Information and resources regarding SWVCTC and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Paying for college is one of the largest single investments you or your family will make, and we strongly believe your education is well worth the investment. Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College offers quality educational opportunities that are both accessible and affordable on various campus locations convenient to the Boone, Lincoln, Logan, Williamson, and Wyoming areas.

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is an “open admissions” institution and supports the philosophy that residents should have access to higher education opportunities equivalent to their abilities and interests. We are here to assist and guide you throughout your experience on our campus and to offer career opportunities that will help shape your future.

The mission of the financial aid office is to assist students in pursuing their educational goals by educating students, parents, and the community about federal, state, institutional, and private aid opportunities, which allows students to focus on academic success by removing financial barriers.

Southern is dedicated to helping students afford an excellent education. Learn more about financial aid assistance, scholarships, and programs that put your education within reach.

Connect with Financial Aid via SSConnect

Monday – Thursday | 9 AM – 5 PM

Meet with representatives from Student Services, Financial Aid, Advising, and more via Zoom with SSConnect! We are here to help you with all your needs in our virtual student center.

Click here to connect to SSConnect

Meet the Staff

Please do not hesitate to contact our office by email or phone for additional information and assistance.

Director of Student Financial Aid
Mary Trent

Financial Aid Counselor
Kelly Jacobs

Financial Aid Counselor
Emily Mills

Financial Aid Assistant – PT
Roberta Carter

Financial Aid Support Line
(304) 896-7060

Apply Today!

Learn more about applying for financial aid at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

Please click on Free Application for Federal Student Aid and follow the steps provided to start your financial aid application today!

About Financial Aid

The financial aid department at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is committed to assisting students through the entire process of applying for financial aid. The process can sometimes seem overwhelming. The following information will help you know what to expect and to learn more about the Financial Aid process. Please do not hesitate to contact our office by phone or e-mail for additional information and assistance.

Financial Aid Office
(304) 896-7060

This information is subject to change by SOUTHERN and/or in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education at any time as policies and processes are reviewed and updated annually.  Periodic changes will be published and specific financial aid information sent directly to financial aid students.

Applying for Financial Aid

Southern is pleased to assist high school seniors, and new and returning undergraduate students in the application process for financial assistance. We participate in a wide variety of grants, scholarships, loans and employment opportunities.  Most of our students who apply for Financial Assistance, receive some type of aid. The first step to determine eligibility is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please click on Applying for Financial Aid and follow the steps provided to start your application today!

General Eligibility Requirements

A student must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; enroll as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program; be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; have a social security number; make satisfactory academic progress; sign certifying statement on the FAFSA, such as agreeing to use Federal student aid funds only for educational expenses.

Calculating the Cost of Attendance

Cost of Attendance

Also known as “The Financial Aid Budget,” Cost of Attendance is the total amount it may cost a student to go to school. A student’s cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that student may accrue while pursuing their degree for the semester and/or year.  A student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance.

Net Price Calculator

The cost of attendance includes direct costs (costs the student would need to pay SOUTHERN) and indirect costs (other costs a student may have that are not charged by the College).  There is an allowance in the Cost of Attendance for items such as Transportation, Living Expenses, Room & Board, and other educational expenses.  Your award letter and MySouthern accounts will show the COA for the current enrolled aid year. To estimate your cost of attendance, click on the Net Price Calculator.

Budgets or the (Estimated) Cost of Attendance are subject to change based on mandates from the Board of Governors due to changes in economic circumstances.  The COA determines how much financial aid a student may be awarded.  Tuition, which makes up part of the Cost of Attendance or Budget is $169 per credit hour for the 2022-2023 school year.  Full-time base tuition is $2028.00, per semester for 12 or more credit hours.

For current Out of State Tuition cost, please visit the Office of Student Accounts page.

Dependency Status for Financial Aid Purposes

A student’s dependency status determines whose information must be reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  If you’re a dependent student, you will report your and your parents’ information.  If you’re an independent student, you will report your own information (and if married, your spouse’s). Click here to read the definitions, find out who has to provide parental information, and learn what to do if you aren’t in contact with your parents.

Communication from the Financial Aid Office

Carefully reading the information sent to you by the financial aid office is critical in helping the financial aid process to move along smoothly. New students who have not yet attended Southern will be notified of award packages and required information through letters sent by regular mail. Once new students have attended orientation, e-mail notices to Southern e-mail accounts will replace paper correspondence. Returning students will receive only e-mail communication to their Southern e-mail address. Once you have received your Southern user name and password, you can check your financial aid status online at any time through MySouthern.

Financial Aid Policies and Procedures

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program is a federal grant for undergraduate students pursuing their first college degree. Students must demonstrate financial need based on the information provided on the FAFSA. Click here for the online FAFSA application. The amount a student is eligible for will depend on family income, costs of attendance, and enrollment status. Those applying for Federal Pell Grant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or renewal application. Students must reapply for a Federal Pell Grant every year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is awarded to students pursuing their first degree. Students must be enrolled for at least six credits, demonstrate exceptional financial need based on the information provided on the FAFSA, and be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Funding is limited, priority is given to those students who apply early.

Higher Education Aid for Part-time Students (HEAPS)

Higher Education Aid for Part-time Students (HEAPS) is a need-based grant designed to assist West Virginia students enrolled on a part-time basis (3-11 credit hours). Applications for funding must be completed each academic term, and the student must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for HEAPS funding.

Please review the West Virginia Higher Education Grant website for an in-depth review of this opportunity and current scholarship criteria.

West Virginia Higher Education Grant (WVHEG)

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is a need-based grant for WV residents who are full time students (enrolled 12 or more credit hours). WVHEG is designed to ensure West Virginia students are given an opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education. The first step in the application process is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications processed before April 15 each year are given priority consideration. WVHEG recipients must complete 24 credit hours in two academic terms and maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average to be considered for future awards.

Please review the West Virginia Higher Education Grant website for an in-depth review of this opportunity and current scholarship criteria.

West Virginia Invests Grant

The WV Invests Grant is a state-funded grant program that pays toward the full cost of basic tuition and mandatory fees for select certificate and associate degree programs at a West Virginia public two- or four-year institution. Priority is given to programs in high-demand fields, such as information technology or healthcare, as determined by the West Virginia Department of Commerce. This is a last-dollar-in program, meaning it will pay for any amount up to the total cost of tuition and mandatory fees not already covered by other state or federal grants or scholarships and institutional tuition waivers.

Please review the West Virginia Invests Grant website for an in-depth review of this opportunity and current scholarship criteria.

Scholarships

Private Scholarships

Private citizens and groups have established scholarships to help students who possess specific skills to meet their educational needs. A student may obtain information concerning available scholarships from the College financial aid office. An available scholarship listing may be obtained by contacting the Foundation liaison at (304) 896-7425.

PROMISE Scholarship

The West Virginia PROMISE (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-state Student Excellence) Scholarship Program, is a merit-based financial aid program for West Virginia residents that offers high school graduates annual awards to help cover the cost of tuition at public or independent institutions in West Virginia. All applicants must submit a completed FAFSA and PROMISE application by the March 1 deadline to be eligible.

Please review the PROMISE Scholarship website for an in-depth review of this opportunity and current scholarship criteria.

The PROMISE Scholarship is based on the student’s achievements, not on his/her parents’ financial resources, not on the institution’s resources, nor on any other factors.

Southern Scholarships

Southern scholarships are presented annually to a graduating senior from each high school within Southern’s service area. Renewals are based on applicant’s maintaining a 3.0 GPA and filing a renewal application by the established deadline (generally April 15).

Southern West Virginia Community College Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Southern West Virginia Community College Foundation, Inc. is to collect and disburse funds to be used as scholarships, loans, grants, and funds for worthwhile projects. Organized in 1971, the tax-exempt organization is a combined effort of civic and business leaders throughout Southern service area.

Since 2006, the Southern Foundation has distributed more than $1.2 million dollars in scholarships to local students, and more than $554,000 in education program development and marketing funds to Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

The Southern Foundation offers over 20 different scholarships to students at Southern. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) is self-help aid earned on a wage per-hour basis through assigned part-time employment at on-campus locations. An effort is made to provide each FWSP recipient with a work experience that will complement his or her skills and/or academic objective. The hourly rate is at least the federal minimum wage, and students are paid every two weeks according to hours worked. To be eligible for work study, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), demonstrate financial need, be in good academic standing, and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours.

Loans

Federal Direct Loans

SOUTHERN students can apply for Federal Student loans through the Federal Direct Loan program.  A loan is borrowed money that must be repaid, along with interest that may accrue.  Students applying for a Federal Direct Loan must be enrolled at least half time (six credit hours), complete a Master Promissory Note, and complete Entrance Counseling.

  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loan – Students may apply for a student loan if they are enrolled or have been accepted for enrollment at least halftime (six credit hours). Students who qualify for a subsidized loan will have the interest on the loan paid by the Federal government while enrolled in school, and during the six-month grace period after their last date of enrollment or during an eligible deferment. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from college, or does not enroll at least half-time; students may be allowed up to ten years to repay.
  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan – Independent students who do not qualify for the maximum subsidized loan limits may borrow the difference, plus an additional amount of up to $4,000 under this program. Students are responsible for the interest while enrolled in school, during the six-month grace period after their last date of enrollment, or during an eligible deferment. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from college, or does not enroll at least half-time; students may be allowed up to ten years to repay.

Exit Interviews for Student Loan Recipients

Exit Counseling is mandatory for all students who are leaving the Institution (withdrawal or leave of absence) receiving a degree, or not enrolled at least half-time (6 hrs). It does not cause loans to go into repayment, but certifies your understanding of your loans at this time.

If you borrowed a Federal Subsidized Loan, or a Federal Unsubsidized Loan, you will complete your Exit Counseling online using your FSA User ID and Password.

If you need assistance in obtaining an FSA ID and password, you can call 1.800.557.7394.

Once you have your FSA ID and password, go to the Federal Student Loan website.

Select “Complete Exit Counseling” Select START and follow the instructions

Southern will receive confirmation of your completed Exit Counseling within two business days.

Private Student Loans

SOUTHERN does not endorse or provide information regarding any single loan product or loan provider.  Students may independently explore private student loan options.  Please remember that you may qualify for Federal Direct Loans by completing a FAFSA.  If you decide to apply for a private student loan, you must complete, sign, and provide a copy of the U.S. Department of Education’s self-certification form for private student loans to your lending institution.

Verification and Forms

Verification – Additional Required Documents

The US Department of Education selects approximately one-third of all financial aid applicants for verification. In this process, applicants are required to submit additional documents (such as worksheets or income tax returns) to the Financial Aid Office before we can finalize aid eligibility. If these additional documents are requested by the Financial Aid Office, they should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure we have enough time for processing before tuition is due. Unsatisfied requirements on your MySouthern account can cause financial aid delays. These requirements can prevent students from receiving financial aid offers or prevent aid from disbursing. Students are notified they have unsatisfied requirements via their Southern student email account.

Each outstanding requirement is listed with instructions and, if applicable, a link to any required documentation. Please click here to learn more about this process.

Forms

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO LOCATE YOUR UNSATISFIED REQUIREMENTS IN MYSOUTHERN:

  1. Login to MySouthern.
  2. Click on Financial Aid
  3. Click Financial Aid Status
  4. Select the 2023-2024 Aid Year and press Submit
  5. Click on your unsatisfied student requirements

For privacy reasons, please do not send any documentation through email. Instead, you can visit your local campus location (Boone, Lincoln, Logan, Williamson, or Wyoming) to bring in any paperwork that needs to be processed. You can also mail any documentation to the following address:

Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College
C/O Financial Aid
100 College Drive
Logan, WV 25601

When your file is complete (all requirements are satisfied), your eligibility will be determined, and you will be sent an award notification via your Southern email account. NOTE: Not all awards (i.e. Vocational Rehabilitation) may be visible on your account at this time. This includes institutional, state, and private scholarships. These will be added at a later date.

To Electronically Sign a Form

  1. Open the PDF form in Acrobat Reader.
  2. Click the Sign icon in the toolbar. Alternatively, you can choose Tools> Fill & Sign or choose Fill & Sign from the right pane.
  3. Click in the box to begin typing your response.
Tracking Code
 Tracking
Group
 Description
 Form/Instruction
2NDBAC Prior Bachelor’s/Grad Degree Student has marked an option on their FAFSA to indicate they have a Bachelors degree or they are seeking a Bachelor’s degree.  Complete the Degree Completion form and return to the Financial Assistance office.
Degree Confirmation Form
AGGLMT Loan Limit Student has received the maximum number of semesters allowed for a student loan and is no longer eligible for the award.  Please complete an APPEAL form and return to the Office of Financial Assistance. To complete the form the student will need to see their Academic Advisor to get a list of classes they need to complete their degree. Appeal Request
APPEAL Appeal Form Student has been suspended from financial aid assistance for several different reasons and is required to complete an APPEAL form.  To complete the form the student will need to see their Academic Advisor to get a list of classes they need to complete their degree.  After the form is complete, they will need to submit the appeal to the Office of Financial Assistance.  Appeals are reviewed by an appeal committee. Appeal Request
Deadlines for Appeals

