Grants & Loans

Grants

Grants are financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Eligibility for Grants is determined by information obtained from the submission of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Pell Grant—The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, who have not previously earned a Bachelor’s or professional degree.

The Pell Recalculation Date or Census Date establishes official enrollment for Pell Grant eligibility each semester. FSW’s census date is the first disbursement date, after the add/drop periods have ended for the Standard, Compact A and Express terms.

• Fall 2026 - September 16, 2026
• Spring 2027 - February 1, 2027
• Summer 2027 - May 18, 2027

The above dates will “lock” Pell Grant credit hours for the entire semester, including compact B classes. Students must add their compact B classes before the census date. However, the above dates do not apply if you are only enrolling in compact B classes.

The amount of the Pell offer is based on the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) and their enrollment status. The Pell Grant amount is pro-rated based on enrollment intensity.

FSEOG—Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: FSEOG is a federal grant to assist students with high financial need. Eligibility requires that the student be a Pell Grant recipient, enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. Due to limited funding, not all students who meet eligibility requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed for renewal. For additional details and regulations, visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/fseog.

FSAG—Florida Student Assistance Grant: FSAG is a grant awarded to Florida residents who are enrolled for at least 6 credit hours and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. Due to limited funding, not all students who meet eligibility requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed for renewal. For additional details and regulations, visit floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

Available state funds are contingent upon matching contributions from private sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The Office of Financial Aid and Cashier Services ranks all eligible applicants on the basis of financial need, determines the award amount for each recipient, and notifies each student of their award. Due to limited funding, not all students who meet eligibility requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed for renewal.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship: Please note: For Florida Bright Futures Scholarship eligibility information can be found at floridastudentfinancialaid.org. Please contact your Financial Aid specialists for more information.

Loans

Important:

• All Federal Loans borrowed will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system. (Title IV of Higher Education Act, 1965).

Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans

Subsidized loan is a need-based loan and the interest is paid by the government while you are actively enrolled in school and for a six-month grace period.

Unsubsidized loan is NOT a need-based program and the student is responsible for all interest accrued from the date of disbursement.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, resulting in changes to federal student aid programs. Some of these changes went into effect immediately, while others will go into effect on July 1, 2026 and beyond. More information can be found here OBBA.

Additionally, the new law requires annual loan amounts to be prorated in direct proportion to your enrollment status. This change is effective with all loans borrowed for the 2026-27 academic year and beyond. Your eligibility will be determined at the time of disbursement based on the number of credits a student is expected to take for the academic year.

Federal Direct Plus Loans For Parents

Parents apply for a loan for their dependent child.

Private Loan Options

Although it is not required, you are encouraged to exhaust all federal loan eligibility prior to applying for a private loan. The terms of a federal loan are generally more favorable than a private loan.

In the event you do not qualify for financial aid, have reached the aggregate loan limit, or need aid in excess of what you have been awarded, you may choose to apply for a private loan. With this type of loan, you are applying through a private lender, and the Financial Aid Office only certifies your enrollment and cost of education. A credit check is done by the lender to determine approval. Keep in mind that multiple credit inquiries can reduce a borrower's credit score. The lender determines interest rate, processing fees, and repayment.

You have the right to select any lender of your choice. We do not recommend specific lenders and have elected not to publish specific information on individual loans/lenders due to the fact that borrower benefits are subject to change without notice. Interest rates and loan terms vary greatly among lenders; you should look at all options in selecting a private loan. The best way to locate a lender is to do an internet search for "private student loans". Detailed information regarding a specific loan can be found on the lender website or by contacting them directly. There are also comparison tools that can be found online which allow you to see multiple options for multiple lenders.

We are required by federal regulation to provide disclosures in the Truth in Lending Act. 

Default Management

Florida Southwestern State College has teamed up with Edamerica Services to help explain the student loan repayment process.

Your loan history can be found at My Aid.