Unlocking Student Success: FSW Leadership Shares Top Tips on Affordability, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
4 min readSep 20, 2024
Dr. Geraldine Gallagher, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of FSW Foundation
- Debt-Free Graduates: Nationwide, public associate graduates average $11,000 in debt, and public bachelor’s graduates $28,600. However, 76% of FSW graduates earn their degrees without any college debt.
- Rising Costs: Despite tuition remaining the same for 10 years, many local families struggle to afford higher education and the increasing costs of books and equipment. Many FSW students juggle multiple jobs and household budgets and are often the first in their families to attend college.
- Scholarships as a Lifeline: Scholarships provide a crucial path to education for students with limited means. Over the past decade, the FSW Foundation has distributed $34 million to support scholarships, academic programs, equipment, and facilities.
- Generosity of Donors: Thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations, the FSW Foundation can offer scholarships that assist local families. Donors can make charitable gifts for immediate use or establish legacy funds that support the college in perpetuity.
- Recent Contributions: In the past three years alone, donors have contributed nearly $10 million to the FSW Foundation.
- Become a Donor: You can join the FSW community of philanthropists. Every gift makes a difference. To learn more about contributing via payroll deduction, check, or year-end rollover, contact the FSW Foundation at foundation@fsw.edu or call 238–489–9210. You can also make a secure gift online through the FSW Foundation website.
- Student Story — Rafael: Rafael earned an associate’s degree from FSW in 2018 and returned to complete his bachelor’s degree in management to enhance his career opportunities. Inspired by the philanthropy he received, he has committed to creating a better world for future generations and his own children.
Vanessa Mayse, Director of Student Financial Aid
- FAFSA Priority Deadlines: Meeting FAFSA deadlines is crucial for maximizing financial aid opportunities like grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. However, it’s never too late to apply for aid! Submit your FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
- Financial Aid Support: The Financial Aid team is always available to help students with questions and direct them to the right resources.
- Affordability Beyond Financial Aid: Even if students are not eligible for financial aid, there are other options available, such as workforce programs and scholarships.
- Work-Study Program: This program allows students to earn money while gaining work experience, helping manage educational expenses without accumulating debt.
- Financial Aid Appeals: Students facing unexpected financial difficulties can submit appeals for additional aid if they meet the necessary criteria.
- Scholarship Opportunities: FSW awards a variety of scholarships annually through the FSW Foundation and the Office of Student Financial Aid. These scholarships are based on merit, financial need, and other criteria. Submit your application at FSW Scholarship.
- Textbook Affordability: FSW offers affordable textbook options, including rentals and digital versions.
- Financial Literacy Resources: Workshops and resources on budgeting, saving, and managing student loans are available to help students make informed financial decisions.
Brent Nelson, Bursar
- Payment Kiosks: Students can pay at any of the payment kiosks located on each campus. These kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and checks, and no processing fees are assessed.
- Payment Plans: Through Nelnet, students can take advantage of TIP/HIP, which allows payments to be spread throughout the semester, making it more manageable.
- Third-Party Assistance: FSW collaborates with organizations like Military (EDD, VR&E, Navy, AmeriCorps, GoArmy), Lee Health, and Division of Blind Services to help students reduce financial burdens.
- Textbook Affordability: FSW offers a textbook affordability program through the bookstore, providing low-cost options for students.
- 529 Plans: FSW accepts several 529 plans, including Florida Prepaid, and automatically matches students with available benefits. Other accepted plans include Texas, Michigan, and Illinois.
- Veteran Deferments: Veteran students are eligible for deferments, giving them more time to pay.
- Dual Enrollment: Many Dual Enrolled (DE) students take advantage of starting college while still in high school, reducing future college costs.
