Undergraduate Bulletin 2014-2015 Download

Finances

Costs

Tuition, Room & Board Costs

Full-Time Student Package


	Semester	Year
Tuition (12-17 credit hours)	$ 9,420	$18,840
SA Fee	110	220
Technology Fee	200	400
Total Tuition and Fees:	$ 9,730	$19,460

Residence hall room	1,800	3,600

Meal Plan Choices (required for resident hall students)

Meal Plan

$1,900 (per semester – includes $125 for the Rusty Bucket)

This meal plan is required for undergraduate students under the age of 22 who have 89 or less cumulative credit hours on their Southwestern transcript. This plan is for unlimited access to the cafeteria seven days per week.

Meal Plan 22

$1,100 (per semester)

Undergraduate students who are 22 years of age or older, seniors (90+credit hours), or off-campus students may select either the regular Meal Plan or Meal Plan 22. Meal Plan 22 is not unlimited access. The student is charged by the meal for each entry to the cafeteria with a $50 per day limit, until the $1,100 is used. A portion of this plan is used up each week regardless of entry into the cafeteria. Any portion of the $1,100 may be spent in the Rusty Bucket.

Commuter Meal Plans

Students who live off campus have the option of either the Meal Plan or Meal Plan 22. They may also choose a Commuter Plan for $250 or $500 per semester. The Commuter Plan must be paid in cash or through a credit on the student account.

The Rusty Bucket Café offers a variety of hot meals and made-to-order sandwiches as well as breakfast items, smoothies, snacks and beverages. It is open to all students and the community.

Please note these guidelines before selecting a meal plan:

1. A processing fee will be assessed for any changes to meal plans after the close of registration.

2. Refunds are on pro-rata basis only when withdrawing from school or moving from the residence hall.

3. Meal plans may not be shared with other students or guests.

Student Package includes:

Tuition for a 12-17 hour class load
Cap and gown for graduation
Diploma
*A room in one of the residence halls beginning the Sunday of the week classes begin
*Meals at the cafeteria
- Fall Semester - beginning with the Sunday evening meal the week classes begin
- Spring Semester - beginning with the Sunday evening meal the week classes begin
- Reduced hours during Thanksgiving and Spring break
- The cafeteria website will show the holiday and inclement weather day schedules.
*Local telephone service
Use of the following:
- Library
- Computer Laboratories
- Science Laboratories
- Athletic Facilities
- Student Center
- Counseling Services

\* These items are included in the Residence Hall Student Package only.

Summer School

Residence halls charge a weekly rate and the cafeteria charges for each meal.

Residence Hall Requisites

All unmarried students under 22 years of age, taking six or more credit hours, are required to live in one of the University's residence halls. Residents are also required to select from one of the meal plans offered through the cafeteria. Students who officially withdraw from Southwestern Adventist University will not be permitted to live in the residence hall after their official withdrawal date.

Off-Campus Living: Must meet the following requirements and be approved by the Dean of Students

Be 22 years of age, or
Taking six or less credit hours, or
Have earned a bachelor's degree, or
Live with immediate relatives (parents, grandparents, or siblings over 24 years of age in an established residence), or
Be a senior with a good citizenship record, 90+ credit hours, and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater

Single students must live with the same gender, unless living with parents and/or grandparents.

Residence Hall Deposit

To reserve a room, students are required to pay a general deposit of $100 to the respective residence hall. The deposit will be held until the student graduates, moves out of the residence hall, or withdraws from the University. Deposits are refunded to the student's account and will be released if there is no balance due. The deposit is refundable on condition that the checkout procedure of the residence hall is followed (see Residence Hall Handbook). Should a student cancel an application for admission before August 1, the deposit will be refunded.

Private Room Fees

Private room fees are an additional $900 per semester subject to space availability, dean approval, and financial clearance.

Other Tuition and Fees

Adult Degree Program

Adult Degree Program tuition is $628 per credit hour. There are no payment plans for this program. All charges must be covered at the time of registration through aid, credit/debit card and/or cash. ADP Prior Learning Assessment recording fee is $75 per course. Additional information about the ADP Program can be found on page 69. Because this is a discounted program, no Southwestern scholarships are available to students in this program.

Audit Tuition

Tuition to audit a course is $50 per credit hour, unless it is part of the tuition package. The SA fee and technology fee will be waived, but course and lab fees that are part of an audited class are not waived for audit-only students. Audit-only students will not have access to university services.

Credit Hour Charge

Courses taken above or below the 12-17 hour package will be charged at $785 per credit hour.

Education Program Fees

Education majors will be charged a $100 Program Fee each semester. Any student with Secondary Certification in Education will be charged a $100 Program Fee each semester.

Freshman Orientation Fee

Attendance at Freshman Orientation is required of all freshmen students. This is scheduled to begin Sunday evening, August 17 and continue through August 24. A fee of $300 will be assessed for this orientation.

