Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

Student Financial Responsibility Statement

Midwestern State University implemented a new Student Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFRA) beginning with Spring 2016 registration.  It is mandatory that all registered students agree to the SFRA each semester before registering for classes.

When registering for classes, the student acknowledges and agrees to all terms and conditions set forth by Midwestern State University including liability for all tuition, fees, room, board, and other related charges. Failure to pay the student’s financial obligation in full by the due date for the semester allows Midwestern State University to exercise its right to pursue other legal action for collection. This includes, but is not limited to, placing the student’s past due account with a collection agency and/or other third party such as an attorney. In addition to paying his/her past due account, the student will be obligated to pay all reasonable costs and expenses of collection, including, without limitation, reasonable court costs and attorneys’ fees and/or collection agency fees and charges. Midwestern State University may also disclose to credit bureau organizations that the student has defaulted on his/her student financial obligation to Midwestern State University. Failure to attend classes does not absolve the student from financial liability. In all cases, it is the student’s responsibility to drop classes by the published drop/add date or the student will be held liable for those classes.

Please login to the student portal, select the WebWorld/Banner link, select the Student tab, then click on the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement and follow the prompts.  Select the accept button.

If the student would like to preview the entire SFRA, go to http://www.mwsu.edu/busoffice/responsibility-agreement.  If the student has any questions, please call the Business Office at 940-397-4101.

Payment of Fees

Payment is due at the time of registration.

One of the following payment options may be selected:

1. Pay the balance in full at registration. The University accepts cash, checks, and money orders at the Business Office windows.  Electronic check or MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit card payment are available on the MSU website at www.mwsu.edu/onlinepayments. A convenience fee of 2.75% of the total payment amount will be charged to the accounts if students choose the credit card payment option.
2. Installment Plan: A short-term payment plan which is administered by the MSU Business Office (940-397-4101) and can be used to defer payment of tuition and fees and/or on-campus room and board. The payment schedule for fall/spring is one-third (1/3) of the total amount is due at the time of registration; one-third (1/3) is due prior to the start of the 6th week of class; one-third (1/3) is due prior to the start of the 11th week of class. The payment schedule for summer is one-half (1/2) of the total amount is due at the time of registration, and one-half (1/2) is due prior to the start of the 3rd week of class. A $22.50 service charge is added to this payment. The Installment Plan is online at www.mwsu.edu/onlinepayments. Students who do not meet the required first payment by the twelfth class day of the regular semester or fourth class day of the summer semester will be voided from their classes. Students voided for non-payment and who are reinstated in their classes will be assessed a $100.00 reinstatement fee and a $25.00 late registration fee.
3. Emergency Tuition and Fee Loan - Complete, print, and submit the form to the Business Office for approval. The form may be accessed at http://www.mwsu.edu/busoffice/paymentplans. There will be a 1% service charge and a $22.50 loan origination fee added to the loan.

Once a payment plan option has been selected, no changes can be made to the payment plan, and charges for the plan are non-refundable.

Late Fees

A $30.00 late fee is charged if an installment or tuition and fee loan payment is made after the due date.  Late fees are also assessed on miscellaneous charges such as parking decals, exceeded medical charges, and housing charges.

NOTE: Midwestern State University reserves the right to change fees in keeping with actions of the Texas State Legislature or the University Board of Regents.

Estimate of Cost Per Semester

Resident graduate students taking 9 semester credit hours (Fall 2017)

Note: These prices are for a one bedroom in Bridwell Courts.  Please check with the Office of Residence Life for prices at https://mwsu.edu/housing/rates.

Students enrolling in graduate courses will be charged an additional $40.00 per semester credit hour above the statutory minimum rate ($50.00) for tuition.

GRADUATE STUDENT-THESIS ONLY. The tuition charge for thesis is $50.00 per semester (Texas Residents Only) plus required fees.

Registration Fees

Following the end of the fixed rate period, the designated tuition rate will default to the current incoming freshman designated tuition rate at the time and will no longer be fixed beyond four consecutive semesters. For semesters after Fall 2014, only new and transfer students will be eligible for 16 semesters of fixed rate designated tuition. Re-enrolling students not enrolled Spring or Summer 2014, who return to MSU will be charged the same designated tuition as the current rate for incoming freshmen each academic year.

The fixed rate designated tuition plan is valid for 16 consecutive semesters for new incoming students (and transfer students) enrolled for the first time in Fall 2014. Example: For a student whose first semester of enrollment is Fall 2016, this plan will expire after the Summer 2020 semester.

