Frequently Asked Questions

You can sign up via WINGSPAN: Click the 'My Profile' card, select Direct Deposit, then click +Add New. Under Type, ensure Accounts Payable is selected. Fill in the form with your bank routing and account numbers (NOT credit/debit card numbers). Please check with your bank to ensure you enter the correct routing number and bank account number. 

Once you have signed up, any future credit balance will automatically be deposited into your bank account unless you remove your bank account information. All funds must be deposited in one personal checking account in your name. 

Direct deposit can go to any financial institution within the United States.

You should sign up for Direct Deposit at least 2 weeks before the first day of classes to ensure your bank information is properly set up.  However, you can set it up any time!

No, direct deposit authorization remains in effect as long as you are in school. Just remember that if your checking account information changes or you have closed the account, it is the student's responsibility to update the banking information in WINGSPAN.

The funds will be sent electronically through the banking system in the same manner as direct deposit for payroll. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is safe, timely, and convenient.

No. You may check your refund status by accessing your student Payment Gateway via the Account Details card in Wingspan. When you see a refund transaction, the funds should be in your checking account within three to five business days. Again, it is important that you contact your financial institution to verify the deposit prior to writing any checks or attempting to withdraw the funds.

No, all funds must be deposited in one personal checking account in your name. Excess funds from Parent PLUS loans will be issued by check to the borrower (usually, the parent).

In the Fall and Spring semesters, disbursements are done automatically - typically 5-7 days before the first days of classes for those students who qualify. Qualified refunds will be processed within 14 days after the financial aid is disbursed to your account.

Summer disbursements will be done manually - typically 3-4 business days after the first day of the session for those students who qualify. Refunds will be processed approximately 14 days after financial aid is disbursed to your account. How student aid is awarded and disbursed in the summer is described at Summer Financial Aid.

When a student signs up for direct deposit via Wingspan, funds resulting from a credit balance and eligible for refunding will be transmitted electronically 3-5 business days after the refund has been applied to the student account.

The proceeds are disbursed to the State of South Carolina's bank. During the bank's nightly processing, proceeds are sent out to the receiving banks (the student's bank). Each receiving bank posts transactions at different times during their business day. Your bank could receive your deposit proceeds before or after the daily posting of direct deposit transactions. It is important that you contact your financial institution to verify the deposit prior to writing any checks or attempting to withdraw the funds.

The proceeds are disbursed to the State of South Carolina's bank. During the bank's nightly processing, proceeds are sent out to the receiving banks (the student's bank). Each receiving bank posts transactions at different times during the business day. Your bank could receive your financial aid proceeds before or after the daily posting of direct deposit transactions. Again, it is important that you contact your financial institution to verify the deposit prior to writing any checks or attempting to withdraw the funds.

All funds must be deposited in one personal checking account in your name. Excess funds from Parent PLUS loans will be issued by check to the borrower (usually, the parent).

If you close or change your bank account without providing a new authorization or you have provided incorrect information, the transfer will be rejected by your bank and will delay your disbursement. Please use extreme care when entering your banking information to avoid any delays.

If the funds are rejected by the bank for any reason, please contact Student Account Services. Once we have received notice from the bank that the funds have been returned, we can begin to process a replacement refund. The reprocess can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.

If the funds are not returned to Winthrop, we cannot reissue a refund. You should contact your banking institution to find out why the funds have not been returned to Winthrop. We cannot contact your bank for information about your personal account.

You may check your financial aid status on Wingspan. Go to the Financial Aid card, select Award, and select Award Payment Schedule. This screen will allow you to determine the status of your financial aid. You might also access the Academic Progress screen for more information. After checking the status of your aid, if you still have questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 803/323-2189.

In the event that funds are disbursed to you in error by direct deposit, the University reserves the right to debit your checking account for the amount of overpayment. NACHA, the National Automated Clearing House Association, requires that we notify you before processing a debit against your account. Otherwise, the Cashiers Office will not use the information you submitted when you signed up for direct deposit for any purpose other than direct deposit transactions.

To cancel your Direct Deposit via WINGSPAN, select the My Profile card, select Direct Deposit, then remove your bank account information under Accounts Payable.