Fees

Course Fees

Art Class supply fee – $40
ACSM Personal Training Certification – $220
Advanced Video Production - $150
Audio Production lab fee - $150
Business Policies and Strategies – $110
Each Biology lab course fee – $40
Each Biology course that includes a 4-day field lab – $140
Each Chemistry lab course fee – $40
Film Production supply fee - $150
Independent class fee – $100 per credit hour
Media Techniques supply fee - $150
Music Ensemble fee – $50
Photo and Graphic editing lab fee - $150
Photography lab fee - $150
Photojournalism lab fee - $150
Principles of Active Learning – $30
Principles of Marketing fee – $30
Video Production lab fee – $150
Visual Communication supply fee – $150

Examination Fees

Challenge, waiver, and validation preparation fee -$75
CLEP and challenge examination recording fee - $25
Michigan Test of English Proficiency - $25
Fees for exams such as ‘Career, Aptitude, and Personality’; ‘CLEP’; ‘Michigan Test of English Proficiency’; and ‘SAT’ or ‘ACT’ vary by exam. These fees must be paid in advance of taking the exam. Special examinations may also carry a preparation and recording fee.

Student Association Fee- $110 each semester is required of all undergraduate students.

Technology Fee- $200 each semester is required of all students.

Fees are non-refundable after close of registration.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program tuition is $785 per credit hour. Graduate hours are charged separately from the undergraduate tuition package. For further information about the graduate programs and available scholarships, please refer to the Graduate Bulletin.

Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Sciences students will be charged an administrative fee of $100 per semester during their clinical year. Check with the advisor regarding tuition and fees. Southwestern scholarships are not available for the clinical year during which the courses are taken at another institution.

Music Lessons

Music lessons are $275 per semester above the cost of tuition (based on a minimum of ten half-hour lessons). There are no refunds after the second week of the semester.

Nursing Tuition Surcharge/Program Admission Fee

A $400 non-refundable nursing subject fee is assessed at the time of acceptance to the Nursing Program.

A $150 tuition surcharge is assessed for each clinical nursing course.

Psychology Program Fees

Psychology majors will be charged a $50 Program Fee each semester. Psychology, emphasis School Guidance majors will be charged a $100 Program Fee each semester.

Senior Citizens

The tuition rate for senior citizens (65+) is $20 per semester hour for courses taken for audit or credit. This does not apply to the distance learning, nursing classes or discounted programs. There must be space available in the class.

Study Abroad Program

Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) students must submit a non-refundable $100 fee with an application for the academic year ACA study abroad program and a $30 fee for the summer program.

Students who study abroad through a college or university that is not affiliated with Adventist Colleges Abroad will be charged an administrative fee of $100 per semester.

Summer Program

Summer school tuition for on-campus courses is 75% of regular tuition.
On-line courses are charged at 80% of regular tuition.
Independent study and graduate classes are $785 per credit hour.
GEOL 240 The Dinosaur field course is $262 per credit hour.
HNRS 375 The Honors Study Tour is $262 per credit hour.
Core Enrichment Program $600
BIOL 225 Field Biology is $262 per credit hour.
BIOL 325 Field Ecology is $262 per credit hour.
KINA 291 Selected Topics (Backpacking) is $262 per credit hour.

Student Missionary/Task Force Program Charges

Students who are spending one year of their education as a student missionary or task force worker will be enrolled in 12 credit hours each semester. By this the University recognizes the legitimate full-time educational value of this experience. Six of these credit hours will count as elective credit toward graduation, while six will be non-credit hours. The student will be charged $300 tuition each semester for a total of $600 for the academic year. An application/processing fee of $150 is charged at the time of application.

Other Expenses

Books

During the on-line registration process students are given the opportunity to indicate if they want to charge books to their student account through BBA Corporation, the University textbook provider. Students may charge up to $684 to their student account.

Cafeteria

Guests and off-campus students who do not have a meal plan, pay cash at the door. Guest meals are not included in student meal plans.

Checks

Returned checks not honored by the bank carry a $25 charge.

Field Trip Costs

Students will pay for their own food and lodging on class trips.

Fines

An assembly fine of $10 will be assessed for each absence beyond the two absences allowed in a semester.

The cafeteria will assess fines for infractions of cafeteria policy.

The library will assess fines for overdue library materials and lost items.

Residence halls will assess fines for improper checkouts, lost keys, and infractions of residence hall policies.

Miscellaneous fines may be assessed as deemed appropriate by the administration.

Graduation Dues

Graduation class dues are a mandatory non-refundable $175 fee that covers expenses such as class gift, and miscellaneous class activities. This fee applies to campus as well as Adult Degree Program students. When a student returns to obtain an additional degree and graduation dues were paid as an initial Southwestern graduate, only half of the dues will be required for each subsequent graduation class. Graduation dues are charged to the student account at the beginning of the semester in which the student will graduate.

Identification Card

An ID card is provided to the student for cafeteria, library, and athletic facility use. The card is valid as long as the student is enrolled. There will be a $10 cash replacement charge for a lost, stolen, or damaged card. No student ID is issued to students who are auditing classes only.

Insurance

Automobile insurance is the responsibility of the student. The University does not carry insurance covering theft, loss, or damage of any kind.

Medical insurance is required for all students registered for 6 or more credit hours. Medical insurance can be purchased at registration for the academic year if the student is not covered by another plan. No refunds will be made after the second week of classes.

Immigration requires that all international students have twelve-month medical insurance coverage while in the United States. International students must purchase major medical insurance coverage through the University at the time of registration. Medical insurance from a home country will not be accepted. If a student is insured through the SDA General Conference system, the international student must provide documentation of equivalent insurance coverage. No refunds will be made after the second week of classes.

Personal property insurance is the responsibility of the student. The University is not responsible for the loss of personal property by fire, theft, or other causes. It is recommended that students arrange for insurance coverage of their personal belongings with an insurance agency of their choice. Residence hall students are advised not to keep money in their rooms.

Late Registration Fee

A fee of $200 cash is required for requests to begin the process to register after the close of registration.

Low Balance Write-Offs

Credits or debits of less than $5 will be written off at the end of the semester.

Transcripts/Diplomas

Requests for expedited delivery of transcripts will be assessed the following charge: $25 for express mail service; $5 for same day service, and $5 for fax service. Additional fees may be assessed for delivery to an international address. Students who graduated from Southwestern and current students will not be charged for a transcript. All others will be assessed $5.00. A transcript is collateral for any unpaid student account balance. Transcripts and diplomas are not released if a student's account is not paid in full, if the student has not completed federal student loan counseling, if government loans are not current in repayment, or if the academic file is incomplete. If a check to pay off a student account balance accompanies a transcript request, the transcript will be held until the check is cleared. Requests accompanied by credit card information, a money order or a bank draft is processed more quickly. Replacement diplomas will be assessed a $50 charge. (See Transcripts, Requesting on page 42.)

Payment Plans

Southwestern offers three payment plans for fall and spring semesters to help students manage their university expenses. Classes taken during the summer require full payment at the time of registration for each module.

Plan I - Cash

When the total charges for a semester are paid on registration day, a discount of 3% is given on the cash paid for tuition, room, and board. (Before this discount is calculated, all scholarships, loans, grants, awards, other discounts, and university aid funds are subtracted.) Students using this plan must bring with them at registration time the full amount of the package plan, plus miscellaneous charges such as music lessons and private room fee. A cash discount is not given on post-baccalaureate student, Distance Learning, or other discounted programs. This discount does not apply to payments made by credit or debit card.

Plan II - Four-payment Institutional Education Loan (0% interest)

Under this plan, students are required to pay 60% of the semester charges at registration. Financial aid can be applied to the 60% payment. The remaining balance will be a zero percent interest loan divided equally over four payments due the 10th of each month, as follows:



Fall Semester
July 15	Registration payment, minimum of 60% of semester charges
August 10	First payment
September 10	Second payment
October 10	Third payment
November 10	Final payment - balance owed on account

Students must go to the University portal in July to choose this payment option at www.portal.swau.edu.



Spring Semester
December 15	Registration payment, minimum of 60% of semester charges
January 10	First payment
February 10	Second payment
March 10	Third payment
April 10	Final payment - balance owed on account

Students must go to the University portal in December to choose this payment option at www.portal.swau.edu.

Plan III - Three-payment Institutional Education Loan (0% interest)

Under this plan, students are required to pay 60% of the semester charges at registration. Financial aid can be applied to the 60% payment. The remaining balance will be a zero percent interest loan divided equally over three payments due the 10th of each month, as follows:


Fall Semester
At Registration	Registration payment, minimum of 60% of semester charges
October 10	First payment
November 10	Second payment
December 10	Final payment - balance owed on account

Spring Semester
At Registration	Registration payment, minimum of 60% of semester charges
February 10	First payment
March 10	Second payment
April 10	Final payment - balance owed on account

Any additional charges the student incurs during the semester will become a part of the institutional loan for payment plans II and III. These additional charges will be added to the next payment due. All institutional loans are to be paid in full by the end of the semester.

The university is advancing value to students in the form of educational services and a student’s right to register is expressly conditioned upon the student’s agreement to pay the costs of tuition and fees and any additional costs when those charges become due. Regardless of the student’s eligibility for financial aid, the student is personally responsible for the full amount assessed as a result of the student’s registration. In addition, failure to pay the costs of tuition and fees will result in a financial hold on the student’s record which will prevent release of the student’s academic transcript and diploma. The University may refer any past due account for collection and may authorize legal action against the student for the collection of this debt. The student is liable for all reasonable collection costs, including attorney fees, court costs, and other charges necessary for the collection of a past due account.

Wiring Money

Contact the Admissions Office, Business Office, or Student Financial Services for instructions on wiring money to a student's account.

Refunds

Tuition, Room & Board Institutional Refund

Tuition charges for students dropping classes will continue until the drop voucher is filed at the Records Office.

Room and board charges will continue until the student's personal belongings have been removed from the residence hall and clearance has been filed with the residence hall dean.

Refunds to students dropping all, or some, classes will be prorated on a weekly basis as shown in the chart below. Room and board refunds are prorated on a daily basis.


Week	Refund % Tuition
Registration Week	100%
Second Week	84%
Third Week	72%
Fourth Week	60%
Fifth Week	48%
Sixth Week	36%
Seventh Week	24%
Eighth Week	12%

Refunds are not made on these items:

Insurance
Missed cafeteria meals
Music lessons two weeks after registration day
SA fee
Technology Fee
Unattended classes

Return of Federal/State Funds

When a student receives federal student aid funds and subsequently withdraws from the University, a portion of these funds may have to be returned to the Federal Government. The return amount is based upon the percentage of assistance earned up to the date of withdrawal within the enrollment period. No return is required after the 60% point in time. Repayment to federal student aid funds will be made in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, Subsidized Federal Direct Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, TEACH Grant, other federal funds. If it is determined that the student must return funds which were received directly, the student may set up a repayment plan through Student Financial Services. The University will apply this policy to all federal student aid recipients.

