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Business Office and Financial Aid

Financial Responsibility

Students are responsible for payment for the cost of attendance. Students receiving scholarships, loans, or grants are subject to all late fees if they fail to ensure that the necessary paperwork to receive such financial aid is completed on time. Payment plans are available in the current semester only. Student accounts that remain unpaid at the end of the semester are subject to assignment for collection. Students are responsible for any additional charges made by the collection company for this service.

Student Financial Services

Student Financial Services is located in Stafford 217. This office provides students with information on various types of financial assistance. This information can be found in the office and online. A student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to apply for need-based financial aid.  A FAFSA must be completed in order to apply for state and federal grants.

Employment

Part-time employment opportunities exist for students both on and off campus. Students apply for employment through the Bulldog Job Board. Federally funded work-study jobs are available in the majority of departments on campus. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to establish eligibility for the work-study program. Students qualifying for work-study will be given an offer letter from the Student Financial Services Office. Most work-study positions are paid above the current minimum wage rate. The number of hours a student employee may work varies on their specific eligibility. Most students work 10-15 hours per week, not to exceed 20 hours per week.

Grants

State and federal grants are available at SWOSU for those who qualify. To be considered for these need-based programs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online www.studentaid.gov.  Early application is critical to securing some of these types of aid. Many grants require at least half-time enrollment per term.

Loans

Federal loans include the Federal Subsidized Direct Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan or the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan). The FAFSA must be completed to determine eligibility for any federal student loan. To receive a loan you must be enrolled at least half-time per term. Apply early, since student loans take time to process.  

Scholarships

Freshman academic scholarships are awarded based on High School GPA and ACT/SAT scores.  Transfer scholarships for in-state students are awarded each year for students enrolled full-time (min. of 12 hours) and meeting minimum academic requirements while working toward their first bachelor’s degree.

Financial Assistance for Graduate Students

Graduate students who need financial assistance should contact the Office of Student Financial Services to determine eligibility. Most financial assistance at the graduate level is limited to individuals who are enrolled in at least 5 hours per term. Graduate assistantships are available through academic departments that offer graduate programs. Graduate students are eligible to apply for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans. Additional funding may be available through school departments and the SWOSU Foundation.