Federal Pell Grant - A Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree, and your award amount is based upon your EFC.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant - This grant is for undergraduate students with exceptional need. At Southwestern, this grant is awarded to as many of the students with a zero EFC as possible. The funding is limited, however, so awarding is on a first-come first-served basis. Late applicants may go on a waiting list.
Academic Competitiveness Grant - This grant is a federal program for Pell-eligible students enrolled in their first two academic years. Recipients must meet specific requirements in order to qualify, such as rigorous high school curriculum, high school graduation date, U.S. citizenship, enrollment status, and GPA for second year students.
Federal Work-Study - The Federal Work-Study program is designed to provide jobs for students with financial need to assist with paying for their educational expenses. Federal Work-Study wages at Southwestern currently coincide with the State minimum wage. Students receiving Federal Work-Study funding receive one paycheck each month they work.
Federal Stafford Loan - Federal Stafford Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. A subsidized loan is awarded based on financial need, and the interest payments do not accrue until the student begins repayment. An unsubsidized loan is awarded based on cost of attendance, and the interest accrual starts when the loan is disbursed.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - PLUS loans are for parents to borrow to assist in paying for each child’s education who is an undergraduate student and enrolled at least half-time. A credit check is usually required, and parent’s who are denied the PLUS loan may have their dependent child borrow additional funds from the Federal Stafford Loan program.