The numerous scholarships, grants, work-study and other financial assistance available have earned the university a place in the top 50 best colleges for financial aid.
Southeastern was ranked 45th on the BestColleges.com listing, with highlights on the Honors and Progression Scholarships offered. Lori Fairburn, director of Enrollment Services, believes this honor was earned due to the university’s focus on both academic success and access.
“My strongest belief [for why the university ranked] is because of our guaranteed scholarships for entering freshmen: our Honors Scholarships,” said Fairburn. “The students know that if they meet certain criteria, they will be awarded the scholarship, and there’s no application process. I think it’s a strong statement that says that not only are we concerned about our students’ success, but we’re concerned about their access to the university.”
All top 50 entries are four-year public universities with more than 10,000 students enrolled. In first place ranking is the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.
As stated on BestColleges.com, the comprehensive database compiles information on 7,685 schools to help students choose the best schools. Universities are ranked by the Average Net Price, the sum total of educational costs for students whose family income falls below $48,000 and Overall Average Net Price, which applies to all students regardless of income.
“In general students need to be more aware of some of the scholarships that are made available to them,” said Fairburn. “The communication flow is the key, because we want to make sure students know what’s out there.”
The Southeastern Foundation promotes the financial aid opportunities to beginning freshmen and transfer students. Additionally, the universities financial assistance is described on the website and catalogue.
Fairburn was especially proud of the “completer scholarships” which the university offers to students within a year of graduation and in need of some extra assistance. For these scholarships, students are required to apply.
“Some students who may have had life challenges and those challenges have put them in a situation where they need extra financial assistance,” said Fairburn.  “It’s a pool of money: one or two different scholarships to use for students in their last year of college. The funds come from our university foundation, and some of the donors to the foundation specifically donate money to these scholarships.”
While current American Student Assistance statistics show an estimated 20 million men and women attend college nation-wide each year, roughly 60 percent are forced to borrow funds for tuition and other academic fees.
For students with any concerns, questions or feedback, Fairburn recommends students visit either the Office of Financial Aid or the Office of Enrollment Services.
“We can’t always find the right answer for the students, but we try to help them find options to address whatever challenge that they are having,” said Fairburn.
Other significant scholarships offered include the Senator Ben Nevers Transfer Scholarship, Southeastern Merit Award, Excellence in Commitment to Education and Leadership Scholarship and numerous departmental scholarships.
For a full listings of scholarships, financial aid and work-study opportunities at the university, visit the Office of Financial Aid webpage through Southeastern’s website or call the Office of Financial Aid at 985-549-2244.