  • Fall term Appeals should be submitted by August 1st.
  • Spring Term Appeals should be submitted by December 1st.
  • Summer Term Appeals should be submitted by May 1st.
Credit Transfer Credit Hrs. Student is required to bring in transcripts from ALL colleges they have attended in the past.
INSTYP Ineligible Student Type Student needs to contact the Records department to update degree information.  Information is either out of date or missing.  Please email the Records Office at 
NONDEG Nondegree Student needs to contact the Records department to update degree information.  Information is either out of date or missing.  Please email the Records Office at 
NOSGAS No Student Record Student needs to contact the Records department to update admission information.  Information is either out of date or missing.  Please email the Records Office at 
NOVER No Verify Student is not on Verifcation
PELLMT Pell Limit Student has received the maximum number of semesters allowed for the PELL Grant and is no longer eligible for the award.  To complete the form the student  will need to see their Academic Advisor to get a list of classes they need to complete their degree. Appeal Request
SPWARN Spring Warning SAP Student has failed to meet Standard Academic Progress and will be placed on probation for at least one semester.  Please complete a probation request and return it to the office of Financial Assistance. Probation Request
REJECT SAR rejected FAFSA was rejected.  Please call 304-896-7060 or email  for more information.
SCRIPT HS Transcript/GED Missing Student needs to bring a copy of HS Transcript or GED.
SPFAIL Spring Fail SAP Student has been suspended from financial aid assistance and is required to complete and appeal form.  To complete the form student will need to see an academic advisor to get a list of classes they need to complete their degree.  After the form is complete, they will need to submit the appeal to the Office of Financial Assistance.  Appeals are reviewed by an appeal committee. Appeal Form
SPMAX SP Max limit Student has exceeded 90 hours and will need to need to complete an appeal.  To complete the form the student will to see their Academic Advisor to get a list of classes they need to complete their degree.  After the form is complete, they will need to submit the appeal to the Office of Financial Assistance.  Appeals are reviewed by an appeal committee. Appeal Form
SPWARN Student has failed to meet Standard Academic Progress and will be placed on probation for at least one semester.  Please complete the Letter of Warning and return it to the Office of Financial Assistance. Letter of Warning
UND24 Under 24 Student has marked an option on their FAFSA to indicate they are independent student.  He/She will need to provide documentation to prove they are an independent student. Independent/Dependent Student Status List
Dependency Override Review Form
V1 Standard Verification Student needs to submit a V1 Student Verification Worksheet and tax return transcript.  If the student/Parent did not file prior year income taxes they will need to complete a zero income form. V1 Student Verification Worksheet

Income Verification Form
V4 Custom Verification Student needs to submit a V4 Student Verification Worksheet, tax return transcript, HS Diploma/GED, and a copy of the driver’s license. This form they have to sign while in the FA office.  This one cannot be sent through the mail.    If the student/Parent did not file prior year income taxes they will need to complete a zero income form. V4 Student Verification Worksheet

Income Verification Form
V5 Dep Aggregate Verification Student needs to submit a V5 Student Verification Worksheet, tax return transcript, HS Diploma/GED, and a copy of the driver’s license. This form they have to sign while in the Office of Financial Assistance.  This one cannot be sent through the mail.    If the student/Parent did not file a 2016 income taxes they will need to complete a zero income form. V5 Student Verification Worksheet

Income Verification
FAFAIL Fall Fail SAP The student has been suspended from financial aid assistance and is required to complete an appeal form.  To complete the form student will need to see an academic advisor get a list of classes they need to complete their degree.  After the form is complete, they will need to submit the appeal to the Office of Financial Assistance.  Appeals are reviewed by an appeal committee. Appeal Form
FAMAX FA Max Limit Student has exceeded 90 hours and will need to need to complete an appeal.  To complete the form the student will to see their Academic Advisor to get a list of classes they need to complete their degree.  After the form is complete, they will need to submit the appeal to the Office of Financial Assistance.  Appeals are reviewed by an appeal committee. Appeal Form
FAWARN Student has failed to meet Standard Academic Progress and will be placed on probation for at least one semester.  Please complete the Letter of Warning and return it to the Office of Financial Assistance. Letter of Warning

Other Forms

Disbursement

Disbursement of funds will occur once the Financial Aid Office has determined eligibility and authorized the Bursar Office to apply payments to student accounts. The Bursar Office will then calculate the difference between a student’s account charges and the amount of financial aid disbursed. This difference is the amount of a student’s refund (credit balance).

Learn more about how to get funds to your account by visiting our Disbursement page.

Summer Financial Aid

Summer semesters at SOUTHERN are considered the last term of each academic year. All awards are initially offered for fall and spring only. You must request aid for summer by contacting the Office of Financial Aid (304) 896-7060 or email .

