Financial Aid

The primary purpose of the financial aid programs at Southeastern Oklahoma State University is to identify deserving students in order to provide them with financial assistance for attending college. These programs are intended to supplement personal efforts in meeting college expenses. Continued support requires that the student remain in good academic standing with the University.

Student Financial Aid Services

Financial Aid is money, or the opportunity to earn money, which helps students attend the college or university of their choice. The Office of Financial Aid at Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers four basic types of financial aid:

Grants

A form of need-based aid which does not require repayment or that work be performed.

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)
• Oklahoma’s Promise (formally OHLAP)

Waivers

A form of aid provided to students to cover the cost of tuition or room. Waivers will not pay more than the cost of tuition or room.

• Tuition Waiver
• Non-Resident Waiver
• Room Waiver

Loans

Money provided to students which must be repaid. Generally, student loans have low interest rates and permit long-term repayment.

• Federal William D. Ford Direct Subsidized Loan
• Federal William D. Ford Unsubsidized Loan — Same terms and conditions as the Subsidized Loan except that the borrower is responsible for interest that accrues during deferment periods (including in-school) and during the six-month grace period.
• Federal PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) — A loan to parents regardless of income. Funds are sent to the university and made co-payable to the parent and university. Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is disbursed.

Student Employment

An award for which the student must work. Money is earned hourly and paid once monthly. The maximum amount a student can earn under these programs is determined by financial need and availability of funds.

• Federal College Work Study

For information concerning the above programs, contact the Office of Financial Aid, 425 W. University Boulevard, Durant, OK 74701-3347; phone (580) 745-2186.

Scholarships

Fee waiver scholarships are available to students who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees. The scholarships are awarded through University Scholarships and through academic departments on campus. The amount of scholarship assistance will be determined by grade-point average, ACT scores, leadership, and in some cases, financial need. Applications are completed online and are available at se.edu/financial-aid/scholarship-information/.

Reach Higher scholarships are available to adult learners pursuing higher education. These scholarships are awarded through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and are designed to support students in completing their degrees. Applications can be completed online through the Reach Higher Oklahoma website.

Bureau of Indian Affairs

The United States government through the Bureau of Indian Affairs provides annual scholarship grants to assist eligible students to attend institutions of higher education. To qualify, a student must prove Indian blood and meet certain residence, need, and scholastic requirements. Grants may cover such items as tuition, books, room and board, travel, and miscellaneous expenses. Further information may be obtained from the Office of Native American Center for Student Success, 1405 North 4th, PMB 2747, Durant, OK 74701-0609; phone (580) 745-2376.

Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides benefits to students with substantial physical, mental, or emotional handicaps. Eligibility and the vocational objectives of the student must be approved by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor prior to receiving assistance. Financial assistance includes tuition, fees, and textbook allowance based on financial need and financial aid. This information and policy is subject to change when Federal and/or State policies are changed. Inquiries and/or applications should be made at the Durant office located at 3008 W. University Blvd, Suite 124 & 126, Durant, OK 74701, or by calling (580) 924-2677, fax number (580) 924-0208.

Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides educational benefits to undergraduate and graduate students who qualify. Regular attendance and satisfactory academic progress is required throughout the semester to remain eligible to receive benefits. Tutoring is available to qualified students through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Limited work-study funds are available to veterans. Further information concerning veteran’s benefits may be obtained from the School Certifying Official, (580) 745-2174, Veteran Services Office, Administration Building, Room 105.

TA Refund Policy

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to the service member under the assumption that you will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When you withdraw or stop attending, you may no longer be eligible to receive the full amount of TA funds awarded.

To comply with the Department of Defense (DOD), the University will return any unearned TA funds based on a proportional basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were awarded. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period. The return of any TA funds will be returned directly to the military service, not to the service member.

If you are unable to attend due to military service obligation, the University will work to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion. For more information regarding this policy contact (580) 745-2173, Business Office, Administration Building, Room 101.

Recruiting Policy

The University refrains from providing commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal aid (including Tuition Assistance Funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of financial assistance.

Cohort Loan Default Rate

The University’s Cohort Loan Rate is an average of 11.1 with a national average of 9.7. To learn more about school default rates and to view SE loan repayment data, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Changes to Post 9/11 Tuition and Fee Debt for Drops and Withdrawals

On January 5, 2021, the President signed the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 into law (Public Law 116-315). Section 109 of this legislation requires schools and training providers to be financially responsible, instead of the student, for benefits paid directly to an educational institution. This applies to tuition and fee payments under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and to advance payment of benefits under the various GI Bill® programs.

The VA will now collect the tuition and fees amounts from the University for any reduced credits or complete withdrawals after the 100% refund period. The student will be responsible for paying back the amount to the University. Book stipend and monthly housing allowance debts due to reduced credits or complete withdrawals will be paid by the student directly to the VA.

Students who drop or withdraw from courses resulting in a return of tuition and fees to the VA will incur a debt to the University. The amount returned to the VA by the University will be applied to the student’s account. Students with an outstanding balance may pay the amount owed or set up a payment plan with the Business Office at business@se.edu or (580) 745-2173. A financial hold will appear on the student’s account until all balances are paid, which may limit future enrollments. We encourage you to consult with the School Certifying Official before dropping courses or processing a complete withdrawal.

Adult Students

To be eligible to receive funds under any Title IV, Higher Education Act of 1965, financial aid program, an adult student must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/.