Financial Aid and Fees

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The cost of books and supplies varies with the program of each student.
5. The College reserves the right to change its fees at any time without notice.   

Application Fees

Tuition, Fees, and Multiple Attempt Charge

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)

Other Fees and Charges

Test Administration Fees

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid provides financial assistance to qualified students to attend Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) using the programs administered by the College. Students who apply for financial aid and demonstrate financial 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 https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Financial Aid Information is available at http://www.fsw.edu/financialaid.  Students may log in to the portal at my.fsw.edu and click on the Financial Aid & 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 commonly awarded to degree-seeking students enrolled in six or more credit hours for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters on the basis of financial need, and scholastic achievement. FAFSA applications for assistance will be considered for the following types of assistance: grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans, based on the types of funds available at the time. 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: http://catalog.fsw.edu/content.php?catoid=14&navoid=1221

Loans

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 fafsa.ed.gov, complete a Loan Entrance Counseling Interview, the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment (ASLA), and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online by visiting: www.studentaid.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 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: These grants are awarded to Florida residents who are full-time students with demonstrated financial need. Funds for part-time students may be available on a limited basis.

Florida Career Education Student Assistance Grant: 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: 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 two-dollar state funds to one-dollar private basis up to the individual institution’s allocation.  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 (i.e., must have an unmet 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 may also be available. The College is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please visit: https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/workstudy

Scholarships and Awards

Florida SouthWestern State College offers students a variety of scholarship opportunities to assist with the cost of education and to facilitate student success. Scholarships are an award of financial aid beyond federal and state programs that are generally based on merit, special talents, participation in certain activities, and/or financial need.  Scholarship requirements vary depending upon the criteria for the award.  By reducing financial concerns, students are better able to focus on their academic endeavors and overall college experience, which can lead to better grades and higher retention rates.

Scholarship Application Process

To be considered for FSW scholarships, students must successfully submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and complete the FSW Online Scholarship Application each academic year at https://fsw.academicworks.com/users/sign_in. Students are responsible for meeting all eligibility requirements and submitting required admissions and financial aid documents, which may include submitting proof of Florida residency for tuition purposes.

Students not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will not be considered or remain eligible for FSW scholarships. The FSW SAP policy can be found at SAP Policy.

Florida Bright Futures

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship awards are determined by the Florida Department of Education and may be used by qualified high school graduates to pay for tuition expenses at Florida SouthWestern State College.  Certain eligibility requirements are attached to this state scholarship program and more information can be found at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

Scholarships - Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation, Inc.

The purpose of the Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation, Inc. is to raise funds to help support the academic vision and priorities of the college. Through positive community relations and the development of private funds and partnerships, the foundation strives to advance the education and welfare of the institution, its students, its faculty and staff and the community it serves.

The foundation’s donors are committed to help make a difference for FSW students and these donors allow the foundation to award a variety of scholarships each year. The criteria for each scholarship will vary depending on the direction of the donor. Additionally, tuition and book scholarships are awarded to hundreds of students each year from endowments established by community residents.

Florida SouthWestern State College Institutional Scholarships

Florida SouthWestern State College offers a variety of institutional scholarships that consider merit, financial need, academic level, special talents and/or participation in specified programs. For information regarding available institutional scholarships and related requirements go to https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/scholarships.

Financial Aid Recipients Rights and Responsibilities

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 instances.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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 publicly disclosed. Borrowers will not be    auto-assigned to any particular lender. Currently, Florida SouthWestern State College does not have a preferred lender list.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. A breakdown of individual components of the institution’s Cost of Attendance, designating all potential billable charges.
2. Clear identification of each award, indicating type of aid, i.e. gift aid (grant, scholarship), work, or loan.
3. Standard terminology and definitions, using NASFAA’s glossary of award letter terms.
4. 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)

Federal and state regulations require that all students make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree, certificate or licensure requirements in order to receive financial assistance.  All academic terms of attempted enrollment are considered when evaluating satisfactory academic progress regardless of whether financial aid was awarded for the term or not.

Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress standards results in a student being ineligible for federal, state and generally institutional aid programs (this includes grants, institutional scholarships, work study, and loans).  Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress standards may also affect a student’s eligibility for outside scholarships or third-party funding.

Completion Rate (Pace): Quantitative Standard

Satisfactory academic progress standards require students to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 2/3rds (66.67%) of their total cumulative attempted credits.  Transfer credits accepted and applied to the student’s program requirements count as credits attempted and completed for calculation of completion rate.  Grades of “F”, “W”, “WF”, “M” and “I” count as credits attempted but not completed in this calculation.

