GRANTS
Federal Pell grants
Any student entering post-high school education is eligible to apply for a Pell grant. This program requires application each year, and grant amounts are calculated according to federal guidelines.
Although the student will be paid the Pell grant through the school, eligibility and the actual amount of the award are determined by the United States Department of Education. The financial aid officer at the school cannot make any adjustments
to a Pell grant beyond those allowed by the government.
Financial need is determined on the basis of a formula developed annually by the United States Department of Education and reviewed by Congress. The formula is applied consistently to all applicants and takes into account indicators of financial strength such as income, assets, family size, etc.
The formula uses the information provided on the application to produce an effective family contribution. The number is not a dollar figure, but is used, along with the cost of attendance and enrollment status, to determine the actual amount of the grant.
Apply for Federal
Pell Grant
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)
The Oklahoma Legislature appropriates money that is added to federal funds to provide grants to Oklahoma students. A family income scale has been designated by the Legislature as the method used to determine grant amounts. Full and part-time students apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by releasing the information to the state agency.
Federal Supplemental Opportunity Education Grant (SEOG)
As with other grants a student must have demonstrated exceptional need. The first deadline for consideration is July 1. All verification should be complete prior to that date.
LOAN POLICY
For loans made on or after January 1, 1990, for periods of enrollment beginning on or after that date, loan proceeds must be issued in two or more payments.
Stafford/PLUS first year undergraduate students who are borrowing for the first time cannot receive payment until 30 days after the first day of the program of study. Students
must be enrolled at least half time.
Entrance and Exit Interviews
An entrance interview is required before receiving a loan. Each student borrower is required to have an exit interview before graduating or dropping below half-time attendance.
Complete Entrance
/ Exit Interview
TYPES OF LOANS
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
The federal Stafford loan is a low-interest loan made available by a lender such as a bank, credit union, or savings and loan association; a guarantee agency and the federal government insure these loans. Subsidized means that the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school
at least halftime.
To qualify, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, enroll at least half time at an eligible institution, and meet the requirements for federal financial aid.
The student must demonstrate financial need for a subsidized loan (this is not necessary for an unsubsidized loan). An origination fee
may be deducted from the loan proceeds along with an insurance premium. All premium rates are subject to change, but the current rates are always disclosed in writing. Interest rates are variable, but cap at 8.25%.
Unsubsidized Loans And Federal Parent Loans (PLUS)
Another exception to the need provision requirement is the
unsubsidized Stafford and the PLUS loans. Unsubsidized means the
student is responsible for the loan interest while in school.
Parents may borrow up to the cost of education less other awards.
Repayment usually begins within 60 days from disbursement. Needs
analysis is required prior to application. Details on all programs
are available from the Financial Aid office.
EMPLOYMENT
Federal College Work-Study Program
Application for part-time employment by the college under this program should be made to the Financial Aid
office. Eligibility depends on demonstrated need determined through an acceptable needs analysis method (FAFSA). The amount paid is at least the current federal minimum wage.
A list of work-study jobs available is located on the Financial Aid
bulletin board.
AID FOR NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS
Native American students applying for scholarships, grants, and other assistance should contact the Financial Aid office for information.
In most cases, the student is required to complete a tribal/agency application and an application for Title IV aid.
Students need to apply early in order to meet Native American agency deadline dates–some as early as March 15 prior to the fall semester and October 1 prior to the spring semester. Information is available through the Financial Aid office.
VETERAN SERVICES OFFICE
This office is located next to the Financial Aid office. The Veterans
Services Officer provides educational counseling services for veterans and active duty military personnel. The Veteran Services Officer also administers and supervises all college-related veteran program activities.
Upon initial enrollment at Western, every veteran student who plans to receive VA benefits must declare a program of study. Failure to file a program of study and declare a degree choice will result in non-certification for VA benefit payments.
For a veteran or military student who is concurrently enrolled in more than one degree-granting institution of higher education, whether in-state or out-of-state, appropriate officials of the primary institution are required to provide a letter stating that the courses in which the veteran or military student is enrolled are required for or may be accredited to the student’s stated degree objective.
Unless the Veteran Services Officer at Western is provided with this information, he or she cannot certify a veteran or military student for VA benefits. Western Oklahoma State College will not assume the responsibility for monitoring programs of study and degree programs offered by any other institution
