Financial assistance consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment opportunities to help students finance a postsecondary education. Students may apply for these various types of financial assistance by contacting Southern's financial assistance office.
There is a limit to the number of hours students may receive financial assistance. Students are allowed up to 150% of the required hours for graduation in their particular program of study. An Appeals Process is also available for students who feel extenuating circumstances exist.
The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) is a set of guaranteed federal student loan programs that includes the Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) and the Federal PLUS (parent loan) programs. The source of funds for the Federal Family Education Loan Program is private capital from banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and other lending institutions. The FFELP is administered by guaranty agencies which, with the backing of the federal government, insure lenders against loss should a borrower default on the loan.
If a student is interested in borrowing a Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized) or a Federal PLUS Loan, you must meet with your Financial Assistance Counselor at Southern to attend a Loan Entrance Interview and sign your loan promissory note. Please contact your financial assistance office for more details about this process.
The Federal Pell Grant program provides the "foundation" of financial assistance to which other grants, loans or assistance may be added. If the student qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant, he/she may receive an award depending on family income, costs of education, and enrollment status.
Those applying for Federal Pell Grant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or renewal application. Students must reapply for a Federal Pell Grant every year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded only to those students who have extreme financial need. Since funds are limited, priority is given to those students who apply early.
The Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) is self-help assistance earned on a wage-per-hour basis through assigned part-time employment at on campus or off-campus locations. An effort is made to provide each FWSP recipient with a work experience that will complement his or her skills and/or academic objective. The hourly rate is at least the federal minimum wage and students are paid twice monthly according to hours worked. To be eligible for work study a student must have financial need and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours.
Higher Education Assistance for Part-time Students (HEAPS) is a West Virginia funded program designed to assist West Virginia students enrolled on a part-time basis.
Applications for funding must be completed each semester and the student must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for HEAPS funding.
The West Virginia PROMISE (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-state Student Excellence) Scholarship Program, approved by the West Virginia legislature in 1999, offers each West Virginia high school graduate who completes high school with a 3.0 grade-point average as well as a composite ACT score of at least 21, or a combined SAT score of 1000 (with a minimum ACT subscore of 20 in all subject areas or a minimum SAT verbal score of 490 and a minimum SAT math score of 480), a full-tuition scholarship to a state college or university or an equivalent dollar scholarship to an in-state private institution.
The PROMISE Scholarship is based on the student’s achievements - not on his/her parent’s financial resources, not on the institution’s resources, nor on any other factors.
Southern scholarships are presented annually to a graduating senior from each high school within Southern's district. Renewals are based on the applicant’s maintaining a 3.25 GPA and filing a renewal application by the established deadline (generally April 15).
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is designed to assist low income full-time students in attaining educational goals. The first step in the application process is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). Applications processed before March 1 are given priority consideration.
First time students must also complete the Common Application on the following website: www.WVapply.org. Students must also complete at least 24 credit hours in two semester to be considered for future awards.