Steps to Apply

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Apply for admission or readmission to Southern Miss at usm.edu/admissions or by contacting the Office of Admissions at (601) 266-5000. Be aware of deadlines.

Financial aid cannot be processed without a clear admission status.

Step 2: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is available for the upcoming year on October 1st. (Apply early, as the priority date is December 15th)

Mississippi Residents may apply for state aid at the State of Mississippi Student Financial Aid Website by clicking here. 

Students should also apply for Southern Miss scholarships by completing the general application in the GO System here. 

If you are a new student starting in the Spring or Summer, you must also complete the USM online financial aid application in your SOAR account. 

Step 3: Monitor your SOAR Account & USM Email

The Financial Aid Office will communicate with you through your SOAR account and USM Campus Email. This may include additional documentation needed to complete your Financial Aid Application, issues with your Financial Aid Application, or the amount of aid you have been awarded.

Students selected for verification by the Federal Government will need to submit additional information.

Step 4: Accept or Decline Awards in SOAR

Instructions for accepting your offers in SOAR can be found here.

When the Office of Financial Aid receives all necessary documentation you will receive your Financial Aid Offer Notice. 

Ensure timely processing of your awards by accepting your award in SOAR and completing Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you are a first time loan borrower.

NOTE: If you were awarded institutional scholarships, they must be accepted in the GO System, not SOAR. 

Step 5: Be Aware

• Be aware of Satisfactory Academic Progress Policies required to retain federal and state financial aid each year.
• Be aware of your Rights & Responsibilities.
• Be aware that you must re-apply for federal and state aid each year (forms are typically available in October).
• Be aware of your deadlines and resources.
• Be aware of your total financial aid student loan debt.
• Keep your address current with Southern Miss.
• Maintain a file of your financial records; keep a copy of all correspondence.