Student Financial Aid Services

Financial Aid is money, or the opportunity to earn money, which helps students attend the college or university of their choice. The Financial Aid Office at Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers several types of financial aid.

Below are some links to help navigate this page:

• FAFSA
• How To Apply
• Awarding of TITLE IV Funds
• OK Promise (Formerly OHLAP)
• Grants
• Loans
• Student Employment
• Scholarships
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Rehabilitation Services

FAFSA at Southeastern

School Code: 003179

For more information visit the FAFSA Website.

How to Apply

The Financial aid office at Southeastern Oklahoma State University awards all federal financial aid from information submitted through the FAFSA.  Students need to first fill out the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov to be considered for federal aid.  The following are the typical steps a student would take from starting the FAFSA to receiving aid.

1. Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov
2. Check your campus connect at www.se.edu/campusconnect
1. Once you have logged into Campus Connect go to the Student Info drop down box and click the View Financial Aid.
2. Select the correct year you are interested in.  2012-2013 includes the Fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters.
3. Once in the correct year every student much check to see what additional documentation you may be required to complete your file.  The documents needed will be in red and the documents received will be in green.  The list of documents can be found at http://www.se.edu/financial-aid/forms/
4. Turn in all need documents.  Some students will be selected to verify their information entered on the FAFSA.  This may require you to fill out additional documentation and can also be more or less documentation from year to year.
3. When all documents needed are received in our office we will verify the information received from the student with the information submitted on the FAFSA.  All differences will be confirmed and corrected.  At this time we will also look at all previous course work from all institutions to determine if the student is making Satisfactory Academic Progress.  The SAP policy can be found at http://www.se.edu/financial-aid/forms/sap.pdf. 
4. Once the FAFSA is correct and SAP is established we will process the file for awarding for the correct term.  The awarding and eligibility process can be found here: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!. 
5. After all awards are posted, students will need to back to campus connect to accept their awards.  Students must agree to the Return to Title IV policy as well as the SAP policy before they are allowed to continue.  To accept you awards log on to Campus Connect at http://www.se.edu/current-students/.  Go to the Student Info tab and down to the Accept/Decline Aid tab.  Once you agree you will be able to accept your awards.  All loans have an Up/Down scroll button to allow students to decrease their loans.
6. After the awards are accepted, the Pell grant and all Direct Loans will be originated with Common Origination and Disbursement system with the Federal Government.
7. If all originations are correct, then then the federal awards will be processed/transmitted to the students account.  Information about the business office’s procedures can be found at: http://www.se.edu/business-office/.
8. The same day the funds are processed to the student’s account the disbursements are sent back to the Common Origination and Disbursement system to process the disbursements. 

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Awarding of TITLE IV Funds

Awarding Process of TITLE IV funds.
(Pell, SEOG, CWS, Direct Loans)

1.  All Title IV funds are award based off the information received from the FAFSA.  You must complete the FAFSA to be eligible.  The FAFSA can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
2. Once the FAFSA is received and processed in our office the students file will be pulled for awarding in groups based off the date all the information was received or the READY Date for the file. 
3. Based off the information provided all students receiving TITLE IV aid will be given a Cost of Attendance (COA) Budget.  A copy of the COA budget located in the office but it includes the following items:
1. Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State is adjusted to out-of-state tuition)
2. Books and Supplies
3. Personal expenses
4. Transportation cost
5. Room and Board (Utilities if you live off campus)

The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is subtracted from the COA to determine financial need.

1. COA – EFC = NEED
2. The sum of all need based awards will not exceed the need of the students.
3. The sum of all awards (need and non-need) will not exceed the COA.

