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Financial Aid

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FAFSA – Your first steps to financial aid

Applying for financial aid begins with the completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the SWOSU Student Data Form. The window for submitting your FAFSA is October 1 through February 28 prior to the fall semester. The FAFSA can be completed after March 1 if needed. However, early application ensures the best opportunity for assistance.

Financial Aid GlossaryEducational Outcomes7 Steps to FASFA

Financial Aid Process

FAFSA Application

 

Use institutional code 003181

Incorrect or omitted information will cause a delay in the process

 

Federal Student Aid ID

Keep track of your FSA ID and password because you will need it to make corrections and to complete your FAFSA application for each new year.

SAR Report

You will receive a Student Aid Report with results of the government's calculations after sending your data in to the government. Please read the Student Aid Report to be sure that no corrections are necessary. If corrections are needed, contact us at 580.774.3786.

Student Aid Report

If the Student Aid Report states that you have been "selected for a process called verification" we will email you requesting any additional documentation that is needed to complete your file.

 

More about Verification

Review

You must be admitted to SWOSU in a degree-seeking program before aid eligibility may be determined.

When all documents are received and your file is complete, we will review your application for accuracy.

Awards

Once the review is complete, you will receive an email with your status.

Federal regulations prohibit disbursing aid earlier. Aid is typically available a few days before classes begin.

Grant and scholarship money is awarded first if you qualify. Then Federal Work Study and loans may be awarded depending on your financial aid preference and aid eligibility.

Some aid specifies what it can be used for, but most other assistance may be used for any educational expense after direct charges due to SWOSU are paid.

Address Change

Keep your address up-to-date by using your Student Aid Report or one of the following methods (you will need the Data Release No. from your SAR):

Call

319.337.5665

Mail

Federal Processor

P. O. Box 4021

Iowa City, IA 52243

SWOSU Student Classification Definitions

Each financial aid program has different academic requirements.

Undergraduate

Full-Time Student = 12 Hours
¾-Time Student = 9 Hours
Half-Time Student = 6 Hours

Graduate

Full-Time Student = 9 Hours
Half-Time Student = 5 Hours

 

Basic Financial Aid Timeline

Most of these dates apply only to on-time applicants (students whose complete and correct applications are received by March 1). Late application means delays in financial aid processing time and may affect the level of aid you receive.

SWOSU imports federal financial aid applications and notifies students of eligibility when their applications are complete.

Students who want to receive the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) should complete the FAFSA before December 1st prior to the fall term when they expect to receive the funds.

Submit FAFSA to federal processor in time to be processed by March 1st. File electronically for faster processing and fewer errors by going to www.fafsa.gov. Check and/or update your admission status if you're an incoming student.

Incoming freshman should be admitted before March 1st if they want to be in the scholarship pool. SWOSU does not have a separate scholarship application for freshman. Transfer students who will be attending SWOSU for the first time in fall semester and who have completed at least 24 credit hours at another institution should complete the Transfer Scholarship Application. Also check on the SWOSU Foundation Scholarship Application.

Confirm the Office of Student Financial Services has received all paperwork needed for your aid application for the coming fall semester. You should also search on the Internet and at the library for outside scholarship options you may qualify for. Apply now for next fall. The federal processor should also have received your FAFSA. Students receive official notification of freshman scholarships.

Confirm aid award has been calculated, or that all paperwork has been completed properly.

Students who expect to borrow should complete a master promissory note at studentloans.gov.

Review and respond to your bill from SWOSU's Bursar's Office.

Confirm aid has been applied to your school bill by first day of class. Information about refunds can be found at the Office of the Bursar.

Remember These Important Steps

Important Steps to Keep Your Financial Aid on Track

  1. Complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as you can. Early application is key to receiving some types of aid.
  2. Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) you receive from the U.S. Department of Education. Follow the instructions to make corrections if necessary, and then keep the final SAR for your records. Do this even if you are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
  3. Review the Financial Aid Award letter (and any revised award letters) for your own records. You should also keep a copy of all documents that you submit to the Office of Student Financial Services.
  4. Be certain that you understand the conditions of the awards you accept. Adhere to deadlines and Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
  5. Advise the Office of Student Financial Services immediately if you receive an award or financial aid from any other source. A change in your resources may affect your financial aid.
  6. Respond immediately to all requests from the Office of Student Financial Services. Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of your aid.
  7. Be sure to notify the Office of the University Academic Records if you move.
  8. Remember that you must reapply for financial aid each year. The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant priority deadline for each year is December 1. And we recommend that you complete your FAFSA by December 1. Your FAFSA is your application for the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant.