Student Financial Information | 3

Student Financial Aid

In an attempt to meet the financial need of qualified students, the University subscribes to the following policies and principles:

1. The purpose of financial aid is to supplement the resources of the student and his/her family; it does not exist to replace these sources of support. The primary responsibility for financing a college education resides with the family, and the family is expected to contribute according to its income and assets to a student's University expenses. The student is expected to share in this responsibility through savings, summer work, and part-time employment if necessary.
2. In selecting a financial aid recipient, the University considers not only an applicant's financial need, but also academic achievement and potential, character, and leadership ability.
3. The amount of a financial aid award reflects the financial situation of the student and his/her family and represents confidential information which will not be made public by the University.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), www.fafsa.gov, is required to apply for Federal Direct Student Loans and the Federal Work-Study Program. Students must complete a new application each year using the prior-prior year's Federal Income Tax information. 

Financial aid at UWA may consist of a loan, scholarship, campus employment, or any combination of these. The Financial Aid Office will attempt to meet a student's financial need through the award or combination of awards most appropriate to the individual applicant.

Specific information on applying for financial assistance may be obtained by visiting the Financial Aid Office in Webb Hall, Room 334, by email at financialaid@uwa.edu, by telephone at 205.652.3576, or online.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment for undergraduate and graduate students who need financial assistance in order to pay part of their educational expenses. The amount of the work-study award depends on the financial need of the student and the funds available. The average Federal Work-Study student works fifteen hours each week. Federal Work-Study is only available on campus. The FAFSA application is required each year to apply.

Federal Direct Loans

A Federal Direct Loan is a low-interest loan made to qualified students through the University by the Federal Government. Students may borrow a maximum of $20,500 per year ($6833/semester) or $138,500 aggregate total during their undergraduate and graduate programs. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the application for a Direct Loan. Deferment and limited cancellation benefits are available for highly qualified teachers. More information is available online at http://www.studentaid.gov.

Drops and Withdrawals

Students who withdraw or drop courses will have those courses included in the evaluation of their Satisfactory Academic Progress, which is calculated once a year. Satisfactory Academic Progress requires students receiving federal aid to complete at least 67% of all the courses they attempt, maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA (3.25 for Education Specialist and Doctoral programs), and complete their program in 150% of the time required for their degree. A complete copy of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is available online. 

Enrollment Status and Repeated Courses

Federal regulations require that we only count courses required for the student's degree in determining their enrollment status. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (three graduate hours) to qualify for Federal Direct Loans and Federal Work-Study. The regulations will allow students to repeat a course, in which they have a passing grade, one time. However, repeated courses do not erase failing grades for Satisfactory Academic Progress evaluations. 

Veterans and Veterans' Dependents

UWA is an accredited institution under provisions of all the public laws providing educational benefits for qualified veterans and dependents of veterans. For Veteran assistance, contact (205)652-3930 or va@uwa.edu GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Section 702, Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 and 2017 Amendments

The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes in accordance with Public Law 115-251 Sec. 301:

• A Veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill^® - Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill^®), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either Chapter 30 or Chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
• Anyone using educational assistance under chapter 31, Veterans Readiness and Employment, also be charged the resident rate.  Effective for courses and terms beginning after March 1, 2019, a public institution of higher learning must charge the resident rate to chapter 31 participants, as well as the other categories of individuals described above. When an institution charges these individuals more than the rate for resident students, VA is required to disapprove programs of education sponsored by VA.
• Students utilizing VA education benefits shall not be charged a penalty, including assessment of late fees, denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or be required to borrow additional funds because of the individual's inability to meet their financial obligations due to the delayed disbursement of a payment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The policy shall be read to be amended as necessary to be compliant with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 3679 as amended.
• Starting August 1, 2022, Any student using Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).

Section 1005 of the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315). states that effective 1 August 2021, the requirement for covered individuals to enroll in a course at a public institution of higher learning within three years of being discharged to receive in-state tuition is removed.

Complaint Policy for Students Receiving VA Education Benefits

For students receiving VA education benefits, any complaint against the school should be routed through the VA GI Bill^® Feedback System by going to the following link: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp.  The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channels to investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily.

Expenses

General Fees

Tuition is billed based on the section location. 

Fees in the School of Graduate Studies do not cover any medical expenses for students.

NOTE: The audit fee is waived for senior citizens of Alabama, those 55 or older, who audit a course on campus.

Housing Reservation

A request for a reservation in University housing (residence hall room or apartment) must be accompanied by an application fee of $100.00.

Room and Board (Subject to Change Without Notice)

The rental rate in one of the University residence halls or apartments covers only the period when classes are in session. Limited housing is available during breaks at an additional charge. All rental rates are set on the basis of multiple occupancy of the room. The rates (subject to change) are as follows:

All students residing in the residence halls of the University are required to purchase meal plans unless a waiver is approved by the Director of Housing and Residence Life. The semester charges of the meal plans, including applicable sales taxes, are as follows:

All students that live in a residence hall room without kitchen facilities, are required to have a Tiger Access Meal Plan. A Tiger Block Plan is required of all other residents.

Payments

All University charges for tuition, fees, room and board are due by registration day of each semester.

All students must pay their charges in full, have approved financial aid to cover all charges or establish an approved payment plan sufficient to cover the account balance by the due date. Any charges incurred other than those required as a condition of enrollment are due in full prior to registration confirmation.