NEED BASED AWARDS	NON – NEED BASED AWARDS
Pell	Direct Unsubsidized loan
SEOG	Direct Plus Loan
OTAG
Tuition Waivers
Scholarships
OK Promise (OHLAP)
Direct Subsidized Loans
Federal Work Study

Steps 4-10 must not be greater than the calculated students need

1. Pell grants will be automatically awarded based off the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) that was received with the FAFSA.
2. Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG) will be automatically awarded based off an EFC of Zero (OOOO) and the READY date.  SEOG is awarded on a first come first served basis and the availability of funds.
3. Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) is awarded automatically by the POISE systems based off the EFC and the date the first FAFSA was processed provided by the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education.  Currently the EFC is <1700 and a processed date before March 1st.
4. All Scholarship expected to receive by the students provided on the DATAFORM and all Tuition waivers will be provided by the University will be next be calculated into the students financial aid package.
5. OK Promise is awarded as an estimate until the funds are received in our office.  The estimate until class can no longer be dropped/added.  The calculation is as follows:

Cost of Tuition per Hour * No. of Hours = OK Promise Award

1. Direct Subsidized Loans will be awarded based off the student’s response on the DATAFORM.  SE will not award loans unless student’s request the loans.  Before the loans will transmit to the students account the student must complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling.
2. Federal Work Study will be awarded if the students answered the questions on the FAFSA stating they are interested in the work study.  Students can also inform the office that they are interested in work study if they did not answer the question correctly.  The amount awarded will be based on Minimum Wage * 10 hrs/week * No. of Weeks in a semester.
3. Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans will be awarded based off the student’s response on the DATAFORM.  SE will not award loans unless student’s request the loans.  Before the loans will transmit to the students account, the student and parent (PLUS) must complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling.  This award is non-need based so the amount to be awarded will be based off COA. 

Note: Pell Grants, SEOG, OTAG, Direct subsidized loans, Direct Unsubsidized loans have amount limits established by the regulatory agencies.

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OK Promise (Formerly OHLAP)

FAQ's for High School Seniors
FAQ's for College Students

OK Promise (Formerly OHLAP) is a state funded program that will pay tuition at an Oklahoma Public two-year college or four-year university for those students who qualify. To be considered eligible, students must have signed up during their 8th, 9th, or 10th grade year with a validated household income of less than $50,000 and complete the required coursework and conditions outlined by the Oklahoma State Regents Office.

The Financial Aid office verifies eligibility for all students enrolled and notifies OKPromise of tuition costs. Generally, OKPromise payments are put on students' accounts 4-6 weeks after the Add/Drop date.

The scholarship, however, does not cover items such as books, supplies, room and board, and other fees that are usually associated with tuition costs. Students are encouraged to apply for other types of financial aid to cover these costs.

Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, all OK Promise students attending SOSU must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements set by SOSU. If you become ineligible for federal financial aid (like Pell grants or student loans) for not meeting the SAP requirements, you will be ineligible for OK Promise. This requirement applies to all OK Promise students, even if the student is not currently receiving federal financial aid and regardless of the year the student started college

For more information, contact the Financial Aid office or the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Student's Information Hotline at 800-858-1840, by email okpromise@osrhe.edu, on the web http://www.okhighered.org/okpromise/, or by writing Oklahoma's Promise at the address below.

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
PO Box 108850
Oklahoma City
OK 73101–8850.

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Grants

That form of aid which does not require repayment or that work be performed. Southeastern participates in the following grant programs:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)

Federal Pell (Basic) Grant - provides gift aid for undergraduate students. In general, a student may receive PELL Grant until the course of study required for the first undergraduate baccalaureate degree has been completed. Financial need is determined by the Federal Government. The Pell Grant is limited to 10 semesters of full-time awards.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) - provides gift aid from undergraduate student who demonstrate financial need. The federal grant award is dependent upon financial need and availability of funds.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) - is made to students who are legal residents of Oklahoma and enrolled at least half-time. OTAG awards are made by the Oklahoma State Regents based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Awards range from $500 to $1000 per year. The OTAG grant is a part of LEAP (Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership) and is funded by the federal government and the state.

