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Community College Financial Aid

Paying for college can seem overwhelming, but there is community college financial aid available to help you with tuition, books and even living expenses. For degree-seeking students, federal and state financial aid comes in the form of grants, loans and student employment. Funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Our team of experts are here to help you with this process every step of the way.

Book a Financial Aid Appointment!

Still have questions after reading through the below? Have a unique, specific question that requires one-on-one attention? Meet directly with a Southwestern Financial Aid Advisor! Click below to choose your time.

PAY FOR COLLEGE
TUITION AND FEES
FINANCIAL AID
SCHOLARSHIPS
PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS

CONTACT US
Phone: 541-888-2525 option 2
Veteran Phone: 541-888-7236
Fax: 541-888-7492

Coos Campus
Dellwood Hall
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Email

Curry Campus
Front Desk
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Phone: 541-813-1667
Email

Paying for college can seem overwhelming, but there is community college financial aid available to help you with tuition, books and even living expenses. For degree-seeking students, federal and state financial aid comes in the form of grants, loans and student employment. Funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Our team of experts are here to help you with this process every step of the way.

Book a Financial Aid Appointment!

Still have questions after reading through the below? Have a unique, specific question that requires one-on-one attention? Meet directly with a Southwestern Financial Aid Advisor! Click below to choose your time.

When to Apply

Apply for financial aid AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! You will need to apply every year you plan to attend college. Some awards are based on a first-come, first-served basis. See below for deadlines based on when you plan to attend school: 

Terms of Enrollment FAFSA Priority Deadline Priority deadline for Submission of Additional Paperwork Required for Every Financial Aid Applicant
Summer Term 2024-2025 January 1, 2024 May 1, 2024 – Contact our office if attending
Fall Term 2024-2025 March 1, 2024 Aug 1, 2024
Winter Term 2024-2025 August 1, 2024 Dec 1, 2024
Spring Term 2024-2025 November 1, 2024 Mar 1, 2025
  • Paperwork submitted OR postmarked after the deadline dates will be processed as quickly as possible.
  • Late paperwork may not be processed before the term begins.
  • Plan on at least 6 – 8 weeks processing time from the time you turn in your last piece of paperwork. 
  • You will need to make payment arrangements with the Student Success Center if you have not received your official award letter by the payment deadline date: 
    • Coos Campus – Stensland Hall, 541-888-7352, Email
    • Curry Campus – Front Desk, 541-813-1667, Email

2024-2025 FAFSA

Due to the FAFSA Simplification Act, the Department of Education has rolled out significant changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA. The redesign is intended to simplify the federal student aid application process. Read below for a timeline of updates regarding the launch of the new FAFSA and how it impacts our communications: 

Dates Update
December 2023 – March 2024 The new Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2024-2025 academic year became available for students. Since the application’s launch, the Department of Education has been working to resolve many issues, which have impacted the release of the 24-25 FAFSA to schools nationwide.
March 2024 – April 2024 We will begin receiving 24-25 FAFSA from the Department of Education. Due to additional issues with the new FAFSA rollout, we are unable to confirm we’ve received your FAFSA. Once we have the ability to confirm we’ve received your FAFSA, we will reach out to you via the email address you listed on the FAFSA.
April 15, 2024 Financial Aid Extravaganza! Monday, April 15, 2024 from 8am – 5pm. Coos Campus: 3rd Floor, Tioga. First 40 to arrive receive a $10 gas card. Curry Campus: Room 232. First 10 to arrive receive a $10 gas card. Free event, open to all to assist with submitting the FAFSA.
May 2024 Financial Aid award offers will begin being sent out.
Terms of Enrollment FAFSA Priority Deadline Priority Deadline for Submission of Additional Paperwork Required for Every Financial Aid Applicant
Summer Term 2024-2025 January 1, 2024 May 1, 2024 – Contact our office if attending
Fall Term 2024-2025 March 1, 2024 August 1, 2024
Winter Term 2024-2025 August 1, 2024 December 1, 2024
Spring Term 2024-2025 November 1, 2024 March 1, 2025
  • Paperwork submitted OR postmarked after the deadline dates will be processed as quickly as possible.
  • Late paperwork may not be processed before the term begins.
  • Plan on at least 6 – 8 weeks processing time from the time you turn in your last piece of paperwork.
  • You will need to make payment arrangements with the Student Success Center if you have not received your official award letter by the payment deadline date: 
    • Coos Campus – Stensland Hall, 541-888-7352, Email
    • Curry Campus – Front Desk, 541-813-1667, Email

