Southwestern College is clearing $3.5 million in student debt for more than 7,719 students using special federal grant money.
Students who were enrolled from spring 2020 through spring 2022 will have all their outstanding tuition and related enrollment fees cleared. Holds for non-payment will be removed from this group of students’ accounts and students are encouraged to re-apply and register for the summer session and upcoming fall semester.
Students looking to re-apply can apply at swccd.edu/apply and get help applying or registering with Southwestern College’s Outreach department and virtual lobby.
This is the second time Southwestern College has cleared student debt to help break down financial barriers students may have to their education. This past fall, Southwestern College cleared more than half a million dollars in student debt, bringing the total to more than $4 million in student debt discharge within the past year.
“Southwestern College is transforming the way we support our students and their pathways to a higher education,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Mark Sanchez. “Through this second round of debt discharge, we are working to remove the financial barriers students might have to a college education. We are creating a clear pathway to skill attainment for our students to ensure they are competitive for the quality jobs in San Diego County. Creating opportunities for our students to secure an amazing career and live a quality lifestyle is the Southwestern College mission.”
Southwestern College is clearing the student debt using funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (or CARES Act), passed in March 2020. These funds are specifically tied to supporting students who have faced financial hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Southwestern College’s summer session has already begun, and a new batch of classes begins on June 13. The fall semester schedule is out now and students can browse upcoming online and in-person classes before priority registration begins on June 13. The fall semester begins on Aug. 22.
