Financial Aid

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.

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 an award letter made up of one or more of the four basic sources of financial aid: loans, grants, student employment, and scholarships. Application for student financial assistance is made by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Informational brochures and materials are available at all locations of Florida SouthWestern State College and at www.fsw.edu. Students may log in to the portal at www.fsw.edu, and click on the Student Services tab for information on their financial aid status.

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 and Multiple Attempt Charges

(2014-2015)

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

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, scholastic achievement, and character. FAFSA applications for assistance received on or before May 1st will be considered for all types of assistance (grants, work, scholarships, and loans). FAFSA applications for assistance received after May 1^st 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 scholarships, work-study, or loans and grants, a student must successfully meet the requirements of the Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid recipients (please see Academic Policies and Procedures Relating to Students ).

Loans

Florida SouthWestern State College Short-Term Loan Fund: The College makes short-term loans available to first-time Florida SouthWestern State College students who need temporary assistance paying their tuition when their financial aid eligibility is pending. Applications are available at the Financial Aid Offices. 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 complete an annual FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov, a loan Entrance Counseling interview, Financial Awareness Counseling, and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online. 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.

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.

Scholarships

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. seeks to provide the margin 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.

Florida SouthWestern State College Scholarship Programs

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 scholarships are currently offered:

AAUW Scholarship
Rossie Evans Alderman Nursing Scholarship
Greg Allen Scholarship
Tiffany Bachman Scholarship
Bank of America Honors Scholarship
Sarah Barden Scholarship
Ellsworth W. and Helen Beckes Nursing Scholarship
Beryl Berry Nursing Scholarship
Andrew Ryan Bess Memorial Scholarship
The Bireley Family Foundation Scholarship
Joseph S. Borek Scholarship
Robert and Juliette Brand Scholarship
Edith Brooks Scholarship
Mrs. Bunny Foundation Scholarship
Marie L. Bruel Scholarship
Marion D. Burgess Nursing Scholarship
Dr. Fred and Berniece H. Cain Nursing Scholarship
Mary Gray Cain Scholarship
Ruth M. & Cleveland L. Campbell Project Hope Scholarship
Darryl and Carol Casanueva Scholarship
Charlotte Community Foundation Scholarship
Charlotte County General Scholarship
Charlotte Pops @ Sunset Scholarship
Charlotte Regional Nursing Education Scholarship
Charlotte Sun Hurricane Charley Relief Fund
Dora Christiansen Scholarship
Charles A. & Roberta Church Nursing Scholarship
Isadora Claville Scholarship
Lillian Clukies Scholarship
Seth Cohen Scholarship
Collier County General Scholarship
William Barney “Bill” Corbin Scholarship
Benjamin Counselman Scholarship
Margaret R. Cran Scholarship
Isabella Curtis Scholarship
Sidney R. Davis Scholarship
Edith Duffey Scholarship
Robert and Nancy Dean Scholarship
Evelyn Egan Scholarship
EMT General Scholarship
Raynold G. Engstrand Scholarship
Estate Planning Council of SW Florida Second Chance Scholarship
Joann Evans Nursing Scholarship
John Evans Memorial Scholarship
Anna Failing Scholarship
Fawcett Memorial Medical Staff Scholarship
John C. and Kossie G. Ferguson 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
Harold and Leah Jane Freshwater Scholarship
Friends of Collier Inc. Nursing Scholarship
William R. Frizzell Scholarship
Gertrude and E.P. Fryar Scholarship
Betty Gardiner Project Hope Scholarship
Leon and Viola Gardner Scholarship
Ann K. Gateff Scholarship
General Nursing Scholarship
D. Geraci Scholarship
Mary Gerrish Scholarship
Dr. Leland and Eileen Glenn Nursing Scholarship
Joseph H. and Julia M. Goodwin Scholarship
Travis A. Gresham, Jr. Scholarship
Jennifer Griffin Nursing Scholarship
Michael Griffith, Valerie Griffith-Holmes, Jack Holmes Scholarship
Guichard Jean Louis Scholarship
Robert J. Gunterberg Foundation/Carol Culliton Scholarship
Pat Hammond Memorial Scholarship
Lalai Hamric Scholarship
Gordon and Virginia Harbuck Honors Scholarship
Dorothy Harris Project Hope Scholarship
Laura E. Hedgecock Scholarship
Helphenstine Family Scholarship