The calculation for completion rate is as follows:

Earned credit hours divided by attempted credit hours = completion rate (for example 18 earned credits divided by 27 attempted credits, 18/27 = 66.67%). 

Grade Point Average (GPA): Qualitative Standard

A student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) represents a qualitative measurement within the satisfactory academic progress standards.  Students must earn and maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA at the end of each semester (based on their total attempted credits).  Specific federal, state, institutional and external scholarships or grants may require a higher cumulative or semester 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 the minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.  Information on the terms and conditions of specific financial aid programs that have higher GPA requirements is always available to students.

Maximum Time Frame (Attempted Credits): Quantitative Standard

Students must obtain their degree objective within a specific maximum time frame.  The maximum time frame is currently 150%.

1. For baccalaureate programs (generally 120 credit hours), students must obtain a degree within 180 attempted credit hours.  (120 credit hours X 150% = 180 attempted credit hours).
2. For associate programs (AA and AS, generally 60 credit hours), students must obtain a degree within 90 attempted credit hours. (60 credit hours X 150% = 90 attempted credit hours).
3. For certificate programs (generally 24 credit hours), students must obtain a certificate within 36 attempted credit hours. (24 credit hours X 150% = 36 attempted credit hours).

This maximum time frame is based upon the specific student degree or certificate classification in the FSW 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 satisfactory academic progress are met.

Evaluation Period:

Monitoring satisfactory academic progress begins with the first credit attempted and is done at the end of every semester (fall, spring and summer).

Failure to Meet Standards:

Completion Rate (Pace): Quantitative Standard

• Students who are in good standing at the beginning of the semester but fall below the 2/3rds (66.67%) completion rate standard at the end of the semester will be placed on warning for one semester.
• Effective with the 2020 summer term, returning students who have not attended FSW for a significant amount of time and have failed to meet a standard(s) will be placed on warning for one semester.If, at the end of the warning semester a student meets FSW’s 2/3rds (66.67%) completion rate standard, FSW will end the student’s warning status.
• If at the end of the warning semester a student fails to meet all of the satisfactory academic progress standards (completion rate, GPA, and maximum timeframe), the student will be placed on financial aid suspension.

Grade Point Average (GPA): Qualitative Standard

Students who are in good standing at the beginning of the semester but fall below the minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA standard at the end of the semester will be placed on warning for one semester.

• If at the end of the warning semester a student meets FSW’s minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA standard, FSW will end the student’s warning status.
• If at the end of the warning semester a student fails to meet all of the satisfactory academic progress standards (completion rate, GPA, and maximum time-frame), the student will be placed on financial aid suspension.

Maximum Time Frame (Attempted Credits): Quantitative Standard

When a student’s total attempted credits exceed the maximum time frame for degree completion, the student will be placed on Maximum Time Frame Suspension.  If the student chooses to pursue the appeal option, appeals for credits in excess of the maximum time frame solely to improve GPA will not be approved unless the course is part of an approved academic plan.

Students may immediately be suspended from financial aid eligibility in the event of extraordinary circumstances where it becomes readily apparent that a student has not maintained satisfactory academic progress with respect to maximum time frame.

Other Factors:

• It is possible for students to be placed on financial aid suspension for failure to meet more than one type of Satisfactory Academic Progress standard.
• Students who have not received financial aid in the past are immediately subject to standards when they apply for financial aid.
• If Incomplete (I) credits are a factor in failure to maintain satisfactory progress, subsequent successful completion of these credits may be used to re-establish eligibility for financial aid.
• Paying for classes out of pocket or sitting out a period of time in and of itself is not sufficient to re-establish a student’s financial aid eligibility.

Notification:

Students who fail to meet the minimum standards will be notified of their warning or suspension status through the student’s portal. 

Appeal Process for Grade Point Average and Completion Rate

There may be extenuating circumstances encountered by a student that impacted his or her ability to be successful and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.  These circumstances include but are not limited to personal injury or illness; death of an immediate family member (typically a father, mother, brother, sister, or child); 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 SAP policy standards.  If this occurs and the student wishes to appeal for reinstatement of financial aid, a Financial Aid Academic Progress Appeal Form must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid.

An appeal must include appropriate documentation regarding the extenuating circumstance(s), why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress and what has changed that will allow the student to make satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation. Incomplete appeal forms may not be reviewed or will be automatically denied.

Students who are granted an appeal, will be placed on probation with an academic plan.  A review will be completed at the end of the semester to determine the student’s on-going eligibility.  Generally, after a probationary semester, the student will either (a) be making satisfactory academic progress, (b) remain on probation, or (c) be immediately suspended.

Appeals will be reviewed within 14 days of submission only if the student meets the priority deadline.  Evaluation and decision are based upon the information provided in the student appeal. Students will be notified of the decision through their student portal or an email from a financial aid specialist.  The appeal decision is final. https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/forms

**If an appeal is denied, the student is no longer eligible for further financial aid from FSW until such time the student becomes compliant with the SAP policy standards.**

Appeal Process for Maximum Time Frame

In some cases, a student may not complete his or her degree objective within the maximum time frame as a result of a change of an academic program, transfer credits not applicable to the student’s current degree program, or extenuating circumstances. If this occurs and the student wishes to appeal the suspension of financial aid eligibility, a Financial Aid Academic 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 the control of the student.

An appeal must include a signed statement explaining why the program has not been completed within the allowable maximum time frame, an academic plan approved and signed by the student’s student success advisor indicating the semesters remaining for degree completion, a course plan for each remaining semester and projected graduation date. 

If applicable, the appeal should 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 only if the student meets the priority deadline.  Evaluation and decision are based upon the information provided in the student’s appeal. Students will be notified of the decision through their student portal or an email from their financial aid specialist.

Students who are granted an appeal will be expected to meet the terms of the academic plan up to graduation.  No withdrawals, failing grades or 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 the decision through his or her student portal or an email from their financial aid specialist.  The decision of the review is final.

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 to complete their program of study.  .  https://www.fsw.edu/financialaid/forms                                                                    

 **If an appeal is denied, the student is no longer eligible for further financial aid from FSW until such time the student becomes compliant with the SAP policy standards.**

Deadlines:

Priority Deadline Date:       

• Fall 2021:          08/06/2021
• Spring 2022:     12/16/2021
• Summer 2022:  04/29/2022

Last day to submit an appeal for Fall, Spring and Summer Terms:  Last day of Drop/Add period for that term (Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.)

Common Terms:

Academic Forgiveness: Credits for courses previously taken, for which academic forgiveness is granted, count in calculating percentage completion, GPA and maximum credits attempted for financial aid satisfactory academic progress.

Academic Plan: A student who successfully appeals for reinstatement of financial aid eligibility is placed on probation and is required to complete specific requirements contained in an academic plan developed for that student by the college.

Academic Year: The period from August to May (Fall and Spring Semesters). Summer is a semester trailing the academic year.

Audit Courses: Courses taken for audit are not funded with financial aid, are not used in calculating Satisfactory Academic Progress and do not count as credits attempted or earned for purposes of financial aid.

Calendar Year: The period from January through December.

Consortium Agreements, Study Abroad and other travel programs: Credits attempted and earned while participating in these programs are included in calculating satisfactory academic progress.

Evaluation Period: Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured at the end of each semester.

Financial Aid Suspension: A student on financial aid suspension is not eligible to receive financial aid.

Maximum Time Frame: The maximum number of cumulative attempted credits within which a student must complete his or her academic program.

Probation Status: A student who successfully appeals a financial aid suspension and regains his or her financial aid eligibility for one evaluation period (one semester) is placed on probation. At the conclusion of the semester he or she must meet the college’s cumulative GPA (see Qualitative Standards) and Completion Percentage standards (67% cumulative completion); or have successfully completed the probationary term by meeting the requirements of their individual academic plan.

Qualitative Measure: The Grade Point Average (GPA) a student must maintain in order to retain financial aid eligibility.

Quantitative Measure: The “pace” at which a student must progress through his or her program in order to retain financial aid eligibility.

Remedial/Developmental Credits: Identifies credits attempted for courses numbered less than 1000.  Up to 30 remedial credits are excluded in calculating maximum credits attempted but included in grade point average and completion percentage calculations.

Repeated Courses: Courses in which a student has enrolled previously and is enrolled again.  For satisfactory academic progress purposes, each time a course is taken counts as an attempt; but only the first time a passing grade is received is it counted as completion.  If a student passed a class once and then is repaid for retaking it and fails the second time, that failure counts as their paid retake and the student may not be paid for retaking the class a third time. 

Required Completion Percentage: The percentage of cumulative attempted credits that a student must successfully complete in order to retain financial aid eligibility.

Transfer Credits: Transfer credits accepted by and applied by FSW toward a student’s general education, program or degree requirements apply toward the percent completion, cumulative GPA and maximum credits attempted calculations.

Treatment of Grades:

Credits attempted: the number of credit hours for which a student is officially enrolled at the end of the free drop/add period each semester. Credits with grades of “F, W, M, and I” count as credits attempted.

Credits earned: grades designated as A, B, C, D (including pluses and minuses), or P and S. Credits with grades of “F, W, WF, M and I” do not count as credits earned.

Percentage completion is calculated by dividing the number of earned credits by the number of attempted credits: earned credits ÷ attempted credits = percentage completion

GPA calculation: includes grades of A, B, C, D, F, and pluses and minuses associated with a letter grade.

Warning Status: A status under which a student shall continue to retain her or his financial aid eligibility for one semester despite a determination that she or he has not met the college’s grade point average standard, completion percentage standard or both.

Withdrawals: If a student withdraws from FSW before eligible financial aid awards are disbursed, the student may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement of financial aid earned; or may forfeit financial aid, as defined by Federal and State program regulations. If a student withdraws from all enrolled courses for any reason during the semester after financial aid has been disbursed, the college refund policy will be followed.

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.

1. Developmental, remedial, and/or most EAP coursework do not count toward degree requirements. However, developmental and remedial courses are calculated in the quantitative and completion rate measures.
2. EAP courses that do not apply toward degree requirements are excluded from the quantitative and completion rate measures.
3. Students who have taken developmental and/or remedial 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.
4. 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 and/or B Term of each semester. In order for courses to be paid by Financial Aid, students can use their Financial Aid Funds to enroll in Full, A and/or B Term courses each semester. In order for courses to be paid by Financial Aid, students must be enrolled in all courses for all terms by the Add/Drop Deadline for Full and/or A Terms. If you are ONLY enrolling in B Term classes, you have until the Add Drop deadline for B Term to receive Financial Aid for those courses.  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:

1. Unsubsidized Direct Loans (other than Direct PLUS Loans)
2. Subsidized Direct Loans
3. Direct PLUS Loans
4. Federal Pell Grants for which a Return is required
5. 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 may still be 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 the opportunity for  direct interaction between the instructor and  students.
• Submitting an academic assignment.
• Taking an exam, participating in an interactive tutorial, or gaining computer-assisted instruction.
• Attending a study group  assigned by the  instructor.
• Participating in an online discussion about academic matters.
• Initiating contact with an instructor  to ask a question about an academic subject studied in the course.

Examples of acceptable online academically-related activities include:

•  Submitting an academic assignment.
•  Submitting an exam.
• Documented  participation in an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction.
• Posting  in a discussion forum  in an on-line discussion about academic matters.
• An email from the student or other documentation showing  the student initiated contact with an instructor  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  on-campus housing.
• Participating in  an FSW  meal plan.
• Logging in to 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.

Using Veterans Education Benefits

In order to use VA education benefits at FSW Veterans or dependents of a veteran who are eligible for educational benefits must:

1. Apply for VA education benefits via VA.gov
   • If you have never used your benefit: VA.gov/education/how-to-apply/
   • If you have used your benefit elsewhere: va.gov/education/change-gi-bill-benefits/
2. Apply to FSW for admission as a degree seeking student.
3. Request and send their official military transcript as well as official transcript(s) from previous college(s) to Florida SouthWestern State College*.
4. Submit the Certificate of Eligibility, and additional documents if requested, to the Veteran Services Office.
5. 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.
6. Contact the Veteran Services Office if considering withdrawing from a class.

*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.

The Florida Bureau of State Approving Agency has approved Florida Southwestern State College for veteran education and training.

Please Note: a student must be working toward a degree or certificate program in order to receive VA benefits. We encourage students to work closely with their academic advisor to ensure that the classes they plan to take are required for the degree/certificate selected. Only classes required for the student’s degree will be certified for VA funding.

A student will not receive funding 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 remains responsible for any charges not covered by VA benefits.

Veterans’ Dependents

• Dependents using transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill® should provide the Certificate of Eligibility received after your application was approved by the VA.
• Dependents of veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability or died as a result of service connection may be eligible for VA education benefits.
• More information on VA education benefits for dependents and how to apply can be found at www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
• Please contact the Veteran Services Office for any questions you have about using dependent VA education benefits at FSW. 

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 Veteran Affairs office until the transcript(s) is received and evaluated by Florida SouthWestern State College after the first term.

Transient or Guest Students

Transient or Guest students using VA education benefits at FSW must provide the Veteran Services office a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility and a ‘Parent School letter’ from your home school confirming which degree program you are working towards and what classes have been approved to take at FSW. Please contact the School Certifying official at your home institution to request this information. A FloridaShines approval may be used in lieu of a Parent School letter.

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.”

To request a deferment of tuition and fees, students must submit a Veteran Deferment form via their student portal. Students must be coded in our system as a veteran or a dependent using VA education benefits otherwise the deferment will be rejected. Please contact the Veteran Services office to update your veteran status.

Change of Status and Attendance

Veterans who are considering to withdraw, drop or add a class are highly encouraged to speak with the Veteran Affairs Office before doing so.  The Veteran Affairs Office can offer advice and discuss the financial implications of making a change in enrollment.  The Veteran Affairs Office must notify the VA on enrollment changes and such notifications 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 Veteran Readiness & 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 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”

Withdrawal of Classes and VA Funding

Students using VA education benefits who are considering withdrawing from a class should contact the Veteran Affairs Office before doing so.  The Veteran Affairs Office can offer advice and discuss the financial implications of making a change in enrollment.  The VA will not fund a class that has been withdrawn. Withdrawals may result in the student owing the VA and/or FSW for all or a portion of their payments for the term.

If you withdraw from a class, you must let the Veteran Services office know by submitting a new Veteran Deferment request.

Standards of Progress for Veteran Educational Benefit Recipients

Veterans are required to meet the same standards of academic progress as all students at FSW. Students are considered in Good Academic Standing if they earn and maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA.  Students who do not maintain a 2.0 may be place on Academic Warning. Students who do not earn a cumulative or term GPA of 2.0 or higher while on Academic Warning are placed on Academic Probation for one semester and will have to work with their advisor prior to registering for future semesters. Students who do not earn a 2.0 term GPA while on Academic Probation are suspended for one semester.  Students may petition their suspension to continue their enrollment by completing an Academic Progress Petition obtained from the Florida SouthWestern State College advising web-page at www.fsw.edu/advising.

FSW is required to notify the VA when a student using VA education benefits has been place on Academic Suspension. The law requires that educational assistance benefits to Veterans and other eligible persons be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completion of his or her training objective. Benefits can be resumed if the student re-enrolls in the same educational institution and in the same program. In other cases, benefits cannot be resumed unless VA finds that the cause of the unsatisfactory attendance, conduct or progress has been removed and the program of education or training to be pursued by the student is suitable to his or her aptitudes, interests, and abilities. In this case the student will need to reapply to use their benefits with the VA.

Active Duty Service Members

The Veteran Services office at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) provides a designated point of contact for all questions you may have about studying at FSW. We provide service members with information regarding federal financial aid counseling, FSW scholarship opportunities, and VA education benefits. We also work with service members to ensure access to specialized support across campus which includes academic and career counseling (Advising, Career, and Transfer Center), disability counseling (Office of ADAptive Services), and other student support services (Academic Support and Peer Tutoring).

Tuition Assistance

Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. Each military branch has its own tuition assistance form and procedures. Students planning to use Tuition Assistance must first obtain approval from their respective service branch. Please contact your local education center for initial approval. Additional information can be found at the links below:

Air Force (https://www.afpc.af.mil/benefits-and-entitlements/military-tuition-assistance-program/)

Army (www.armyignited.com/app/)

Marine Corps (https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance/)         

Navy (www.navycollege.navy.mil/sailors/tuition-assistance-ncpace.htm)            

Coast Guard (www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ETQC/VOLUNTARY-EDUCATION/Tuition-Assistance/)                

State, federal, or commercial entities may impose additional requirements related to obtaining credentials in a given field. Additional information can be found within the individual Program descriptions in our College Catalog.

Advisors provide students with the opportunity to clarify career and life goals through one-on-one meetings and specialized assessments. Our goal is to ensure each student fulfills their educational and career goals and reaches their full potential.

Florida National Guard Educational Dollars of Duty (EDD)

Recommended Florida National Guard enlistees may be eligible for funding under Florida’s tuition assistance program Educational Dollars for Duty (EDD). Contact the Florida National Guard Education Services Office.  Once approved, please provide your EDD Authorization Form to the Bursar’s Office on the Lee Campus.