You've been billed for school costs. How will your financial aid be applied?

Gift Aid

Scholarships

Grants

Outside Scholarships

Self-Help

Student Employment

Student Loans

The following information will tell you how the various financial aid programs disburse your aid. Please read this information carefully to be sure you receive all the aid for which you are entitled.

The most important step in receiving any financial aid is to promptly provide all requested information, documents, or forms to Student Financial Services (SFS). In addition, you must be sure that SFS knows the number of credits for which you are enrolled.

In general, aid will not be paid if you have missing documents required to complete your file, or you are not registered for the number of credits used to calculate your Financial Aid Offer.

*Did you know that you can have your on-campus student earnings and/or financial aid credit balance check be deposited directly into your bank account? Log in to the Banner Information System to complete your Direct Deposit form. You will need a blank check to reference account numbers.

Gift Aid

Gift aid is money you do not have to repay or earn through wages.

SFS sends general and personal invitations to apply for additional scholarships throughout the year. Check your SPU email account often for scholarship information, and visit SFS's Grants and Scholarships.

Scholarships

Institutional and private scholarships administered by the University need not be repaid. These are awarded to undergraduate students in recognition of demonstrated excellence in academics and/or performance.

These funds are automatically credited to your student account in equal disbursements at the beginning of each quarter in which you are enrolled. A minimum of 12 credits (undergraduate) or six credits (graduate) each quarter is required for University scholarships. See SPU Scholarships (PDF).

Grants

Federal, state, and institutional programs provide grant funds that are based on documented financial need and do not require repayment. Unless otherwise noted, these funds are automatically credited to your student account at the beginning of each quarter in which you are enrolled.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) are direct grants from the federal government awarded to freshman (completed high school after January 1, 2009, with 0–44 completed college credits) and sophomore (completed high school after January 1, 2008, with 45–89 completed college credits) students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, are full-time, U.S. citizens, and completed a rigorous secondary school program recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Students are awarded after SPU has received and evaluated the final high school transcript. Students admitted with at least 90 credits, regardless of grade level at admission, are not eligible. Second-year qualified students will also have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA at the end of their freshman year. A student cannot receive more than one award for each year of eligibility.

Federal Pell Grants are direct grants from the federal government awarded to undergraduate students.

Federal Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants are awarded to third- and fourth-year (90–180 credits) undergraduates who are full-time, U.S. citizens, and federal Pell Grant-eligible. In addition, qualified students will be pursuing majors in the physical, life, or computer sciences; mathematics, technology, or engineering (as determined by regulation); or in a foreign language that is critical to U.S. national security. The U.S. Secretary of Education will consult with the Director of National Intelligence to choose such languages.

Students must enroll in at least one course applicable to their SMART major each quarter and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA. A student cannot receive more than one award for each year of eligibility.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students on the basis of documented financial need as determined from a processed FAFSA.

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program benefits current and prospective teachers who agree to teach full time for at least four years in a federally designated eligible school. Student must be admitted to the School of Education and seeking a teaching certificate with endorsements in math, science, foreign language, special education, bilingual education, or as a reading specialist.

SPU Grants are awarded to undergraduate students on the basis of documented financial need as determined from a processed FAFSA.

Washington State Need Grant awards are available to residents of the state of Washington who, according to state rules, are determined to have need.

Students may select through the Washington Student Directive form to have the funds electronically disbursed to their account or delivered to them directly. If you select electronic disbursement, the funds will be used to pay charges on your student account.

If you select a check, the funds will be given directly to you by mail or direct deposit; however, you will be responsible for any owing account balance and, if applicable, late fees.

Washington State Educational Opportunity Grants (EOG) are awarded by Washington state to incoming transfer students. Transfer students must have completed an associate's degree or at least 90 transferable credits. Awards are made to those students who are Washington residents, have financial need as determined according to state rules, and are considered "place bound."

Applications will be mailed to admitted transfer students in January. Applications will be reviewed as long as funds are available with the final deadline of September 1, for autumn admits. Applications must be received prior to beginning any classes at SPU.

Students may select through the state of Washington Student Directive form to have the funds electronically disbursed to their account or delivered to them directly. If you select electronic disbursement, the funds will be used to pay charges on your student account. If you choose to receive the money directly, the funds will be given to you by mail or direct deposit. However, you will be responsible for any owing balance and, if applicable, late fees.

Washington Scholars Awards are available to students selected by a committee designated by the state of Washington. Students must reside in Washington and be nominated by their high school principals. Two nominated students from each legislative district receive the Washington Scholar designation.

Payment of this scholarship is provided by state warrant (check) made out in your name. Warrants are generally available in SFS the third week of each quarter for which you’re registered, provided all requested documents have been submitted to SFS and you’re enrolled at least half time.

WAVE – Washington Award for Vocational Excellence honors the vocational students from each of the 49 legislative disctricts for outstanding achievement in vocational/technical education.

High schools, skills centers, and community and technical colleges nominate students based on occupational proficiency, leadership, community activities, work experience, and other qualities. A committee, representing business, labor, education, the state legislature and citizens, makes the final selection.

Washington Passport to College Promise Scholarship was created by the state of Washington to encourage foster youth to prepare for and succeed in college. You are eligible for this program if   

• You spent at least one year in foster care after your 16th birthday.
• You emancipated from foster care on or after January 1, 2007.
• You will be enrolled at least half time in an eligible college by the time you turn 21.
• You are a Washington resident.
• You are not pursuing a degree in theology.
• You have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

Payment of this scholarship is provided by state warrant (check) made out in your name. Warrants are generally available in SFS the third week of each quarter for which you’re registered, provided all requested documents have been submitted to SFS and you’re enrolled at least half time.

Washington Future Teachers Conditional Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program is designed to encourage outstanding students and paraprofessionals to become teachers, and to encourage current teachers to obtain additional endorsements in teacher shortage subjects. In return for conditional scholarships or loan repayments, participants agree to teach in Washington K–12 public schools, (usually two years of teaching for each year of funding).

Payment of this scholarship is provided by state warrant (check) made out in your name. Warrants are generally available in SFS the third week of each quarter for which you’re registered, provided all requested documents have been submitted to SFS and you’re enrolled at least half time (6 credits).

Washington American Indian Endowed Scholarship helps financially needy students with close social and cultural ties to a Native American community to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies.

Payment of this scholarship is provided by state warrant (check) made out in your name. Warrants are generally available in SFS the third week of each quarter for which you’re registered, provided all requested documents have been submitted to SFS and you’re enrolled at least half time.

Outside Scholarships

Awards made to SPU students by agencies and organizations not affiliated with SPU are divided equally over three quarters of enrollment, unless the donor instructs otherwise. SPU does not control when funds are received from the donor. Therefore, if a scholarship doesn’t appear on the student’s first bill, the student should check with the donor to determine when the funds will be sent.

Scholarships received after an Offer of Financial Assistance is determined may affect the amount of financial aid you have been awarded. If revision of your Offer of Financial Assistance is necessary, the self-help portion of your aid will be reduced first.

So that we can ensure your Autumn Quarter bill is accurate, please submit your outside scholarship documentation to SFS by August 1.

Self-Help

Self-help programs include both academic-year employment opportunities and student-loan programs. Your overall eligibility for these programs is limited by guidelines set by the University and the state and federal governments.

Student Employment

Work study provides you with a paycheck; the earnings do not pay on to your student account.

There are a number of good reasons why you should consider working while attending college. A job may provide spending money; it may allow you to keep your loans to a minimum; and it can give you excellent work experience to complement your education. Also, you may want to take advantage of job opportunities to explore career fields firsthand.

If you are looking for work, being a student at SPU is a definite advantage. Area employers like hiring SPU students because they have proven to be excellent employees. In addition, nearly one in five Off-campus State Work Study positions lead to permanent employment after graduation!

You will be surprised at how much you can earn during an academic year (an academic year is considered to be three quarters of 10 weeks each, totaling 30 weeks). If you work 13 hours per week at $9.25 an hour, you can earn about $3,600. Hours worked during vacation periods will provide additional income. To maximize earning potential, start your job search early!

Services for the job-seeking student can be found at Student Employment. This information is available for year-round opportunities, both on and off campus.

In addition to the web page, a Job Fair is held each year during the first week of Autumn Quarter. It is an opportunity for you to meet with on- and off-campus employers who are seeking to hire students. More details will be given during Orientation in September. Work-study eligible students will also be sent an invitation in early September.

For assistance in navigating the student-employment website, or for strategies to gain employment, contact the student employment coordinator at 206-281-2047.

On-campus jobs are available to all students. After a student is hired, SFS determines whether the job should be classified as a federal work-study job or a non-work-study job.

Positions in Campus Dining, University Ministries, and ASSP are non-work-study positions. On-campus student employees may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks, as long as they intend to enroll at least half time when classes resume.

On-campus job prospects are listed on the Student Employment web page. Before you may begin to work you must:

• Complete a Federal Employment Verification form (I-9) (PDF) here or in SFS, and bring proof of identification and authorization to work in the United States (i.e., original social security card and driver’s license or original passport, etc). All acceptable documentation is outlined on the I-9 form.
• Complete an on-campus work referral (PDF) with your supervisor.
• Complete a W-4 form (PDF).

All forms are available in SFS or online, as linked above.

On-campus employment paychecks are prepared twice a month. Checks may be picked up in Student Payroll, located on the third floor of Weter Hall. Students can have paychecks directly deposited into a checking or savings account by completing an electronic direct-deposit request online through the Banner information System.

Off-campus State Work-Study (SWS) opportunities are listed on Student Employment. You are eligible to pursue a job in this category only if your Offer of Financial Assistance indicates eligibility for work study and you do not have a declared major or minor in the School of Theology.

The amount you earn cannot exceed what you have been awarded. However, your employer has the option of keeping you as a regular employee once your work-study award is exhausted.

It may be possible to obtain an increase to your SWS award. Contact Student Employment regarding this possibility.

Prior to an interview, you must obtain a work referral from SFS stating your work-study eligibility amount. Autumn Quarter is the best time to secure a state work-study job.

Note: The Employment Verification form (I-9) will be completed by your employer when you are hired. Be prepared to show proof of identification and authorization to work in the United States.

Off-campus Community Service opportunities are listed at Student Employment. Community-service positions give you the opportunity to be involved in the local community, including working with at-risk youth, homeless persons, and the elderly.

You are eligible to pursue a job in this category only if your Offer of Financial Assistance indicates eligibility for work study. You must obtain a Community Service work referral, as well as complete a Federal Employment Verification form (I-9) and W-4 form in SFS.

Off-campus Non-Work Study positions are also posted on our website. The jobs listed are available to all SPU students, whether or not they have been awarded work study as a part of their financial assistance.

Summer employment opportunities for both on- and off-campus work programs are listed on the website. Work study is available off-campus during the summer through the State Work Study program. On-campus positions during the summer are not work study eligible.

You may earn up to $8,000 working in the off-campus state work-study program during summer 2009 if the following is true:

• You are not enrolled at SPU during the summer.
• You will be attending SPU at least half time in the fall.
• You have a gross need of at least $8,000 as determined by the FAFSA.

If you participate in this off-campus summer program, you will be expected to save 40 percent of your gross earnings. You may also be awarded summer work study if you are admitted to SPU, will be enrolled for six or more credits during 2009 Summer Sessions, and file a FAFSA.

SPU applications for summer aid will be available in April. For specifics about student eligibility and procedures, contact SFS.

Student Loans

Unlike other forms of aid, education loans require full repayment. Borrowing is advised only after personal resources and other forms of aid have been exhausted. However, loans are an invaluable resource to many students and their families in financing a college education.

Loans allow you to postpone paying a portion of your education costs until you complete your education or leave school. Loan repayments are based on a five- to 10-year plan, usually beginning six to nine months after you graduate or drop to less than half-time enrollment, or leave school.

Loan obligations are described below and in the promissory notes you will be required to sign if you should choose to borrow. Please read these obligations carefully. Be sure you understand all rights and responsibilities before accepting a loan. Also if you wish to cancel, reduce, or modify your loan award, you must contact SFS. (See Revisions to Your Offer of Financial Assistance.)

*Did you know that you can view your federal loans online? Visit the National Student Loan Data System, and log in with your federal PIN. (Note: Federal Nursing loans are not included.)

Alternative Loans

Alternative (Private) loans may also be helpful to some students for current year funding or for balances remaining from prior terms. These loans are available through a variety of commercial banks and other financial institutions and are frequently modeled after government-sponsored educational loans, often allowing postponement of repayment while the student is enrolled. However, alternative loans will perform credit and eligibility checks before granting the loan and generally offer fewer deferment options during repayment. A cosigner may be required; a cosigner may also qualify the borrower for a lower interest rate. Interest rates are determined by your credit and are usually higher than the government-sponsored educational loans. Options for assistance during repayment may be limited. Additionally, interest generally begins to accrue shortly after each disbursement. We strongly encourage you to use all available federal loan programs before using an alternative loan. SPU provides a list of lenders to assist with selection of an alternative loan but will process loans from any lender selected by the student. The alternative lender list and interactive comparison tool as well as other important information about alternative loans can be found here.

Federal Perkins Loans

Funds are obtained from the federal government and from former SPU students who are in the process of repaying their loans.

• Funds are awarded by SPU to undergraduate students with documented need as determined from a processed FAFSA.
• No interest is charged on the loan while you are enrolled at least half time.
• Nine months after you have left school or dropped below half-time status, interest will begin accruing and you will begin making payments of principle and interest. For loan limits, repayment, and interest information, refer to this employment-loan chart (PDF). Information regarding deferment, postponement, and cancellation will be provided to each borrower on the loan promissory note.

Documents required for the Perkins loan include the following:

• Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan interview sheet (first year only).
• You must complete a loan counseling session; notification about this session will be sent to your SPU email account.
• Truth-in-lending statement (provided annually — informational only).
• Loan exit interview (prior to your departure from SPU or when your enrollment drops less than half-time status).