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Loans

Below are some helpful links:

• Direct Loan Application Process
• Entrance Counseling
• PLUS Loan Application Process
• Exit Counseling

Money provided to students which must be repaid. Generally, student loans have low interest rates and permit a long term repayment. Southeastern participates in the following loan programs

• Direct Loan Program
• Federal PLUS Loan

Direct Lending

SOSU participates in the Federal Direct Lending Program. Through the Federal Direct Lending program, all students who apply for loans must complete the Entrance Counseling and a MPN (Master Promissory Note). These can be found at www.studentloans.gov. Students may complete the entrance counseling and MPN at anytime. Once an award has been made, the student must accept or decline his/her awards on Campus Connect. The Financial Aid office will then originate the loan to the Department of Education. Students must complete the necessary steps to ensure funds are disbursed properly. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 hours to receive direct loans. This requirement is the same for the summer semester. Disbursements are currently given out once a week. Generally, initial disbursements for each semester are two weeks after the add/drop period. Loans received through the Direct Lending program are the subsidized, unsubsidized, and PLUS loans. These loans are received from the U.S. Department of Education through Southeastern. Under the Direct Lending program loan payments will be sent directly to the U.S. Department of Education. If a student graduates or completely withdraws from Southeastern, he/she will be required to complete Exit Counseling at www.studentloans.gov. If you would like further information regarding Direct Lending go to the U.S. Department of Education website at http://www.ed.gov/, call at (800)872-5327 or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Repayment

After six months of not attending for any reason (i.e. graduated, withdrawing, or dropping below 6hrs), all direct loans (excluding PLUS) will go into repayment. The monthly repayment amount depends on the total amount borrowed. Southeastern average indebtedness of students that attend sole at SE is $15,458. Based on a standard 10 year repayment plan schedule, looking at the average amount of $15,458 borrowed at SE the monthly payment would be approximately $180.00 per month with approximately 5900.00 in interested paid. For more information on your SE loans and any other student loans borrowed at other school you can access www.nslds.ed.gov.

Direct Loan Application Process

1. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Complete the FAFSA file in the Student Financial Aid Office. You may view the documents needed to complete your file on Campus Connect if you have been admitted to Southeastern. (Students not able to view Campus Connect will be sent a document letter requesting the information to be returned.)
3. Complete Entrance Counseling at studentloans.gov for processing to be continued. This process is for all students required for Direct Lending. .
4. Once your entrance counseling is complete you will need to sign the MPN at www.studentloans.gov.
5. The student will review their financial aid award summary on Campus Connect. Click Student Info-Accept/Decline Award. Select the year to view the financial aid awarded and then select the Accept/Decline aid award button.
6. If all the previous steps have been completed, the Office of Financial aid will originate your loan to the Department of Education for processing.
7. Southeastern will receive the loan funds from the Department of Education electronically. Once eligibility and enrollment are verified (must be enrolled minimum of 6 hours) from the Financial Aid Office, Auxiliary Business Services will disburse the funds to your SE debit card or the refund preference you chose on SEdebitcard.com. Disbursements are currently once a week. (Generally, the initial disbursement of each semester is two weeks after the add/drop period.)
8. If you graduate or drop below half-time attendance, regulations require that you complete the Exit Counseling session.. Exit Counseling can be completed at www.studentloans.gov.

Direct PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)

If you are a dependent student and your financial aid doesn't meet your full cost of attendance, your parent may be able to take out a Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student (PLUS) if they choose. PLUS Loans are available to provide a parent with additional resources to help pay the educational expenses of an undergraduate child, who is enrolled at least half-time. Since the parent is the borrower, the responsibility of repaying PLUS Loans rests with the parent rather than the student. The Financial Aid Office will pursue other options of aid for you before calculating PLUS Loan eligibility. PLUS eligibility is a last resort.

To be eligible to receive a PLUS Loan, a parent will be required to pass a credit check. If for some reason the PLUS Loan is denied, you may have the option to borrow additional Direct Unsubsidized Loans in your own name. A copy of the PLUS Loan denial is required for us to confirm your additional unsubsidized loan eligibility. Repayment of a PLUS Loan is selected when the parent fills out the PLUS loan application. Your options are to start 60 days after the loan is taken out or to defer the payment until the student stops attending. 

