Southwestern College 
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition
The tuition at Southwestern College for 2012-13 is currently a very competitive $485 per credit hour, though scholarships could result in tuition discounts for eligible students. At Southwestern College, we are acutely aware of the economy, and of the job market, and of the need to offer great value and affordability in the educational experience we provide. That is why we are increasing our Financial Aid options significantly.
The M.A. degree programs require 98 quarter units or credit hours. (This translates into 65 semester hours.) Total tuition will vary each quarter, depending on the number of quarter units taken during that quarter. If you are attending full time, you may be taking from 12 to 17 quarter hours, and if attending part time, more like 6 to 10 quarter hours. As a private institution, there is no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Tuition increases typically occur on an annual basis in the Fall quarter.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Paying for School
Most Southwestern College students finance their graduate work using some combination of the following:
• Personal/Family savings
• Federal Financial Aid
• Tuition Assistance Program Resources (Scholarships)
• Working while in school
• Unsubsidized Federal loans
• Private Lender Alternative Loans
A high percentage of SWC students over recent years have used Federal loans, making it probably the most powerful tool for financing graduate education. Dorothy Archuleta, our Financial Aid Administrator, is the most helpful person in the world in figuring out how that program can work for you.
Some people have savings, some not, and some receive family help, while others are not so fortunate. More than half the students hold jobs while in graduate school, and many prefer to go part time in order to both afford school and to really be able to integrate the deep learning that comes with transformational education.
Below you will find information on State and Federal Financial Aid options and on our Scholarship options
• Southwestern College participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program for students. The College makes every effort to help a student meet financial needs, subject to the availability of funds. The Southwestern College financial aid programs include Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, scholarships and payment plans.
• Each state’s Department of Labor or Division of Vocational Rehabilitation may provide assistance through programs.
• Southwestern College’s financial aid programs are founded upon the premise that responsibility for financing an education ultimately rests with students and their families. Students and their families should investigate local sources, such as service organizations, churches, Native American tribal affiliations, corporations and foundations for scholarship and loan funds.
Students residing in or near Santa Fe are directed to:
The State Library Foundation Center
1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
Loan Programs
Subsidized Federal Direct Loan:
Subsidized Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans from the US Department of Education and are awarded on the basis of financial need to degree-seeking students who maintain satisfactory academic progress and are enrolled with at least half-time status. During the period a student remains enrolled with at least half-time status, the interest accrued on this loan is paid by the federal government.
For the current academic year, the maximum amount which can be awarded to a student in Subsidized Federal Direct Loans is $8,500. Repayment of the loan by the student begins six months after graduation, upon early withdrawal by the student, or upon an enrollment status change to less than half-time. There are federal programs available in which student loans are forgiven in return for service offered to under-served populations. These are worth researching. (Effective July, 2012, subsidized loans will not be available for graduate students) http://projectonstudentdebt.org/files/pub/Loan%20Forgiveness.pdf
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan:An Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan is a non-need-based loan available to degree-seeking students who maintain satisfactory academic progress and are enrolled with at least half-time status. During the period a student remains enrolled with at least half-time status, the interest accrued on this loan may be capitalized (added to the loan principal) or may be paid monthly or quarterly by the student. Repayment of the loan by the student begins six months after graduation, or upon early withdrawal or an enrollment status change to less than half-time. The student is responsible for all interest accrued while enrolled at least half-time.For the current academic year, the maximum amount potentially awarded to a student in combined Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans is $20,500. Students who expect to use Federal Direct Loan funds to cover all or part of the cost of tuition must have a loan guarantee in place at the time of registration.This requires the submission of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other documentation that can take as long as three months to process. Please review the step-by-step process so that you may apply for financial aid in a timely manner.If a student does not have a loan guarantee in place at the time of registration, that student will be responsible for paying a minimum of one-third of the total tuition charges upon registration and for establishing a payment schedule for the remaining tuition balance.The fee for setting up a payment schedule is $25 per quarter. Registration can take place at any time up to the first day of class, but there are official registration dates established each quarter.
For Additional Information on Loan Repayment
http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans
http://www.direct.ed.gov/inrepayment
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Resources – Scholarships
In 2012-2013 we are increasing our scholarship funds and we are keeping our tuition the same at $450 per quarter unit. We have created scholarship and graduate assistant opportunities which you can read about below. In addition, we have created program plan formats that make each year more affordable for you. By decreasing the credit hours (quarter units) each year we hold the costs at a place that falls below the federal direct loan allotment of $20,500. You may attend SWC for two and half years if you choose the program planner – “Option 3” (AT/CN Option 3 Program Plan or Counseling Option 3 Program Plan) and this enables you to cover your costs while still being eligible for scholarships and all other financial aid opportunities. For example, The other program planner options shorten or lengthen your program and can be reviewed here.
Counseling/Art Therapy Program Options
We strongly encourage you to contact us and apply if you feel we are a good match for you. We will do everything possible to help you obtain the student loans and scholarships that you need. To be kept up to date on new information on our Tuition Assistance Program Resources you can complete a contact form and we will email you with updates as they occur.
Both current and entering students qualify for the funding. We recommend prospective students apply earlier than the set admissions deadlines in order to qualify for more of the opportunities below.
Graduate Assistantships Open for 2013 -2014
The local public library may have other sources of scholarship information. Additional scholarship information can be found on-line at the following sites:www.absolutelyscholarships.com
Other Resources
Southwestern College will provide information on Alternative Student Loans which are private sources to assist students in meeting additional education costs and living expenses. The alternative loans are based on the credit history of the student and it is the responsibility of the student to apply to the lender of their choosing.
Payment Plan
Financial assistance may be granted to students in the form of a limited payment schedule. Contact the financial manager’s office prior to registration for further information regarding the payment plan.
Veterans Benefits
Southwestern College is approved by the New Mexico Veterans Service to educate veterans. Veterans wishing to obtain information should contact the Veterans Affairs Regional Office at 1-888-442-4551.
Students needing additional information regarding the Southwestern College financial aid programs may write, call or e-mail the:
Financial Aid Office
Southwestern College
P.O. Box 4788
, Santa Fe, NM 87502-4788
Direct (505) 467-6811
Toll-Free (877) 471-5756 Ext. 6811
Fax line (505) 467-6812
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Resources – Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships
Open for 2013 -2014
For more information
contact Dorthy Archuleta
finaid@swc.edu
Direct: (505) 467-6811
Toll-Free: (877) 471-5756 Ext. 6811
Fax: (505) 467-6812