Tuition and Fees
Since the Catalog must be published well in advance of the beginning of each school year, it is not always possible to anticipate fee changes. If the tuition and fees printed here have to be revised, every effort will be made to publicize the changes as far in advance as possible. The most current tuition and fees are available at any Cashier’s Office or on the College website at www.fsw.edu.
The College accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or debit cards. Payment may be made in person at any campus Cashier’s Office or online through the College’s Web registration system. The College also offers a Tuition Installment Plan (TIP). TIP is available online at my.fsw.edu and may only be accessed after a student has registered for courses. The College reserves the right to drop a class, or classes, from a student’s registration if fees are not paid in full by the payment due date. All fees are payable by the date shown on the student’s fee receipt unless enrolled in TIP.
Students who receive financial aid should check with the Office of Student Financial Aid prior to withdrawing from any classes. Students who withdraw from classes and had received financial aid may have to repay all or part of their financial aid award.
Student financial responsibilities include library fines, book replacement costs, parking and traffic fines, returned checks, short-term loans, veteran deferments, employer or other third-party delinquent payments, and return of borrowed equipment. Official transcripts of the student’s record will not be made unless all college-related financial responsibilities have been satisfied.
Fee Payment Information
- Checks should be made payable to Florida SouthWestern State College for the amount of fees. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards are also accepted at the Cashier’s Office or through the Web registration system at my.fsw.edu. Payment by check can also be made via the Web.
- Veterans who are eligible to receive monthly educational benefits should be prepared to meet ALL expenses since the first checks are often delayed until after a semester is in session.
- The College reserves the right to withhold students from classes, final examinations, and graduation unless tuition and fees are paid in full. No grades, degrees, statements of honorable dismissal, or transcript of credits will be issued until satisfactory settlement of college fees and other financial obligations has been met. This includes loans to students.
- The cost of books and supplies varies with the program of each student.
- The College reserves the right to change its fees at any time without notice.
Application Fees
| Fee Title |
Amount |
| Admission Application Fees |
|
| U.S. Citizen |
$30.00 |
| Non-U.S. Citizen |
$60.00 |
| Non-Degree Seeking |
$20.00 |
| Limited Access Program Admission Application Fees |
|
| Cardiovascular Technology |
$15.00 |
| Dental Hygiene |
$15.00 |
| EMS/Paramedic |
$15.00 |
| Nursing |
$15.00 |
| Respiratory Care |
$15.00 |
| Radiologic Technology |
$15.00 |
| Fire Science |
$325.00 |
Tuition Fees and Multiple Attempt Charge
(2018-2019)
| Fees (per Credit Hour) |
Florida Resident |
Non-Resident |
| Tuition: AA and AS Programs |
$113.36 |
$432.63 |
| Baccalaureate Degree Programs |
$125.71 |
$795.34 |
| Vocational Programs |
$84.85 |
$333.34 |
| Continuing Workforce Education Programs |
$108.00 |
$108.00 |
| Multiple Attempt Charge |
$203.00 |
$203.00 |
Fees for recreation and leisure programs, seminars, conferences and other self-supporting programs will be determined for each activity and will be listed in the individual activity announcement.
Insurance Fees (that are charged to students enrolled in health technology programs that require liability insurance)
| Program |
Amount |
| Cardiovascular Technology |
$10.00 |
| Dental Hygiene |
$10.00 |
| EMT-Basic Certificate Program |
$10.00 |
| Nursing |
$10.00 |
| Paramedic Certificate Program |
$10.00 |
| Radiologic Technology |
$10.00 |
| Respiratory Care |
$10.00 |
Other Fees and Charges
|
Fee
|
Amount |
| Student Access/ID Fee (New) |
$30.00 |
| Student Access/ID Fee (Replacement) |
$15.00 |
| Convenience Fee |
$6.00 |
| Tuition Installment Plan Processing Fee (Non-refundable) |
$5.00 |
| Dental Clinic Fee (Pediatric Visitor) |
$30.00 |
| Dental Clinic Fee (Adult Visitor) |
$40.00 |
| Dental Clinic Fee (Adult Visitor) Follow-up Visit |
$10.00 |
| Dental Clinic Fee (Sealant) |
$5.00 |
| Lost Library Materials (per Item) |
$42.00 |
| Parking Fee (per Credit Hour) |
$2.00 |
| Parking Fine |
$15.00 |
| Parking Fine (Handicapped Space) |
$50.00 |
| Short-term Loan Application Fee (Non-refundable) |
$20.00 |
| Distance Learning Fee (per Credit Hour) |
$15.00 |
| HigherOne Replacement Card |
$20.00 |
| Transcript Request (Each) |
$5.00 |
| Collection Agency Fees - Students agree to reimburse the College of any collection agency, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33% of the debt, and all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, the College incurs in such collection efforts. |
Test Administration Fees
|
Test
|
Amount |
| CLEP |
$25.00 |
| PERT (Other Institutions) |
$25.00 |
| Test Proctoring (Other Colleges and Universities) |
$40.00 |
| TEAS Exam |
$110.00
Fees paid directly to ATI
|
| Pearson VUE Testing |
Fees paid directly to Pearson VUE |
|
Certification Exams
|
| Certification Exams up to 2 hours |
$75.00 |
| Certification Exams up to 3 hours |
$100.00 |
| Certification Exams up to 4 hours |
$125.00 |
| Certification Exams up to/exceeding 5 hours |
$150.00 |
How to Apply for Financial Aid
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides financial assistance to qualified students to attend Florida SouthWestern State College using the programs administered by the College. Students who apply for financial aid and demonstrate need will be offered a financial aid package detailed in their FSW student portal (my.fsw.edu). Students will receive an email to their FSW email account with instructions on how to view and accept awards. Financial Aid packages may be made up of one or more of the four basic sources of financial aid: grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Application for student financial assistance is made by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
Informational brochures and materials are available at all locations of Florida SouthWestern State College and at http://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/Students may log in to the portal at http://www.fsw.edu/and click on the Student Services tab for information on their financial aid status.
