Financial Aid Basics

Financial aid programs at University of the Southwest are funded through a variety of sources. Various financial assistance programs are used to recognize academic, athletic, or special achievement, meet financial needs, or provide self-help opportunities through college work-study programs and parent/student loans.

While it is not possible to guarantee funding to every applicant in need, the financial aid programs at Southwest are designed to assist with the difference between the direct costs (tuition, fees, books and on-campus room and board) of attending Southwest and the student's or parent's own resources as determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Each application is reviewed on an individual basis to determine the amounts and types of financial aid which would best serve the student. All undergraduate students are encouraged to complete and file the FAFSA each year to be eligible to receive federal financial aid at Southwest.

If you have questions or comments related to the financial aid programs available at Southwest, please e-mail our Financial Aid Specialists at financialaid@usw.edu.

Sources of Aid
It is important to recognize and be familiar with the following types of aid:

Institutional Scholarships
University of the Southwest awards institutional scholarships for academic accomplishment, athletics, and student involvement opportunities. Students may also apply for named scholarships which are donor funded. 

For more information click here.

Federally-funded
Grants:
Federal PELL Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), SMART Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, TEACH Grant, and parent/student loans are federally sponsored programs regulated by guidelines and formulas established by the government.

For more information click here.

Loans:
Federal Subsidized Stafford Student loans are available to students and Federal Parent PLUS loans are available to parents.  A number of lenders exist, and it is the responsibility of the student/parent borrower to choose his/her own lender. If additional assistance is needed, an Alternative/Collegiate Loan is available through private lenders.

For more information click here.

State-funded
The Student Choice Act provides grant funds for students who attend private institutions within the State. The New Mexico Student Incentive Grant also provides funds for needy students. These particular programs are for New Mexico residents only.

Southwest students may apply for the federally-funded College Work-Study program or the New Mexico Work-Study program. Both programs provide for on-campus employment.