For more information concerning PLUS loans you can visit: http://www.direct.ed.gov/parent.html

PLUS Loan Application Process

1. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Complete the FAFSA file in the Student Financial Aid Office; indicating that you are interested in a Plus Loan on our Student Data Form. The student may view the documents needed to complete the file on Campus Connect if they have been admitted to Southeastern. Students not able to view Campus Connect will be sent a letter requesting the documentation needed.
3. The student will review their financial aid award summary on Campus Connect. Click Student Info-Accept/Decline Award. Select the year to view the financial aid awarded and then select the Accept/Decline aid award button.
4. Parents need to complete, Request a Direct PLUS Loan and a MPN (Master Promissory Note) at www.studentloans.gov for processing to be continued. Both of these should be completed in the parent's name and with the parent's PIN number.
5. Once all previous steps are completed, the Financial Aid Office will originate the loan to the Department of Education for processing.
6. Southeastern will receive the funds from the Department of Education electronically. Once eligibility and enrollment are verified from the Financial Aid Office, Auxiliary Business Services will disburse the funds to the student's account balance (if any). Remaining funds will be disbursed to the parent.

NSLDS (National Student Loan Database)

www.nslds.ed.gov

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's (ED's) central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan program, and other Department of ED programs. NSLDS Student Access provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and grants so that recipients of Title IV Aid can access and inquire about their Title IV loans and/or grant data. All federal loans (including PLUS Loans) submitted by Southeastern will be sent to the NSLDS system. This system will be accessible by the guaranty agencies, lenders and any school the Department of Education had deemed an authorized user of the data system.

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Student Employment

Student Employment is an award for which the student must work. Money is earned hourly and paid twice monthly. The maximum amount a student can earn under these programs is determined by availability of funds. Southeastern participates in the following student employment programs:

• Federal College Work Study
• Regular University Student Employment

Federal Work-Study Program - provides part-time employment for students who are enrolled at least half-time and demonstrates financial need. The maximum amount a recipient can earn under this federal program is determined by his/her financial need and availability of funds.

Regular University Employment - provides part-time employment for students enrolled at SOSU. Please contact Career Management for additional information on this program.

Click Here for a listing of Work Study and Regular Work positions available.

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Bureau of Indian Affairs

The United States government through the Bureau of Indian Affairs provides annual scholarship grants to assist eligible students to attend institutions of higher education. In order to qualify, a student must prove Indian blood quantum and meet certain residence, need, and scholastic requirements. Grants may cover such items as tuition, books, room and board, travel, and miscellaneous expenses. Below is a list of Native American contact information:

Further information may be obtained from the counselor of the Multicultural Student Office located in the Student Union Building, Room 137.

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Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides benefits to students with substantial physical, mental, or emotional handicaps. Eligibility and the vocational objectives of the student must be approved by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor prior to receiving assistance. Financial assistance includes tuition and fees, contingent upon amount of other financial aid being received, and required textbooks, based on financial need and financial aid. This information and policy is subject to change when Federal and/or State policies are changed. Information can be obtained at:

Vocational Rehabilitation Office
801 West Main Ste A
Durant, OK 74701
Phone: (580) 924-2677
Fax: (580) 924-0208

Application for Rehabilitation Services should be made to the Durant office or to:

Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 N.W. 58
Suite 500
Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

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Financial Aid

• Scholarships
• Student Financial Aid Services
  • FAFSA
  • How To Apply
  • Awarding of TITLE IV Funds
  • OK Promise (Formerly OHLAP)
  • Grants
  • Loans
  • Student Employment
    • Career Management Office
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Veterans Affairs
• Forms
• Complete Withdrawal
• Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
• Statement of Ethical Principles/Code of Conduct
• Cost of Attendance
• Contact Information