Achieve Your Goals
The institutional code for SWOSU is 003181.
FAFSA – Your first steps to financial aid
Applying for financial aid begins with the completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the SWOSU Student Data Form. The window for submitting your FAFSA is October 1 through February 28 prior to the fall semester. The FAFSA can be completed after March 1 if needed. However, early application ensures the best opportunity for assistance.
Financial Aid Process
Federal Student Aid ID
Keep track of your FSA ID and password because you will need it to make corrections and to complete your FAFSA application for each new year.
SAR Report
You will receive a Student Aid Report with results of the government's calculations after sending your data in to the government. Please read the Student Aid Report to be sure that no corrections are necessary. If corrections are needed, contact us at 580.774.3786.
Student Aid Report
If the Student Aid Report states that you have been "selected for a process called verification" we will email you requesting any additional documentation that is needed to complete your file.
Review
You must be admitted to SWOSU in a degree-seeking program before aid eligibility may be determined.
When all documents are received and your file is complete, we will review your application for accuracy.
Awards
Once the review is complete, you will receive an email with your status.
Federal regulations prohibit disbursing aid earlier. Aid is typically available a few days before classes begin.
Grant and scholarship money is awarded first if you qualify. Then Federal Work Study and loans may be awarded depending on your financial aid preference and aid eligibility.
Some aid specifies what it can be used for, but most other assistance may be used for any educational expense after direct charges due to SWOSU are paid.
Address Change
Keep your address up-to-date by using your Student Aid Report or one of the following methods (you will need the Data Release No. from your SAR):
Call
Federal Processor
P. O. Box 4021
Iowa City, IA 52243
SWOSU Student Classification Definitions
Each financial aid program has different academic requirements.
Undergraduate
Full-Time Student = 12 Hours
¾-Time Student = 9 Hours
Half-Time Student = 6 Hours
Graduate
Full-Time Student = 9 Hours
Half-Time Student = 5 Hours
Basic Financial Aid Timeline
Most of these dates apply only to on-time applicants (students whose complete and correct applications are received by March 1). Late application means delays in financial aid processing time and may affect the level of aid you receive.
Remember These Important Steps
Important Steps to Keep Your Financial Aid on Track
- Complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as you can. Early application is key to receiving some types of aid.
- Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) you receive from the U.S. Department of Education. Follow the instructions to make corrections if necessary, and then keep the final SAR for your records. Do this even if you are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
- Review the Financial Aid Award letter (and any revised award letters) for your own records. You should also keep a copy of all documents that you submit to the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Be certain that you understand the conditions of the awards you accept. Adhere to deadlines and Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
- Advise the Office of Student Financial Services immediately if you receive an award or financial aid from any other source. A change in your resources may affect your financial aid.
- Respond immediately to all requests from the Office of Student Financial Services. Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of your aid.
- Be sure to notify the Office of the University Academic Records if you move.
- Remember that you must reapply for financial aid each year. The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant priority deadline for each year is December 1. And we recommend that you complete your FAFSA by December 1. Your FAFSA is your application for the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant.