Paying For College
Financial Aid
More than $3.5 million in institutional aid is dispersed annually through our Office of Financial Aid, and 93 percent of our total student population receives some form of aid. More than 90 percent of our freshmen who apply get some type of aid. Approximately 60 percent of our graduates, who enroll as freshmen and graduate at Northwestern, accumulate no student debt!
The financial aid office is located on the first floor of Herod Hall, Room 113. Please visit the financial aid office for help on FAFSA or scholarship questions. Financial aid eligibility for grants, loans, and work study is determined by information entered on the FAFSA. NWOSU encourages all students to complete a FAFSA each year.
The disbursement of your financial aid will be through the Bursar/Business Office at our Alva office.
For more information on scholarship deadlines, maximum monetary eligibility (cap) information or any other items relating to scholarships contact Violet McGuire, scholarship coordinator, at (580) 327-8541 or vlmcquire@nwosu.edu. For more information about financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (580) 327-8542 or e-mail finaid@nwosu.edu.
What is Financial Aid and How Do I Apply?
There are different types of financial aid available at all three of our locations – institutional, state and federal in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and campus employment.
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Fill out the form each year using Northwestern's code - 003163 - as soon as possible after October 1. Awards made until funds are depleted. The priority deadline for completing the FAFSA is July 1 each year.
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Each semester Northwestern recommends students enroll as full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduates or 9 credit hours for graduate students). Northwestern promotes the initiative of 15 to Finish, encouraging students to enroll in at least 15 credit hours each semester (30 credits per academic year) so students stay on track to graduate on time.
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Once Northwestern receives your financial aid information, we will notify you if verification documents need to be provided, which could include tax documents from the IRS. When you are fully admitted to Northwestern and all necessary forms/documents are submitted to the financial aid office, your aid will be awarded. Your promptness in providing required documents will allow us to award eligible aid in a timely manner. Priority deadline for early awarding is July 1. Financial aid awards can be viewed online through the .
FINANCIAL AID STAFF:
Tara Hannaford
Director of Financial Aid/ Scholarships
(580) 327-8540
tlhannaford@nwosu.edu
Sue Marker
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
(580) 327-8106
smmarker@nwosu.edu
Violet McGuire
Scholarship Coordinator
(580) 327-8541
vlmcguire@nwosu.edu
Nicole Rangel
Financial Aid Assistant/Loan Coordinator
(580) 327-8542
nrangel@nwosu.edu
FAFSA
FAFSA
Applying for financial aid begins with completing the . The FAFSA opens each year on October 1st.
Important Steps to Avoid Delay of Financial Aid
- Both parent and student will need to .
- Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st. NWOSU school code is 003163.
- Both parent and student must consent to sharing IRS information or no financial aid can be awarded.
- Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) you receive via email from the U.S. Department of Education. This report will contain your Student Aid Index (SAI) which determines Pell eligibility.
- Once processed by NWOSU, you will be notified via email of your financial aid offer.
- Log in to the Self-Service portal to accept/decline awards.
- Notify the Financial Aid Office if you receive any outside scholarships or financial aid from another source. A change in resources may affect your financial aid.
- Promptly respond to all requests from the Financial Aid Office. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of your aid.
- Verify the Registry Office has received all official transcripts and required paperwork to be fully admitted. Financial aid cannot apply if you are not fully admitted. This can result in a delay of disbursing your financial aid.
- You must complete a FAFSA each year for financial aid!
FINANCIAL NEED CALCULATION
Certain financial aid awards are based off financial need. Financial need is calculated by using Cost of Attendance (COA) for the university minus Student Aid Index (SAI) that is calculated from the FAFSA. SAI is the amount the federal government says you and your family should pay toward your educational expenses. If you are a dependent student, your parents’ income is used for this calculation as well as your own.
The annual COA budget is based upon the estimated costs associated with attending school for one year.
BUDGET – SAI = FINANCIAL NEED
If you have extenuating circumstances that affect your cost of attending, please contact the financial aid office regarding your situation.
FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENTS
NWOSU does not disburse any financial aid until after the add/drop period (approximately two weeks into the semester). Scholarships will be applied first, followed by grants and loans during the fourth week. Any refund (money remaining after your bursar account is paid) will be disbursed via direct deposit at the end of the fourth week. Direct deposit information is entered on the Self-Service portal.
OTAG and OK Promise funds are sent by the State of Oklahoma. There is no certain time when the funds will be received. Once funds are received, they will be applied to bursar accounts.
