Discover Financial Aid Opportunities
The Office of Financial Aid at Southwest Baptist University is dedicated to providing you with the financial resources and advisement you need in order to pursue your goal of a Christian higher education.
99%
of Bolivar undergraduate students receive financial aid
We will work with you to provide comprehensive financial assistance that will meet your needs through a combination of university, federal, state and private aid resources.
Your admissions counselor is here to walk you through each step of the process, so don't hesitate to ask questions and let us know how we can help! Also, be sure to check out the SBU Estimator to calculate your estimated scholarships and cost.
"I wanted to come to SBU but wasn't sure if I could afford it. But SBU did so much
to help me make it work. I even received additional scholarships as an upperclassman.
It was like SBU was saying, 'We want you here. We want to help you.'"
Hanna Glasgow
Elementary education major from Grove, Okla.
Calculate Your Estimated Cost
Use the SBU Estimator, our net price calculator tool, to get an idea of what costs and financial aid you
can expect as an incoming student at SBU. This cost calculator will help you determine
for which scholarships and financial aid you may qualify. You can also send your results
to your admissions counselor and get follow-up communication to learn more about how we can partner with you to
make SBU a valuable investment. PLEASE NOTE: The SBU Estimator has not been updated with the calculations from the
new FAFSA that was launched in December 2023.
Financial Aid Process and Timeline
- Apply for admission to SBU
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible after it is released in December, but before the recommended deadline of Feb. 1.
- Some students are randomly selected each year for FAFSA verification. If you are selected for FAFSA verification, you will need to submit additional forms before funds can be released to your account.
- If you plan to use military educational benefits, complete the Veteran Certification Request Form as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days before the start of the academic term.
- Receive your personal financial aid award package after you have been admitted and have a completed financial aid file. Financial aid packages usually start being made available in January for students entering the next fall. (Due to federal changes to the FAFSA, students enrolling for Fall 2024 should expect to receive financial packages in March)
- Check your SBU email for important information regarding how to log in to the MySBU portal. Use the Self-Service module to accept and/or decline any part of your financial aid award.
- Explore payment options for any balance remaining after financial aid is applied. SBU bills one semester at a time and utilizes an online payment system with payment plan options. Payment arrangements need to be finalized two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.
Your admissions counselor is available to help you understand your financial aid options, finalize your financial aid, and enroll in classes.
Once you are admitted to SBU, you will receive an SBU email address and access to the MySBU Admitted Student Portal. You need to check your SBU email address often, even before you arrive on campus, for important information, especially related to the online process for approving and finalizing your financial aid award.
Loan Counseling and Promissory Note
Financial Information for Other Students
The information presented on this page relates to cost and financial aid for undergraduate students on the Bolivar campus. If you are a graduate student or attending another SBU campus, please use the link below to find the correct information for you.
Branch Campus Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Costs and Financial Aid