Types of Financial Aid
A variety of financial resources are available for those who need assistance to attend college. Assistance is awarded to degree-seeking students enrolled for six or more credit hours in Fall and Spring semesters on the basis of financial need, and scholastic achievement. FAFSA applications for assistance received on or before May 15th will be considered for all types of assistance (grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans). FAFSA applications for assistance received after May 15th will be considered only for the types of assistance available at that time. Limited funds are available to qualified students for the Summer semester. In order to remain eligible for grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans a student must successfully meet the requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid recipients (please see Academics and Academic Policies ).
Loans
Florida SouthWestern State College Short-Term Loan Fund: The College makes short-term loans available to Florida SouthWestern State College students who need temporary assistance paying their tuition when their financial aid eligibility is pending. Applications are available at all campus Financial Aid Office locations and eligibility is determined by Financial Aid Staff on a student by student basis. A small service fee will be charged, and the loan balance is due on a set date prior to the end of the term.
Federal Direct Loans: Long-term loans are available through the federal government’s Direct Loan Program. To apply, students must first complete an annual FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov and complete a loan Entrance Counseling Interview, Financial Awareness Counseling, and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online by visiting: Student loans.gov. Eligibility and certification for loans are determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid as governed by the institutional policies and procedures in conjunction with regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Education.
Grants
All students must complete an annual FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov to establish qualification for federal and state grants. Final eligibility for all grant funds is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid as governed by institutional policies and procedures in conjunction with regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Education for federal grants and the Florida Department of Education for state grants.
Federal Pell Grant: The federal government provides Pell grants to students with demonstrated financial need. Students may be eligible for a Pell Grant if they are enrolled less than half-time.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): FSEOG funds are provided by the federal government to assist students with high financial need. Students need to be enrolled at least half-time to be considered for this grant.
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): These grants are awarded to Florida residents who are full-time students with financial need. Funds for part-time students may be available on a limited basis.
Florida Career Education Student Assistance Grant (FSAG-CE): This grant is awarded to Florida residents who are enrolled at least half-time in aid eligible certificate programs with demonstrated financial need. Funds are available on a limited basis.
First Generation Matching Grant (FGM): This is a need-based Grant to Florida residents, undergraduate students whose parents have not earned baccalaureate degrees. Available state funds are contingent upon matching contributions from private sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The Office of Student Financial Aid ranks all eligible applicants on the basis of financial need, determine the award amount for each recipient, and notify each student of their award. Due to limited funding, not all students that meet the eligibility requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed for renewal.
Federal Work-Study Program
Students enrolled for six or more hours toward a degree program and who meet federal requirements for financial need and are capable of maintaining adequate grade point averages may be employed in part-time jobs to help meet expenses. Jobs are available on campus. Off-campus employment opportunities for community service are also available. The College is an equal opportunity employer. For More information, please visit: https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/workstudy
Scholarships and Awards
Florida Bright Futures
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship awards are determined by the Florida Department of Education and may be used for tuition expenses at Florida SouthWestern State College. Funds will be disbursed to student accounts as soon as they are available from the Florida Department of Education.
Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation, Inc.
The mission of the Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation, Inc. is to support the standard of excellence for which Florida SouthWestern State College has long been known. Through positive community relations and the development of private funds and partnerships, we strive to advance the education and welfare of the institution, its students, its faculty and staff and the community it serves.
The Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation, Inc., is a direct support organization of Florida SouthWestern State College, authorized through Florida Statute 1004.70, Florida College System institution direct- support organizations. The not-for-profit, IRS approved 501(c)3 corporation, was chartered in 1966 to receive, hold, invest and administer property and to make expenditures to, or for the benefit of, Florida SouthWestern State College.
Institutional Scholarships
Florida SouthWestern State College offers a variety of institutional scholarships to students based on academic status and/or financial need. Students may apply through the appropriate program or by filling out the online scholarship application at www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships.
To be considered for FSW scholarships, students must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://fafsa.ed.gov/. Students are responsible for meeting all eligibility requirements and submitting required admissions and financial aid documents to the appropriate office by the deadlines stated in the scholarship award notification.
Students not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will not be considered or remain eligible for FSW scholarships. FSW SAP policy can be found at http://www.fsw.edu/assets/pdf/financialaid/SAP-Policy-And-Procedures.pdf.