2024-2025 FAFSA

Due to the FAFSA Simplification Act, the Department of Education has rolled out significant changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA. The redesign is intended to simplify the federal student aid application process. Read below for a timeline of updates regarding the launch of the new FAFSA and how it impacts our communications: 

Dates Update
December 2023 – March 2024 The new Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2024-2025 academic year became available for students. Since the application’s launch, the Department of Education has been working to resolve many issues, which have impacted the release of the 24-25 FAFSA to schools nationwide.
March 2024 – April 2024 We will begin receiving 24-25 FAFSA from the Department of Education. Due to additional issues with the new FAFSA rollout, we are unable to confirm we’ve received your FAFSA. Once we have the ability to confirm we’ve received your FAFSA, we will reach out to you via the email address you listed on the FAFSA.
April 15, 2024 Financial Aid Extravaganza! Monday, April 15, 2024 from 8am – 5pm. Coos Campus: 3rd Floor, Tioga. First 40 to arrive receive a $10 gas card. Curry Campus: Room 232. First 10 to arrive receive a $10 gas card. Free event, open to all to assist with submitting the FAFSA.
May 2024 Financial Aid award offers will begin being sent out.
August 14, 2024 (9am – 6pm)

Financial Aid Workshop Wednesday, from 9am – 6pm. FREE EVENT! Open to all to assist with submitting the FAFSA. Find all the details HERE

  • Coos Campus = Tioga Hall, 3rd Floor
  • Curry Campus = Room 232

How to Apply – Steps to Receive Financial Aid

See below for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for financial aid. Questions regarding any of the below? Contact us!

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1 - Determine if you Should Apply for FAFSA or ORSAA

Depending on your immigration status, apply online by completing the FAFSA or the ORSAA. Not sure which to use? Take this quiz. 

  • ORSAA Students – Once you complete the ORSAA, contact the financial aid office for further instructions (see contact info on this page). You will NOT take any further steps outlined below.
  • FAFSA Students – Follow all remaining steps outlined below.

2 - Complete the FAFSA Online

This is the only application you need to complete to be considered for federal and state aid in Oregon. You will apply early every year you plan to attend school. The application generally opens on October 1st of every year; however, for the 2024-25 award year, the FAFSA application has been delayed and opens on December 31, 2023: 

  • Get your FSA ID – You need this to login and sign the FAFSA online. (Parents also get a FSA ID and password to sign the FAFSA). 
  • Complete the FAFSA – Login and complete the application! Online help is available if you get stuck. IMPORTANT: Hit “submit” when you are done and list all colleges you are considering (you may list up to 20). Southwestern’s school code is: 003220.

3 - Submit Documents and Prepare to be Awarded

Once we receive your FAFSA information, you will receive an email from us at the same email address you used on the FAFSA. It will include a notice requesting additional paperwork. You can also login to myLakerLink once you’ve completed the Application for Admission to attend Southwestern and see what documentation is required to complete your financial aid file.

  • Complete required forms. Print and submit to the financial aid office:
    • In-Person: Coos Campus “Student Success Center” in Dellwood Hall or Curry Campus at the front desk
    • In myLakerLinkLogin and submit via the Fiancial Aid DropBox
    • Fax to: Attn: SWOCC Financial Aid, 541-888-7492
    • Mail to:
      SWOCC Financial Aid Office
      1988 Newmark Ave.
      Coos Bay, OR 97420
  • Prepare to be awarded. Review Southwestern’s Financial Aid Policies and understand your rights and responsibilities as a student:
    • Read the Award Pamphlet.
    • How much does it cost? That’s called the Cost of Attendance.
    • What if I drop below a 2.0 or drop classes? That’s in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
    • How do I get my money? That’s called Disbursement.
    • What if I have to drop all of my classes? That’s called a Return of Title IV funding.
    • Where is my award letter? Once you turn in your last required document, your file will go into the queue for awarding. We award on a first-come basis, so depending on the time of year, the wait could be up to 12 – 16 weeks before you will receive an award letter.

