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
• OHLAP
• Grants
• Loans
• Student Employment
• Scholarships
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Rehabilitation Services
• Veterans Affairs

FAFSA at Southeastern

School Code: 003179

For more information visit the FAFSA Website.

OHLAP at Southeastern

FAQs About OHLAP

OHLAP Website

Visit the OHLAP Website!

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP)

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 in order to qualify.

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.

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 ohlapinfo@osrhe.edu on the web at http://www.okhighered.org/ohlap/, or by writing OHLAP,

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

After completing the requirements to obtain the OHLAP Scholarship the following conditions apply to using the OHLAP scholarship:

1. The student must meet normal admission standards for first-time entering students at the type of college or university to which he or she applies.
2. Before tuition payment is made, the student must actually be enrolled at a college or university.
3. The student has three years from the time of high school graduation to start taking college courses.
4. The student may receive awards for no more than five years after enrolling in college.
5. Awards cannot be used for courses taken after the student completes a bachelor’s degree.
6. The student must maintain good grades in college to keep receiving awards.

FAQs About OHLAP

Top of Page

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)
• Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
• National SMART Grant (SMART)

Federal Pell (Basic) Grant - provides gift aid for undergraduate students. These federal grants range from $200 to $4731 a year. 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.

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.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) - ACG is for Pell-eligible students who are enrolled full time, are U.S. citizens, and have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study. These students must also maintain a 3.0 g.p.a

National SMART Grant (SMART) - The SMART grant is for Pell-eligible students who are enrolled full time, are U.S. citizens and are enrolled as a third or fourth year student in a four-year program. They must be majoring in science, computer science, technology, math or certain designated foreign languages. These students must also have a 3.0 cumulative g.p.a.

Top of Page

Loans

Below are some helpful links:

• Perkins Loan Application Process
• Stafford Loan Application Process
• Entrance Counseling
• PLUS Loan Application Process
• Begin On-Line Loan Application
• Lender List
• 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

• Federal Perkins Loan [formerly National Direct Student Loan (NDSL)]
• Federal Stafford Student Loan
• Federal PLUS Loan

A Federal Perkins Loan (NDSL) is a federal aid program. Repayment and interest of 5% a year begins 9 months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled, or is enrolled less than half-time. Due to limited funding the loan is only available during the Summer semester.

Perkins Loan Application Process

1. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Complete the FAFSA file in the Student Financial Aid Office; including a summer application. 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. Review your financial aid award summary on Campus Connect. Click Student Info-Accept/Decline award. Select the year for which you would like to view your financial aid or award package information and then Accept/Decline aid award button.
4. Complete Entrance Counseling at Mapping Your Future for processing to be continued. This process must be completed each summer you receive a Perkins.
5. You must complete the Pre-Loan Interview Form for the Perkins Loan and return it to the Office of Business Services located in Hallie McKinney.
6. You will also be required to complete a Master Promissory Note when your funds are disbursed in Business Services located in Hallie McKinney. Example is attached.
7. If you graduate or drop below half-time attendance, regulations require that you complete the Exit Counseling session. The Exit Packet includes Repayment Agreement, Copy of Master Promissory Note, Request for Deferment and Partial Cancellation of Loan Form, and Billing Service Information (EDSI).

A Stafford Student Loan is a federal aid program. It has a variable interest rate which is reset every July 1. By law, it cannot exceed 8.25%. This loan is in deferment (repayment not required) as long as the student remains enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Once a student is no longer enrolled on at least a half time basis, the Stafford Loan has a six month grace period before it goes into repayment. The monthly repayment amount depends on the total amount of your combined student loans, the length of the payment period and the repayment option which you choose.

For a subsidized Stafford Loan, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you're enrolled on at least a half-time basis. For an unsubsidized Stafford Loan, the student is responsible for the interest from the time the loan is disbursed until the loan is paid in full. You can pay the interest as you go through school or allow the interest to accrue while you are in school.

The amount of your student loan depends on several variables including your expected family contribution from the FAFSA, other types of financial aid which you receive and your grade level. Depending on eligibility limits, a student might receive a loan which is only subsidized or only unsubsidized or a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Stafford Loan Application Process

1. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Complete the FAFSA file in the Student Financial Aid Office; including Choosing a Lender. 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. Review your financial aid award summary on Campus Connect. Click Student Info-Accept/Decline award. Select the year for which you would like to view your financial aid or award package information and then Accept/Decline aid award button.
4. Complete Entrance Counseling at Mapping Your Future for processing to be continued. This process is for new or transfer students.
5. If all the previous steps have been completed, the Office of Financial aid will certify your loan and transmit it electronically to the guarantee agency for approval.
6. The Guarantee Agency reviews your prior loan history, if any, and checks to see if you have a Master Promissory Note (MPN) on file. If no MPN is on file, the guarantee Agency will send an email or letter to you directing you to OpenNet website where you may sign your MPN electronically. If you have received that e-mail or letter you may now complete your MPN.
7. You may track your loan through ELM Resources to see if the loan has been approved by the guarantee agency, the scheduled amounts and dates of disbursements, receipt of your MPN, etc.
8. Your lender forwards your loan funds electronically (EFT) to the University through the National Disbursement Network. These funds are deposited into a University checking account.
9. The Office of Financial Aid confirms your continued eligibility for the loan funds and authorizes Financial Services to prepare your disbursement. Any outstanding University obligations are paid first and, if funds remain, the balance is disbursed to you. Loan funds are disbursed at least twice a week throughout the semester.
10. If you graduate or drop below half-time attendance, regulations require that you complete the Exit Counseling session.

Federal 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 federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) if they so 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 Office of Student Financial Services 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 unsubsidized Stafford Loans in your own name. A copy of the PLUS Loan denial from the lender is required for us to confirm your additional unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility.

Repayment on a PLUS Loan starts within 60 days upon disbursement. Some lenders have interest only payment options for up to four years. The PLUS Loan interest rate is variable and could change each year of repayment, but by law it will never exceed 9.0 percent.

Borrow Only What You Need – Keep Track of Your Paperwork!

Student loans are easy to get. They are so easy, they can be dangerous! They are loans and they must be paid back, with interest. So borrow conservatively! Also keep in contact with your lender so you always have current information about your loan from them.

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 at this time that you are interested in a Plus Loan. You will also need to complete a Plus Loan Questionnaire. 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 document letter requesting the information to be returned.
3. The student can review their financial aid award summary on Campus Connect. Click Student Info-Accept/Decline award. Select the year for which they would like to view their financial aid or award package information and then Accept/Decline aid award button.
4. If all the previous steps have been completed, the Office of Financial Aid will certify your loan and transmit it electronically to the guarantee Agency for approval.
5. The Guarantee Agency reviews your prior loan history, if any, and checks to see if you have a Master Promissory Note (MPN) on file. If no MPN is on file, the guarantee Agency will send an email to you directing you to OpenNet website where you may sign your MPN electronically. If you have received that e-mail or letter you may now complete your MPN.
6. You may track your loan through ELM Resources to see if the loan has been approved by the guarantee agency, the scheduled amounts and dates of disbursements, receipt of your MPN, etc.
7. Your lender forwards your loan funds electronically (EFT) to the University through the National Disbursement Network. These funds are deposited into a University checking account.
8. The Office of Financial Aid confirms your continued eligibility for the loan funds and authorizes Financial Services to prepare your disbursement. Any outstanding University obligations are paid first and, if funds remain, the balance is mailed to your home address as shown on the Plus Questionnaire.

Mapping Your Future

Visit the Mapping Your Future Website.

Top of Page

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 financial need and 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 demonstrated financial need. The maximum amount a recipient can earn under this federal program is determined by his/her financial need.

Regular University Employment - provides part-time employment for students enrolled at SOSU. This program is for students who do not qualify form employment under the Federal Work-Student Program. You will be paid on the same basis as the Work-Student employees. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Top of Page

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.

Top of Page

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.

Top of Page

Veterans Affairs

The Office of Veterans Affairs provides a variety of financial aids to undergraduate and graduate students who qualify for veteran's benefits. In order to qualify for full subsistence, applicants who are undergraduates must enroll in a minimum of twelve semester hours in a regular semester and six semester hours in a summer session. A graduate student must enroll in a minimum of nine semester hours in a regular semester and five semester hours in a summer session. Regular attendance and satisfactory academic progress is required throughout the semester to remain eligible to receive benefits. Tutoring is available to qualified students through the Veterans Administration. Limited work study funds are available to veterans. Further information concerning veteran's benefits may be obtained from:

Veteran’s Coordinator
Student Financial Aid Office
Administration Building, Room 107
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
1405 N. 4th, PMB 4224
Durant, OK 74701
Phone: (580) 745-2918

Veterans Affairs Education Benefits Website

Visit the Veterans Affairs Education Benefits Website.

Telephone Verification Enrollment: 1-877-823-2378

Internet Verification of Enrollment: WAVE Internet Verification of Enrollment

The VA Regional Office located in Muskogee, OK can answer any questions that you might have about your eligibility for Veterans’ benefits. You can reach them at 1-888-442-4551.

Each semester new and current students will need to complete a Veteran’s Confirmation of Enrollment. If you are not currently receiving benefits from SOSU please contact the Veterans Coordinator for additional forms.

Top of Page

Financial Aid

• Scholarships
• Student Financial Aid Services
  • FAFSA
  • OHLAP
  • Grants
  • Loans
  • Student Employment
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Veterans Affairs
• Forms
• Complete Withdrawal
• Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
• Contact Information