Florida SouthWestern State College Institutional Scholarships
| Scholarships and Awards |
Eligibility Information |
Application Information |
|
Academic Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship cannot be combined or stacked with other FSW scholarships.
|
The Academic Excellence Scholarship is a two-year, merit-based scholarship for first-time-in-college, Honors Scholar Program students; must be a Florida resident seeking an associate’s degree and reside in student housing; full-time enrollment required for fall/spring semester. |
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application, Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
http://www.fsw.edu/honors/admission
|
|
Academic Promise Scholarship
This scholarship cannot be combined or stacked with other FSW scholarships
|
The Academic Promise Scholarship is a two-year, need-based scholarship for first-time-in-college students; must be a Florida resident seeking an associate’s degree; full-time enrollment required for fall/spring semester |
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application, Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
|
Ambassador Scholarship
This scholarship cannot be combined or stacked with other FSW scholarships
|
The Ambassador Scholarship is a two-year merit-based scholarship for first-time-in-college students; must be a Florida resident seeking associate’s degree; full-time enrollment required for fall/spring semester |
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application, Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
|
Bucs Scholarship
This scholarship cannot be combined or stacked with other FSW scholarships.
|
The Bucs Scholarship is a two-year merit-based scholarship for first-time-in-college students; Non-Florida resident seeking an associate’s degree and reside in student housing; full-time enrollment required for fall/spring semester |
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
|
Fine Arts Scholarship
May require an additional application and/or formal audition
|
The Fine Arts Scholarship provides students who participate or show potential in the areas of art, music, or theater, the opportunity to pursue an Associate in Arts degree at FSW; full-time enrollment required for fall/spring semester |
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application and Fine Arts audition and Free Application for Federal Student Aid for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
|
Honors Program Scholarship
|
The Honors Program Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for non-first-time-in-college students; student must be admitted to the Honors Scholar Program |
Student must complete the Online Scholarship Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/honors/admission
|
| Baccalaureate Access Scholarship |
The Baccalaureate Access Scholarship is a need-based scholarship for students enrolled in and taking classes towards a Bachelor Degree Program; requires a minimum of 6 credit hours enrollment per fall/spring semester. |
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
|
Student Government Association Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
|
|
The Student Government Association Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship is available to students who attended an accelerated high school program and served as a FSW SGA Executive Office holder while in high school. Student must be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours during the semester(s) immediately following his/her high school graduation
|
|
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
| Student Government Stipend |
The Student Government Stipend is available to current SGA Office Holders who maintain a 2.5 GPA and meet all SGA requirements; student must be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours during the semester(s) for which the scholarship will be applied
|
SGA Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
| FSW Summer Scholarship |
The FSW Summer Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship to need-based students enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours during the summer semester; student must be degree seeking and meet Standard of Academic Progress policy guidelines.
|
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
|
Child Care Grant
*May be required to submit proof of dependent(s) age
|
This grant is available to students who have dependent(s) age 5 or younger and demonstrate financial need; student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours to qualify
|
Student must complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid for consideration:
https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships
|
Endowed Scholarships
Students who have been awarded scholarships from a private organization may have those funds administered by the College’s Office of Student Financial Aid. Florida SouthWestern State College applications and additional information is available at www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships. Criteria for the scholarship programs will vary, but leadership, school and community involvement, special recognition, skills, talent, financial need, or field of study may be considered. Certain scholarships may require the student to submit letters of recommendation or additional personal statements.
Endowed scholarships are provided through the Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation, Inc. Tuition and book scholarships are awarded to hundreds of students each year from endowments established by community residents. The following endowments are currently offered:
AAUW Scholarship
Al and Dorothy Schultz Nursing Scholarship
Alice Saunders Nursing Scholarship
Andrew F. Taylor Scholarship
Andrew Ryan Bess Memorial Scholarship
Andrew W. Thompson Scholarship
Ann K. Gateff Scholarship
Anna Failing Scholarship
Anna Kontinos Scholarship
Bank of America Honors Scholarship
Benjamin Counselman Scholarship
Beryl Berry Nursing Scholarship
Beryl Lenoch Scholarship
Betty Gardiner Project Hope Scholarship
Capt. Francis Asbury Hendry Scholarship
Captiva Lions Club Scholarship
Carl and Johanna Muller Scholarship
Carlisle Quenzer Scholarship
Carol Ann Schneeman Nursing Scholarship
Catherine H. Maeder Scholarship
Cecil Newton Scholarship
Chaplain Eli Richard Scholarship
Charles A. & Roberta Church Nursing Scholarship
Charlotte Community Foundation Scholarship
Charlotte County General Scholarship
Charlotte Pops @ Sunset Scholarship
Charlotte Regional Nursing Education Scholarship
Charlotte Sun Hurricane Charley Relief Fund
Clarence and Billie Zimmerman Scholarship
Claude E. Taylor Scholarship
Col. June E. Henry Scholarship