4 - Attend Classes to be Eligible

Your money will be disbursed based on the amount of credits you are enrolled in at 5pm on the second Wednesday of the term. To be eligible for your disbursement each term, you must:

    • Be admitted to Southwestern.
    • Declare an approved 2-year program or 1-year certificate.
    • Be enrolled in classes that go toward your declared program/certificate.
    • Be in good standing academically (Satisfactory Academic Progress).

Disbursement occurs the third Friday of each term and then every Friday thereafter:

    • If you did not make the priority deadline, your aid may not disburse at the first disbursement of the term.
    • You may choose direct deposit by logging into myLakerLink and going to this page. Otherwise, your check will be sent to your current address.
    • If it is your first term in the academic year, your loans will not be disbursed until 30 days into the term (and disbursement occurs on Friday).

5 - Are you a Transfer Student?

If you transfer colleges during an academic year, financial aid funds are not automatically transferred. It is very possible you may not receive the same types or amounts of aid at the new school because of the differences in cost of attendance and availability of funds. 

Your awards are determined by student eligibility (determined on the FAFSA), the cost of attendance at each school, and the total number of aid dollars available at each school at the time you make your request. Priority deadlines are the same for transfer students, so it’s wise to complete the process at all schools you might attend during the year.

Also, remember to send us your official grade transcripts from all other institutions you have attended. 

Types of Financial Aid Awards

Southwestern offers several types of aid to assist students in their academic pursuits.

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Grants

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 Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

  • Available to students taking any amount of credits depending on eligibility.
  • Amounts vary based on EFC.
  • Does not need to be repaid.
  • Must file a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov 
  • Cannot receive from more than one school in a term/semester.

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 go on a waiting list.

  • Must enroll in at least half-time (6 – 8 credits).
  • Amount = $1,500 a year.
  • Does not need to be repaid.
  • Must file a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov 

Oregon Opportunity Grant
This grant is awarded by the Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion to Oregon resident undergraduate students. This grant may only be received for a total of twelve terms or eight semesters. Students who enroll in a theology, divinity, or religious education program are not eligible to receive State grants.

  • Must enroll in at least half-time (6 – 8 credits) at a college or university in Oregon.
  • Amounts vary.
  • Does not need to be repaid.
  • Must file a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov 

Oregon Promise Grant
This grant is awarded by the Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion to recent Oregon high school graduates and GED recipients. It is designed to assist with tuition at an Oregon community college.

Work-Study

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.

  • Must enroll in at least half-time (6-8 credits).
  • Amounts vary but not to exceed $1,575 a term.
  • Can only earn up to award amount.
  • Earned by working.
  • Does not need to be repaid.
  • Must file a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov 
  • Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Must complete a Federal Work-study Request Form each year.

Contact the Financial Aid Office via Email for available jobs on campus. 

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. This program encourages the student to work in an area related to his/her course of study. Southwestern also offers the General Student Employment Program (GSE) and Athletic Work-Study (AWS).

Southwestern also participates in the America Reads and America Counts work programs. These two work programs are currently located in Southwestern’s Child Care Center but off-campus opportunities will be available soon.

General Student Employment
General Student Employment (GSE) is an on campus work program for students. Contact the Financial Aid Office via Email for available jobs on campus. 

  • Must enroll in at least half-time (6-8 credits).
  • Amounts vary up to $1,575 a term, and you earn up to the award amount by working.
  • Does not need to be repaid.
  • The rate of pay is Oregon minimum wage.
  • Can work no more than 19 hours per week.
  • Very few positions on campus.
  • Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Athletic Work-study
The Athletic Work-study Program (AWS) program is through the Athletic department. Please contact 541-888-7452 for more information regarding positions available.