Verification
VERIFICATION
Verification is the process of confirming the accuracy of student reported data on financial aid applications. Students selected by the U.S. Department of Education are required to verify the accuracy of family financial information and other data before Title IV funds are awarded.
Selection of Applications to be Verified
The Financial Aid office verifies the applicants identified by the Department of Education (DOE). The institution may also choose to select a student for “institutional verification” if deemed necessary due to a discrepancy or condition that warrants investigation.
Items to be verified/Acceptable Documentation
The financial aid office collects documentation from the applicant. Verification documents are compared to data on the FAFSA and tax transcript or a signed copy of 1040 tax form. The major items to be verified include:
- Household Size
- Adjusted Gross Income
- U.S. Income Tax Paid
- Education Tax Credits
- Non-Tax Filers
When the financial aid office has received all the necessary documentation, the financial aid counselor will review verification documents. If no further documentation is needed, financial aid will be awarded. The student will be notified through email that their financial aid package has been awarded.
Dependent Verification Forms
2025-2026 Dependent Verification V1
2025-2026 Dependent Verification V4
2025-2026 Dependent Verification V5
2025-2026 Dependent Special Conditions
Independent Verification Forms
2025-2026 Independent Verification V1
2025-2026 Independent Verification V4
Grants
GRANTS
Grants are financial aid that do not require repayment. NWOSU participates in Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) program, and Oklahoma Promise.
Federal Pell Grant – Eligible undergraduate students are eligible to receive Pell grant until they have completed the course of study required for their first baccalaureate degree. Financial need is determined by information submitted on FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) – FSEOG is available for undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Award is dependent upon financial need and availability of funds.
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) – A need based program for Oklahoma residents and enrolled at least half-time. OTAG awards are administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. This program is designed to assist students with financial need in meeting the cost of attending college.
Oklahoma Promise (formerly OHLAP) – OK Promise is a state funded program that will pay tuition for qualified students. Students must apply before December 31st of their senior year of high school and meet certain income requirements. Required coursework and conditions are outlined by the Oklahoma State Regents office. OK Promise students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible. OK Promise requires a FAFSA be completed each year to verify income requirements. NWOSU’s FAFSA school code is 003163.
Loans
STUDENT LOANS
NWOSU prides itself on a quality education at an affordable price. In fact, nearly 60% of our students who enroll as freshmen and graduate, do so with NO STUDENT LOAN DEBT!
When it comes financing your higher education, NWOSU encourages responsible borrowing. Student debt can become a significant burden for college students. If you are offered a student loan as a result of your FAFSA application, you can REDUCE the amount taken that is needed, without excess. We encourage all students to view their balance and financial aid awarded on the Self-Service portal and make a responsible decision when accepting loan amounts.
Students are required to be enrolled at least half-time to receive loans. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least six hours and graduate students must be enrolled in at least five hours. Loan disbursements will be prorated according to the number credit hours enrolled. Maximum aggregate levels set by the U.S. Department of Education apply.
Important to note that if you plan to take summer courses and receive financial aid, summer is considered a trailer to the academic year at NWOSU. Therefore, students who exhaust all federal aid eligibility (loans) in the fall and spring terms, may not have remaining funds available for summer.
You can view your entire loan disbursement history at . This site will also provide loan servicer and repayment information.
SUBSIDIZED & UNSUBSIDIZED LOANS
Students will be awarded Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loans. In order to determine loan eligibility, you must complete a FAFSA.
For a Subsidized loan, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while the student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
For an Unsubsidized loan, interest will begin accruing when the loan is disbursed to the student account. You may choose to pay the interest while enrolled or allow interest to accrue.
Before loans can be applied to the student’s bursar balance, the student must complete a Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling at the links below. The student will use their FSA ID (also used for FAFSA) to log in.
Loan proceeds are applied directly to the student’s bursar balance. Any remaining funds will be refunded via direct deposit. The student will set up direct deposit account information on Self-Service. Refunds will be issued within 14 days of disbursement.
Once the student graduates, quits attending, or withdraws, Loan Exit Counseling must be completed before a transcript can be released. The student will use their FSA ID (also used for FAFSA) to log in.
If you decide you do not want your loan after accepting and completing MPN and Entrance Counseling, contact the financial aid office immediately.