Return of State aid funds is calculated independently of the federal funds, according to State guidelines. During the first week of the semester, 70%; second week 60%; third week 40%, fourth week 20%; and, the fifth week and thereafter, 0%.

Financial Aid

To receive federal or state aid, a student must meet certain eligibility requirements. Some of the basic requirements include U.S Citizenship or permanent residency; high school diploma, GED, 60+ transferrable college credits, or homeschool certification; and, academic standards.

Federal Grant Programs

Eligibility for the following programs is based upon receipt and evaluation of the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR), which is the result of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be guaranteed the maximum award for which the student is eligible, the FAFSA must be completed by Southwestern's priority date of March 15. Students are automatically considered for all grants for which they may be eligible.

Federal Pell Grant

This is a federally funded grant available to undergraduate students enrolled in a program leading to a degree. The actual award for each student is determined by the U.S. Department of Education through evaluation of the FAFSA application. The annual award ranges from $602 to $5,730. Students may receive a lifetime limit of the equivalent of 6 years of undergraduate studies for a baccalaureate degree.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This grant is funded through a combination of federal and University funds and is dependent on funding levels approved by the federal government. Annual awards at Southwestern range from $100 to $1,500. Students must complete the FAFSA by March 15 to be guaranteed receipt of this award.

TEACH Grant

This is a non-need based program that provides up to $4,000 ($3,964.40 for 14-15) per year to students enrolled in an eligible program and who agree to teach as a highly qualified teacher in a high-need field, at a low-income elementary or secondary school for at least 4 years within 8 years of completing the program for which the TEACH Grant was awarded. Failure to complete the required teaching service results in conversion of the TEACH Grant to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest accruing from the date the grant was disbursed. A student may receive up to $4,000 per year with an aggregate limit of $16,000. Applicants must complete a FAFSA, sign an Agreement to Serve, and be completing coursework necessary to begin a career in teaching. A minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA is required. Southwestern will award a TEACH Grant only after the student has been accepted to the Education Program.

State Grant Programs

Information about grants available through your state of residence may be viewed at www.studentaid.ed.gov under “Types of Aid”. Eligibility for the following programs is based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some individuals who are not U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens may have established residency in the state of Texas and may be eligible for Texas grants. Contact Student Financial Services for a TASFA application.

Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)

The State of Texas has established a program to help equalize tuition between state-sponsored institutions and independent universities. To qualify for this grant a student must establish eligibility through the FAFSA (or TASFA for students who have established domicile in Texas and are not U.S. Citizens or Resident Aliens), be a Texas resident, not be a recipient of an athletic scholarship, and not be enrolled in a theological degree program. Annual awards at Southwestern range from $100 to $3,200. Recipients must be enrolled at least three-quarter time. At the end of the academic year in which a student receives a renewal award the student must:

maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.5
complete at least 75% of coursework attempted
as an undergraduate student complete at least 24 credit hours in their most recent academic year; as a graduate student, complete at least 18 credits in their most recent academic year

Federal/State Employment Programs

Eligibility for the following programs is based upon the results of the FAFSA. These programs are designed to give students work opportunities to help with University expenses and obtain experience that will complement each recipient's educational program or career goals.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

This is a federal program. Students work on campus, or in a community service job, and are paid at least minimum wage. Students receive paychecks monthly through the Business Office.

Texas Work-Study (TWS)

This is a state-sponsored program. Students receive monthly paychecks through the Business Office for their on-campus jobs.

Student Loan Programs

Federal Student Loans

Eligibility for federal loans is based upon results of the FAFSA. Loans require completion of an initial master promissory note. Students receiving any of the following loans (except the Federal PLUS Loan) must complete entrance counseling before receiving the first disbursement of their loan and must have exit counseling before graduating or withdrawing from the University. Loans normally have a ten-year repayment period. Students may receive loans for up to 150% of the time needed to complete an undergraduate degree. Visit www.studentaid.ed.gov for additional information on federal loans, including interest rates, origination fees, and repayment options.

Federal Direct Loan

This is a federally regulated undergraduate loan program with the U.S. Department of Education. Undergraduate students may borrow up to $3,500 at the freshman level, $4,500 at the sophomore level, and $5,500 at the junior and senior levels, up to a maximum of $23,000. Repayment begins six months after the student is no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan

Students who have limited or no eligibility for the Federal Direct Loan may apply for the Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan. In addition to the Direct Loan limits, dependent undergraduate students may borrow $2,000 each year from the Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan. In combination with the Direct Loan maximums, independent undergraduate students may borrow $9,500 at the freshman level, $10,500 at the sophomore level, and $12,500 at the junior and senior levels with an aggregate limit of $57,500. Interest payments can be made during the in-school period or will be capitalized.

Federal Perkins Loan

Southwestern Adventist University is the lender for this federal program. Freshmen and Sophomores may borrow up to $1,500; Juniors and Seniors up to $2,250. Interest on this loan is 5% and repayment does not begin until nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Because of limited funding, Southwestern requires that a student be awarded a Federal Direct Loan before being considered for a Federal Perkins Loan. Students must sign a master promissory note at the time of their initial Perkins loan and complete entrance counseling. Exit counseling is required before the student graduates or withdraws from school.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Parents of dependent students may borrow under this loan program. A parent may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid the student is receiving. Repayment begins on the date of the last disbursement for that loan period.