Collier County General Scholarship
Corella P. Stahl Music Scholarship
D. Geraci Scholarship
Darryl and Carol Casanueva Scholarship
Dennis Hill Music Scholarship
Dora Christiansen Scholarship
Dorothy Harris Project Hope Scholarship
Dr. Alex and Linda Pizarro Nursing Scholarship
Dr. Charles O’Neill Scholarship
Dr. Fred and Berniece H. Cain Nursing Scholarship
Dr. Kenneth P. Walker BAS Public Safety Scholarship
Dr. Leland and Eileen Glenn Nursing Scholarship
Dr. Michael Kyle Radiology Technology Scholarship
Dr. Stephen and Becky Kwedar Nursing Scholarship
Dudley P. Swartz Scholarship
Earl Holland Memorial Scholarship Fund
Edith Brooks Scholarship
Edith Duffey Scholarship
Eleanor Morgan Music Scholarship
Ellsworth W. and Helen Beckes Nursing Scholarship
EMT General Scholarship
Estate Planning Council of SW Florida Second Chance Scholarship
Evelyn Egan Scholarship
Evelyn Rose Silverman Hispanic Honors Scholarship
Fannie Koontz Henry Scholarship
Fawcett Memorial Medical Staff Scholarship
Fine Mark National Bank & Trust Scholarship
Florida Police Foundation Scholarship
Florida Veterans 40/8 Voiture 795 Nursing Scholarship
Fort Myers Rod & Gun Club Scholarship
Fort Myers Women’s Network Scholarship
Fred Henry Scholarship
Fred S. and Geraldine Willard Nursing Scholarship
Friends of Collier Inc. Nursing Scholarship
Fuzzy Zoeller Scholarship
General Nursing Scholarship
George and Mary Jo Sanders Honors Scholarship
George F. Riley Scholarship
Gertrud Bunzel-Lamberger Scholarship
Gertrude and E.P. Fryar Scholarship
Gordon A. Lozier Scholarship
Gordon and Virginia Harbuck Honors Scholarship
Greg Allen Scholarship
Guichard Jean Louis Scholarship
Guy R. Miller Scholarship
Harold and Leah Jane Freshwater Scholarship
Helen Nestor Scholarship
Helphenstine Family Scholarship
Holland and Mary Jeanne Salley Scholarship
Hugo and Wallie Spatz Scholarship
Ink Family Scholarship
Isabella Curtis Scholarship
Isadora Claville Scholarship
J & M Smith Project Hope Scholarship
J. Howard Wood Music Scholarship
Jack C. Warnock, MD Nursing
James and Eleanor Newton Honors Scholarship
James Moore Scholarship
Jeff and Cyndie Kottkamp Scholarship
Jennifer Griffin Nursing Scholarship
Joann Evans Nursing Scholarship
Jody C. Kinsey Nursing Scholarship
John and Aliese Price Foundation Scholarship
John C. and Kossie G. Ferguson Scholarship
John Evans Memorial Scholarship
Johnson Engineering Scholarship
Joseph H. and Julia M. Goodwin Scholarship
Joseph Leto Nursing Scholarship
Joseph Moskal Nursing Scholarship
Joseph S. Borek Scholarship
Josephine and Curtis Queen Scholarship
Joyce and Emory Rogaski Nursing Scholarship
Kazen Ques Scholarship
Kiwanis Club Fort Myers South Scholarship
Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres Scholarship
Klein Family Scholarship in memory of Viola Odenheimer
L. Sherrill Yeomans Scholarship
Lalai Hamric Scholarship
Laura E. Hedgecock Scholarship
Laurel Dawn McNew Scholarship
Lee County 100 Club Scholarship
Lee County General Scholarship
Lehigh Community Health Association Nursing Scholarship
Leo Wotitzky Scholarship
Leon and Viola Gardner Scholarship
Lillian A. Medhurst Nursing Scholarship
Lillian Clukies Scholarship
Lockmiller Common Sense Scholarship
Lois Brown Scholarship
Lora and Preston Root Scholarship
Madeleine R Taeni Nursing Scholarship
Madeleine R. Taeni Ethics in Business Scholarship
Margaret R. Cran Scholarship
Marie L. Bruel Scholarship
Marion D. Burgess Nursing Scholarship
Martha Jeanne Puletti Swamp Cabbage Festival Scholarship
Mary Gerrish Scholarship
Mary Gray Cain Scholarship
Maurice and Jean Plummer Scholarship
Mayson Robbins Scholarship
McQueen Family Scholarship
Michael Griffith, Valerie Griffith-Holmes, Jack Holmes Scholarship
Mildred Sherrod Scholarship
Mina Edison Society Scholarship
Minnesota Twins Scholarship
Mrs. Bunny Foundation Scholarship
Music Foundation of SW Florida
Nancy A. Jerz Scholarship in Public Service
Olson Family Nursing Scholarship
Omni Waste Scholarship
Orvall G. McCleary Scholarship
Osco Simpson, Jr. Nursing Scholarship
Paralegal Studies Scholarship
Pat Hammond Memorial Scholarship
Paula G. Walker Nursing Scholarship
Peace River Medical Center Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship
Peace River Medical Staff Scholarship
Peter D. and Eleanore A. Kleist Scholarship
Phyllis Spain Honors Scholarship
Plummer Scholarship
Pop and Marj Kelly Scholarship
Project HOPE Scholarship
Punta Gorda Lions Club Foundation Scholarship
Ralph Tilden Music Scholarship
Ray L. Williams Scholarship
Raynold G. Engstrand Scholarship
Rebecca Whan Scholarship
Rene Sichere Scholarship
Richard Orrin Hilliker, III Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Robert and Juliette Brand Scholarship
Robert and Nancy Dean Scholarship
Robert J. Gunterberg Foundation/Carol Culliton Scholarship
Robert Sneckenberger Scholarship
Rose Kosches Scholarship
Rossie Evans Alderman Nursing Scholarship
Roy & Carolyn Neumann Nursing Scholarship
Ruth Henry Scholarship
Ruth M. & Cleveland L. Campbell Project Hope Scholarship
Saldukas Family Foundation Scholarship
Salley Poppen Marasco Scholarship
Sarah Barden Scholarship
Scientists Society of SW Florida Scholarship
Scott J. Labuzienski Memorial Scholarship
Seth Cohen Scholarship
Sharon MacDonald Nursing Scholarship
Sidney R. Davis Scholarship
Steven Carl Perry Scholarship
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union Suncoast for Kids Foundation Scholarship
Susan Crane Kyle Nursing Scholarship
Susan Price Shrader Scholarship
Sweetbay Supermarket Scholarship
SWFL Children’s Charities Scholarship
The Bireley Family Foundation Scholarship
Tiffany Bachman Scholarship
Tom and Pat Land Scholarship
Toni Stabile Nursing Scholarship
Travis A. Gresham, Jr. Scholarship
United Christian Giving Scholarship #1
United States Sugar Corporation
Vera Stepp Scholarship
Vernon Peeples Scholarship
Ward A. Shaver Scholarship
Watson Family Scholarship
William Barney “Bill” Corbin Scholarship
William R. Frizzell Scholarship
Submission of the FSW Online Scholarship Application does not guarantee a scholarship award. Scholarships awards are based on the available amount of funds, priority deadline and the pool of applicants. Award amounts and number of awards may vary by academic year. Prior receipt of an FSW scholarship does not guarantee and award for the following academic year. Some scholarships my require a photograph, biographical statement and a thank you letter for the donor(s). Awarded students will receive an award notification via FSW email before the start of each semester. Due tot he number of applications, only students who receive a scholarship will be notified. Scholarship awards will not disburse after verification of attendance for the applicable semester.