 

  • A FAFSA preferred but not required.
  • Must meet all NWAACC and institutional eligibility requirements.
  • Can earn up to $1,000 a year by working.
  • The rate of pay is Oregon minimum wage.
  • Can work no more than 19 hours per week.
  • Positions are for athletes only.
  • Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Student Loans

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 you begin repayment. An unsubsidized loan is awarded based on cost of attendance, and the interest accrual starts when the loan is disbursed.

Frequently asked questions about Stafford Loans:

What is Southwestern’s Cohort Default Rate (CDR)?
Southwestern’s FY2019 cohort default rate is 4.1 percent.

How much can I borrow?

Student Type Year 1 Subsidized Year 1 Unsubsidized Year 2 Subsidized Year 2 Unsubsidized Aggregate Subsidized Limit for Undergrad Aggregate Sub/Unsub Limit for Undergrad
Dependent Undergraduate $3,500 $2,000 $4,500 $2,000 $23,000 $31,000
Independent Undergraduate $3,500 $6,000 $4,500 $6,000 $23,000 $57,500

What are the interest rates on subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans?
Current interest rate information can be found at FinAid.org.

Are there fees deducted from my loans?
Fees up to 4% may be deducted proportionately from each disbursement of the loan. These fees are for loan origination and/or guarantee processing. The borrower owes the gross amount before fees, but will receive a net amount after fees are deducted.

When does repayment begin?
Repayment of the Federal Stafford Loan programs begins 6 months after you leave college or stop attending at least half-time. There are several repayment options available to you.

I need help!!
Southwestern contracts with Solutions at ECMC to provide you with a single resource for all your student loan-related questions. Solutions, a service of the non-profit organization ECMC, is dedicated to helping students manage educational loans and their resources are available to you free of charge.

Contact them for any of your student loan questions:

  • One-on-one federal student loan repayment advice
  • Repayment plan options
  • Forbearances and deferments – what they are and why do you need them?
  • Student loan forgiveness

Use the resources at Solutions as often as you need them – they are free.

Contact Solutions at ECMC by phone at +1-877-331-3262 or visit their website at www.ecmcsolutions.org to connect through email or web chat with one of their counselors.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

PLUS loans are for parents to borrow to assist in funding your education as long as you are an undergraduate student and enrolled at least half-time. A credit check is usually required, and if your parent is denied the PLUS loan, you are eligible to receive an additional $4,000 in unsubsidized funding.

  • Must enroll in at least half-time (6-8 credits).
  • Amounts vary.
  • Must be repaid by parent.
  • Cannot exceed cost of attendance.
  • Must file a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov  
  • Parent must complete a PLUS Loan Application at www.studentaid.gov  
  • Parent must complete a PLUS Master Promissory Note at www.studentaid.gov.
    • Where do the funds go? PLUS loan funds are credited directly to the student’s account, and any excess funds are disbursed in the form of a check directly to the parent.

Private Loans

If you still have unmet need after all grants, scholarships, and federal loans have been applied to your account, you could apply for a private loan through a private lender. You may also use private loan funds to cover your educational expenses if you are ineligible to receive federal financial aid.

Private loans are based on creditworthiness, carry competitive interest rates and all vary on the amount you may borrow, the fees charged and on their terms of repayment. Ask smart questions when considering an alternative loan. These questions should include, but are not limited to:

  • What are the fees associated with the loan?
  • What is the interest rate on the loan?
  • What are the terms of repayment?
  • Do I need a co-signer?

Each lender has specific processes and requirements for qualifying for a private loan and verifying income as well as certifying enrollment. You are welcome to choose any lender, but be sure to do your research.

A FAFSA is required before Southwestern can certify a private loan: www.studentaid.gov  

Scholarships & Tuition Waivers

SWOCC Foundation Scholarships

Any student planning to attend Southwestern in the upcoming academic year can apply to SWOCC Foundation scholarships. The application is open annually, January 1 – March 1.

