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USW AT A GLANCE Founded in 1962 Undergraduate Programs 32 Graduate Programs 40 Online Graduate Program 100% Athletic Teams 11 Student Organizations 8 Receive Financial Aid 80% Student Faculty Ratio 19:1 Executive Cabinet Dr. Ryan Tipton President, Chief Executive Officer Steve Appel Vice President of Campus Facilities & Athletics, Head Baseball Coach Amanda Guzman-Appel Vice President of Campus Life & Student Affairs Dr. Brianna Lopez Vice President of Instruction & Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer Veronica Torrez Vice President of Human Resources Jennifer Burrola Vice President of Financial Services, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Joshua Ford Vice President of Information Technology, Information Security Officer Board of T rustees Lee Roberson Class of 2027 Chair: Board of Trustees Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Hobbs, NM David Shaw Class of 2028 Vice Chair: Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee Lovington, NM Mark Roddenberry Class of 2029 Secretary: Board of Trustees Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Hobbs, NM Bobby Shaw Class of 2029 Trustee-At-Large Institutional Resources Committee Hobbs, NM Brian Snider Class of 2026 Academic Affairs Committee Jal, NM Brittany Flemming Class of 2029 Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Hobbs, NM Cliff Brunson Class of 2028 Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Hobbs, NM Connie Sevier Class of 2029 Student Affairs & Campus Life Committee Lovington, NM Danielle Hernandez Class of 2030 Chair: Enrollment Management & Retention Committee Hobbs, NM Dr. George Klein Class of 2030 Chair: Academic Affairs Committee Hobbs, NM Heather Evans Class of 2027 Enrollment Management & Retention Committee Hobbs, NM Justin Bromley Class of 2030 Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Lovington, NM Laura Ponce Class of 2026 Enrollment Management & Retention Committee Hobbs, NM LeAnne Gandy Class of 2028 Academic Affairs Committee Lovington, NM Liz White Class of 2027 Chair: Student Affairs & Campus Life Committee Lovington, NM Michael Newell Class of 2028 Institutional Resources Committee Hobbs, NM Pam Quiñones Class of 2030 Academic Affairs Committee Lovington, NM Richard Sanchez Class of 2027 Chair: Institutional Resources Committee Hobbs, NM Russell Cowan Class of 2030 Student Affairs & Campus Life Committee Hobbs, NM Steven Cox Class of 2029 Seminole, TX

Grant Details Back Previous Next New Mexico Student Incentive Grant New Mexico Student Incentive Grant The New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG) is a need-based grant for eligible New Mexico resident undergraduate students with substantial financial need. Funding is limited, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award. Purpose of the Program NMSIG helps eligible New Mexico residents meet the cost of attending an approved postsecondary institution in New Mexico. The program is intended for undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need. Eligibility Requirements To be considered for NMSIG at USW, a student generally must: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; Meet New Mexico residency requirements; Have earned a high school diploma or recognized high school equivalency credential; Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student; Be enrolled at least half-time; Not have earned a bachelor’s degree; Demonstrate substantial financial need; Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any additional application requirements established by USW; Maintain satisfactory academic progress; and Meet all other applicable state and institutional eligibility requirements. Award Amount NMSIG awards currently range from $200 to $2,500 per academic year. The actual amount awarded is determined by USW and may depend on: The student’s demonstrated financial need; The student’s cost of attendance; Other financial assistance received; Enrollment and period of attendance; USW’s awarding policies; and The availability of state and institutional funds. An award cannot exceed the student’s remaining financial need or applicable program limits. How to Apply Students must complete the FAFSA for the applicable award year and submit any additional information requested by the USW Financial Aid Office. The FAFSA does not include a separate option for students to indicate interest in NMSIG. USW uses FAFSA information and applicable state and institutional requirements to determine eligibility. Students should complete the FAFSA and all outstanding financial aid requirements by USW’s applicable priority deadlines. Submitting a FAFSA does not guarantee an NMSIG award. Renewal NMSIG is awarded for one academic year at a time and is not automatically renewed. A student must reapply for financial aid each year and continue to meet all eligibility requirements. An award may be renewed annually until the student earns a bachelor’s degree, subject to continued eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, enrollment of at least half-time, and the availability of funds. Receiving NMSIG during one year does not guarantee an award in a subsequent year. Disbursement and Enrollment Changes NMSIG funds are disbursed through USW and applied to the student’s eligible educational costs in accordance with state and institutional requirements. A student who withdraws, drops below half-time enrollment, becomes ineligible, or receives a change in other financial assistance may have the award adjusted or canceled. The student may be required to repay a portion of previously disbursed funds when applicable. New Mexico Residency Students must establish and maintain New Mexico residency under applicable state requirements. Being physically present in New Mexico does not, by itself, necessarily establish eligibility for resident financial aid. Additional information is available on the New Mexico Higher Education Department Student Incentive Grant webpage . Additional grant information and USW financial aid policies are available in the academic catalog . Additional details for this grant, as well as all financial aid policies, can be found in the academic catalog .

