on SOAR.

How can I get an estimate of my federal financial aid eligibility?

According to USM Financial Aid:

“Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 601.266.4774. If our office has received a valid copy of your SAR, the counselor should be able to give you an estimate of your financial aid eligibility. However, we are limited about giving certain information over the phone in order to protect the student’s privacy.”

How do I know when my financial aid is finalized?

An award offer is what you are looking for from the Financial Aid Office. After you receive the award offer, you must log into SOAR to accept it.

Remember, Your financial aid is not ready until you have ACCEPTED IT IN SOAR.

Now that you know all about the steps to federal financial aid, you are ready to focus on your classes. This is your life, plus college.