Institutional Tuition Waiver Scholarships

Some students may be eligible to attend Southwestern tuition-free. Any student receiving a tuition waiver will still be responsible for all associated fees. Students are also required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to receive institutional funds. Tuition waivers may be available to students in the following scenarios:

  • Recent high school graduates with a 3.75+ cumulative GPA (must have graduated the spring prior to attending Southwestern). Contact an admissions representative for more information.
  • Students who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan (must have been a resident of the college district at the time of entry into the military or at time of re-activation). Contact the Veterans Services Coordinator for more information.
  • Students who are a child or spouse/domestic partner of a fallen or 100% disabled Oregon military service member who served in the U.S. armed forces. Contact the Veterans Services Coordinator for more information.
  • Students who participate in other student activities such as Associated Student Government or the Ambassador Program. Contact an admissions representative for more information.

Veterans Programs

All Southwestern Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degree programs are approved for VA benefits by the Veterans Administration.

Contact the Veteran’s office at or visit the veterans page.

Contact the Veteran’s office at vets@socc.edu or visit the veterans page.

The Veterans Administration requires information concerning each veteran student’s enrollment, date of interruption or termination of training, change in the number of credit hours and unsatisfactory progress or conduct. The benefits you receive from the Veterans Administration (VA) are subject to specific terms and conditions. You will be given a VA Pamphlet of Responsibility that outlines the terms and conditions at the time you meet with the Veterans Clerk. The pamphlet contains the signature portion which needs to be signed, dated and returned to the VA office immediately. This will become a permanent part of your file.

Mandatory Advising Requirement – All first-time VA students will need to meet with an advisor that has been specifically trained for our veteran students. This meeting is designed to properly evaluate the required courses for your degree so that you may receive your VA benefits. If you will be pursuing a degree after leaving Southwestern, you may be eligible to receive funding for transfer courses and will need to discuss this with your advisor at the time of your advising session. Please contact the Educational Support Program and Services Office at 888-7371 or at 888-7405 to make an VA advising appointment.

Attendance – To maintain benefit payments, veteran students must attend classes. It is the responsibility of each registered veteran to officially withdraw from the College if he/she does not desire to attend classes. The veteran should then notify the Veterans Service Office, which will notify the Veterans Administration. Failure to do so may result in an overpayment to the student, which the student must repay.

Developmental Courses – When a veteran student attempts to enroll in developmental courses for more than two terms, an assessment of needed courses will be made and forwarded to the Veterans Administration stating that continued enrollment in developmental courses is useful and necessary. If such a determination is not made, the student will not be certified for continued enrollment in these courses.

Change in Credit Load and Program Requirements – All VA students are required to notify the VA representative of any course changes during the current term as a change in enrollment status may affect your VA funding. For this reason, all VA students will be placed on hold after the refund period to ensure that students notify the VA representative. This means that students must have all current term add/drop forms signed by the VA clerk before processing them at the Student First Stop Center. Early registrations for the upcoming term will also need to be processed at the Student First Stop Center. You may register using myLakerLink starting with finals week and through the first week of each term.

Program of Study – All veteran students must have a declared major and may receive payment only for courses required to complete the major program. Students using Veterans benefits may only pursue a program approved by the Oregon Department of Education, the State Approving Agency (SAA). Not all certificate programs are approved. Consult with the Veterans representative before registering.

Transfer of Credits – Veterans who enter as transfer students, or who have completed any college-level course work, are required to have all transcripts forwarded to the Transcript Evaluator for evaluation. Failure to have transcripts evaluated will result in termination of benefits to the veteran student at the end of the second term of enrollment. Veterans may also be eligible for credit from their military training by submitting a challenge form to the Student First Stop Center. See the Veterans clerk or the Student First Stop Center for the required forms.

Hour Requirements – To receive full-time pay, the student must take a minimum of 12 credit hours; for 3/4 time pay, the student must take nine credit hours; and to receive 1/2 time pay, students must take a minimum of six credit hours. During summer session, full-time pay is based on eight credits.