State Loan Programs

College Access Loan

The college Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. A student must be a Texas resident, be enrolled at least half-time in a course of study leading to an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree, meet satisfactory academic progress requirements, and have good credit standing or provide a cosigner who has good credit standing and meets other requirements. Students may borrow an amount up to the cost of attendance less other financial aid. A 3% or 5% origination fee will be deducted from the proceeds of each loan. Interest is a fixed annual rate of 5.25%. Apply at www.elmselect.com.

B-On Time Loan Program

The Texas B-On-Time Loan program is a zero-interest loan that is forgiven if recipients graduate “on time” with a 3.0 or higher GPA. The availability of BOT loans is dependent upon funding by the Texas Legislature. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

Texas resident
Graduated in the 2002-2003 academic year or later, under the recommended high school program from a public or accredited private high school in Texas or received an associate’s degree from an eligible institution no earlier than May 1, 2005.
Has not earned a baccalaureate degree
Enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree program, and
Has completed a FAFSA and is eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Private Education Loans

Southwestern Adventist University encourages all students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be considered for all available aid programs. After exhausting the opportunities available from the federal aid programs, many students will consider private loan programs as a source of funding. As always, taking on debt for any reason should be done with considerable thought and only for the amounts needed. Additional information regarding the availability of federal student aid is available from the U.S. Department of Education at www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov.

The terms and conditions of credit-based private loan programs vary, and as such, students are encouraged to review the details of the programs before selecting a private loan program. Private loans are not eligible for loan consolidation programs made available for federal student loans. Interest rates, fees (both at the time of borrowing and at repayment), credit checks, and annual and aggregate loan limits require careful evaluation by the student as a consumer.

As part of the application process, students will be required to complete the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form available through their lender's website. Students may also obtain a Self-Certification Form from the office of Student Financial Services. Information needed to complete this form, such as cost of attendance, may be obtained from the student’s Award Notification. The Cost of Attendance can be found in the Private Education Loans section on the University website.

Students can find a list of lenders who have made loans to Southwestern Adventist University students in the past at https://www.elmselect.com. There is also an option to search for additional lenders. Southwestern will process loan applications from any legitimate lender. Students and families DO NOT have to select one of the lenders listed on Southwestern’s ELM website.

Applying for Federal/State Aid (Priority Date: March 15)

When students complete their FAFSA by the March 15 preceding the academic year during which they will enroll, they are guaranteed the maximum in grant money for which they have eligibility.

Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) new or renewal application at: www.fafsa.ed.gov. PIN #'s for new or renewing applicants may be requested at www.pin.ed.gov. If student does not have access to the internet, he can request a paper application by calling 1-800-433-3243 or print an application from www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov. The application is available in English or Spanish.

Southwestern requests the following to award aid:

Results of your FAFSA.
Some aid applications require additional verification. Students will be informed of the additional document requirements.

Determining Financial Need

Financial need is calculated by subtracting the student's expected family contribution from the cost of education.

Cost of Educatio n includes estimates for tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, transportation, and personal expenses.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount a family can be expected to contribute to educational costs. The federal processing center arrives at this figure by evaluating the answers given by parents and students on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Need is the maximum amount of aid a student may receive from all sources when the student accepts any federal or state aid. Aid that is considered a part of the student's aid package includes: Federal loans, grants, and work-study; state loans, grants, and work-study; private scholarships, and educational subsidy. Federal Direct PLUS Loans and Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans can be considered a part of the Expected Family Contribution.

Financial Aid Availability

Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans are available to students who have been determined eligible for these programs through the federal application process. Southwestern receives limited allocations for the following programs:

Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
Texas College Work Study
Texas B-On Time Loan Program
Texas College Access Loan (CAL)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal Work Study
Federal Perkins Loan

Some students who qualify for these programs may not receive the award or may receive a minimal award because they have not completed the FAFSA by the priority date. Students are encouraged to submit all required forms early to receive the maximum in available grant money.

An estimated financial aid award is sent to new students upon receipt of the FAFSA. Official financial aid commitments are made only after the student is accepted for admission to the University and the financial aid file is complete.

Contractual Studies and Financial Aid

Medical Laboratory Science - Students who attend one of our affiliated colleges for their final year of study in the Medical Laboratory Science should contact Student Financial Services to determine which institution will award financial aid.

Study Abroad (Adventist Colleges Abroad) - Enrollment in ACA is approved for credit by Southwestern Adventist University and may be considered as enrollment at Southwestern for purposes of applying for federal student financial assistance.

Study Abroad (Individualized Contract) - A student may solicit a contractual agreement between Southwestern and a foreign university for a year of study abroad. The Contractual Agreement form may be obtained from Student Financial Services. A limited number of applicants will be approved each year. A fee of $100 will be assessed by Southwestern each semester of study abroad through this program.

Financial Aid Academic Progress Standards

Southwestern Adventist University's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy specifies the standards a student must maintain to be considered making progress in his/her course of study. The policy also establishes the criteria by which a student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may reestablish his/her eligibility for federal/state financial assistance.

Qualitative and Quantitative Components

Southwestern's satisfactory progress policy for undergraduate students contains a qualitative component which requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the end of each semester for undergraduate work. The quantitative satisfactory progress policy requires completion of a specified percentage of the coursework attempted as well as a maximum number of credits that may be attempted for the completion of a degree.


Attempted Hours		Completion Percentage Required
at 23		50%
at 55		58%
at 89		67%
90 +		67%

Each credit hour completed has a percentage minimum completion rate, beginning at 50% and ending at a minimum of 67% for cumulative credits of 90 or greater.


