Southwestern College is breaking financial barriers its ts may have to their education by clearing $3.5 million in student debt for those enrolled from spring 2020 to spring 2022.
More than 7,719 students will have their student debt and related enrollment fees cleared using special federal grant money, the college announced last week. This is the second time Southwestern College has cleared student debt.
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.
The college is using funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (or CARES Act), passed in March 2020 to clear student debt. These funds are specifically tied to supporting students who have faced financial hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.”
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.