Capt. Francis Asbury Hendry Scholarship
Fannie Koontz Henry Scholarship
Ruth Henry Scholarship
Col. June E. Henry Scholarship
Fred Henry Scholarship
Dennis Hill Music Scholarship
Richard Orrin Hilliker, III Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Ink Family Scholarship
Nancy A. Jerz Scholarship in Public Service
Johnson Engineering Scholarship
Kazen Ques Scholarship
Jody C. Kinsey Nursing Scholarship
Kiwanis Club Fort Myers South Scholarship
Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres Scholarship
Peter D. and Eleanore A. Kleist Scholarship
Anna Kontinos Scholarship
Rose Kosches Scholarship
Jeff and Cyndie Kottkamp Scholarship
Dr. Stephen and Becky Kwedar Nursing Scholarship
Dr. Michael Kyle Radiology Technology Scholarship
Susan Crane Kyle Nursing Scholarship
Scott J. Labuzienski Memorial Scholarship
Gertrud Bunzel-Lamberger Scholarship
Tom and Pat Land Scholarship
Lee County 100 Club Scholarship
Lee County General Scholarship
Lehigh Community Health Association Nursing Scholarship
Beryl Lenoch Scholarship
Joseph Leto Nursing Scholarship
Lockmiller Common Sense Scholarship
Gordon A. Lozier Scholarship
Sharon MacDonald Nursing Scholarship
Catherine H. Maeder Scholarship
Salley Poppen Marasco Scholarship
Laurel Dawn McNew Scholarship
McQueen Family Scholarship
Lillian A. Medhurst Nursing Scholarship
Guy R. Miller Scholarship
Mina Edison Society Scholarship
Minnesota Twins Scholarship
James Moore Scholarship
Eleanor Morgan Music Scholarship
Joseph Moskal Nursing Scholarship
Carl and Johanna Muller Scholarship
Music Foundation of SW Florida
Helen Nestor Scholarship
Roy & Carolyn Neumann Nursing Scholarship
Cecil Newton Scholarship
James and Eleanor Newton Honors Scholarship
Viola Odenheimer Scholarship
Olson Family Nursing Scholarship
Omni Waste Scholarship
Dr. Charles O’Neill Scholarship
Paralegal Studies Scholarship
Peace River Medical Center Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship
Peace River Medical Staff Scholarship
Vernon Peeples Scholarship
Steven Carl Perry Scholarship
Dr. Alex and Linda Pizarro Nursing Scholarship
Maurice and Jean Plummer Scholarship
Pop and Marj Kelly Scholarship
John and Aliese Price Foundation Scholarship
Project HOPE Scholarship
Martha Jeanne Puletti Swamp Cabbage Festival Scholarship
Punta Gorda Lions Club Foundation Scholarship
Josephine and Curtis Queen Scholarship
Carlisle Quenzer Scholarship
Chaplain Eli Richard Scholarship
George F. Riley Scholarship
Mayson Robbins Scholarship
Joyce and Emory Rogaski Nursing Scholarship
Lora and Preston Root Scholarship
Saldukas Family Foundation Scholarship
Holland and Mary Jeanne Salley Scholarship
George and Mary Jo Sanders Honors Scholarship
Captiva Lions Club Scholarship
Alice Saunders Nursing Scholarship
Carol Ann Schneeman Nursing Scholarship
Al and Dorothy Schultz Nursing Scholarship
Scientists Society of SW Florida Scholarship
Ward A. Shaver Scholarship
Mildred Sherrod Scholarship
Susan Price Shrader Scholarship
Rene Sichere Scholarship
Evelyn Rose Silverman Hispanic Honors Scholarship
Osco Simpson, Jr. Nursing Scholarship
J & M Smith Project Hope Scholarship
Robert Sneckenberger Scholarship
Phyllis Spain Honors Scholarship
Hugo and Wallie Spatz Scholarship
Toni Stabile Nursing Scholarship
Corella P. Stahl Music Scholarship
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union Suncoast for Kids Foundation Scholarship
Vera Stepp Scholarship
Dudley P. Swartz Scholarship
Sweetbay Supermarket Scholarship
SWFL Children’s Charities Scholarship
Madeleine R. Taeni Ethics in Business Scholarship
Madeleine R Taeni Nursing Scholarship
Andrew F. Taylor Scholarship
Claude E. Taylor Scholarship
Andrew W. Thompson Scholarship
Ralph Tilden Music Scholarship
United Christian Giving Scholarship #1
United States Sugar Corporation
Dr. Kenneth P. Walker BAS Public Safety Scholarship
Paula G. Walker Nursing Scholarship
Jack C. Warnock, MD Nursing Scholarship
Rebecca Whan Scholarship
Fred S. and Geraldine Willard Nursing Scholarship
Ray L. Williams Scholarship
J. Howard Wood Music Scholarship
Leo Wotitzky Scholarship
L. Sherrill Yeomans Scholarship
Clarence and Billie Zimmerman Scholarship
Fuzzy Zoeller Scholarship

Scholarship Search Information

Some of the best sources of scholarship information are available through free search services on the Internet at www.fastweb.com.

Policies Governing Financial Aid

Standards of Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients

To receive funds administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid at the Florida SouthWestern State College, students must be making measurable academic progress toward completion of an eligible degree or certificate program. Federal regulations require evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative academic progress as well as completion of the degree or certificate objective within 150% of the normal time frame.