For more information regarding the fixed rate designated tuition plan, please go to the Business Office website.  If you need further explanation, please call 940-397-4101.

Regular Sessions
(Includes Tuition and Mandatory Fees)

Per Semester - Fall 2017

Full tuition and fees will be charged for each regular session in which a student is enrolled.

Summer Session

Per Summer Term - Summer 2018

Includes $40.00 per semester credit hour above the statutory minimum rate ($50.00) for tuition for graduate level courses.

Resident tuition for 2017-2018 will be $50.00 per semester hour.

Non-Resident tuition for 2017-2018 will be $458.00 per semester hour.

Distance Education (only) students will pay $50 per semester credit hour for tuition. Because distance education courses are online, students are not required to pay the Student Union/Center Fee or the Student Recreational and Health Facilities fee.

Students attending the Flower Mound campus only are exempt from paying the Student Union/Center Fee and the Student Recreational and Health Facilities Fee.

Effective for Fall 2014, the Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1210 which states that recipients of Texas state exemptions and/or waivers must meet Financial Aid’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirement of a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students.

Midwestern State University reserves the right to change fees in keeping with the acts by the Texas Legislature or the University Board of Regents.

Registering under the proper residency classification is the student’s responsibility. If there is any question about classification as a resident of Texas, it is the student’s obligation to contact MSU Admissions prior to registration.

ALL CHARGES ARE SUBJECT TO CORRECTION IF NECESSARY, FOLLOWING AUDIT.

Other Fees

* Senior citizens 65 years of age or older may audit approved course(s) offered by Midwestern without payment of a fee if space is available.

Instructional Enhancement Fees

The instructional enhancement fee is charged according to the college in which the course is located and the credit hour value for that course.

Per Hour Charge for Instructional Enhancement Fees:

Per Hour Charge for Differential Instructional Enhancement Fees:

Additional Fees:

AMUS (Applied Music) Fee - flat rate of $70.00.

Students taking distance learning classes are charged a fee of $50.00 per credit hour in addition to the instructional enhancement fees.

**see explanation

Degree Fees

Testing Fees

Information and Description of Fees

Tuition Fee. Tuition for resident students, except as otherwise hereinafter provided, is $50.00 per semester credit hour for 2017-2018.

Tuition for non-resident students, except as otherwise hereinafter provided, is $458.00 per semester credit hour.

Oklahoma Residents. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board authorized Midwestern State University to charge all residents of Oklahoma the Texas in-state tuition rate, plus an additional $30.00 per semester credit hour. Residents of Oklahoma counties that border on Texas will be charged in-state tuition without the extra $30.00 per semester credit hour. These counties are Beaver, Beckham, Bryan, Choctaw, Cimarron, Cotton, Ellis, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Texas, and Tillman.

U.S. Non-Texas/Oklahoma Residents. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board authorized Midwestern State University to charge all residents of the United States, other than Texas or Oklahoma residents, the Texas in-state tuition rate, plus an additional $65.00 per semester credit hour.

Thesis Only. Tuition is $50.00 plus mandatory fees. (Texas Residents Only)

Designated Tuition. See Fixed Rate Designated Tuition Plans for description.

Remote Student Teaching Fee.  Effective Fall 2012, the Board of Regents of Midwestern State University authorized the charge and collection of a $500.00 fee from all students that are completing their student teaching requirement outside of the designated local area.

Student Service Fee. The Board of Regents of Midwestern State University is authorized to charge and collect fees from students to cover the cost of student services which the Board deems necessary or desirable in carrying out the educational functions of Midwestern State University. The fees charged and collected will be $17.05 per semester credit hour with a maximum charge of $250.00 for any one semester.

Student Services include such services as recreational activities, recreational sports, medical services, intercollegiate athletics, artist-lecture series, cultural entertainment series, musical activities, student publications, student government, and any other student activities and services specifically authorized and approved by the Board of Regents.

Student Center Fee and Student Union Fee are combined into a Student Union/Center Fee for a charge of $55.00 per semester or $27.50 for each term of the summer session for operating, maintaining, improving, equipping, and financing the Clark Student Center and for acquiring or constructing additions to the Center.

Student Orientation Fee.  The Board of Regents of Midwestern State University is authorized to charge and collect fees from every new undergraduate student (and every new transfer student) who enrolls at the university beginning Fall 2015.  The amount to be charged and collected will be $75.00 the student’s first term.