Maximum Attempted Hours
Baccalaureate Degree	192 (128 hour degree) 180 (120 hour degree)
Associate Degree	96
Master's Degree	54 (MBA, MEd) 72 (MA)

Satisfactory Academic Progress Process

Academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each fall, spring, and summer semester. When a student fails to meet the GPA and/or completion percentage standards they will be given a warning semester during which they are asked to complete a Satisfactory Academic Progress Agreement wherein they meet with their advisor three times over the semester. If the student is not making satisfactory academic progress at the end of the warning semester, the student will be placed on financial aid probation. To receive financial aid during a probationary semester, the student must submit an appeal based on extenuating circumstances documenting the reason the student failed to make SAP. The appeal and documentation will be reviewed by the Student Finance Committee for approval. A student who does not meet SAP standards or the Student Finance Committee prescribed academic plan at the end of the probationary semester, will be placed on financial aid suspension and may not receive federal student aid until SAP standards are met. Students who exceed the number of years for completion of a degree must complete a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form to be reviewed by the Student Finance Committee. A hold is placed on the student's federal and state aid until the SAP agreement has been signed, or the suspension appeal has been approved. Appeals may be made for the following reasons: 1) The student has experienced illness; 2) The death of a relative; 3) The student has a degree plan change; 4) The student, out of financial necessity, carried an extremely heavy workload over an extended period of time; 5) Upon recommendation of the Vice President for Academic Administration; 6) At the discretion of the Assistant Financial Vice President for Student Finance.

Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) Requirements

Additional requirements apply to recipients of the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG). Students awarded their first TEG award after September 1, 2005 must be enrolled three-quarter time and at the end of an academic year in which the student receives a renewal award, must have completed 24 credit hours of coursework during the renewal year, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater, with a 75% completion rate. These students may receive TEG for no more than five years for a 4-year degree program and three years for an associate degree program from the date of the first award. A student may appeal to receive a renewal TEG if they did not meet the requirements and there were circumstances that prevented them from attaining the required hours or GPA. In the event of hardship or other good cause for students awarded TEG for the first time on or after September 1, 2005, the Student Finance Committee may allow an otherwise eligible person to receive a TEG while enrolled less than three-quarter time or if the student's grade point average or number of hours completed falls below the satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Financial Aid Disbursement

Federal Pell Grant/Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant/Texas Tuition Equalization Grant— award is divided over two semesters. The Business Office transfers funds directly to the student's account.

Federal Direct Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Perkins Loan— one-semester loans will be disbursed in two disbursements, one at the beginning of the semester and one midway through the semester. The first loan disbursement for a freshman, first-time borrower will be made 30 days into the first semester. The Business Office transfers funds directly to the student's account.

Federal and Texas Work Study— student receives a monthly paycheck through the Business Office.

Veteran's Benefits

Students with previous military experience may be eligible for certain benefits. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records center and obtain a certificate of eligibility before school begins. Bring the certification to the Southwestern Adventist University Records Office. After registration, notification of enrollment will be sent to the VA.

Student Employment

Southwestern Adventist University is committed to providing a campus job to any student taking six or more credit hours. Students apply for a job by going directly to the department for which they wish to work, or by contacting the Student Employment Office. Many campus jobs will require that the student arrange a class schedule that will allow them to work all morning or all afternoon each weekday. Campus employment requires completion of the Federal I-9 form within three days of being hired. A student should be prepared to show documentation of identity and employment authorization.

Departments that hire students include:

Other options may be available through the Student Employment Office located next to the Student Center. You may reach this office by calling (817) 202-6240, during office hours.

Students who work for the University may pick up their earnings checks at the cashier’s window on the first day of each month. Students who have chosen a monthly payment plan and are current with their payments can receive up to 50% of their paycheck. Students who are not current with their monthly payment plan can receive up to 20% of their paycheck.

Tuition Discounts

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students who take 12 or more ESL credit hours in a semester will receive a tuition discount of $3,580. No other Southwestern scholarships are available to students during that semester.

Lab School Graduate Students

Students who teach for one of the University's lab schools, a school in a district which has a contract with the Education Department for student teaching, will receive a 50% tuition discount for graduate classes taken on campus. Distance learning classes will be assessed an additional fee of $65 per credit hour.

Post-baccalaureate Student (PBS)

Post-baccalaureate students receive a 50% tuition discount for undergraduate courses. This does not include classes in nursing, student teaching, ESL, independent study, or Distance Learning. Likewise, private lessons, audits, fees, and laboratory charges are not discounted. See page 11 for definition of PBS. Students receiving the PBS discount do not qualify for other University scholarships.

Scholarships

Merit Scholarships

Freshman Awards

A freshman student may qualify for one award from this category. To receive this award, a student must be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours each semester. Scholarships are disbursed over two semesters.


Award
Southwestern Award of Excellence	$8,000
Academic Dean Award	$7,000
Trustee	$6,000
Presidential	$4,000
Achievement	$3,000

These awards include an additional $1,000 credited to tuition costs if the student lives in the residence hall. These awards are determined through a combination of the senior mid-year high school cumulative GPA + SAT/ACT scores.