Rights
- Students receiving federal financial aid have the right to be informed about financial aid application procedures, cost of attendance, aid available, and renewal requirements
- Students’ confidential protection of their financial aid records is maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- request an appeal to the decision made by FSW Office of Student Financial Aid by submitting an Appeal Form
Responsibilities
- Complete all applications in a timely manner
- Read and understand all materials sent to them from the Office of Student Financial Aid and other financial aid agencies by email and/or letter. Keep copies of all forms and materials submitted
- Know and comply with the rules governing your aid programs
- Comply with the provisions of any promissory note and all other agreements that are signed by you
- Register for the number of credits required and maintain satisfactory academic progress
Code of Conduct for Financial Aid Professionals
The obligations in this Code of Conduct are in addition to any requirements imposed by state ethic laws, federal laws, or Florida SouthWestern State College Operating Procedure (COP). The COP will be applied first in all instanced.
1. No action will be taken by financial aid staff that is for their personal benefit or could be perceived to be a conflict of interest.
- Employees within the financial aid office will not counsel, process or award aid to themselves, their family members or friends. Financial aid employees will reserve this task to another financial aid employee not familiar with their family members or friends, to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. Financial Aid employees must disclose their interaction with a family member or friend and transfer the case to another financial aid staff member as soon as possible.
- If a preferred lender list is provided, it will be compiled without prejudice and for the sole benefit of the students attending the institution. The information included about lenders and loan terms will be transparent, complete, and accurate. The complete process through which preferred lenders are selected will be fully and publically disclosed. Borrowers will not be auto-assigned to any particular lender. Currently, Florida SouthWestern State College does not have a preferred lender list.
- A borrower’s choice of a lender will not be denied, impeded, or unnecessarily delayed by the institution, even if that lender is not included on the institution’s preferred lender list.
- No amount of cash, gift, or benefit shall be accepted by a financial aid staff member from any financial aid applicant (or his/her family), or from any entity doing business with or seeking to do business with the institution (including service on advisory committees or boards beyond reimbursement for reasonable expenses directly associated with such service).
2. Information provided by the financial aid office is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect preference arising from actual or potential personal gain.
3. Institutional award notifications and/or other institutionally provided materials shall include the following:
- A breakdown of individual components of the institution’s Cost of Attendance, designating all potential billable charges.
- Clear identification of each award, indicating type of aid, i.e. gift aid (grant, scholarship), work, or loan.
- Standard terminology and definitions, using NASFAA’s glossary of award letter terms.
- Renewal requirements for each award.
4. All required consumer information is displayed in a prominent location on the institutional web site(s) and in any printed materials, easily identified and found, and labeled as “Consumer Information.”
5. Financial aid professionals will disclose to their institution any involvement, interest in, or potential conflict of interest with any entity with which the institution has a business relationship.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy and Procedure
Guidelines for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Florida SouthWestern State College evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid eligibility purposes annually at the end of the Summer Semester. The SAP status is effective the first semester of the next academic year. SAP will be evaluated based on the last semester of attendance for students who decide not to enroll for the Summer semester. The academic year (for financial aid purposes) at FSW begins with the Fall semester and ends with the Summer Semester.
If a student changes majors or academic programs, all credit hours reflected on the Florida SouthWestern State College transcript will be included in the qualitative and quantitative measurements. Credit hours not used for the new program will not be used for normal time frame measurement.
As per federal guidelines, students enrolled in an aid eligible certificate program, Satisfactory Academic Progress will be evaluated at the end of each enrollment period.
Students with Prior Degrees or Certificates from Other Schools
Students attending Florida SouthWestern State College for the first time and have prior degrees or certificates from other schools may be required to submit an Appeal Form prior to attending their first semester to determine if their prior degree or certificate will affect their financial aid eligibility at Florida SouthWestern State College. All credit hours reflected on the Florida SouthWestern State College transcript will be included in the qualitative and quantitative measurements. Credit hours not used for the new program will not be used for normal time frame measurement.
Qualitative Standard
The qualitative component measures the quality of the student’s academic progress through an annual review of the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). Students must meet a qualitative standard of academic progress measured through the cumulative GPA. Students must have the following minimum cumulative GPA based on their total attempted credits in order to meet the qualitative standard:
- 0 to 29 attempted credits 1.50 cumulative GPA
- 30 to 59 attempted credits 1.80 cumulative GPA
- 60 attempted credits and above 2.00 cumulative GPA
The required GPA is based upon the total number of GPA credit hours. Specific federal, state, institutional and external scholarships or grants may require a higher GPA for continued eligibility. This is a separate and distinct factor for renewing or continuing eligibility for these specific funds. The GPA requirement for specific scholarships or grants supersedes those above. Information on the terms and conditions of specific financial aid programs that have GPA requirements is available to the student.
Quantitative Standard
Students must meet a quantitative standard of academic progress measured by completion rate. Students must have the following minimum completion rates based on their total attempted credits in order to meet the quantitative standard:
- 0 to 29 attempted credits 50% completion rate
- 30 to 59 attempted credits 60% completion rate
- 60 attempted credits and above 67% completion rate
The calculation for completion rate is made as follows:
- Earned Credit Hours divided by Attempted Credit Hours = Completion Rate (result rounded to the closest whole number; e.g., 17/27 = 70.8% or rounded to 71%.
Courses with grades of “F”, “W”, “WF”, “M”, and “I” are included in attempted credit hours, but are not included in passed credit hours.
Transfer coursework on the Florida SouthWestern State College transcript is also included in the completion rate calculation.
Maximum Time Frame for Degree Completion
Students must obtain their degree objective within 150% of the normal time frame for degree completion.
- For baccalaureate programs requiring 120 credit hours, students must obtain a degree within 180 attempted credit hours (120 X 1.50=180).
- For associate programs of 60 credit hours, students must obtain a degree within 90 attempted credit hours (60 X 1.50=90).
- For certificate programs requiring 24 credit hours, students must obtain a certificate within 36 attempted credit hours (24 X 1.50=36).
This maximum time frame is based upon the student degree or certificate classification in the Florida SouthWestern State College academic records.
NOTE: Students pursuing second degree programs continue to remain eligible for financial aid as long as the qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame measurements for SAP are met.
Appeal Process for GPA and Completion Rate
There may be extenuating circumstances encountered by a student which impacts his or her ability to be successful and meet Standards of Academic Progress.
- These circumstances include personal injury or illness; death of an immediate family member; or other documented circumstances that were unexpected in nature and beyond control of the student.
- In these cases, cumulative grade point average and/or completion rate may decline, resulting in the student not meeting the minimum qualitative and/or qualitative SAP policy standards.
If this occurs and the student wishes to appeal for reinstatement of financial aid, a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office.
- An appeal must include appropriate documentation regarding the extenuating circumstance(s) and what has changed that will allow the student to achieve successful academic progress at the next evaluation. Incomplete appeal forms will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied.
- Students who are granted an appeal and placed on an academic plan which requires that students complete successfully all coursework attempted cannot withdraw from or fail any attempted courses.
- A review will be completed at the end of each enrollment period to ensure the student is meeting the terms of the academic plan. If the academic plan requirements are not met, the student is no longer eligible for further financial aid from the Florida SouthWestern State College until such time the student becomes compliant with the SAP policy standards.
- Students will not be able to submit a second appeal after being granted an extension of financial aid eligibility while not compliant with the SAP policy standards. After one granted appeal, students will only be able to establish financial aid eligibility after meeting the SAP policy standards through enrollment that leads to academic improvement using personal or private funds for payment of registration and associated costs.
- Appeals will be reviewed within 14 days of submission.
- Evaluation and decision are based upon the information provided in the student Appeal. Students will be notified of the decision through a Message being placed in the student’s portal. The appeal decision is final.
Note: If an appeal is denied, the student is no longer eligible for further financial aid from the Florida SouthWestern State College until such time the student becomes compliant with the SAP policy standards. It is the student responsibility to notify the Office of Student Financial Aid to re-establish eligibility to receive Federal Financial Aid.
Appeal Process for Maximum Time Frame
In some cases, a student may not complete their degree objective within 150% of the normal time frame as a result of a change of an academic program, transfer credits not applicable to current degree program, or extenuating circumstances. If this occurs and the student wishes to appeal the suspension from financial aid eligibility, a Satisfactory Progress Appeal Form must be submitted.
- Extenuating circumstances may include personal injury or illness which occurs during an enrollment period; death of an immediate family member during an enrollment period; or other documented circumstances that were unexpected in nature and beyond control of the student.
- An appeal must include appropriate documentation regarding the extenuating circumstance(s) and what has changed that will allow the student to achieve successful academic progress at the next evaluation. Incomplete appeal forms will not be reviewed.
- Appeals will be reviewed within 14 days of submission.
- Evaluation and decision are based upon the information provided in the student Appeal. Students will be notified of the decision through a Message being placed in the student’s portal.
- Students who are granted an appeal will be expected to meet an academic plan which can include successfully completing all coursework attempted and a term GPA of 2.5 or higher. No Withdrawals, Fails and No Shows will be allowed. Only courses required for the current degree program will be used to determine financial aid eligibility. More stringent conditions may be required on a case-by-case basis, and the student will be notified of these modified conditions through a Message being placed in the student’s portal.
- A review will be done at the end of each enrollment period to ensure the student is meeting the terms of the academic plan. If the academic plan requirements are not met, the student is no longer eligible for further financial aid from the Florida SouthWestern State College until such time the student becomes compliant with the SAP policy standards.
- Students will not be able to submit a second appeal after being granted an extension of financial aid eligibility while not compliant with the SAP policy standards. After one granted appeal, students will only be able to establish financial aid eligibility after meeting the SAP policy standards through enrollment that leads to academic improvement using personal or private funds for payment of registration and associated costs.
- The decision of the review is final.
Note: If an appeal is denied, the student is no longer eligible for further financial aid from the Florida SouthWestern State College until such time the student becomes compliant with the SAP policy standards. It is the student responsibility to notify the Office of Student Financial Aid to re-establish eligibility to receive Federal Financial Aid.
Effects of Developmental, Remedial, EAP, and Repeated Courses
Financial aid may be used for no more than 30 developmental (remedial) credit hours. Developmental (remedial) credit hours beyond 30 cannot be used to establish enrolled hours for financial aid purposes unless the student did not receive financial aid for all 30 credit hours.
- Developmental, remedial, and/or most EAP coursework do not count toward degree requirements. However, these courses are calculated in the quantitative and completion rate measures.
- Students who have taken developmental, remedial, and/or EAP coursework that affect maximum time frame eligibility calculation should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to have a review done on a case-by-case basis. This request for review is not considered an Appeal.
- All repeated courses will affect the qualitative, quantitative and time frame measures even if they are not eligible courses to establish Financial Aid enrollment status.
Academic Plan
“Academic Plan” is the status assigned to a student who failed to meet SAP standards, appealed, and had financial aid eligibility reinstated.
A student on financial aid “Academic Plan” may receive financial aid for one enrollment period. At that point, the student must meet SAP standards or meet the requirements of an individual academic plan. Students who are granted an appeal are placed on an academic plan which requires a student to complete successfully all coursework attempted and earn a term GPA of 2.5 or higher. No Withdrawals, Fails or No Shows are allowed.
Common Reasons for Financial Aid Denials
Automatic Graduation
Students who have completed their degree requirements at FSW, (even if they opt out of Automatic Graduation) will have their name and completion requirements forwarded to the Financial Aid Office for a review of their eligibility status. Regardless if a student chooses to continue to take classes, pursue another degree or opt out of receiving their certificate or degree, Financial Aid recipients are considered ineligible for Financial Aid if all current degree requirements are met.
Prior Associate of Arts Degree
Students who have completed a baccalaureate, professional or Associate of Arts degree from an institution recognized by Florida SouthWestern State College and from which the College accepts transfer credits are not eligible for financial aid for a second Associate of Arts degree.
Prior Baccalaureate Degree
Students who have completed a baccalaureate or professional degree from an institution, regardless of whether the institution is an unaccredited or foreign school, are not eligible for Pell, FSAG or FSEOG funds. Whether the degree is accepted or recognized by Florida SouthWestern State College does not change the student’s eligibility status.
Change of Circumstances
Some families experience an unexpected change to their household income during the course of an academic year after the completion of their FAFSA. Some common occurrences that can cause a change to household include:
- A change in employment status (full-time to part-time/loss of employment) 10 weeks or longer
- Reduction in salary or wages
- Medical expenses that are not covered by insurance
- Uninsured losses or funeral expenses
- Catastrophic property damage
- Recent change in marital status
Change in Circumstance does not include discretionary expenses such as home improvements, credit card debt, weddings, purchase of a car, private school tuition, or anticipated loss of overtime pay or income. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss their situation and determine what details and documentation will be required to fully evaluate the review. All requests must be in writing and include documentation of the reasons for requesting the re-evaluation of eligibility. While the review decision is pending, students are responsible for their tuition balance due.
Student Fees
Student fees are payable by the date shown on the schedule receipt. Financial aid recipients may have their fees covered by approved financial aid funds. The student’s financial aid award process must be finalized to have tuition covered by this process. Financial aid recipients who receive funds that exceed the charges to their student accounts will receive a refund. Federal regulations allow institutions up to 14 calendars/10 business days from when the funds are posted to a students’ account to process refunds. The Bursar’s office processes all student account refunds.
Financial Aid Eligible Hours
Students can use their Financial Aid Funds to enroll for Full, A or B Term of each semester. In order for courses to be paid by Financial Aid, students must be enrolled in all courses of all terms by the Add/Drop Deadline If you are enrolling for B Term class after the Add Drop deadline, Financial Aid will not pay for those courses.
Repayment of Title IV Funds
Recipients of federal financial aid funds that withdraw from all classes prior to completion of 60% of the Semester (See FSW Official College Calendar) will be required to repay a portion of funds received as defined by federal regulations. Students who are enrolled for the entire term but fail to successfully complete any classes may be required to repay a portion of the funds received. FSW directly pays the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) the amount owed by the student. The responsibility lies with the student to pay FSW for any amount paid directly to the USDOE on their behalf.
FSW will place a hold on students’ account until their account is paid in full. Per regulations, students have 45 days from the date of their withdrawal to make payment to FSW. Payment can be made at any campus Cashier’s office or via the FSW student portal.
When a student withdraws from all classes, the FSW Financial Aid Office must recalculate how much aid he or she is entitled to. Per federal regulations, students are allowed to retain the financial aid they have “earned” up to the time of withdrawal.
The “unearned” amount must be returned to the federal government by FSW and/or the student. Federal financial aid programs included in the “unearned” portion are Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Federal Direct Student Loans.
Federal financial aid will be returned in the following order, up to the net amount disbursed from each source:
- Unsubsidized Direct Loans (other than Direct PLUS Loans)
- Subsidized Direct Loans
- Direct PLUS Loans
- Federal Pell Grants for which a Return is required
- FSEOG for which a return of funds is required
In some cases, students must repay a portion of the aid they received, and payment must be made in order to remain eligible for aid, and to re-enroll in subsequent semesters.
In some cases, a refund may be due to the student.
The amount of repayment or refund will be affected if there is a refund of tuition given at the time of withdrawal.
Students who withdraw before 60% of the semester is completed are entitled to keep a portion of their award equal to the percentage of the semester that they have completed. Students who withdraw after the 60% of the semester is completed are eligible to keep their entire award.
CAUTION: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is still a factor in determining eligibility in future semesters.
Students who withdraw and are granted a fee appeal are still subject to the Return of Title IV Funds calculation.
Procedure for Cancellation or Withdrawal of Classes for Financial Aid Recipients
If a student is considering withdrawing, they should meet with the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss any financial implications.
