COVID-19 Financial Services Information
During this unprecedented time, Financial Services continues to be here for you. Our offices remain open, and we have taken proactive steps to minimize health and safety risks by altering working conditions. Customer service remains a priority, and operations are ongoing which includes refunding students in a timely manner. Updates to this page will be completed as more information becomes available.
The Financial aid office will process the Higher Education Grant on Thursday March 25, 2021 and students will see the amount of the credit on their account inquiry in WINS. The Cashiers office will process the refunds starting Thursday March 25, 2021 in the afternoon. Students who have direct deposit set up will receive the funds in that manner. If a student does not have direct deposit set up the funds will be mailed as a paper check to their dorm/mailing address. The University is not allowed to use the funds to pay on a students account, the full amount will be refunded. Please be patient with both offices as they are trying to effectively process ALL grant students in the same day.
We are hopeful things will get back to "normal" soon. If paying your balance is an issue, contact the Student Accounts Office via phone at 262-472-1373 or sfs@uww.edu to discuss your student account.
Students with account balanaces less than $500 qualify for Winterim and Spring priority registration. If you have a balance greater than $500, please contact Student Accounts via phone at 262-472-1373 or sfs@uww.edu.
Any questions on university operations related to Warhawks Return or COVID-19 visit the Warhawks Return page at https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-return. You can also email covid19info@uww.edu.
Although many college students were not eligible for the stimulus checks distributed in April 2020, the CARES Act did provide funds to UW-Whitewater for students who endured a financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19. The Federal Emergency Relief Grant was available to students; however, the monies have been fully distributed. For questions related to the Federal Emergency Relief Grant, contact the Financial Aid Office at uwwfao@uww.edu.
From March 13 until December 31, 0% interest is being assessed to most federal student loans. In addition, if you are in repayment, your student loans have been placed on administrative forbearance (temporary suspension) until December 31, but you can still make a payment if you so choose. For more information on Federal Student Loans and COVID-19, visit Federal Student Aid.
Many families are experiencing reduced income as a result of COVID-19 and wondering if they should update their FAFSA application. According to the Federal Student Aid site, the 2020-21 FAFSA application requests 2018 income tax records. For many, 2018 income does not reflect their current situation. They suggest contacting individual schools for which you are applying to explain and document the change in income. Click here for more information on the FAFSA application.
Here are some financial activities to consider if you have extra funds:
- Continue to pay your bills - Pay your cell phone, rent, utilities, and more each month as normal.
- Reduce your credit card debt - Most student credit cards have a higher interest rate. If you are carrying a balance on your credit card and have extra funds, consider paying down on this debt.
- Pay down student debt - If you incurred student loans during this academic year, the loan most likely was used to pay for your education and living expenses. Consider using any extra monies due to university refunds like housing, meal plans, parking, weight room and more to make a student loan payment and reduce the amount of debt you owe. Visit Federal Student Aid to identify your loan servicer and to manage your loans.
- Savings - An emergency fund savings helps students prepare for unexpected expenses in the future without worrying about being unprepared for unexpected expenses. Consider taking your excess funds and saving a portion (or all) for the future.
The Financial Literacy Center (FLC) is a free financial resource for all UW-W students. The FLC exists to help student address questions and concerns related to their personal money management. Although in person appointments have been suspended, virtual one-on-one coaching sessions are being conducted and can be requested online, by email (finlit@uww.edu), or by phone (262-472-4947).