Important to note that if you plan to take summer courses and receive financial aid, summer is considered a trailer to the academic year at NWOSU. Therefore, students who exhaust all federal aid eligibility (loans) in the fall and spring terms, may not have remaining funds available for summer.
PARENT PLUS LOANS
If you are a dependent student and your financial aid does not meet your full cost of attendance, your parent can apply for a Direct Parent Plus Loan (PLUS). Since the parent is the borrower, the responsibility of repaying the PLUS loan rests with the parent rather than the student.
Application process for PLUS loan:
- Go to
- Click on “Grants and Loans” tab
- Click on “PLUS Loans: Graduate PLUS and Parent PLUS”
- Select borrower type “I am a Parent of a Student”
- Log in using Parent’s FSA ID (also used for FAFSA)
- Complete PLUS application
- Complete Master Promissory Note
- Click “I’m a Parent of an Undergraduate Student” and complete MPN
NWOSU will be notified of your application within 24 hours. We will reach out regarding any issues with the application.
If the parent’s request is approved, we will award student with PLUS loan and apply to the student’s bursar bill.
If the parent’s request is denied, we will award the student with an increased amount of unsubsidized loan. The student must log in to Self-Service to accept/decline the increased loan offer.
NWOSU does not certify private (alternative) loans.
Federal Direct Loan Annual/Aggregate Limits
Dependent Undergraduate Subsidized Total (Subsidized & Unsubsidized)
First Year (0-30 hours earned) $3,500 $5,500
Second Year (31-60 hours earned) $4,500 $6,500
Third Year and Beyond (61+ hours earned) $5,500 $7,500
Independent Undergraduate
First Year (0-30 hours earned) $3,500 $9,500
Second Year (31-60 hours earned) $4,500 $10,500
Third Year and Beyond (61+ hours) $5,500 $12,500
Graduate Students (non-professional)
All Years $0 $20,500
Aggregate Limits for Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
Dependent undergraduates (excluding those whose parents are not eligible for Parent Plus)
$23,000 $31,000
Independent undergraduates & dependent students whose parents are not eligible for Parent Plus
$23,000 $57,500
Graduate Students (not including undergraduate loans) $100,000
Students that will be pursuing professional degrees beyond graduation at NWOSU, please be aware that the maximum unsubsidized loan limit for professional degree is $50,000 annually, with a lifetime aggregate limit of $200,000.
The lifetime maximum for all federal student loans combined, excluding parent plus, is $257,500.
Parent Plus borrowers have an annual limit of $20,000 and an aggregate limit of $65,000 per dependent student.
LOAN REPAYMENT
After six months of not attending for any reason (i.e. graduated, withdrawal, or dropping below half-time), repayment will begin on loans. The student’s monthly payment amount depends on the total amount borrowed.
You can view your entire loan disbursement history at . This site will also provide loan servicer, deferment, forbearance, and repayment information. The National Student Loan Data System (NLSDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s central database for student aid. Student access provides a centralized, integrated view of the Title IV loans and grants so that recipients of Title IV aid can access and inquire about their aid data.
If you fail to pay your scheduled payment, you are considered delinquent on your loan. If you are 270 days late on your scheduled payment, you are in violation of your loan agreement, which will result in default. Defaulting may affect your ability to obtain an auto loan, credit cards, home loan, or other financing. Your default will have an effect on the future of this loan program and could jeopardize the educational opportunities for future students.
Summer Financial Aid
SUMMER FINANCIAL AID
Per federal requirements, students are required to be degree-seeking to receive financial aid.
Summer financial aid is awarded once the Summer Aid Application has been submitted. Summer Aid Applications are accepted once summer enrollment opens during the spring term.
Summer is considered a trailer to the academic year at NWOSU. Therefore, students who exhaust all federal aid eligibility in the fall and spring terms, may not have remaining funds available for summer.
Students are required to be enrolled at least half-time to receive loans. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least six hours and graduate students must be enrolled in at least five hours.
Summer census dates and complete withdrawal dates vary during the summer term due to various course start/end dates. Aid is calculated based upon enrollment at the census date. If you withdraw from courses from which have not yet met, this reduces the number of hours allowed in aid calculation. Verify with the registry office census dates for summer courses.
Satisfactory Academic Progress & Appeal Process
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy & Appeal Process
Financial Aid Appeal
If you do not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy below and are placed on suspension status, you will need to complete the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Request.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (S.A.P.P.)