Satisfactory Progress – Satisfactory progress is defined in the College catalog; however, the Veterans Administration requires that students receiving benefits be terminated after two terms of less than a 2.0 GPA. If VA benefits are terminated, you will receive a letter indicating what steps you will need to take to seek reinstatement of your VA benefits. In addition, students that are placed on Academic Probation will be required to meet with their advisor to discuss their situation and to be informed of resources to assist you while attending classes. The school will maintain records, available to both the veteran and Veterans Administration, which show the final grade for each subject attempted.

Forms & Publications

Find forms and publications related to your financial aid below.

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Forms to Complete Your File

Please refer to myLakerLink or the email from Financial Aid for your required forms. Print, complete and send in the proper forms and documentation.

2024-2025 Forms

    Forms for Aid Suspension

    Request for Reinstatement/Extension of Eligibility (Includes Academic Plan)
    This form is often referred to as the “SAP petition” which stands for “Satisfactory Academic Progress”

    Use for: Term credit and grade point average deficiencies, extension of 150% timeline, dual major, second major, cumulative GPA less than 2.0.

    Forms for Federal Work-Study

    2024-2025 Federal Work-study Request Form
    Use this form to request Federal Work-study. Federal Work-study is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so turn this form and all your other requested paperwork for 2024-2025 in immediately. If we run out of funding, you will be placed on a waiting list. Please make sure you’ve submitted your FAFSA before turning in this form.

    Award Information Booklet

    Financial Aid Policies

    Reports, surveys and other data resources related to financial aid.

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    Cost of Attendance

    Cost of Attendance Components for the Academic Year 2024-2025 Living with Parents Living with Relatives Living in Own House/Apartment Living in Own Apartment Living in Student Housing
    Tuition and Fees $7,192 $7,192 $7,192 $7,192 $7,192
    Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500
    Food and Housing $6,000 $6,282 $9,282 $9,927 $8,526
    Misc. Personal Expenses $1,485 $1,485 $1,485 $1,485 $1,485
    Transportation Expenses $1,650 $1,650 $1,650 $1,200 $1,200
    Total Cost of Attendance $17,827 $18,109 $21,109 $21,304 $19,903

    Your Cost of Attendance (COA) reflects an average of costs and educational expenses from tuition and books to personal items and transportation. This is often referred to as your “budget.”

    The important part to remember is that your COA does not reflect in any way what you actually owe or will owe the College. You will receive a statement of all your charges.

    Standard budgets are assigned to each financial aid student, but it may vary based on living status, academic program and/or enrollment status.

    • Tuition and fees are based on an average of 14.27 credits per term.
    • If you are receiving a tuition waiver from Southwestern and receive other aid that puts you over your cost of attendance for the year, your tuition waiver will be reduced or removed as to not overaward you.
    • Food and housing costs are based on where you will live while attending Southwestern. Off-campus housing reflects current market rates in Coos County, while on-campus housing reflects actual costs for single and double rooms.
    • Books, supplies and equipment are based on average costs each term based on bookstore pricing.
    • Transportation is an average based on travel to and from the college each term.
    • Miscellaneous personal expenses are based on typical expenses students may incur in day-to-day living, such as clothing, recreation, household supplies, etc.
    • For students who have unique circumstances, the budget may also be adjusted for the purchase of a computer (one-time), extensive travel requirements, educational-related disability expenses, and childcare costs while attending school – contact the Financial Aid Office for the appropriate forms to request these costs be included.

    Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

    Full Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Requirements

    In Order To Avoid Having Your Aid Suspended, You Must:

    • Maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) every term.
    • Complete required credits successfully each term (see chart below).
    • Register only the credits required for your declared degree (including required remedial and pre-requisite courses).
    • Have cumulative GPA of a 2.0, or higher, by the end of your first academic year.
    If you are enrolled in You must complete with 2.0 or higher GPA
    17 – 18 credits 12 or more credits
    16 credits 11 or more credits
    14 – 15 credits 10 or more credits
    13 credits 9 or more credits
    11 – 12 credits 8 or more credits
    10 credits 7 or more credits
    8 – 9 credits 6 or more credits
    7 credits 5 or more credits
    5 – 6 credits 4 or more credits
    4 credits 3 or more credits
    3 credits 2 or more credits
    2 credits 2 credits
    1 credit 1 credit