International students are REQUIRED to pay all charges at the time of registration. Other students whose accounts in the past have been turned over for collection also must pay all charges at the time of registration. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that fee payments are made on time and in accordance with the policies set forth in this catalogue. Any student who fails to comply with these policies may be withdrawn from classes by the University. Students should not, however, rely on this method as a form of withdrawal from their registered courses. The University is not responsible for sending bills or reminders, although statements showing outstanding balances due may be rendered on occasion. A student may access pertinent information regarding their student account online through their Student Finance account at any time. Checks for payment of University charges should be made payable to "UWA". Registration for a future term is not allowed with a prior balance.

All costs, including attorney's fees, which are necessary for the collection of any debt owed to the University, must be paid by the debtor. Questions about charges or any billing discrepancies should be directed to the Student Accounts Office in writing no later than 180 days from the date of the charges.

Payment Plan

The University of West Alabama offers a payment plan that allows students to spread their education expenses over monthly installments. There is an enrollment fee of $35 per term of enrollment for 16-week courses and a $20 enrollment fee for 8-week courses. If a student is enrolled in 16-week course, the student may choose to enroll in a four- or five-month payment plan. Students enrolled in an 8-week course may only enroll in two-month payment plans, due to the length of the term. Students may enroll using UWA's Student Finance portal, where additional information on all our education payment services are available. The account is secure, and the student can access their information 24/7. Once enrolled, the student will receive monthly payment reminders in accordance with the payment schedule on their selected payment plan. For questions, please contact the Office of Student Accounts or visit https://www.uwa.edu/university-departments/student-accounts/.

Returned Check Policy

UWA will pursue all legal means to collect dishonored checks returned by our bank for any reason. Once a check has been returned to the Business Office, the maker of the check will be notified by mail and be given a reasonable period of time to make the check good. Should the maker decide to ignore this notice, the Business Office will send a second notice. The second notice will be sent by Registered Mail. Should the second notice be ignored, the check and all supporting documentation will be submitted to the Bad Check Unit of the District Attorney's Office for collection. Writing a bad check is a crime in the State of Alabama. Failure to respond to the District Attorney may result in arrest.

Refunds

16-Week Refund Policy

Students who officially withdraw during the first two weeks of classes are eligible for tuition and course fee refunds as follows: 100% if withdrawal occurs within the first week (the first 7 calendar days) and 50% if withdrawal occurs during the second week (days 8-14). No refund is given for withdrawals after the second week. Dining Dollars are non-refundable after the first day of classes, and the Tiger One Fee is non-refundable after the first week.

Refunds are issued only upon receipt of a properly completed official withdrawal form, which is the student's responsibility to submit accurately and on time. In cases of withdrawal due to personal illness or military service, a full refund is available if withdrawal occurs on or before Friday of the third week; a 50% refund applies for withdrawals between Monday of the fourth week and Friday of the fifth week.

• Students in these situations may be required to provide official documentation.
• Recipients of Title IV Federal Financial Aid will have their aid prorated based on the number of days enrolled, up to 60% of the semester. Withdrawing may affect a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress, and students should consult the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing. Students who fail to pass any classes during an award period are considered unofficial withdrawals, and federal funds may need to be returned. Any Title IV repayments are charged to the student's account and are the student's responsibility to repay. Financial Aid for a current term cannot pay any past due balance.

8-Week Refund Policy

Students who officially withdraw during the first two weeks of classes are eligible for tuition and course fee refunds as follows: 100% if withdrawal occurs within the first week (the first 5 calendar days) and 50% if withdrawal occurs during the second week (days 6-12). No refund is given for withdrawals after the second week. The Tiger One Fee is non-refundable after the first week.

Refunds are issued only upon receipt of a properly completed official withdrawal form, which is the student's responsibility to submit accurately and on time. In cases of withdrawal due to personal illness or military service, a full refund is available if withdrawal occurs on or before Friday of the second week; a 50% refund applies for withdrawals between Monday of the third week and Friday of the fourth week.

• Students in these situations may be required to provide official documentation.
• Recipients of Title IV Federal Financial Aid will have their aid prorated based on the number of days enrolled, up to 60% of the semester. Withdrawing may affect a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress, and students should consult the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing. Students who fail to pass any classes during an award period are considered unofficial withdrawals, and federal funds may need to be returned. Any Title IV repayments are charged to the student's account and are the student's responsibility to repay. Financial Aid for a current term cannot pay any past due balance.

4-Week Refund Policy

Students who officially withdraw during the first 6 (six) days of classes are eligible for tuition and course fee refunds as follows: 100% if withdrawal occurs within the first 3 (three) days of classes and 50% if withdrawal occurs during the 4-6 (fourth through sixth) days of classes. No refund is given for withdrawals after the 6 (sixth) day of classes beginning. Dining Dollars are non-refundable after the first day of classes, and the Tiger One Fee is non-refundable after the first three days.

Refunds are issued only upon receipt of a properly completed official withdrawal form, which is the student's responsibility to submit accurately and on time. In cases of withdrawal due to personal illness or military service, a 100% refund is available if withdrawal occurs on or before Friday of the first week; a 50% refund is available if withdrawal occurs on or before Friday of the second week. 

• Students in these situations may be required to provide official documentation.
• Recipients of Title IV Federal Financial Aid will have their aid prorated based on the number of days enrolled, up to 60% of the semester. Withdrawing may affect a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress, and students should consult the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing. Students who fail to pass any classes during an award period are considered unofficial withdrawals, and federal funds may need to be returned. Any Title IV repayments are charged to the student's account and are the student's responsibility to repay. Financial Aid for a current term cannot pay any past due balance.