Grant Details Back Previous Next Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a campus-based federal grant program for eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. FSEOG funds are limited, and completing the FAFSA does not guarantee that a student will receive an award. Need-Based Aid and Awarding Priority FSEOG is awarded based on financial need. Federal regulations require institutions to give first priority to eligible students with the lowest Student Aid Indexes (SAIs) who will also receive Federal Pell Grants during the award year. If funds remain after eligible Pell Grant recipients have been considered, USW may award FSEOG to other eligible undergraduate students with the lowest SAIs. Limited Funding The U.S. Department of Education allocates a limited amount of FSEOG funding to participating institutions each award year. Once USW’s available funds have been awarded, additional eligible students may not receive FSEOG. Students should complete the FAFSA and all requested financial aid requirements by USW’s applicable priority deadlines. Receiving FSEOG in one year does not guarantee an award in a future year. Grant Amounts FSEOG awards generally range from $100 to $4,000 for a full academic year. The actual amount awarded by USW depends on: The student’s financial need; The student’s SAI and Pell Grant eligibility; The student’s cost of attendance; The amount of other financial assistance received; The student’s enrollment and period of attendance; USW’s awarding policies; and The availability of FSEOG funds. The $100 minimum may be prorated when a student attends for less than a full academic year. Federal rules may allow an award of up to $4,400 for an eligible student participating in an approved study-abroad program. Eligibility Requirements To be considered for FSEOG, a student generally must: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student in an eligible degree or certificate program; Not have previously earned a bachelor’s or first professional degree; Demonstrate financial need; Complete the FAFSA for the applicable award year; Meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid; Maintain satisfactory academic progress; and Satisfy any additional institutional requirements. Application Process No separate federal FSEOG application is required. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each award year. FAFSA information is used to calculate the student’s SAI and determine financial need. USW then selects recipients in accordance with federal priority requirements, institutional awarding procedures, and available funding. Submitting a FAFSA does not guarantee an FSEOG award. Institutional Awarding and Disbursement The U.S. Department of Education allocates FSEOG funds to participating institutions. USW determines individual student awards and disburses funds to eligible students according to federal requirements and institutional policies. FSEOG is generally divided among the student’s applicable payment periods. Changes in eligibility, enrollment, attendance, financial need, or other financial assistance may affect the amount awarded or disbursed. Renewal FSEOG is not automatically renewed. Students must submit a new FAFSA each award year and continue to meet all federal and institutional eligibility requirements. Because funding is limited, receiving FSEOG during one award year does not guarantee that the student will receive it in a subsequent year. Repayment FSEOG is a grant rather than a loan and generally does not have to be repaid. However, a student may be required to repay all or part of an award in certain circumstances, including withdrawal, a change in eligibility, an overaward, or receipt of funds for which the student was not eligible. Additional information about FSEOG is available through Federal Student Aid . Additional grant information and USW financial aid policies are available in the academic catalog . Additional details for this grant, as well as all financial aid policies, can be found in the academic catalog .

G0vernment Grants Government grants are financial aid awards provided by government entities, typically at the federal or state level, to help students cover the costs of attending college or other postsecondary educational institutions. These awards do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable form of assistance for students and their families. Government grants can be need-based, merit-based, or tied to specific career paths, and they aim to make higher education more accessible and affordable for a wide range of students. USW determines grant eligibility based on information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Pell Grant Read More Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Read More New Mexico Student Incentive Grant Read More

Grant Details Back Previous Next Pell Grant What is a Federal Pell Grant? A Federal Pell Grant is need-based federal financial aid available primarily to eligible undergraduate students. Unlike a loan, a Pell Grant generally does not have to be repaid. Repayment may be required in limited circumstances, such as when a student withdraws, receives a change in enrollment that affects eligibility, receives aid for which the student was not eligible, or receives certain outside assistance that changes the financial aid calculation. Qualification & Eligibility Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each award year to be considered for a Federal Pell Grant. Pell Grants are generally available to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. Students enrolled in certain eligible post-baccalaureate teacher-certification programs may also qualify. Eligibility is determined under a federal formula that considers information such as: The Student Aid Index (SAI); Student and contributor income and tax information; Family size; Federal poverty guidelines; Enrollment intensity; Cost of attendance; and Previous Pell Grant usage. Beginning with the 2026–27 award year, federal law includes additional Pell Grant eligibility requirements. Foreign earned income excluded from federal taxation is included in the income used to evaluate Pell eligibility. In addition, an applicant generally will not qualify if the applicant’s SAI equals or exceeds twice the maximum Pell Grant award for the applicable award year, unless a federal exception applies. Submitting a FAFSA does not guarantee Pell Grant eligibility. Your Pell Grant Amount The amount of a student’s Pell Grant is determined by the U U.S. Department of Education and the institution using the federal Pell Grant formula. The actual amount may depend on: The student’s federal Pell Grant eligibility calculation; The maximum Pell Grant amount established for the award year; The student’s enrollment intensity; The institution’s Pell Grant cost of attendance; The length and structure of the student’s academic program; and The student’s remaining lifetime eligibility. For term-based programs, a student’s award is adjusted according to enrollment intensity. For example, a student enrolled part-time will generally receive a smaller award than an otherwise comparable student enrolled full-time. Pell Grant funds may be applied to eligible educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other costs associated with attendance. Lifetime Eligibility Federal law limits Pell Grant eligibility to the equivalent of approximately six years of full-time awards. This limit is referred to as Lifetime Eligibility Used, or LEU, and is expressed as a percentage. Once a student reaches 600% LEU, the student is no longer eligible for additional Pell Grant funds. Part-time enrollment and partial-year attendance generally use a proportionate amount of the student’s lifetime eligibility. Students can review their federal grant history through their account at StudentAid.gov. How to Apply Complete the FAFSA each award year to be considered automatically for a Federal Pell Grant. No separate Pell Grant application is required. Students should submit the FAFSA and any requested documentation by applicable federal, state, and institutional deadlines. Although filing early does not increase the amount of a student’s Pell Grant, it may improve access to other financial aid programs that have limited funding. USW will determine final eligibility after receiving the FAFSA and resolving any outstanding financial aid requirements. Additional Financial Aid Opportunities Federal Pell Grants are one component of the financial aid opportunities available at USW. Students are encouraged to explore available scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and other resources that may help with educational expenses. Additional information about Federal Pell Grants is available through Federal Student Aid . Additional grant information and USW financial aid policies are available in the academic catalog . Additional details for this grant, as well as all financial aid policies, can be found in the academic catalog .

Articulation Agreements University of the Southwest is committed to enhancing academic pathways and simplifying the transfer process for students. As part of this commitment, the university has entered into articulation agreements with various partner organizations. These agreements aim to provide a transparent, seamless transfer of academic credits and to facilitate opportunities for advanced studies and career growth for students. University of the Southwest has established articulation agreements with the following organizations: StraighterLine, Inc. 1201 S Sharp St Suite 110 Baltimore, MD 21230 (877) 787-8375 Students from StraighterLine who wish to further their education at the university can transfer their credits towards an undergraduate degree. The university will accept and apply these credits, as outlined in Annex A of the articulation agreement, in place of its own general education courses that are typically required for degree completion. Cooperative Educational Services (CES) Leading Educators through Alternative Pathways (LEAP) 10601 Research Rd SE Albuquerque, NM 87123 (505) 344-5470 It is agreed that those individuals who receive a Certificate of Completion from Cooperative Educational Services’ Leading Educators through Alternative Pathways program and meet all of the criteria will be accepted without further review of academic credentials, with 12 credit hours into any of the Master of Science in Education degree. Cooperative Educational Services (CES) Administrators Leadership Development (ALD) 10601 Research Rd SE Albuquerque, NM 87123 (505) 344-5470 It is agreed that those individuals who receive a Certificate of Completion from Cooperative Educational Services’ Leading Educators through Administrators Leadership Development (ALD) program and meet all the criteria will be accepted without further review of academic credentials, with 18 credit hours into any of the Doctor of Education degree.