    Aid Statuses

    • Warning status –This is the status you will receive the first time you fail to meet the standards above. You are still able to receive aid but must successfully complete the next term. Failure to do so will result in suspension.
    • Suspension status – This is the status you will receive if you fail to meet the standards for a consecutive term. You are not eligible to receive financial aid funds. You have the right to submit a Request for Reinstatement or Extension of Eligibility appeal.
    • Probation status – If your Request for Reinstatement or Extension of Eligibility appeal is approved (which will include special conditions you must follow to continue receiving aid), you will be granted a probation status for the term after the appeal.

    Qualitative Requirements (GPA)

    • Must earn a 2.0 or greater GPA every term and have cumulative 2.0 GPA, or better, after 1 academic year
    • Your GPA will be reviewed at the end of every term
    • Successful grades: A, B, C, D, IB, IC, ID, P, and S. You can repeat once for a better grade.
    • Unsuccessful grades:  F, U, W, X, Y, Z and IF. Can be repeated until successful.

    Quantitative Requirements (Timeline)

    • Should complete all credits attempted each term
    • Reviewed by the financial aid office at the end of each term
    • Must complete degree within the maximum timeframe (135 credits for a 90-credit degree and 68 credits for a 45-credit certificate). All attempted credits (including repeat & transferred courses) are counted toward your timeframe.
    • If it is determined that you cannot graduate within the maximum timeframe, you will become ineligible for financial aid and be notified immediately.

    Additional Information

    • You are only eligible to receive financial aid for up to 45 credits of developmental courses. This includes coursework taken at all colleges. There is no appeal process to extend this limit.
    • You may change your major one time. A second change will require an Extension of Eligibility appeal.
    • If you have already earned a degree, you will need to file an Extension of Eligibility appeal. If you already have a degree or have nearly met the degree requirements of another program and want to pursue pre-nursing, an appeal will not be considered until you are admitted into the Nursing program.
    • Coursework taken at another institution that is officially transcribed does counts toward the 150% maximum.
    • GPAs from other schools are not considered in Southwestern’s financial aid satisfactory academic progress policy.
    • Your prior use, or lack of use, of financial aid is not a factor in our reviewing your future eligibility.
    • No more than two suspensions are allowed.
    • Petitions and appeals must be submitted prior to the end of the term in which you expect to receive aid.
    • The academic standards of Southwestern are separate from this financial aid policy and are noted as the Academic Notification System in the catalog each year.
    • Faculty and staff (other than financial aid staff) are not required to know financial aid policies.
    • The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy is subject to change.

    Your Right To Appeal

    • To resolve your financial aid Suspension Status, you will need to submit an appeal. The forms are available online.
    • Use the Request for Reinstatement form for GPA and/or term credit completion deficiencies.
    • Use the Extension of Eligibility form for timeline, major change, second major, or dual major requests.
    • If the appeal is approved, you will be reinstated to Probation Status for the next term. At the end of your probation term, you must meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements. If you do not, you will be back on suspension.
    • If your appeal is denied, you will be notified with the number of credits you must complete successfully in order to be reinstated. These courses must be completed without financial aid and must apply toward your declared degree, be a pre-requisite or a necessary developmental course.

    Disbursement Policy

    Getting Your Financial Aid

    Accepting Your Aid Package
    When you receive your Official Award Letter, you are accepting the financial aid represented. Refer to the back of the letter for more information.

    Disbursement of Funds
    You must be eligible for your financial aid at the time of disbursement.

    All financial aid and scholarship funds are credited directly to your account and any funds remaining after tuition, fees, and other charges will be disbursed to you within 14 days of crediting your account.

    Funds are disbursed after the institutional refund period and after your enrollment status has been determined. Your enrollment status is determined at the close of business day on Wednesday of the second week of the term. Disbursement amounts are based on eligible credits as of that date and cannot be adjusted at a later date.
    Disbursements are made via check and electronic funds transfer (EFT). Disbursement begins on the third Friday of each term and on each Friday thereafter.