Students withdrawing from the College, who are eligible for federal financial aid, will have their aid eligibility evaluated using a federal formula. The amount of federal aid that will be received is based on the portion of the semester completed prior to the date of withdrawal. State financial aid is adjusted according to applicable state guidelines. For example, if 40% of the semester has passed when the withdrawal process is initiated, then 40% of the federal aid originally scheduled for disbursement has been earned. However, if 60% of the semester has been completed, a student is considered to have earned 100% of the federal aid they were eligible to receive for the semester.
Students who need to change their course registration by adding or dropping a course, must follow registration procedures. Financial aid recipients are responsible for completing the change in registration no later than the last day of the published add/drop period for the term for payment to be made by a financial aid program.
Last Date of Attendance
The last date of attendance is the last date the student participated in an academically related activity.
Academically related activities include but are not limited to the following:
- Attending class in person with opportunity to direct interaction between instructor and classmates
- Submitting an academic assignment
- Taking an exam, an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction
- Attending a study group that is assigned by the school
- Participating in an online discussion about academic matters and
- Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about an academic subject studied in the course
Examples of acceptable online academically-related activities include:
- Student submission of an academic assignment
- Student submission of an exam
- Documented student participation in an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction
- A posting by the student in a discussion forum showing the student’s participation in an on-line discussion about academic matters and
- An email from the student or other documentation showing that the student initiated contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course
Academically related activities do not include activities where a student may be present, but not academically engaged, such as:
- Living in institutional housing
- Participating in the school’s meal plan
- Log into an online class without active participation
- Participating in academic counseling or advising
The Office of Student Financial Aid has 30 days from the date the school determined the student had withdrawn to determine the last date of attendance. A student’s certification of attendance that is not supported by school documentation would not be acceptable documentation of the student’s last date of attendance at an academically related activity
Veterans’ Education Benefits
The Veteran Affairs Office is located on the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus in the Q Building. Veterans or dependents of a veteran who are eligible for educational benefits must:
- Apply for admission as a degree seeking student.
- Request and send their military transcript(s) as well as transcript(s) from previous college(s) to Florida SouthWestern State College*
- Submit the Letter of Eligibility and additional documents, if requested, to the Veteran Affairs Office.
- Submit Veteran’s Deferment Request form as soon as possible after registering for classes for the term. Submission of this form initiates processing schedule certifications to the VA. This form must be submitted every term after the student registers for classes and every time the student changes their schedule.
- Contact the Veteran Affairs Office if changing degree program.
*Joint Services Transcripts (JST) or other military and/or public or private college transcripts must be on file and evaluated before a student can be certified for VA Educational Benefits prior to starting school. Although Veterans Affairs may allow two(2) terms to be certified without military transcripts being received/evaluated, Florida SouthWestern State College uses a consistent policy for all college transcripts.
National Guard Fee Exemption
Recommended National Guard enlistees may be eligible to receive a fee exemption for a percentage of their tuition costs. Contact the National Guard Education Officer. Eligibility for the exemption must be processed by the Bursar’s Office on the Lee Campus.
Veterans’ Dependents
Spouses or dependents of deceased (permanent and total service connected) or 100 percent permanent and total service connected veterans should contact the Veterans Affairs Office for the appropriate forms and documents.
Veteran Transfer Students
A transfer student must have their military transcript(s) as well as transcripts from the previous college(s) forwarded to Florida SouthWestern State College before transferring. Veterans can attend one term until transcripts are received. The student’s certification for benefits will not be processed by the Veterans Affairs (VA) office until the transcript(s) is received and evaluated by Florida SouthWestern State College after the first term.
Approved VA Programs
The student must be working toward an approved degree in order to receive VA benefits. Students should contact the Academic Advising Office to ensure that the classes they plan to take are required for the degree selected. Only classes required for the students degree will be certified for payment. A student will not be paid for a course repeated to earn a higher grade, or that has been transferred in from a Joint Services Transcript, other military transcript, and/or a previous college unless the student received an “F” in the course (or a “D” when a “C” is required). The student is responsible for any charges not covered by Veteran’s Affairs.
Deferment of Tuition
Florida SouthWestern State College offers Veterans and their dependents a deferment of fees in accordance with Florida Statute 1009.27 (2) which states: “Any veteran or other eligible student who receives benefits under chapter 30, chapter 31, chapter 32, chapter 33, chapter 34, or chapter 35 of Title 38, U.S.C., or chapter 106 of Title 10, U.S.C., is entitled to one deferment each academic year and an additional deferment each time there is a delay in the receipt of benefits.”
Change of Status and Attendance
Veterans who withdraw, drop or add a class should notify the Veterans Affairs Office immediately. The VA must be notified of such a change and could result in the student owing the VA for all or a portion of their payments for the term.
Chapter 33 and 31 Recipients
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:
- Prevent the student’s enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
- Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
- Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
- Provide a written request to be certified;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies
Standards of Progress for Veteran Educational Benefit Recipients
Veterans must maintain a “C” (2.0) grade point average to remain in good standing. If the veteran does not have a 2.0 after attempting 12 credit hours, the student will be placed on academic warning. After attempting 24 credit hours, if the veteran still has less than a 2.0 GPA, the veteran’s benefits may be terminated by the VA.
A student is eligible to receive Financial Aid if the study abroad program is an approved credit earning program at FSW, the home institution. Financial Aid may cover courses taken abroad counting toward the degree completion at FSW.
Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), Florida SouthWestern State College is required to disclose certain information to consumers - current and prospective students, employees, and the public. The College has developed a website which information can be accessed at https://www.fsw.edu/consumerinformation.
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