Information for Parents of Undergraduate Students

Parent Access to Student Records

The University of Southern Mississippi's Office of the Registrar posts policies regarding privacy of student information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA regulations forbid the Office of Financial Aid from disclosing any student's financial aid information to parents unless the student provides written consent.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance is the estimated fees and expenses based on the living arrangements of a full-time student. More information regarding the estimated Cost of Attendance can be found here.

Veterans Assistance

Federal Plus Loans for Parents

Because undergraduate costs can be significant, the Office of Financial Aid is here to assist your family with meeting your student's educational expenses. In addition to your student's federal grants and Federal Direct Stafford Loans, you may also want to consider borrowing a Federal Direct PLUS Loan when deciding how your family will finance your student's education. Federal Direct PLUS Loans are low-interest unsubsidized loans for parents to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school. In order to apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, you must visit studentloans.gov.

Federal Direct Loan Overview and Borrowing Limits

There are two types of Federal Direct Loans and your student's eligibility is determined after their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been reviewed.

• Direct Subsidized Loans are interest-free while your student is enrolled in college at least half-time and during a six-month grace period after your child leaves school.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans accrue interest while your student is enrolled in college. The student can choose to pay the interest each month while in school or allow the interest to accumulate.

Loan-borrowing limits for each academic year are dependent upon your student's class level and can be found here.

Verification

Each year the U.S. Department of Education randomly selects a percentage of our student population for a process called verification. If your student is selected for verification, you are encouraged to submit the requested documentation to the Southern Miss Office of Financial Aid in a timely manner. Not doing so may cause a delay in your student being awarded financial aid.