Financial Aid Tasks and Timeline

Financial Aid Tasks and Timeline for 2023 Fall Incoming Class

Access the 2022 – 2023 Academic Calendar

October 2022

  • Parent and student must apply for a FSA ID (a U.S. Department of Education username and password) at https://studentaid.gov.
  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov as soon as possible on or after October 1 using 2021 income tax information. Be sure to include Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s school code (003816) on your FAFSA as a college choice.
  • Application for West Virginia Promise Scholarship Program is available at cfwv.com on October 1.
  • Begin visiting southernwv.edu to learn about costs and scholarship, grant, work study and loan opportunities at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

November 2022

March 2023

  • March 1 is Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s preferred FAFSA filing deadline to be considered for most financial aid programs.
  • Promise Scholarship applicants must complete the Promise Scholarship Application and file the FAFSA by March 1.

April 2023

  • West Virginia residents must file the FAFSA by April 15 for West Virginia Higher Education Grant consideration.
  • The Southern Scholarship and Foundation Scholarship applications are due by April 15.
  • Check your email! West Virginia Promise Scholarship and West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program award notifications will be sent out from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
  • Watch for your Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Personal Award Letter in the mail.

May 2023

  • Submit requested information or documents to Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s Financial Aid Office as soon as possible to ensure aid is finalized by the billing due date (view any outstanding financial aid requirements by accessing your financial aid records through your MySouthern account).
  • Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Merit-Based Scholarship Award offers are awarded at local High Schools.

June/July/August 2023

  • Financial Aid Completion Deadline July 10th. (Students who submit required documentation after this date may need to contact the Bursar’s Office for payment options).
  • Bills for tuition and fees are sent by the Bursar’s office in July with tuition due in August.
  • Federal Direct Loan borrowers should complete online Entrance Loan Counseling and sign an electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN) at https://studentaid.gov by July 10th.
  • Mandatory College Orientation scheduled in August. For more information go to southernwv.edu.

 

Financial Aid Tasks and Timeline for Fall Returning Students

October

  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov as soon as possible on or after October 1 and recommended Southern students submit it no later than April 15.
  • Please remember, to be considered for institutional scholarships, completion of FAFSA is required.
  • Be sure to include Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s school code (003816) on your FAFSA as a college choice.

January/March

  • Once your FAFSA is received, the Financial Aid Office will notify you via your Southern email if any additional documents are required, i.e. income tax transcript and/or household verification.
  • Submit requested information or documents to Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s Financial Aid Office as soon as possible to ensure aid is finalized by the billing due date (view any outstanding financial aid requirements by accessing your financial aid records through your MySouthern account).
  • Notifications of the awards will begin late March to early April for those submitting a FAFSA.

April/May

  • West Virginia residents must file the FAFSA by April 15 for West Virginia Higher Education Grant consideration.
  • The Southern Scholarship and Foundation Scholarship applications are due by April 15.
  • Check your email! West Virginia Promise Scholarship and West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program award notifications will be sent out from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
  • Watch for your Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Personal Award Letter in the mail.

June/July/August

  • Financial Aid Completion Deadline July 10th. (Students who submit required documentation after this date may need to contact the Bursar’s Office for payment options).
  • Bills for tuition and fees are sent by the Bursar’s office in July with tuition due in August.
  • Federal Direct Loan borrowers should complete online Entrance Loan Counseling and sign an electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN) at https://studentaid.gov by July 10th.
  • Mandatory College Orientation scheduled in August. For more information go to southernwv.edu.

Financial Aid Completion Deadlines

Access the 2022 – 2023 Academic Calendar

TO MEET THE DEADLINE:

Meeting the deadline dates means all of the requested forms and paperwork have been received by the Financial Aid Office, including an electronic copy of your Student Aid Report and full admission to Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.  This does not mean that you file the FAFSA by the deadline date; but rather that you file the FAFSA so the Student Aid Report is received in the Financial Aid Office, along with all requested forms and paperwork, on or before the deadline date.  Students who do not meet the priority processing deadline dates may have to pay for all expenses (tuition, fees, and books) from their own resources.

To ensure that you meet the priority processing deadline date you should file the FAFSA at least one month prior to the deadline date.  No funds will be disbursed to you unless your financial aid file is complete.

Missing the above deadlines does not prevent you from receiving financial aid; however, it may delay the receipt of the aid.  Students failing to meet the above deadlines MUST be prepared to cover college expenses from their own resources or contact the Bursar Office to make arrangements to use the installment tuition payment plan.

 

DEADLINES FOR APPEALS

  • Fall Term Appeals should be submitted by August 1st.
  • Spring Term Appeals should be submitted by December 1st.
  • Summer Term Appeals should be submitted by May 1st.

 

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR STUDENT LOANS

  • Fall Term Student Loans must apply by November 1st.
  • Spring Term Student Loans must apply by April 4th.

 

For all Campus Locations:

Southern WV Community and Technical College School Code: 003816