    Student Loans (Stafford, PLUS & Alternative) – loan disbursements to students, who are first-time, freshman, are subject to a 30-day waiting period from the first day of the first term. Subsequent disbursements will be available at the same time as all other funds.

    Account Balances
    You are responsible for all college charges regardless of whether financial aid is received. If you still owe the college after your grants/scholarships have transmitted to your account, you must contact the Student Success Center to make arrangements for payment of the remaining balance at the time of registration.

    Dropping Classes

    • If you drop all of your classes during the term, you may be required to pay all or a part of your financial aid back.
    • If you drop all of your classes during the term, you will automatically be placed on aid withheld for future terms and will need to petition for reinstatement.
    • If you drop one or more of your classes during the term and have a prior request for reinstatement on file, you may go back on aid withheld.

    Returning of Title IV Policy

    If you withdraw or audit all of your courses during the term, we are required to determine if any of the federal financial aid you received should be returned. Federal financial aid is based on the length of time you are in classes, so if you do not attend the entire term, you may be required to return a all or a portion of the aid you received.

    If you receive all W, X, or F grades in a term, we must perform this calculation. The repayment percentage is determined by the number of days remaining in the term from your last date of attendance.

    If you owe Southwestern federal financial aid repayments or owe Return of Title IV Funds, you will be denied federal aid eligibility at any institution and will not be able to enroll at Southwestern until full payment arrangements are made.

    Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements apply to all financial aid recipients regardless of the funding status due to a Return of Title IV Funds. Repayment of part of your federal financial aid does not release you from the satisfactory academic progress requirement discussed later in this handbook.

    Withdrawal Date Policy

    Official and unofficial withdrawal dates will be determined using the federal regulation definition for a withdrawal date. The official date will be determined by the earlier of one of the following:

    1. Date the student begins the withdrawal process;
    2. Date the student provides official notification of intent to withdraw;
    3. Students who fail to officially withdraw are assumed to have completed at least 50% of the term unless an earlier or later date is determined by the school.

    The College offers a full refund during the refund period. The bookstore and student housing will offer a refund based on their policies during the refund period. Students living in student housing are subject to any contracted services according to the terms of the contract.

    Return Of Title IV Funds

    The school will use the federal policy to determine the amount which must be returned by the school and/or the student to Title IV programs. The procedure is:

    1. Determine appropriate withdrawal date
    2. Determine Amount of Earned Title IV Aid
    3. Determine Amount of Unearned Title IV Aid
    4. Determine Title IV Aid to be Disbursed
    5. Determine Title IV Aid Disbursed
    6. Determine Title IV Aid to be Returned
    7. Calculate the College’s Responsibility
    8. Determine Amount College Returns by Program
    9. Determine Student’s Responsibility
    10. Determine Amount Student Returns by Program

    Examples of the calculations used to determine the amount of earned and unearned Title IV Aid, Title IV Aid to be disbursed, Title IV Aid to be Returned, College’s responsibility, student’s responsibility, and amount returned to programs are available from the Financial Aid Office on a case-by-case basis. Students that fall into the Return of Title IV Funds will be notified with a letter explaining how we calculated the return and the process we went through to come to that conclusion.

    Funds Returned By Program

    Funds are returned to Title IV Programs according to federal regulations. The schedule is:

    Loans

    1. Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans
    2. Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans
    3. Direct PLUS Loans

    Note: Student responsible portions that must be returned to loans will be calculated by the school and any funds required to be returned to the loan programs will be in accordance with the terms of the promissory note.

    Grants

    1. Federal Pell Grant
    2. Federal SEOG
    3. Other Title IV Assistance

    Note: Student responsible portions that must be returned to grants will be calculated by the school using 50% of Federal Pell and SEOG funds received.

    RETURN OF FUNDS must be made directly to the Student Success Center. Do not send payments to any other department or agency.

    Students who do not make satisfactory arrangements for payments in a timely manner will have their debts submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for collection. Repayments to be returned to the Federal Perkins Loan program which are received after the close of the fiscal year must be sent to the billing agency, lender, or loan service.

    CARES Act Funding Updates

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