Student Property Deposit. The Board of Regents of Midwestern State University is authorized to charge and collect fees from students to insure the institution against losses, damages, and breakage in libraries and laboratories. The deposit charged and collected will be $10.00 at the time of enrollment. The deposit shall be returned on the withdrawal or will be refunded only with a written request from the student, or the student may sign over the property deposit to the MSU Alumni Association for alumni programming.

Parking Permit. All students, faculty members, and employees of the University who park a motor vehicle on University property must register such vehicle and obtain and display as directed, a registration decal. This decal does not guarantee available parking space, but simply allows legal parking of a motor vehicle on University property.

Parking space for campus visitors and University guests is located behind and west of the Hardin Administration Building. Parking is also located off of Taft Blvd (east of the Hardin Administration Building) for the Welcome Center.

Student Recreational and Health Facilities Fee. The Board of Regents of Midwestern State University may charge each student enrolled at the University a Recreational and Health Facilities Fee not to exceed $130.00 per semester or summer session of longer than six weeks or $65.00 per summer session of six weeks or less. The fee may be used to finance, construct, operate, renovate, or maintain recreational and wellness facilities and programs at the University. The current rate is $120.00 per semester or summer session of longer than six weeks and $60.00 per summer session of six weeks or less.

Intercollegiate Athletic Fee. A fee of $10.00 per semester credit hour, not to exceed $120.00, will be charged and collected from students to cover the expenses of the athletic program.

University Services Fee. A fee of $72.65 per semester credit hour will be charged to cover various university services including but not limited to, technology, library, publications, advising, international education, tutoring, supplemental instruction, and student support.

Incidental Fees. The governing board of a university of higher education may fix the rate of incidental fees to be paid under its governances by students and prospective students, and may make rules for collecting and distributing the fees.

Graduation Fee. A fee of $30.00 must be paid when a student files for graduation. No refunds will be made after the final date for application for graduation, or for students graduating in absentia. Caps and gowns may be purchased from the date of Imagine Graduation, forward. Online ordering is available via the MSU Bookstore at http://www.mwsu.edu/bookstore.

Reservation and Room Deposit. The housing reservation fee is necessary to reserve a room. Once a student occupies a room, the housing reservation/room deposit becomes indemnity for the University against housing damages. Room reservation/deposits will be refunded/forfeited based on the departure of the student in accordance to the housing cancellation policy. Students wishing to leave their deposits to reserve a room for a later date must notify the Office of Residence Life & Housing.

Room and Board Charges and Refunds. Room and board fees for the fall and spring semesters may be paid in full at the beginning of each semester (at registration) or through a selected payment plan. Refunds are based upon the date of departure as verified by the Office of Residence Life & Housing, provided a Housing Departure Notice has been approved and proper check-out procedures have been followed.

Room rates for the fall and spring semesters reflect an annual room charge.  Students are charged 60% of the total room charge in the fall semester and 40% in the spring semester.  Students with a financial hardship may contact the Office of Residence Life & Housing to request a deferral plan whereas charges will be divided equally among the two semesters. 

Room charges for the summer terms must be paid in full at the beginning of each term (registration).

Private Room. If available, private rooms will be assigned to students who request them. There is an additional fee for a private room in addition to the semi-private room that must be paid in full at the time of assignment even if the student selects an optional plan for payment of room and board fees. The additional charge for a private room will be prorated if the student is assigned to a private room after a semester has begun.

If a student is approved by the Director of Residence Life & Housing to move out of University housing and he/she officially checks out of his/her room, a refund of room and board charges will be based upon the date of clearance from University housing and in accordance with the housing cancellation policy.

A student has a choice of three meal plans: (1) Block of 150 meals plus $250.00 declining blanace (minimum required), (2) Block of 250 meals plus $100.00 declining balance, or (3) All Access plus $100.00 declining balance. The student selects the plan he/she wishes once they are assigned to University housing. A change in the meal plan selection can be made at the Office of Residence Life & Housing during the first two weeks of the semester. A student who lives in a University apartment is not required to purchase a meal plan.

For additional information concerning housing requirements, facilities, reservations, deposits, and the current fee schedule, contact the Office of Residence Life & Housing, 3410 Taft Boulevard, Wichita Falls, TX 76308-2099 or at (940) 397-4217.

Registration Fee Refunds

Withdrawal Refunds. A student who officially withdraws from the University is eligible for refund of tuition and fees according to the following schedule:

*Prior to the first official class day.

Withdrawal refunds will be sent ACH to the bank account information on file at http://www.mwsu.edu/onlinepayments.

Dropped Course Refunds. A student dropping a course within the first 12 class days of a regular semester or the first 4 class days of a summer term and Part of Term B is eligible for a refund of tuition and fees for the course dropped, provided the student remains enrolled at the University for that semester or term. If the first class day of the course or courses being dropped is later than the (12^th) twelfth class day of the semester (4^th day in summer or Part of Term B), the date for dropping and receiving a refund will be determined by the date the class first meets. Audit fees are also refunded for dropped courses.

Title IV Refund Calculation. The refund calculation applies to any student who is attending the University, receives Title IV financial aid, and withdraws before completing at least 60% of the enrollment period. For more information, refer to the Financial Aid section of this catalog or contact the Financial Aid Office.

General. Determining dates for refunds is based on the date the application for a refund is received by the Business Office. Refunds will not be made for parking permits or payment plan fees without notification from the appropriate office. Detection of errors during fee assessment is the responsibility of the student.

Exemptions from Registration Fees

Listed below are exemption programs available to Texas residents. To view exemption information, go to College for all Texans (http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?ObjectID=699A998A-E7F3-1DCC-3F460F26136EEA05), click on the Exemptions link, and then the specific exemption.

Please note: When visiting College for all Texans you may see additional exemptions that may not be available at this time at Midwestern State University. If you have questions regarding an exemption, please contact the Business Office at (940) 397-4101.

Adopted Students Formerly under the Conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS)
Blind/Deaf Student Exemption Program
Exemption for Student Under Conservatorship of the Dept. of Family and Protective Services
Exemption for the Surviving Spouse and Minor Children of Certain Deceased Public Servants (Employees)
Exemption from Irrelevant Fees
Exemption Program for Children of Professional Nursing Program Faculty and Staff
Exemption Program for Clinical Preceptors and Their Children
Hazlewood Exemption for Texas Veterans
Military: Children of U.S. Military Who are Missing in Action or Prisoners of War (MIA/POWs)
Military: Orphans of Texas Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard

Waivers of Non-Resident Tuition

Listed below are waivers of non-resident tuition. To view waiver information, go to College for all Texans (http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?ObjectID=699A998A-E7F3-1DCC-3F460F26136EEA05), click on the Waiver Programs link, and then the specific waiver.

Please note: When visiting College for all Texans you may see additional waivers that may not be available at this time at Midwestern State University. If you have questions regarding a waiver, please contact the Business Office at (940) 397-4101.

Academic Common Market Waiver
Border County Waiver
Competitive Scholarship Waiver
Good Neighbor Scholarship Program
Mexican Citizens with Financial Need-Border County Waiver
Mexican Citizens with Financial Need-Border Nations Waiver
Military: After Assignment in Texas
Military: Assigned to Duty in Texas
Military: Honorably Discharged, Separated or Retired Veterans Who Move to Texas
Military: Member, Spouse or Child Who Remains Continuously Enrolled in Higher Education in Texas
Military: NATO Forces
Military: Persons Eligible for Veterans Educational Benefits, Their Spouses and Children Who Move to Texas
Military: Radiological Science Students of Midwestern State University
Military: Spouse and Dependents Who Previously Lived in Texas
Military: Survivors
Out-of-State Military: If Family Intent is to Make Texas Home
Research Assistants and Teaching Assistants Waiver
Waiver for College Faculty and Their Dependents
Waiver for Nonresidents Enrolled in Texas Public Universities Located within 100 Miles of the Texas Border
Waiver for Students from Mexico Enrolled in Graduate Degree Programs in Public Health
Waiver of Nonresident Tuition for Foreign Service Officers Stationed in Mexico Attending Public Institutions of Higher Education in Texas
Waiver Program for Registered Nurses Enrolled in Postgraduate Nursing Degree Programs

Tuition Limit

Concurrent Enrollment in Two Public Institutions of Higher Education

When a student registers at more than one public institution of higher education at the same time, the tuition charges shall be determined in the following manner:

1. The student shall pay the full tuition charge to the first institution at which the student is registered, and in any event shall pay an amount at least equal to the minimum tuition.
2. If the minimum tuition charge at the first institution is the same as or greater than the minimum tuition charge at the second institution, then no minimum charge is to be assessed by the second institution but rather only the per hour charge for the courses involved will be assessed by the second institution.
3. The student shall first register at the institution with the lower minimum tuition charge and the second institution shall assess only the difference between the total tuition charges at the first institution and those of the second institution, except that in no case shall the student pay the second institution less than the hourly rates for the courses involved.
4. If a student is considered to be a Texas resident and therefore qualified to pay, the student shall be considered a Texas resident at each of the institutions at which he/she is concurrently registered for the purposes of determining the proper tuition charges.

Application for this program should be made at the Office of the Registrar well in advance of registration. Normally the fee slip from the first institution will suffice as proof of registration at the institution.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office (FAO) is located in the Hardin Administration Building, South Wing, Room 102, (phone: (940) 397-4214, or visit http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid, or email: financial-aid@mwsu.edu). The MSU Financial Aid Office (MSU-FAO) mission is to remove the financial barriers which could potentially prevent a student from pursuing higher education. Financial aid consists of grants, scholarships, long-term and short-term loans, and part-time employment. Aid is awarded to cover existing differences between the cost of attending MSU and the resources available to the student/spouse or the student/parents. Each aid application is handled on an individual basis to determine a suitable award which may be one type of aid or a combination (“package”) of aid.

Financial aid applicants must be accepted for admission to the University and submit all required paperwork to the MSU-FAO before any aid commitment can be made. Summer guest students and students concurrently enrolled while still attending high school are not eligible to receive financial aid.

Additionally, Midwestern State University is required to provide a list of consumer information to all enrolled MSU students and the appropriate MSU offices to contact to obtain this information.  Student consumer information can be found at: http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/additional-consumer-resources.

For FINANCIAL AID PURPOSES, a student’s enrollment status is defined as below, and financial aid awards will be determined based on this enrollment status. NOTE: This financial aid enrollment status may differ from the academic enrollment status .

PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINES: Priority dates benefit the student by allowing adequate processing time for federal and state programs. Awards are made based on the availability of funds and as time permits. For maximum consideration of available funds, the application forms should be completed and the results in the Financial Aid Office by the following dates:

COST OF ATTENDANCE: A student’s cost of attendance (COA) is an average of a student’s MSU educational expenses for a specific period of enrollment. The COA is the cornerstone of establishing a student’s financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive. A student’s COA will include an average allowance for: tuition/fees, room/board, books/supplies, transportation, and personal/miscellaneous expenses. The MSUFAO annually determines the COA based on current university costs. Visit http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/msu-coa for more information.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: For determination of financial aid eligibility, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed YEARLY as early as October 1 for the upcoming academic year.  Students will complete the FAFSA application on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov and electronically submit the application. After the application has been processed, the student may be required to provide additional forms which may be needed to determine financial aid eligibility.  After the information is confirmed and eligibility determined, the student will receive notification of the award(s) he/she may be eligible to receive for the upcoming award year.  MSU’s award year consists of the Fall semester, Spring semester and Summer terms, respectively.  A student may follow the progress of the financial aid application via MSU’s Portal (myMWSU) at https://my.mwsu.edu/web/mycampus/home. Once on the myMWSU page, login with User Name and Password, and then under “Take me to”, click on Banner WebWorld. Or, once on the myMWSU page, click on WebWorld PIN Login (under Direct WebWorld Login) and enter User ID (Mustang ID) and PIN (initially set as date of birth - mmddyy). 

REFUND AND REPAYMENT POLICY: WITHDRAWAL PROCESS: Any student who desires to withdraw from the University must report to the Dean of Students Office located in the Clark Student Center, Room 108. Following an exit interview with the Dean’s Office, the student will be issued a copy of the Official Withdrawal Request form and the Dean’s Office will forward a copy of the withdrawal form to the necessary University offices (Business Office, Financial Aid Office, and Registrar’s Office). Any student withdrawing from the university during a refund period will have the refund amount credited to the student’s account.  The remaining balance is due by the next billing date. Only required tuition and fees are refundable; refunds are not made for payment plan service charges, parking permit, late registration fees, or reinstatement fees. A late fee will be charged if the amount due is not paid by the due date. A student who has received a prior student loan(s) will be required to visit with the Financial Aid Office to complete an online Exit Interview session.  A student who is not able to report to campus may have the withdrawal request processed via phone or email but still will be required to complete an online Exit Interview session with the Financial Aid Office. Upon receipt of the withdrawal form in the Financial Aid Office, the appropriate federal and/or state refund calculation will be performed to determine if the student must repay all or part of the aid awarded, as detailed below. Refer to the information below regarding the FEDERAL “RETURN OF TITLE IV AID” POLICY to determine if you will be required to repay any financial aid monies as a result of withdrawal from the University.

A student who withdraws or is administratively withdrawn from Midwestern State University (MSU) may be eligible to receive a refund for all or a portion of the tuition, fees and room/board charges that were paid to MSU for the semester. HOWEVER, if the student received financial aid (federal/state/institutional grants, loans and/or scholarships), all or a portion of the refund may be returned to the financial aid programs. As described below, two formulas (federal and state) are used to determine the amount of the refund. (Examples of each refund calculation will be made available upon request.)

FEDERAL “RETURN OF TITLE IV AID” POLICY: The federal refund formula is applicable to any student receiving Title IV aid, which includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, TEACH Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized), and Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Parent or Graduate); this refund calculation excludes Federal Work-Study. The federal refund formula provides a return of Title IV aid if the student withdraws, is administratively withdrawn, or voluntarily ceases attendance in all classes before completing more than 60% of the semester. If any refund remains after the required return of the Title IV aid, the refund will then be used to repay other state/institutional grants and/or scholarships, as detailed below in the State Refund Policy. If any financial aid funds are released to the student prior to the student’s withdrawal (via a refund check as a result of a credit balance on the student’s account), the student may then be required to repay all or a portion of the financial aid funds that had been previously released to the student. A student not receiving Title IV aid will have his/her refund calculated using only the State Refund Policy, as detailed below. Additional details regarding these refund policies are available at http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/withdrawal-policy.

STATE REFUND POLICY: A student who withdraws from the University will receive a pro-rated refund of tuition, fees, and room/board charges, in accordance with the schedule shown here.

DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS: If a student is entitled to receive a refund in accordance with the Federal and/or State Refund Policy, as described above, the refund must be applied to the appropriate program in the following order:

1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Federal Perkins Loan
4. Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Graduate Student)
5. Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Parent)
6. Federal Pell Grant
7. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
8. Federal TEACH Grant
9. Other Title IV Aid
10. Other State/Institutional Aid

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS: The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, mandates institutions of higher education to establish policies to monitor the academic progress of students who apply for and/or receive federal financial aid. MSU makes these minimum qualitative and quantitative standards applicable to all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs for the purpose of maintaining a consistent policy for all financial aid applicants. These minimum standards include

1. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) must be 2.00 for the Undergraduate program and 2.00 for the 2nd Baccalaureate and 2.50 for the Teacher Certification program and 3.00 for the Graduate program.
2. Maximum Time Frame for Degree/Certificate Completion is no more than 150% of the number of credit hours required for graduation in the program of study, unless otherwise specified by program requirements.
3. Successful Credit Hour Completion Rate must be 67% of all attempted course work.

NOTE: Though this policy establishes the minimum standards for all financial aid programs at MSU, individual aid programs may have other qualitative and quantitative standards specific to the program as mandated by law or the program’s governing entity. Such programs include, but are not limited to, the TEXAS Grant program, Mustangs Guarantee Program, the Texas B-On-Time Loan program and the TEACH program. Information concerning the minimum standards of these specific programs can be obtained from the MSU Financial Aid Office.

Satisfactory progress requirements are monitored for ALL enrollment periods, including those for which financial aid was not received. A student’s financial aid eligibility will be determined in accordance with the number of credit hours that pertain to the current degree program. A student who has not made satisfactory progress at the end of a semester will be placed on Financial Aid ‘Warning’; if a student fails to make satisfactory progress by the end of a subsequent semester, the student will be placed on Financial Aid ‘Suspension’ and lose eligibility for future aid. An appeal, which must be made in writing and accompanied by supporting documentation, may be made to the Financial Aid Office Appeal Review Committee if a student believes that extraordinary circumstances have affected his/her ability to make satisfactory progress. If the appeal is APPROVED by the Committee, the student will be placed on Financial Aid ‘Probation’ and will regain eligibility for financial aid. If the appeal is DENIED by the Committee and the student believes the decision of the Committee to be inappropriate, the student may request to have the appeal presented before the Financial Aid Advisory Appeals Committee (FAAAC); this additional appeal to the FAAAC must be initiated within 90 days from the date of the initial denial. The student may obtain information regarding the FAAAC from the MSU Financial Aid Office.

A copy of the complete and current Satisfactory Academic Progress Rules can be obtained at http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/sap. These rules are subject to change in accordance with federal, state and institutional policy.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants

(do not require repayment)

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) for Resident and Non-Resident: Need must be established by filing the FAFSA. Available to eligible students who have need and meet other eligibility requirements; may be received in addition to, or in place of, the Federal Pell Grant.

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) for International Students: Not need based per FAFSA requirements but need must be determined via MSU application procedures. Interested students should contact International Services or the MSU Financial Aid Office; selections are made by the TPEG International Grant Committee.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: Not need-based but FAFSA application is required; awarded to eligible students majoring in designated MSU Education programs. The student must commit to a 4-year service obligation within 8 years of program completion and be a full-time teacher in a high-need field at a low-income school; failure to complete the service obligation will require repayment of the TEACH Grant under the auspices of the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program. Additional information is available at http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/teach-grant.

Other Federal, State, and Institutional Grants/Scholarships: Need must be established by filing the FAFSA. Available to eligible students in accordance with program and institutional requirements to include the MSU Gold Grant.

Academic and/or Athletic Scholarships

(do not require repayment)

Academic Scholarships: University scholarships are available in recognition of a student’s academic achievement, special abilities as indicated by the applicant’s academic transcript, entrance exam scores, participation in extracurricular activities, and other criteria as defined by specific scholarship programs. Students should seek information about scholarship applications and deadline dates through the Graduate School website at http://mwsu.eud/academics/graduateschool, or the academic departments at http:mwsu.edu/academics, or the Office of Donor Services and Scholarships at http://mwsu.edu/donorservices/scholarship-apps. A scholarship recipient may be held responsible for repayment of all scholarship funds awarded if their academic and/or enrollment status changes during the term in which the scholarship is received.

Athletic Scholarships: Generally awarded based on the student’s athletic ability and academic standards set by the NCAA and Midwestern State University. Information regarding athletic scholarships can be obtained from the Head Coach (available at http://msumustangs.com/) of the particular sport.

Community and service organizations also offer scholarships, but a student should apply early and know the deadlines. With a little work, a student can obtain scholarships to help fund his/her college education. Many websites are available to help a student search for scholarships; visit http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/scholarships for more details.

Loans

(require repayment)

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: Need must be established by filing the FAFSA prior to processing the loan’s Master Promissory Note (MPN). The loan funds are obtained and disbursed through the FAO in cooperation with the federal government, which serves as the lending institution. A student must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this loan. Repayment of principal and interest begins after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis and a six-month grace period has expired. Note: Graduate degree-seeking students are not eligible to receive the subsidized loan. Additional information regarding this loan program, including the MAXIMUM TIMEFRAME to receive this loan during the student’s college career, is available at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Not need-based, but eligibility must be determined by filing the FAFSA prior to processing the loan’s Master Promissory Note (MPN). The loan funds are obtained and disbursed through the FAO in cooperation with the federal government, which serves as the lending institution. A student must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this loan. Repayment of interest is encouraged as it accrues while the student is enrolled. Repayment of principal begins after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis and a six-month grace period has expired. Additional information regarding this loan program is available at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan: Not need-based, but eligibility must be determined by filing the FAFSA prior to processing the loan’s Master Promissory Note (MPN). Available to the parent of an enrolled, dependent student; graduate and professional students are eligible to apply as well. The loan funds are obtained and disbursed through the FAO in cooperation with the federal government, which serves as the lending institution. A student must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this loan. Repayment of interest begins within 60 days from the date the loan funds are fully disbursed each year; principal repayment can be deferred under certain conditions. Additional information regarding this loan program is available at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans.

Federal Perkins Loan: No longer available at MSU.

College Access Loan (CAL): Not need-based, but eligibility must be determined by filing the FAFSA. Student must be a Texas resident and enrolled at least half-time. The CAL loan, in addition to other financial aid, may not exceed the Cost of Attendance (COA) as determined by the University. Interest rate is determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Additional information is available at http://www.hhloans.com.

Alternative Private Loan: Not need-based. Offered as an alternative loan program when the student/parent is no longer eligible to receive the above-mentioned loans. Eligibility criteria vary among lenders; contact MSU Financial Aid Office for complete details or visit http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/alt-loans.

MSU Payment Plans

(require repayment)

Emergency Tuition and Fee Loan (ETFL): A short-term loan that is administered by the MSU Business Office and allows the student to defer up to 100% tuition and fee expenses only (excludes on-campus room and board expenses and the Student Property Deposit fee). A $22.50 loan origination fee and a 1% service charge are added to this loan. Repayment is due as scheduled during the semester or summer term(s) in which the loan is made, or upon official withdrawal from the University. After completing the ETFL Contract ONLINE (available at http://www.mwsu.edu/busoffice/paymentplans), the student must print and sign a promissory note which must be delivered to the MSU Business Office for additional processing.

Installment Plan: A short-term payment plan that is administered by the MSU Business Office and that can be used to defer payment of tuition and fees and/or on-campus room and board. Repayment is due as scheduled during the summer terms or semester in which it is borrowed, or upon official withdrawal from the University. A $22.50 service charge is added to this payment. The Installment Plan contract is available at the MSU Business Office, or it can be accessed and submitted online at http://www.mwsu.edu/onlinepayments. Students who do not meet the required first payment by the twelfth class day of the regular semester or fourth class day of the summer semester will be invalidated from their classes. Students invalidated for non-payment and who are reinstated in their classes will be assessed a $100.00 reinstatement fee and a $25.00 late registration fee.

Book Loan: Book Loans are available to students whose financial aid refund check is not over $1,000 - OR - the student is not receiving financial aid but needs additional assistance with purchasing books. Repayment is due as scheduled during the semester or summer term(s) in which it is borrowed or upon official withdrawal from the university. Book Loan forms (available at http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/bookvoucher) must be printed and completed and a copy of the completed form taken to the MSU Bookstore (located in the Clark Student Center) for additional processing. Faxed copies WILL NOT be accepted unless the student is a Distance Education student. (NOTE: DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENTS - if the student selects Financial Aid as the payment option for textbooks but the refund check is not over $1,000, and thereby, the student wants to use the Book Loan Voucher, the student MUST print and complete the form (available at http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/bookvoucher) to secure textbook purchases. Remember to fax the completed Book Loan Voucher form to the MSU Bookstore at 940-397-4683 at which time the textbook purchase will be completed. The student will receive an email confirmation from the MSU Bookstore that the textbooks have been processed and are ready to ship or are ready for pick up.)

Part-time Employment

College Work-Study: Need must be established by filing the FAFSA. Federal and state programs offer up to 20 hours per week of on-campus/off-campus employment. Early applicants have the maximum opportunity to receive college work-study funds as part of an overall financial aid package. Additional information regarding work-study jobs is available at http://www.mwsu.edu/finaid/cwsjobs.asp.

Off-Campus/On-Campus Employment: Not need-based. Interested students should contact the MSU Career Management Center at (940) 397-HIRE (4473), located in the Clark Student Center, Room 108. Additionally, the Career Management Center offers the Mustangs HIRE job announcement system (http://www.mwsu.edu/career/mustangs-hire).

Office of Veterans Affairs

The Office of Veterans Affairs assists students who are eligible for education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Information regarding educational benefits for veterans, reservists, dependents of deceased or 100% disabled veterans, and dependents of members of the armed forces can be obtained at the University’s Veterans Affairs office located on the first floor of Hardin South or on the MSU VA web page at http://registrar.mwsu.edu/veterans. Information is also available at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ website: http://www.gibill.va.gov or by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs national toll-free telephone number 1-888-442- 4551.

Receipt of education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs does not prevent a student from receiving other student aid or benefits; however, the student must meet the qualifications of the other programs.

Texas veterans and children of Texas veterans may be eligible for exemption of tuition and certain fees under the provisions of the Hazlewood Act. Effective for Fall 2014, the Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1210 which states that recipients of Texas state exemptions and/or waivers must meet Financial Aid’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements of a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students; also, recipients must not be in excess hours status. All eligibility requirements for the Hazlewood Act can be found on the Texas Veterans Commission web page at http://www.tvc.texas.gov/Hazlewood-Act.aspx.

Other military exemptions may be available. See Exemptions from Registration Fees.

Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes

On the application for admission, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has included questions to determine residency for tuition purposes. Answers to the questions will be reviewed to determine each student’s residency classification. If answers affirm the student’s claim to residency, the core questions are sufficient for documenting the student’s classification. However, if the student’s answers to the core questions are inconsistent, the institution must acquire and maintain appropriate documents to support the student’s classification as of the census date of the relevant term.

To resolve issues raised by responses to the Core Residency Questions, documentation may be requested by the institution. The listed documents may be used to establish that the person is domiciled in Texas and has maintained a residence in Texas continuously for 12 months prior to the census date. Documentation must be on file no later than the official enrollment date to be valid for any given semester or summer term and subsequent enrollments. Failure to provide the information to MSU Admissions may delay reclassification.

Other information regarding definitions and rules concerning residency may be found at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us.

Residence reclassification requests or questions concerning eligibility for Texas residency status should be directed to the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School. Reclassification requests must be initiated by the student because residence status changes are not made automatically.