How to Apply

Fill Out the FAFSA

The financial aid process kicks off with the FAFSA form which is released annually on October 1.

1. Set up or reactivate your studentaid.gov account and password for yourself and your contributors.
   1. Where do I set up or check my studentaid.gov account? Click this link.
   2. Having trouble?  Check out this video for troubleshooting tips.
   3. Who are my contributors?  This video will help you understand.
2. Complete the FAFSA prior to January 1 annually.  The FAFSA is the financial aid application for the entire academic year (Summer, Fall, Spring).  You should complete it at least 3-6 months prior to the start of the next academic year.

Ensure Your Documents Are Complete

Financial aid is a little like a choose-your-own adventure book.  You will need to continually revisit these areas to ensure completion until your bill is paid.

1. Ensure all required transcripts for admission to the college are submitted.  Official, final high school transcripts must be submitted to the registrar prior to check-in.  All official college transcripts should be submitted to the registrar to receive proper transfer credit.
   1. Not sure what to submit?  Check with your Admission Counselor or the Registrar's Office.
2. Check Self-Service > Finances > Financial Aid to see if you have missing or incomplete documents.  When finished, documents will say "Received," "Approved," or "Waived."
3. Check Self-Service > Finances > StudentForms to see if you have any tasks that "Need Action."

Review Your Financial Aid Offer

At some point during the process, one of the tasks you will see on StudentForms is your Annual Financial Plan.  Your annual financial aid plan includes your financial aid offer.

1. Review the .pdf of your financial aid offer on Self Service > Finances > StudentForms
2. Fill Out and E-Sign the form acknowledging the receipt of the offer and responding to the questions.

Important things to understand that are part of your Annual Financial Plan:

• What is my financial aid offer?
• What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?
• What is Cost of Attendance?
• What is Net Price?
• Where is the Financial Aid Handbook?
• What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?

Set Up Your Financial Aid

Once you have reviewed and acknowledged your financial aid offer, there are still important steps to make your financial aid eligible to release to your account.

1. If you have never borrowed student loans before:
   1. Complete Federal Direct Student Loan Entrance Counseling.
   2. Complete a Master Promissory Note.
2. If you have borrowed student loans before but you are new to Southwestern College:
   1. Complete Federal Direct Student Loan Entrance Counseling.
3. Register for classes during enrollment for the upcoming semester.
4. Sign up for housing and a meal plan when the application opens.

Plan for Payment

There may be a gap between your balance and what your financial aid covers.  If this describes you, the time to begin planning for how to pay for that gap begins about 3 months before classes begin.

1. If needed, request an estimate of your upcoming balance from the Office of Financial aid.
2. Three (3) months prior to the beginning of classes, apply for solutions to pay the gap between your financial aid and your balance.  Options include:
   1. PLUS Loans (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student)
   2. Private Student or Parent Loan
   3. VA and Military Benefits or other third party solution.

Pay Your Account

About one (1) month prior to the start of classes, it is time to start finalizing how your bill will be paid.

1. One (1) month prior to the start of classes, anticipate receiving the bill for the upcoming semester from the Office of Accounts.  Review the charges to ensure they are accurate.  If your financial aid file is complete, your financial aid will show on your bill as anticipated financial aid.
2. Pay the anticipated balance (or sign up for a payment plan) on Self-Service > Finances > ePayment by the first day of classes.  For a smooth check-in experience, pay your balance (or sign up for a payment plan) prior to check-in.