The GPA is multiplied by 12.5. The ACT is multiplied by 1.4 or the SAT is divided by 32. The sum of the GPA and test calculation give a score that determines the award: Southwestern Award of Excellence 95-100; Academic Dean Award 90-94; Trustee Award 80-89; Presidential Award 70-79; Achievement Award 60-69.

Students who received their first award before the 2010-2011 academic year can receive a renewal scholarship for three years by continuing full-time enrollment and maintaining a 2.0 GPA.

Students who receive their first award during or after the 2010-2011 academic year can receive a renewal scholarship for three years provided they meet these criteria. Students must have at least one semester during consecutive fall and spring semesters with the following GPA's:

3.5 or greater for the Southwestern Award of Excellence; Academic Dean Award; and Trustee Award
3.0 or greater for the Presidential Award
2.5 or greater for the Achievement Award

Students increase their renewal scholarship by improving their GPA. The scholarship increases to the next higher scholarship level when the student:

Reaches the minimum GPA requirement of a higher scholarship during consecutive fall and spring semesters in a single academic year, and
Completes 12 or more hours of course work each of these two semesters.

Likewise, if a student has consecutive fall and spring semesters in an academic year below the expected minimum, the student will drop to the next lower scholarship.

Students who begin attending Southwestern in their first year of college but do not earn a scholarship for their freshman year, have a second chance for a scholarship based on their college GPA following the guidelines stated above.

A break in residency to attend another college or university may affect the renewal of these scholarships.

Leadership Scholarships

These scholarships are for one year and applicable only for incoming freshmen at Southwestern and are over and above any Southwestern academic scholarship for which the student qualifies for. If a student has held more than one office, only one scholarship can be awarded and will be given for the highest office held.


Award
Student Association President	$2,500
Senior Class President	$2,500
Senior Class Valedictorian	$2,500
Student Association Vice President	$2,000
Yearbook Editor	$2,000
Newspaper Editor	$2,000
Senior or Junior class officer	$1,000
Student Association officer	$1,000

Gold or Silver Award

Students who have completed 75+ hours of college credit at the end of the fall semester with a GPA of 3.90+ will receive a Gold Award of $600. Students who have completed 75+ hours of college credit with a GPA of 3.70 to 3.89 will receive a Silver Award of $400. Recipients of these awards must be currently enrolled in at least 12 hours for the spring semester and must have earned (in residence) a minimum of 12 hours of credit in the fall. Students who have been under citizenship probation any time during the school year automatically forfeit all eligibility for this award. This award is given to returning students during the following academic year.

Honors Scholarship

Honors Scholarships are given to students who are enrolled in the Honors Program. There are two honors scholarships. One is for students who are taking 18 credits in a semester that includes an honors class. The amount of this scholarship is the cost of tuition for one credit hour. The second is for students who are in the honors program and whose grade classification is above the freshman level:



Sophomore	$500
Junior	$1,000
Senior	$2,000

The final $1000 of the senior award is given only after the student has completed his/her senior thesis.

Southwestern Scholars

Southwestern Scholars Award - includes all Southwestern Scholarships

$18,840 (Full tuition) awarded to students who achieve the level of

Finalist in the National Merit or National Achievement Programs
Semifinalists are awarded $9,420 (Half tuition)
National Hispanic Scholar in the National Hispanic Recognition Program
99.5 percentile on the ACT or SAT (a sum of the ACT skill area scores totaling 132 or greater or a composite SAT verbal and math score of 1550). Test scores must be from a single national test date.

This scholarship is renewable if the student maintains a 3.5 cumulative GPA and enrolls for 12 or more hours each semester. Transfer students who were recognized by the National Merit organization as a Semi-finalist or Finalist and who have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA are also eligible for this award. This scholarship, along with all other Southwestern scholarships, cannot exceed tuition. Likewise, credit balances from Southwestern scholarships and resources other than loans will result in a reduction of this scholarship. Students who qualify for both the Freshman Award and the Southwestern Scholars Awards, receive the higher of the two.

Transfer Scholarship

A transfer student, pursuing a first baccalaureate degree, with at least 24 cumulative college credits from other colleges may qualify for one of the following scholarships:

$4,000 if cumulative GPA from prior colleges is 3.75+
$3,000 if cumulative GPA from prior colleges is 3.50-3.74
$1,500 if cumulative GPA from prior colleges is 3.00-3.49

All official transcripts from all previously attended colleges must be on file with Southwestern before this scholarship will be awarded. To receive this scholarship, a student must be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours each semester. This scholarship is renewable for two years for students transferring 24-55 credits, and one year for students transferring 56-89 credits. The scholarship is not renewable for students transferring 90+ credits. This scholarship is renewable only for students who are in a good academic standing, who maintain a commendable citizenship record.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are given to students needing additional help with expenses after the student has pursued all other sources of aid, including loans. Students who have a private residence hall room or excessive miscellaneous charges such as fines, should not expect that they will be given need-based aid.

3-Way Match Scholarship

A 3-Way Scholarship allows a student's family, church or a concerned person, and Southwestern Adventist University scholarship funds to assist with payment of the Southwestern student account. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain a commitment from two different sources. Thus, contributions of $500 each from two different sources may be matched by $500 from the university. While $500 is the maximum award, smaller 3-Way donations can also be matched.

