The Office of Student Accounts processes financial aid excess refunds approximately 2-3 business days after the awards posts to PAWS provided you have no additional financial obligations.
PLEASE NOTE: If there is an outstanding balance or past due balance listed on the PAWS account, all credit amounts will be scrutinized before refunding to determine if the credit balance could be utilized to pay a portion or all of the outstanding balance due. This could result in having the direct deposit cancelled by the refund specialist to apply allowable amounts towards the past due balance. If the direct deposit is cancelled to pay towards a past due balance, a paper check will then be created.
Excess refunds are sent via direct deposit (ACH) or are mailed to your active mailing address in PAWS. To receive a refund of any kind, a valid mailing address must be on file on your PAWS account. To set up direct deposit (ACH) refunds for your PAWS account, see instructions below.
Undelivered refund checks may be replaced 14 days after issuance date listed on PAWS by contacting the Student Accounts Office at student-finances@uwm.edu or 414-229-4541.
Questions relating to refunds or the status of your Financial Aid may also be directed to the Student Accounts Office at student-finances@uwm.edu or 414-229-4541
International Students
International students expecting excess refunds should work closely with CIE / Refund Specialist to ensure their home address is correct if they have prior knowledge of not being in the US during the refunding period.
Direct Deposit (ACH)
Benefits of Direct Deposit (ACH)
Direct deposit will allow you to avoid delays and will directly deposit your funds into your bank account. These funds will be deposited into a savings or checking account you designate following the posting of the transaction on your student account. The funds will be available for you to use as soon as they are deposited. You should receive a direct deposit or ACH refund approximately 1-3 days faster than for a paper check.
PLEASE NOTE: Parent Plus loans are not eligible for direct deposit (ACH) refunding at this time.
Instructions for Enrolling in Direct Deposit (ACH)
- Step 1: Log into PAWS
- Log into PAWS using your username and password.
- Disable your pop-up blocker to allow all windows to load properly.
- Step 2: Access the Payment Center
- Navigate to the Finances section in your PAWS Student Center.
- Click on Payment Center (Enable PopUps).
- Select Manage My Refunds.
- Step 3: Verify Your Contact Information
- Verify your Email Address and add a secondary email if desired.
- Opt-in to Mobile Alerts (recommended).
- Check both boxes on the Manage Mobile Alerts page.
- Enter a valid mobile number to receive alerts.
- Note: If you do not opt-in, you will receive only email notifications.
- Step 4: Authentication
- Click Save to proceed.
- An authentication code will be sent to your mobile phone or email (based on your selection).
- Enter the code and click Submit.
- Step 5: Enter Banking Information
- Enter your bank account details (routing number and account number) to complete the Direct Deposit setup.
NOTE: Please keep this information updated in the event you change banks and/or close accounts. Failure to do so will result in delayed access to your funds.