Federal regulations require that all recipients of student financial assistance make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Students applying for assistance through the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG (FSEOG), Federal Work Study, Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG), Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Parent PLUS Loan, programs must meet THREE requirements to maintain their financial aid eligibility at NWOSU:
First, students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average.
Second, students are required to complete (pass) a certain percentage of hours they attempt.
Third, students must complete their degree within a timely manner.
These three requirements are summarized in the following charts. Failure to meet ALL of these minimum academic standards will result in the loss of financial aid eligibility. Students are expected to know, based on this Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, when they may be placed on financial aid warning, probation, or suspension. Satisfactory academic progress is reviewed at the end of each academic semester once grades have been posted.
- Grade Point Average Requirement - Each student must meet a minimum cumulative grade point average to remain eligible for federal student aid.
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Undergraduate Classes |
Undergraduate Classes |
Graduate Classes |
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Total Hours Attempted from All Institutions |
1-30 |
31-up |
All |
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Minimum Cumulative GPA |
1.7 |
2.0 |
3.0 |
- Satisfactory Completion of Semester Hours Requirement - Students must also successfully complete and pass 70% of all courses they attempt. Grades of A, B, C, D, F, P, S, W, I, N, NP, CR, U and AU are all considered attempted hours. All transfer hours are included in this calculation.
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Undergraduate Classes |
Graduate Classes |
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Minimum % of Total Hours Successfully Completed |
70% |
70% |
- Maximum Time Frame for Degree Completion - Students must complete their degree program within an allotted time frame to remain eligible for financial aid. The chart below indicates the time frame in which a degree must be acquired. Be aware that hour limits are cumulative; therefore, all hours from all institutions attended will be included, even if a student did not receive federal student aid. Student Financial Services recommends that students who have attempted 150 hours toward their first Bachelor's degree obtain a degree audit to ensure they are taking the courses necessary to complete their degrees. For financial aid purposes grades of A, B, C, D, F, P, S, W, I,N, NP, CR, U, and AU are all considered attempted hours. Once students reach their maximum time frame for their specified degree, they are no longer eligible for federal student aid.
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Undergraduate Classes |
Graduate Classes |
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Maximum Allowed Total Hours Attempted for Earning a Degree
Students must be unconditionally accepted into a graduate program to receive aid for graduate hours |
180 hrs -First Bachelor's Degree (150% of minimum hour required for any NWOSU bachelor’s degree) 231 hrs-Additional Bachelor’s Work |
48 hrs -First Master's 66 hrs -Additional Master's Work 67 hrs –Master of Counseling/Psychology 90 –Master of Counseling/Psychology with Licensure 157– Doctor of Nursing Practice BSN to DNP |
Financial Aid will NOT pay for:
- Courses taken for audit.
- Courses previously passed unless the course grade failed the minimum grade requirement for the program of study. The student’s degree plan must specify the minimum course grade required. Only two attempts will be approved. A third attempt will not be paid by financial aid.
- Credit hours earned by placement tests.
- Credit hours in excess of the 150% maximum program limit.
- Courses taken without being an eligible degree seeking student (enrolled as non-degree seeking).
Satisfactory Academic Progress Evaluation
Satisfactory Academic Progress is evaluated at the conclusion of each academic semester including the summer semester, if applicable, after grades have been posted. All attempted and transfer hours are counted during this evaluation.
- Financial Aid Warning is given to students for one semester who do not meet either one or both requirements I. and II. shown above. This is a warning status and students can continue to receive financial aid during their next semester of attendance. Note: It is the student's responsibility to know how many hours they have attempted and where they stand. If full compliance is not earned, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.
- Financial Aid Suspension will be required for any students who fail to meet either one or all requirements I. and II. shown above at the conclusion of their warning semester. Students cannot receive funds from the aid programs listed above while suspended. See Appeals: Eligibility is reestablished after the student improves his/her scholastic record to meet the minimum standards.
- Financial Aid Suspension will be required of any student exceeding the maximum allowed total hours attempted for earning a degree. Students cannot receive funds from the aid programs listed above while suspended. (see Appeals)
- Financial Aid Probation will be required for any student who has successfully appealed the Suspension with approval to receive aid for only one semester following the appeal.
- Financial Aid Academic Plan will be required for any student who has successfully appealed the Suspension with approval to receive aid while on a plan to ensure progress to meet S.A.P.
- Rules are applied uniformly to all students whether or not aid has been received previously.
- One semester=one payment period.