Undergraduate Application Personal Information Legal First Name Middle Name(s) Date of Birth Social Security Number (SSN) Are you a U.S. citizen? * Yes No Do you hold permanent resident status? (I-551) N/A Yes No Do you hold a valid student visa? (F-1) N/A Yes No Do you have an alien identification number? N/A Yes No Have you ever been convicted of a felony? * Yes No Legal Last Name Preferred Name(s) Gender * Female Male Other Confirm SSN If no, what country are you a citizen of? If yes, when was it issued? If yes, what is your visa number? If yes, what is your A-number? If yes, provide an explanation. Contact Information Email Primary Phone Number Confirm Email Alternate Phone Number *Note: DO NOT autofill your address. It will not submit properly and you will have to resubmit your application. Permanent Street Address State City Zip Code Parent or Legal Guardian (If student is under 18) Parent/Guardian First Name Parent/Guardian Email Parent/Guardian Last Name Parent/Guardian Phone Number Emergency Contact Information Emergency Contact First Name Relationship to student Emergency Contact Primary Phone Number Emergency Contact Last Name Emergency Contact Email Emergency Contact Alternate Phone Number Demographic Information Hispanic or Latin American descent? * Yes No Unsure Prefer not to say First generation college student? * Yes No Unsure Prefer not to say List all races you identify with. Options: American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Black or African American Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White Prefer not to say Student Intentions Classification You are applying as a... Residency Status How will you attend class? If other, please explain. Start Term What term do you want to begin classes? Degree/Program Leave blank if undecided Are you seeking teacher licensure? * Yes No Have you been recruited for athletics? * Yes No If yes, which team? Will you be applying for/using financial aid? * Yes No Educational Background Have you applied to USW before? * Yes No High school diploma or Equivalent? * High School Diploma Equivalent High School Name Date on diploma/Equivalent *Note: DO NOT autofill your school address. It will not submit properly and you will have to resubmit your application. High School Street Address City State Zip Code College Experience (Send Transcripts) Have you taken college courses? (Ex. Dual Credit) * Yes No If yes, at what colleges? (List all) How many credit hours did you attempt at each? Currently on academic probation/suspension? * Yes No N/A Have you ever been dismissed from a college? * Yes No N/A If yes, provide an explanation. How did you learn about USW? *REQUIRED* I agree that University of the Southwest may contact me about educational services by phone, email, and text message at the contact information provided. Message & data rates may apply. Check to opt out of text messaging. (Phone contact is still required for communicating sensitive information.) *REQUIRED* I understand that USW is collecting personal information data that will be protected and used according to its Privacy Policy. Access Privacy Policy Submit An error occurred. Check that all required fields have been completed.

Biography Back Previous Next Dr. Ryan Tipton President, Chief Executive Officer As a third-generation Lea County resident born and raised in Lovington, Dr. Tipton literally “grew up” in the petroleum industry. He briefly left the area to pursue an education at the University of Texas – Permian Basin. After receiving a BBA in Marketing and an MBA in Management/Finance, he returned to Hobbs and started an oil company. With hard work, determination, and favorable commodity prices, the company grew into a regional energy conglomerate. His companies eventually held interests in multiple energy subsectors, including; oil and gas production, drilling, pipelines, and transportation. He also owned and operated two restaurants in the region. In 2007, he sold his energy business to a publicly traded firm and agreed to serve as VP and board member. While pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration, he founded a private consulting firm. In 2009, a chance conversation (that occurred while he was working on a consulting project) led Dr. Tipton to teach in the business program at USW, and shortly thereafter, he became the dean of the department. Since that time, Dr. Tipton has served the university as the VP of Online Learning and Chief Technology Officer, the VP for Academic Affairs and Provost, and most recently, the university President and Chief Executive Officer. Ryan and his wife Keisha (also a Lovington native) have been married 20 years and have a beautiful daughter, Rylee. His academic areas of interest include data analytics, corporate strategy, sustainability, and innovation. His personal areas of interest include anything involving the sky (aviation) and the ocean (sailing). Dr. Tipton will frequently comment that while he’s been fortunate enough to enjoy a personal pursuit of a wide variety of interests, he can honestly say that working in education has been one of the most rewarding.

Financial Aid Policies Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) The Office of Financial Aid at University of the Southwest (USW) administers student financial aid programs from federal, state, and institutional sources. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) requires schools to develop and implement policies by which academic progress is evaluated and monitored for all students, even those who did not receive financial aid in prior terms at USW. Students must meet financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements to receive federal Title IV aid that includes federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, federal work study, and federal Direct Education Loans (Stafford, Parent PLUS, and Graduate PLUS). USW also applies SAP policy requirements to monitor eligibility for state aid such as New Mexico Student Incentive Grant and New Mexico work study. Students must meet SAP requirements for institutional scholarships as well, but some institutional scholarships may have higher academic requirements. The policy describes the financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements and is in addition to and operates separately from the academic satisfactory progress requirements for each academic program and department/division. The full policy can be found in the academic catalog and here . Your financial aid SAP status is available to you in Self-Service under "Financial Aid" at any time. SAP Statuses Click through sliders for more information. Undergraduate Warning Suspension Probation Final Suspension / Termination Warning Occurs: When the student’s completion rate (falls below 66.67%) or GPA (falls below cumulative 2.0) does not meet the acceptable rate as per the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy. What Happens: The student will remain on financial aid warning and until their cumulative GPA and/or completion rate meet the minimum standards. Must maintain cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 66.67% pass rate. Awards: Eligible Suspension Occurs: When a student is placed on financial aid warning in the previous semester and did not meet the warning criteria required (must maintain cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 66.67% pass rate). What Happens: The student has the right to appeal their suspension by completing the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeal form for review. Awards: NOT eligible unless the appeal is approved. Students are only allowed one appeal process. If approved, the status would be moved to probation. Probation Occurs: When a student’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) suspension appeal is approved. What Happens: The student must meet the following conditions to continue receiving awards in subsequent terms: Earn a minimum 2.5 GPA every semester of enrollment while on probation Achieve an 85% completion rate per semester Pass all classes Cannot withdraw from any classes Awards: Eligible under the conditions noted above. Final Suspension / Termination Occurs: When a student was previously on probation after an appealed suspension and failed to meet the requirements. What Happens: All awards will be canceled. Students cannot apply again for awards until the student’s cumulative GPA reaches a 2.0 GPA and students have a 66.67% completion rate. Awards: NOT eligible until student’s cumulative GPA reaches a 2.0 GPA and students have a 66.67% completion rate. graduate Warning Suspension Probation Final Suspension / Termination Warning Occurs: When the student’s completion rate (falls below 66.67%) or GPA (falls below cumulative 3.0) does not meet the acceptable rate as per the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy. What Happens: The student will remain on financial aid warning and until their cumulative GPA and/or completion rate meet the minimum standards. Must maintain cumulative 3.0 GPA and a 66.67% pass rate. Awards: Eligible Suspension Occurs: When a student is placed on financial aid warning in the previous semester and did not meet the warning criteria required (must maintain cumulative 3.0 GPA and a 66.67% pass rate). What Happens: The student has the right to appeal their suspension by completing the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeal form for review. Awards: NOT eligible unless the appeal is approved. Students are only allowed one appeal process. If approved, the status would be moved to probation. Probation Occurs: When a student’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) suspension appeal is approved. What Happens: The student must meet the following conditions to continue receiving awards in subsequent terms: Earn a minimum 3.0 GPA every semester of enrollment while on probation Achieve an 85% completion rate per semester Pass all classes Cannot withdraw from any classes Awards: Eligible under the conditions noted above. Final Suspension / Termination Occurs: When a student was previously on probation after an appealed suspension and failed to meet the requirements. What Happens: All awards will be canceled. Students cannot apply again for awards until the student’s cumulative GPA reaches a 3.0 GPA and students have a 66.67% completion rate. Awards: NOT eligible until student’s cumulative GPA reaches a 3.0 GPA and students have a 66.67% completion rate. Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Students need to consider the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation if they are withdrawing from the university or individual courses because it has significant implications for their federal financial aid. Here's why R2T4 is important for students: Financial Consequences: When a student withdraws from university or drops courses, it can impact their eligibility for federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). The R2T4 calculation determines how much of the disbursed federal aid the student has earned based on the percentage of the enrollment period completed. Any unearned aid must be returned, either by the student or the institution, which can result in a balance owed. Potential Debt: If the R2T4 calculation determines that the student did not complete a significant portion of the semester or enrollment period, they may be required to repay a portion of the financial aid they received. This can lead to unexpected debt that needs to be repaid, which can be a financial burden for the student. Affects Future Aid Eligibility: A withdrawal that triggers the R2T4 process can impact a student's eligibility for future federal financial aid. Students who owe a balance as a result of the R2T4 calculation may have their financial aid eligibility suspended until the balance is paid. This can hinder their ability to fund future education. Academic Progress: The R2T4 process may also affect a student's academic progress. USW will withhold academic transcripts until the financial balance resulting from the R2T4 calculation is resolved. This can impact a student's ability to transfer to another school or pursue further education. Loan Repayment: For students with federal student loans, withdrawing can trigger the start of the loan repayment process. Borrowers typically have a grace period after leaving school, but withdrawal may cause the grace period to end prematurely, requiring loan repayment to begin sooner than expected. Given these potential financial and academic consequences, it is essential for students to be aware of the R2T4 regulations and to carefully consider the decision to withdraw from courses or the university. Students who are contemplating withdrawal should: Consult with the financial aid office: Seek guidance from the financial aid office to understand the specific implications of withdrawal on their federal financial aid. Understand the potential financial impact: Be aware of the possibility of repaying a portion of disbursed aid and consider how this may affect their financial situation. Explore alternatives: Before withdrawing, consult with your academic advisor to explore other options such as taking an approved leave of absence, pursuing part-time enrollment, or seeking academic support to address any challenges. By being informed and making well-considered decisions, students can minimize the adverse effects of withdrawal on their financial aid, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and academic status. What is Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)? The Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) is a federal regulation in the United States that applies to students who receive federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and who withdraw from their coursework before completing the required period of attendance. This regulation ensures that financial aid is used appropriately and fairly. The R2T4 calculation is designed to determine how much federal financial aid a student has earned up to the point of withdrawal and how much must be returned to the federal government if the student did not complete the semester or enrollment period. Here's how it generally works: Determination of Withdrawal Date: The first step is to establish the official withdrawal date of the student. This date can be based on various factors, such as the date the student officially notifies the institution, the last date of academic attendance, or the midpoint of the semester if the student stops attending without notification. Calculation of Earned Aid: The institution calculates the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the student. For example, if the student completed 30% of the period, they have "earned" 30% of their federal aid. Unearned Aid Calculation: The unearned portion of the aid is determined by subtracting the earned amount from the total disbursed federal aid for the term. This unearned portion must be returned. Responsibility for Repayment: The institution and the student share the responsibility for repaying unearned aid. The institution returns the portion it is responsible for, and the student must return any funds they were disbursed but did not earn. Order of Repayment: If a student is required to return funds, they must do so according to the terms and conditions of their federal loans. For example, if the student has Federal Direct Loans, they will enter the repayment process as specified in their loan agreement. It's important to note that the Return of Title IV Funds calculation can result in the student owing money to both the federal government and USW. Failing to repay the unearned portion of federal financial aid can have serious consequences, including the loss of future federal financial aid eligibility and academic transcripts being held until the balance is settled. Students who are considering withdrawing from their courses should consult with the financial aid office to understand the potential impact on their federal aid and explore any alternatives or options for managing their financial obligations. A more detailed description of the R2T4 calculation at USW can be found in the academic catalog .

Academic Catalog Catalog content Subject to Change These publications are certified as true and correct in content and policy as of the date of publication. The university, however, reserves the right to make changes of any nature in programs, calendar, or academic schedules whenever these are deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in policies and procedures, course content, class rescheduling, and the cancelling of scheduled classes or other academic activities. Have questions? The USW Academic Catalog Assistant GPT is an easy-to-use, AI-powered tool available exclusively to those logged in with their USW ChatGPT account. It is designed to help faculty, staff, and students quickly find information in the University of the Southwest’s Academic Catalog, including degree requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and more! You can simply ask your question in plain language and receive a clear, concise response based on the most recent catalog.

Federal Loans Back Previous Next Direct Subsidized Loans 1. Purpose and Eligibility: Direct Subsidized Loans are federal student loans offered through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. They are available to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. To be eligible, a student generally must: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Have a valid Social Security number, unless an exception applies. Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible undergraduate degree or certificate program. Meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid. Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility and loan amounts are determined by the institution based on financial need, cost of attendance, enrollment, grade level, annual and aggregate loan limits, and other financial aid received. 2. Interest Subsidy: One of the defining features of Direct Subsidized Loans is the interest subsidy provided by the federal government. This means that while you are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program, during the six-month grace period after leaving school, and during certain deferment periods (e.g., during active duty military service), the government pays the interest on your subsidized loans. This interest subsidy makes these loans particularly advantageous for borrowers because it prevents the loan balance from growing while you're in school and during specific other periods. 3. Fixed Interest Rates: Direct Subsidized Loans typically have fixed interest rates, meaning the rate remains constant throughout the life of the loan. The interest rates for federal student loans are set by Congress and can vary from year to year. Borrowers can check the current interest rates on the Federal Student Aid website or through their loan servicer. 4. Borrowing Limits: The amount a student may borrow through the Direct Subsidized Loan Program depends on the student’s grade level, dependency status, financial need, cost of attendance, remaining eligibility, and applicable annual and aggregate federal loan limits. Direct Subsidized Loans are available only to eligible undergraduate students. Graduate and professional students are not eligible to receive Direct Subsidized Loans. Beginning with the 2026–27 award year, federal annual loan limits must be reduced proportionally when a student is enrolled less than full-time. Students must still be enrolled at least half-time to receive a Direct Subsidized Loan disbursement. Changes in enrollment may therefore reduce the amount a student is eligible to borrow. Annual and aggregate loan limits are established by federal law and are subject to change. 5. Repayment Options: Repayment options depend on when the borrower received the loans, the types of federal loans held, and other borrower-specific circumstances. Available options may include: A standard or tiered standard repayment plan with scheduled monthly payments. An income-driven repayment plan, including the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), when the borrower and loans are eligible. Other repayment plans available to borrowers with qualifying older federal loans. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for borrowers who work full-time for a qualifying employer and make 120 qualifying monthly payments while meeting all other program requirements. Federal repayment-plan availability is changing under federal law. Some existing repayment plans are being phased out, and not every borrower will qualify for every plan. Borrowers should use the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator or contact their federal loan servicer to determine which repayment options are available for their loans. Additional information is available on the Federal Student Aid repayment plans webpage . 6. Loan Fees: Direct Subsidized Loans have a federal loan origination fee. The fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement, so the amount credited to the student’s account will be less than the amount borrowed. The borrower remains responsible for repaying the full amount of the loan. Current loan fee information is available on the Federal Student Aid website. 7. Application Process: To be considered for a Direct Subsidized Loan, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The institution will use FAFSA information and other eligibility criteria to determine whether the student qualifies and the amount the student may borrow. If offered a Direct Subsidized Loan, the student must accept the loan through the institution’s financial aid process and complete all applicable requirements, including entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note. Students should complete the FAFSA and any additional institutional requirements by applicable deadlines. 8. Loan Counseling: Before receiving your first Direct Subsidized Loan, you are required to complete entrance counseling. This counseling session provides essential information about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower, loan terms, and repayment options. 9. Master Promissory Note (MPN): To officially accept a Direct Subsidized Loan, you must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). This legally binding document outlines the terms and conditions of the loan, including interest rates and repayment details. 10. Grace Period: Direct Subsidized Loans have a six-month grace period that begins after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. During this period, you are not required to make loan payments, and interest is subsidized by the government. 11. Responsibilities of Borrowers: Borrowers of Direct Subsidized Loans have several responsibilities, including: Maintaining enrollment in an eligible program. Keeping the loan servicer updated on changes in contact information. Understanding and meeting the repayment terms. Monitoring loan balances and progress toward loan forgiveness, if applicable.

Employee Benefits All full time employees are eligible for benefits. Benefit eligible new employees have the opportunity to enroll in insurance plans within the first fifteen days of employment. medical insurance Medical insurance is available at the time of hire for all eligible employees. The effective date of coverage is the first of the month following the date of hire. Coverage is available for employees and their dependents. If coverage is not taken at the time of hire it may not be added except during the annual open enrollment prior or within 30 days of a valid family status change. dental insurance Dental insurance is available at the time of hire for all eligible employees. The effective date of coverage is the first of the month following the date of hire. Coverage is available for employees and their dependents. If coverage is not taken at the time of hire it may not be added except during the annual open enrollment prior or within 30 days of a valid family status change. vision insurance Vision insurance is available at the time of hire for all eligible employees. The effective date of coverage is the first of the month following the date of hire. Coverage is available for employees and their dependents. If coverage is not taken at the time of hire it may not be added except during the annual open enrollment prior or within 30 days of a valid family status change. Life Insurance Benefit-eligible employees will receive a $50,000 Term Life Policy and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance at the time of hire, courtesy of the University of the Southwest. long-term and short-term disability Benefit-eligible employees who suffer a disabling illness, disease, or injury, can apply for continuation of partial compensation through a short-term and long-term disability plan. The University pays for this coverage. The coverage does not include job-related illness, disease, or injury. Such conditions are covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance. health care premium only plan The option of assigning specific salary amounts under Section 125 of the IRS code which will not be taxed by federal, state, or FICA taxes is available. retirement plan All eligible employees are able to participate in the University 403(b) Retirement Plan with TIAA. All eligible employees are able to make voluntary employee contributions upon employment. The discretionary University of the Southwest contribution will begin after the employee meets the eligibility requirements. tuition waivers The University supports the ongoing professional and personal development of its employees; therefore, full-time employees are eligible for a 100% tuition waiver of undergraduate and graduate tuition upon the first day of service. The waiver shall apply to tuition only. The tuition waiver benefit is also available to spouses and dependents after the employee has one year of service. The benefit is limited to the equivalent of full-time student status on a calendar basis (i.e., 18 hours graduate and 24 hours undergraduate). Employee discounts are available for tuition not covered by a tuition waiver, excluding dissertation and/or doctoral mentoring hours. council for independent colleges University of the Southwest is a member of the CIC tuition exchange program. This network of colleges and universities is willing to accept a limited number of tuition-free children from families of full-time employees of other CIC institutions. For further information go to www.cic.edu. paid holidays Employees receive various paid holidays throughout the calendar year. paid time off (PTO) PTO leave is available for full-time staff at the rate of 2 days per month (or 7.39 hours per pay period). Staff members with over 10 years of service earn additional levels of PTO. PTO is available for vacation, illness, or personal business affairs of the employee. Sick Leave (Part-time employees) Staff employees classified as part-time will earn one hour of sick leave for every thirty hours worked. paid parental leave University of the Southwest will provide up to four weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. The benefit is available to employees after one year of service. bereavement leave Staff will be granted up to five days paid leave in the event of the death of a spouse, children, children-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, or grandchild and three days paid leave in the event of the death of a grandparent, brother, sister, or brother/sister-in-law in order to attend the funeral and/or take care of final arrangements. court leave Eligible full-time staff will be granted leave with pay to attend court as a juror or witness duty. A copy of the subpoena is required. family medical leave act (FMLA) Employees may be eligible for up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons, including the employee’s own serious health condition. Please apply in writing through the Human Resources office. All employee benefits are subject to change at the discretion of the university.