The first year a Perkins loan is awarded, a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan interview sheet must be completed before the Perkins loan can be credited to your student account. Each quarter thereafter, the awarded Perkins funds will be automatically credited to your student account, provided you meet eligibility requirements.

Federal Nursing Student Loans

Funds are obtained from the federal government and from former SPU students who are in the process of repaying their loans.

• Funds are awarded to students admitted to the School of Health Sciences and pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
• A Nursing loan requires documented financial need as determined from a processed FAFSA. No interest is charged on the loan while you are enrolled at least half-time and are pursuing a nursing degree.
• Nine months after you have left school or dropped below half-time status or are no longer a nursing major, interest will begin accruing and you will begin making payments of principle and interest.
• For loan limits, repayment, and interest information refer to the employment-loans chart (PDF).

Documents required for the Nursing loan:

• Master Promissory Note (MPN), loan interview sheet, rights and responsibilities document (first year only).
• You must complete a loan counseling session; notification about this session will be sent to your SPU email account.
• Truth-in-lending statement (annually).
• Loan exit interview (prior to your departure from SPU or when your enrollment drops less than half-time status).

The first year a Nursing loan is awarded, a Master Promissory Note (MPN), truth in lending statement, and loan interview sheet must be completed before the nursing loan can be credited to your account. Each quarter thereafter, awarded nursing funds will be automatically credited to your student account, provided you are enrolled for the number of credits upon which your financial aid was based and you continue to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Stafford Loans

Subsidized Loans are awarded to help meet your documented financial need will have the interest paid by the federal government while you are enrolled at least half time. Six months after you have left school or dropped below half-time status, interest will begin accruing and you will need to begin making payments of principal and interest.

Unsubsidized Loans may be awarded to help meet education costs but are not based on documented financial need and do not receive federal interest benefits. You may choose to have the interest on these loans capitalized (added to the principal) at repayment or pay the accruing interest prior to repayment. Contact your lender for interest payment instructions.

If you have been awarded a subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford loan for the first time, please note the following:

• You must choose a lender: Fill out the Master Stafford Lender Selection form (PDF). Lender comparison information can be found here if you would like to change lenders, contact SFS.
• You must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the lender you select. The original MPN will be used for all the years you attend SPU, unless you change your lender.
• You must complete a loan counseling session.
• A loan exit interview is required prior to your graduation from SPU or when your enrollment drops to less than half-time status.

Funds will be applied to your account when they are received from the bank. Typically SFS does not ask for the bank to send funds until you have met all eligibility requirements for the term, including being registered for an appropriate number of credits. Most funds come electronically and will automatically be applied to your account.

If these funds cannot be disbursed within three days from the time it was received by the school they will be returned to the lender. If the bank does not participate in electronic funds transfer, it will send a check each quarter that you will need to endorse in SFS.

Parent PLUS Loans for Undergraduate Students

Basic facts about this loan can be found on the Employment and Loan Programs chart (PDF). For more detailed information, contact SFS.

Graduate PLUS Loans

Applicants for these loans are required to complete the FAFSA. They also must have applied for their annual loan maximum eligibility under the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program before applying for a Graduate/Professional PLUS Loan.

If you have been awarded a Grad Plus for the first time, note the following:

• You must choose a lender: Review the lender comparison information. If you would like to change lenders at any point, contact SFS.
• You must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the lender you select. The original MPN will be used for all the years you attend SPU, unless you change your lender.
• You must complete a loan counseling session.
• A loan exit interview is required prior to your graduation from SPU or when your enrollment drops to less than half-time status.

Basic facts about this loan can be found on the Employment and Loan Programs chart (PDF). For more detailed information, contact SFS.

SPU Institutional Loans

Funds are obtained from the institution and from former SPU students who are in the process of repaying their loans.

• Awarded by SPU to undergraduate students with documented need as determined from a processed FAFSA.
• No interest is charged on the loans while you are enrolled at least half-time at SPU.
• Six months after you have left SPU or dropped below half-time status, interest will begin accruing and you will begin making payments of principal and interest.
• For loan limits, repayment and interest information refer to the employment-loans chart (PDF) . Information regarding deferment, postponement, and cancellation will be provided to each borrower on the loan promissory note.

Documents required for the Institutional loan:

• Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan interview sheet (first year only).
• Truth-in-lending statement (provided annually – informational only).
• Loan exit interview (prior to your departure from SPU or when your enrollment drops to less than half-time status).

The first year an SPU Institutional loan is awarded, a MPN and loan interview sheet must be completed before the Institutional Loan can be credited to your student account. Each quarter thereafter, the awarded institutional funds will be automatically credited to your student account, provided you meet eligibility requirements.