It is important to note that application for these funds does not mean automatic approval of the Southwestern matching portion. This match is put on the student's account after the student's final payday each semester, and is subject to the following criteria: a) application and acceptance for federal/state grants and loans, b) unmet need by the federal aid calculation, and c) unmet expenses after all other aid and student earnings. A student who has a private residence hall room, has excessive miscellaneous charges such as fines, or receives educational allowance, is not eligible to receive a 3-Way Scholarship match. To receive the Southwestern match, all contributions must be received by December 1 for fall semester and April 1 for spring semester.

Callicott Scholarship

The Callicott Scholarship is available to students who may need assistance after federal, state, and institutional aid. Applicants must be working, placing earnings on their accounts, have applied for federal/state grants and loans for which they are eligible, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship is awarded late in the semester. A thank-you note is required.

Pechero Family Scholarship

The Pechero Scholarship is need-based, and offered to residents of the following Texas counties: Bee, Bexar, Calhoun, Cameron, Galveston, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Nueces and Willacy. A limited number of these scholarships are available and applicants will be individually evaluated as to eligibility. The evaluation takes into consideration application for and acceptance of federal/state grants and loans, expected student earnings and academic standing. Applications may be obtained by contacting Student Financial Services. All awards for an academic year will be determined before the beginning of each fall semester. Students may receive this award for up to four years. An application is required each year. A thank-you note is required.

Southwestern Union Educational Endowment Scholarship

The Southwestern Union Educational Endowment Scholarship is given only to Seventh-day Adventist students from the Southwestern Union Conference territory who:

a) are enrolled full time at Southwestern Adventist University

b) give evidence of commitment to their local church program and willingness to participate in God’s work

c) have an established financial need

d) maintain an acceptable scholarship and citizenship record

Applications may be obtained through Student Financial Services. Yearly awards range from $300 - $1000. A thank-you note is required.

Southwestern Adventist University Need-based Scholarship Credit Policy

If after being awarded a Southwestern Adventist University need-based scholarship the student receives additional aid or resources that cause a credit on the student's account, the Southwestern portion of the scholarship may be forfeited. Southwestern does not pay its scholarships in cash to the student.

General Scholarships

Scholarships in this section have specific eligibility criteria as indicated below. Some of these scholarships require enrollment of at least 12 credit hours for the semester, others will be adjusted for less than full-time study. The combination of scholarships, grants, subsidies and Southwestern discounts cannot exceed charges. Southwestern does not pay its scholarships in cash to the student. Southwestern encourages students and parents to search for scholarships through local service clubs or employers. Scholarship sources can also be found by searching the Internet.

Family Discounts

Three or more students from the same family, each taking at least 12 hours of coursework, will receive a 10% discount on tuition. Two students from the same family, each taking at least 12 hours, will receive a 5% discount on tuition. When students marry, they are no longer eligible for this special discount as a member of their parent’s household. Married couples, taking at least 12 hours of coursework each, may receive the 5% discount on tuition. This discount does not apply to PBS or discounted programs.

Student Missionary & Task Force Worker Scholarships

Southwestern awards scholarships to students who successfully complete a full term of service no shorter than 8 months in an approved student missionary or task force program. These awards are evenly divided over the two semesters of the school year immediately following the return of the student missionary or task force worker. Student Missionary $1,200 and Taskforce $1,200

Summer Ministries Scholarships

Southwestern students who work between school years in a summer ministries program (such as at a summer camp or as a literature evangelist) will receive a scholarship worth 75% of whatever portion of their net earnings they apply to their account, up to $2,000. The student's earnings are applied to the fall semester and the Southwestern match is applied to the spring semester. If the student does not return for the second semester, this scholarship is forfeited. To receive the full scholarship, a student must be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours in the semester. This scholarship will be awarded only in the academic year immediately following the summer work. This scholarship is not available to students taking distance learning classes or students receiving the PBS or ESL discount.

Summer Tuition Scholarships

The Summer Tuition Scholarship benefits students who during the summer, as a junior or senior high school student, take GEOL 240 The Dinosaurs. The scholarship will be awarded for the fall semester immediately following the enrollment and will be equal to the amount of tuition paid for this summer class.

Summer Work Scholarship

Students who pay rent for campus housing during the summer, work a certain number of hours at a campus job, and place at least 80% of their earnings on their student account, may be eligible for a scholarship the following year. Applications are available at Student Financial Services.

Teacher Education Program - Early Childhood Scholarship

To encourage students to take all of their courses at Southwestern once they have been accepted to the Education Program, and to compensate for the extra cost associated with taking a required 18th credit hour in some semesters, Southwestern offers this scholarship. If a student brings any transfer work, after being accepted to the program, they do not qualify for scholarships in a subsequent semester. CLEP and AP courses do not count as transfer work. The scholarship will be the cost of the 18th hour only. Scholarships are not offered retroactively. Student Financial Services must be aware of a student’s potential eligibility on a semester basis.

Working Policy

For clarification of the working policy for any items in the Finance Section of the bulletin, contact the Assistant Financial Vice President for Student Financial Services.

Endowed Scholarships

To give formal and public recognition for outstanding scholastic achievement, loyalty to university standards, and exemplary citizenship, the University conducts an Awards Convocation each spring.

The following scholarships are awarded during spring semester to students who are returning to Southwestern Adventist University the following school year. Recipients are selected based on criteria established by the scholarship donors.

The University is grateful to the donors who support Southwestern students by establishing these endowed scholarships. Those interested in creating a named scholarship may contact the Office of University Advancement.

\* Scholarships for which students must apply.