- Transfer Students Financial Aid Warning will be required for transfer students who do not meet the satisfactory academic progress conditions explained above except those students exceeding the maximum allowed total hours attempted for a degree.
Grades
- For financial aid purposes, all grades are hours attempted. (This includes but is not limited to A, B, C, D, S, P, W, F, I, U, AU, N, NP, CR)
- Only grades of A, B, D, D, S, P and CR are counted as hours successfully completed.
- For graduate classes, grades of D are also unsatisfactory.
- All classes attempted at all institutions are used in S.A.P. quantitative calculations.
- Grades of “I” (Incomplete) do not adversely affect the CGPA; however, they are considered unsuccessful and are counted in the total hours attempted. Completion of the course may result in both a change to hours completed as well as the CGPA. These changes are automatically recalculated at least once each year for financial aid recipients and can be reviewed and recalculated upon request.
- Grades received for remedial work (zero level classes) are counted as hours attempted and if successful, as hours completed for financial aid purposes. These courses have no effect on the CGPA; however unsuccessful remedial classes will count as unsuccessful hours attempted.
- Repeated courses are counted in hours attempted each time the course is taken; however, the effect on the CGPA is based on the registrar’s policy and determination of the Retention/Graduation CGPA.
Appeal of Suspension
A student with extenuating circumstances may appeal a financial aid suspension by submitting an appeal to the Chairman of the Appeals Committee. Appeals must explain in detail why the student failed to meet the minimum academic standards, what extenuating circumstances caused the failure, and how the situation has since improved. Examples of extenuating circumstances include illness, medical issues with immediate family members, or a death in the family. Personal or financial issues with family, friends, or roommates are not considered extenuating circumstances.
A student's appeal should include:
- The reason(s) why the student failed to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- What extenuating circumstances caused the failure.
- Supporting documentation that may be pertinent to the student's appeal.
- How the situation has improved.
The appeal must be completed by using the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Request form.
You will be notified of the time and place that our appeal consideration committee will meet to determine your aid eligibility status. Your attendance at the meeting is strongly encouraged but is not required. You will be advised of the outcome of the appeals hearing immediately following the hearing. All decisions of the appeal committee are final.
If denied, the student is responsible for paying for their own educational costs until the student improves his/her scholastic record to meet the minimum standards. Students who were denied due to maximum time frame are responsible for paying for their own educational costs for the remainder of their degree program.
If approved, the student will either be:
- Placed on probation for one semester only, or
- Placed on a continued probation based on the academic plan for success that they submitted with their appeal.
The student's approval email/letter will explain all requirements that must be met during his/her probationary period to continue to receive financial aid.
A student who fails to complete a single course or has a complete withdrawal from the university after receiving financial aid may be automatically placed on suspension.
Caution: You are advised that the enrollment costs for the hours in which you are enrolled pending the outcome of an appeal must be paid according to NWOSU payment policy regardless of the outcome of the appeals procedure.
Student Responsibility
Students are held responsible for reading and understanding the Satisfactory Academic Progress eligibility requirements and knowing their status at the end of each semester. If questions arise, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at (580) 327-8542. It is the suspended student’s responsibility to notify the financial aid office upon regaining compliance and to process the proper paperwork to receive financial aid.
*Please note: Financial aid warning, probation, and suspension are separate from academic probation and suspension.
Return of Title IV Funds
RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS
A student is considered to have withdrawn if they do not complete all the days in the term of enrollment scheduled. To officially withdraw from all courses, the student must complete paperwork with the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management office in Ryerson Hall. The Return of Funds Calculation uses the number of days enrolled divided by the number of days in the term to get the percentage of aid earned. Students who remain enrolled beyond the 60% point of the term are considered to have earned 100% of aid received. Students who are enrolled for less than 60% of the term are responsible for repaying that aid.
An official withdrawal occurs when a student completes paperwork to drop all classes. Financial aid receives a copy as official notification of the withdrawal. The financial aid office will use Department of Education software to determine aid earned, aid to be returned by both the school and the student, and amount of post-withdrawal disbursements available, if applicable. Students that process official withdrawals after census date and before disbursement are offered post-withdrawal disbursements as soon as possible and within 30 days. Students will be notified in writing and given at least 14 days to accept post-withdrawal disbursements. The NWOSU complete withdrawal form is used to determine if the student has attended any classes and the date of the withdrawal. For official withdrawals, the request date is used to determine aid eligibility for the payment period.
Unofficial withdrawals are also considered withdrawals when a student apparently leaves school (quits attending) all classes during the semester. These students are determined at the end of the semester by failure to successfully complete any classes during the semester. Instructors are required to submit a “last day of attendance” when issuing a failing grade. These dates are used to calculate aid earned and amount of unearned aid that needs to be returned. The process is completed as soon after the term ends as possible (determination that the student withdrew) or within 30 days.
Any refund amount calculated from this formula that must be returned will be returned to the appropriate federal aid program in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
- Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
- Parent Plus Loans
- Pell Grant
- Federal SEOG
- Any other Title IV programs
Students need to be aware that when NWOSU is required to return unearned funds due to a withdrawal, they may have a balance due to the university. A letter is mailed to the address on file with the registry office notifying the student of the return and amount to be repaid. The university must complete the Return of Title IV Funds process within 45 days of the date of the student’s withdrawal.
Transfer Students
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Welcome to NWOSU! We’re glad you’ve decided to join the Ranger Family!
Financial aid does not automatically transfer between schools. There are a few steps you will need to take in order for NWOSU to be able to award you financial aid.
- Log in to your current year FAFSA and add our school code to your school choices. NWOSU’s FAFSA school code is 003163. You also want to remove any prior schools listed.
- Notify your former school’s financial aid office about your transfer so they can cancel your financial aid with their school.
- Transfer scholarships are available. View a list of various available scholarships and the Transfer Scholarship Application.
- Submit official transcripts from every school attended. Once registry receives all official transcripts, you can be evaluated for scholarships.
- Financial aid cannot be paid to your account until you are fully admitted to NWOSU. Please contact the registry office to ensure your full admittance.
Financial Aid FAQs
FINANCIAL AID FAQs
Do I have to include my parents’ information on the FAFSA?
There are questions on the FAFSA that determine whether a student is “dependent” or “independent.” If you can answer any one question “yes” and have the documentation to verify your answer, you are “independent.”
If you cannot check “yes” to any item, you are considered dependent and must include your parent’s financial information. If you think you have extenuating circumstances that would exempt you from including parental information, contact the Financial Aid Office.
What if I just want to apply for a student loan?
Student loans require the same process as other financial aid, a FAFSA must be filed. This allows us to determine your eligibility for Subsidized loans (loans on which the government pays the interest while you are enrolled in school).
NWOSU does not certify private (alternative) loans.
When is student aid disbursed (paid)?
NWOSU does not disburse any financial aid until after the add/drop period (approximately two weeks into the semester). Scholarships will be applied first, followed by grants and loans. Any refund (money remaining after your bursar account is paid) will be disbursed via direct deposit at the end of the fourth week. Direct deposit information is entered on the Self-Service portal.
What if I am awarded financial aid after aid has been disbursed for the semester?
Financial aid is paid weekly. Late awards will be paid the following week.
Why was my financial aid suspended (cancelled)?
Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress towards a degree to remain eligible for financial aid. For undergraduate students, you must successfully complete at least 70% of classes and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. You must complete your first bachelor’s degree before you attempt 180 hours. Please see the “Satisfactory Academic Progress & Appeal Process” tab for more information.
Will dropping a class affect my financial aid?
Dropping a class can cause you to fall below the 70% required completion rate for continued financial aid.
Are grants and scholarships available for graduate work?
Generally, the answer is no. However, there are a few foundation scholarships that allow the recipient to be a graduate student.
What is “full-time” for scholarship and financial aid purposes?
Full-time status for financial aid and scholarships is 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and nine credit hours for graduate students per semester. Loans require at least half-time enrollment (six hours for undergraduate and five hours for graduate).
How much can I work if I’m eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS)?
As a FWS employee, you are allowed up to 15 hours per week. However, supervisors are responsible for staying within their department’s budget amount, which may not allow for 15 hours per week.
Any work performed by a student during university breaks, must be approved in advance by the Human Resources office and supervisor.
What withholdings will I see coming from my paycheck?
In most cases, a student worker will be exempt from FICA (Social Security tax). However, there are instances when FICA must be withheld and remitted to the Social Security Administration. Contact the payroll officer at (580) 327-8175 for more information.
Will I receive a W-2 at the end of the year?
Yes. The Human Resources/Payroll Office will send you a W-2 form at the end of January to be mailed to your address on file with their office. Make sure you advise Human Resources/Payroll of any address change during your employment and after you leave. (NWOSU Registry Office must be notified separately by you). Each student is responsible for filing the necessary tax forms with the IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission.
On Campus Student Employment
Are you looking for a job on campus?
There are two types of student work programs available at Northwestern, Federal Work Study (FWS) and Temporary Employment Action (TEA). Eligibility for FWS is based on the information you put on the FAFSA.
FWS must be requested by submitting a Federal Work Study request for evaluation of eligibility.
A TEA can be granted though the Payroll Office. It is generally easier to find a position on campus if you have qualified for Federal Work Study. You will need to process a work agreement for FWS before beginning work with the Human Resources/Payroll Office.
The maximum number of hours any student can work per week is 15. These 15 hours can be split between more than one on-campus job. The official work week runs Sunday through Saturday.
To be eligible to work on campus, you’ll need to meet these requirements:
- Be enrolled at least half time (at least six hours for undergraduates/five hours for graduate students)
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have been awarded and accepted federal work study
You’ll also need to provide the Human Resources/Payroll Office, first floor of Herod Hall within the Business Office, with the following "new hire" paperwork:
- Form W-4
- State of Oklahoma Loyalty Oath
- Form I-9
- Two I.D.'s:
- Valid driver's license to prove identity
- Social Security card to prove eligibility to work in the U.S.
Student time sheets are located in the under the employee tab. Select time entry and pay close attention when entering time to verify you are entering time for the correct position, if you work multiple positions on campus. Be sure to enter and submit your time sheet by the deadline so you can be paid. Late submissions will NOT be processed for payroll until the following month. Students are paid through the payroll office via direct deposit. These funds do not apply directly to your bursar account.
Supervisors must review and approve all time sheet entries. Students are not allowed to work during scheduled class times, regardless if class was cancelled.
The Career Services Office is available to assist supervisors hiring workers, as well as to help students seeking campus jobs. This office also may know of jobs available within the community.
Rights & Responsibilities
FINANCIAL AID RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
As a student, you have the right to:
- Know what financial assistance is available to you, including all federal, state, and institutional programs.
- Request a review of your current financial situation based on changes since filing your current year FAFSA.
- Know what types of aid are included in your financial aid offer and how to retain eligibility of those awards.
- Know what portion of your financial aid is grant/scholarship and what portion must be repaid (loans).
- With loans, you have the right to know interest rates, total repayment amount, procedures for repayment, when repayment begins, and repayment term. You have the right to request a deferment or forbearance if you have difficulty making payments.
- Know the criteria for retaining financial aid eligibility by meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Know how financial need is determined.
- Know the method and frequency of financial aid disbursements.
As a student, you have the responsibility to:
- Review and understand the terms and conditions of your financial aid offer.
- Understand your responsibility to pay institutional charges.
- Complete all requested documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
- Notify the financial aid office of any external scholarships or additional resources.
- Notify the financial aid office if your enrollment status changes (less than Full-Time).
- Complete the FAFSA accurately. Knowingly falsifying FAFSA information is a criminal offense, and you may be subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code.
- If taken loans, adhere to the responsibilities of your master promissory note, and notify your lender if your name, address, or phone number change.
- Read and understand all forms, you are asked to submit or sign.
- Know and adhere to the policies and procedure of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Univeristy.
Attending More Than One School
ATTENDING MORE THAN ONE SCHOOL
A student is only eligible to receive financial aid at one school at a time. If you are attending NWOSU and another school, you will need to complete a Consortium Agreement.
The Consortium Agreement allows one college to count the hours being taken at another school towards your financial aid award calculation. The “home school” is the university you are earning your degree from and the “host school” is the other school. The home school typically initiates the consortium agreement and pays the financial aid. The student is responsible for submitting a copy of the host schools class schedule and bursar bill.
NWOSU does not pay the host school. It is the student’s responsibility to use refunded financial aid from NWOSU, or private funds, to pay the host school.
Students with consortium agreements are required to have an official transcript from the host school sent to the NWOSU once term grades are posted. A hold is placed on the student’s NWOSU transcript until the host school transcript is received. This can delay future financial aid disbursements.
Cohort Default Rate
NWOSU Cohort Default Rate
Cohort Fiscal Year: 2022
3 Year Official 0.0
Net Price Calculator
NET PRICE CALCULATOR
Follow the instructions provided at this site to receive an estimate of how much students similar to you paid to attend Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ.