Southwestern

Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives

Admission

Transfer Students: Costs, Financial Aid & Scholarship

Higher education is an investment in yourself and in your future. Today, it's essential to know that your school of choice provides an impressive return on this investment. Southwestern University does just that. In fact, the value of a Southwestern education appreciates over the years. Southwestern's prestigious reputation--combined with the achievements of our graduates--ensure that a degree from Southwestern will be valued throughout your lifetime by you and others.

Southwestern consistently has maintained its reputation as one of the nation's best liberal arts colleges at a cost notably less than most other highly selective national institutions. Because of this, Southwestern has recently been named a "best value" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. In addition, Fiske Guide to Colleges named Southwestern a 2009 Best Buy School."

Each year, tuition covers about half of the cost of a Southwestern education. The remainder is covered via a "hidden scholarship," made up of earnings from the University's permanent endowment of more than $280 million and gifts from alumni and friends. 

As you weigh the costs and benefits of various colleges and universities, the most significant thing to consider is whether or not the institution "fits" with your personal and professional objectives. Look for a school that matches your talents, interests, and goals, and you will find the right place for you.

Cost for 2009-10

Cost for full time (12 hours or more per semester) enrollment: $30,220
Cost for part time (less than 12 hours) enrollment: $1,255 per semester hour
Average cost for transfer housing: $4,350
Average cost for board: $4,450
Average Need-Based Transfer award (based on 2008-2009 year): $29,866
Percent of transfers receiving financial aid: 55%

How To Apply for Financial Assistance

As a transfer student you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). Only after this form is received will a student be awarded a financial aid package if financial need, as defined by Southwestern, is demonstrated. Note: No financial aid transcripts from other institutions are required. You may also View & Print financial aid forms.

Scholarship Designations

Ruter Scholar designation will be given to students who are awarded scholarships in the range of $3,000 to $7,000 per year.

Mood Scholar designation will be given to students who are awarded scholarships in the range of $7,001 to $12,000 per year.

Cody Scholar designation will be given to students who are awarded scholarships in the range of $12,001 to $19,000 per year.

Step One: Academic Base Award $3,000 to $8,000

To establish your base award, select one of the six below for which you meet the requirements. Students must establish an Academic Base Award. If a student does not meet the guidelines listed in this category, s/he cannot receive scholarships from the bonus award sections.

$3,000 3.5 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.3 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$4,000 3.6 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.4 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$5,000 3.7 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.5 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$6,000 3.8 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.6 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$7,000 3.9 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.7 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$8,000 4.0 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.8 gpa at a 4 year college or university
 
$_____ This is your Academic Base Award ($3,000 - $8,000)

Step Two: High School Bonus Award $2,000 to $3,000

Add the corresponding amount below to your Academic Base Award. If you do not meet the guidelines for an Academic Base Award, you cannot receive a High School Bonus Award.

$2,000 18 Secondary School Academic Units/Top 10% H.S. class (if high school did not rank, have the equivalent of a 3.6 gpa on a 4.0 scale in academic work)/1150 SAT (critical reading (verbal) & math combination) or 26 ACT
$2,500 18 Secondary School Academic Units/Top 5% of H.S. class (if high school did not rank, have the equivalent of a 3.8 gpa on a 4.0 scale in academic work)/ 1150 SAT (critical reading (verbal) & math combination) or 26 ACT
$3,000 18 Secondary School Academic Units/Ranked #1 or #2 of H.S. class/1150 SAT (critical reading (verbal) & math combination) or 26 ACT
$_____ This is your High School Bonus Award ($2,000 - $3,000)

Step Three: Distinction Bonus Award $0 to $8,000

You must first meet the guidelines for an Academic Base Award before you can receive a Distinction Bonus Award. The admission staff will use the following criteria to evaluate each candidate in this category: evidence of leadership & community service, quality of the application essay, quality of essays written for SAT and/or ACT, and an official personal interview. Personal interview must be conducted no later than April 15, for fall enrollment and November 15, for spring enrollment. For more information about scheduling a personal interview call the Southwestern University Office of Admission at (800) 252-3166. Keep in mind that each element is weighed in comparison to other students in our applicant pool.

$2,000 $2,000 National Achievement Semifinalist or National Hispanic Scholar
$1,000 4 to 6 International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) classes
$2,000 7 or more International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) classes
$0 - $1,000 Leadership & Service, Essay(s), and Personal Interview
$3,000 Phi Theta Kappa Recognition Award
$_____ This is your Distinction Bonus Award ($0 - $8,000)

Step Four: Total Amount In Merit Scholarship Program

Enter the sum of your Academic Base, High School Bonus and Distinction Bonus Awards. All academic scholarships are renewable provided the student maintains a minimum grade point average as specified in the award letter. When demonstrated financial need is greater than the academic scholarship value, the scholarship will become part of the overall need-based award.

$_____ This is your total per year ($3,000 - $19,000)

Other Scholarships, Grants & Programs

Fine Arts Scholarships and Performance Grants Up To $12,000

Students are eligible for awards in vocal and instrumental music, theatre and art. Awards are renewable. Auditions or portfolio reviews are required. Contact Southwestern University's Sarofim School of Fine Arts at 512-863-1504 or visit www.southwestern.edu for specific audition/portfolio dates and requirements.

Beneficiary Grants $6,000

As a United Methodist-related institution, Southwestern University has restricted funds to assist dependents of United Methodist clergy. Contact the Office of Admission for application information.

Preministerial Grants $1,000

Southwestern offers scholarships to students interested in a career in full-time ministry. Contact the Office of Admission for application information.

National Hispanic Institute Recognition $2,000

Southwestern has funds to support students who have participated in one or all of the following NHI programs: Young Leaders Conference (YLC); Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ); or Collegiate World Series (CWS). Interested students must cite participation in a resume or in admission application materials.

National Merit Scholar Recognition $2,000

Southwestern sponsors merit awards for named scholars in the National Merit Scholarship Program. 

For additional information on
Transfer Admission to Southwestern University:

Call: 800-252-3166
Email: admission@southwestern.edu

Write: Southwestern University
Office of Admission
PO Box 770
Georgetown, TX 78627-0770