All enrollment periods will be included in the measurement of satisfactory academic progress. Terms in which the student enrolled but did not receive financial aid are included in the measurement. All transfer credits reflected on the Florida SouthWestern State College transcript are evaluated.

Guidelines for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

For Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) purposes, the academic year at Florida SouthWestern State College consists of Fall, Spring and Summer enrollment periods. Fall begins the year and Summer concludes it. Florida SouthWestern State College evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid purposes annually at the end of the Spring semester and the status is effective the first enrollment period of the next academic year. Students that chose to enroll in Summer semester of the same academic year progress will be evaluated again at the end of Summer semester effective for the first enrollment period of the next academic year.

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 a semester 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 a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA to meet the qualitative standard. 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 successfully complete 2/3 of all attempted credit hours to graduate within 150% of the normal time frame. Transfer coursework on the Florida SouthWestern State College transcript is also included. The calculation is made as follows: Passed Credit Hours/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 “W,” “WF,” and “I” are included in attempted credit hours, but are not included in passed credit hours.

Maximum Time Frame for Degree Completion

Students must obtain their degree objective within 150% of the normal time frame for degree completion.

1. For baccalaureate programs requiring 120 credit hours, students must obtain a degree within 180 attempted credit hours (120 X 1.50=180).
2. For associate programs of 60 credit hours, students must obtain a degree within 90 attempted credit hours (60 X 1.50=90).
3. 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.

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. These courses are calculated in the quantitative and completion rate measures.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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 by the deadline date on the Appeal form.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Appeals will be reviewed by a Financial Aid Appeals Committee.
6. Evaluation and decision are based upon the information provided in the student Appeal. Students will be notified of the decision of the review committee through a Message being placed in the student’s portal.
7. The decision of the review committee is final.

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.

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 by the deadline date on the Appeal form.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Appeals will be reviewed by a Financial Aid Appeals Committee.
4. Evaluation and decision are based upon the information provided in the student Appeal Students will be notified of the decision of the review committee through a Message being placed in the student’s portal.
5. Students who are granted an appeal will be expected to meet an academic plan; successfully complete 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. The decision of the review committee is final.

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.

Probation Period

“Probation” 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 “Probation” 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.

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.

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.

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. The Bursar’s office processes all student account refunds.

Repayment of Title IV Funds

Recipients of federal financial aid funds that withdraw from classes prior to completion of 60 percent of the term will be required to repay a portion of funds received as defined by federal regulations. The Office of Student Financial Aid distributes specific information with financial aid awards. Students who are enrolled for the entire term but fail to complete successfully any classes may be required to repay a portion of the funds received.

Procedure for Cancellation or Withdrawal of Classes for Financial Aid Recipients

Students who withdraw or have a class cancelled after the regular registration period (see Academic Calendar  for the last date to drop a class with a refund) should consult the Office of Student Financial Aid as they may incur a financial liability. Students who receive an administrative refund for classes will have their financial aid adjusted or cancelled and will be required to pay all funds received that are determined to be owed back to the federal, state, or private donor that provided the funds. All students who withdraw or drop classes are required to do so as directed by the Office of the Registrar. Students are not automatically withdrawn from classes.

Students wishing 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 published add/drop period for the term for payment to be made by a financial aid program.

Veterans’ Education Benefits

The Office of Student Financial Aid, Thomas Edison Campus, serves as the Veterans Affairs Office for Florida SouthWestern State College. Veterans or dependents of a veteran who are eligible for educational benefits should:

1. Contact the Veterans Specialist well in advance to submit and process eligibility forms with DD-214 or other required documents.
2. Apply for admission as a degree seeking student.
3. Submit the Eligibility Certificate to the Veterans Specialist for certification of enrollment. Submit additional forms if requested for certification to the Veterans Specialist.
4. Contact the Veterans Affairs Office with a schedule receipt as soon as possible before the beginning of each term to avoid a delay in receiving benefits.
5. Contact the Veterans Specialist when registering for classes each semester, changing a course schedule or degree program or making a change of address.

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 a transcript(s) 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. Failure to have the certification finalized will delay the veteran’s benefit check.

Approved VA Programs

The student must be working toward an approved degree in order to receive VA benefits. Students should contact the College Counseling or Advising Centers to ensure that the classes they plan to take are required for the degree selected. This will avoid the possibility of overpayment for classes not required for the degree. A student will not be paid for a course repeated to earn a higher grade, unless the student received an “F” in the course (or a “D when a “C” is required).

Deferment of Tuition

Veterans and other eligible students may receive one deferment each academic year if there is a break (failure to return in a subsequent semester) in the VA benefits. Veteran deferments are processed by the Cashier’s office on each campus.

Change of Status and Attendance

Veterans who withdraw, drop or add a class should notify the Veterans Affairs Office immediately. Such a change could result in an incorrect payment from the VA. Withdrawals and grades of “W” are retroactive to the beginning of the term, and the VA does not pay for courses in which the student receives a grade of “W.”

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 will be terminated by the VA.