For need-based financial assistance, the contribution toward college costs expected from the student is
calculated according to a federally mandated system called federal need analysis, which takes into account
many factors representing the family�s financial situation. To receive financial aid, a student must be enrolled
for a minimum of 3 credits per term in a program leading to a degree. Certification programs do not qualify
for federal financial aid.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for need-based financial aid through Seattle Pacific University, the student must do the following:
- Complete the admission process and be fully admitted to the graduate/doctoral program.
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal student aid processor.
The FAFSA may be completed via paper (a form can be obtained at any college financial aid office)
or via the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. SPU�s school code is 003788.
- Submit additional documentation as requested to verify eligibility.
Application Deadlines
Seattle Pacific does not have a deadline for financial aid applications for graduate students. However, it is to
their advantage to apply as early as possible.
Note: Summer financial aid requires an additional form that is available in SFS beginning in April.
The Financial Aid Offer
Students qualifying for financial aid receive a financial aid package containing information regarding their
eligibility for various kinds of loans. The proportion and type of loan aid varies from student to student and
from year to year depending upon the student�s eligibility and level of enrollment.
Financial Aid Programs
- Federal Stafford Loan. Up to $8,500 maximum per year, depending on eligibility.
- Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Cannot exceed $18,500 alone or in combination with the
Federal Stafford Loan.
- Federal or state work-study. Part-time employment opportunities for students.
Note: The combination of all sources of financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance as determined by
SFS.
Disbursement of Financial Aid
Once a student has completed the financial aid application/award process, fulfilled all the requirements listed
on the offer of financial assistance, and his or her enrollment matches the level of enrollment indicated on
the post-baccalaureate/graduate information sheet he or she submitted to SFS, loan funds will be disbursed
at the start of each term. Please note that if a loan is for one quarter, by federal regulation it will be
disbursed in two payments: one-half at the beginning of the term, the second half at the mid-point of the
term. These funds will be applied to the student�s tuition account in the following manner:
Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized). Once the student has notified SFS of his or her
preferred lender, and completed a Master Promissory Note (MPN), the bank will send the funds to SPU in
one of two ways: If the bank participates in electronic funds transfer, the funds will be automatically applied
to the student�s account; if the bank does not participate in electronic funds transfer, it will send a check
each quarter, which the student will need to endorse in SFS. Continuing students who have already signed a
master promissory note in a previous year will not need to complete another loan application. Instead, loan
information will be automatically sent to the lender the student used previously. Loan funds will either be
applied to the student�s account via electronic funds or a check will need to be endorsed by the student,
depending on which process the student�s lender uses.
SATISFACTORY
PROGRESS
To remain eligible for financial assistance, a student is expected to complete his or her degree within a
specified period of time and maintain a minimum GPA. In addition, the student must complete a minimum
number of credits each academic term.
Minimum Grade Point Average
A financial aid recipient must be in good academic standing at the University. At the completion of the
second year of study, the student must have maintained a cumulative 2.0 GPA. Students who do not
achieve a 2.0 cumulative GPA will be ineligible for further financial assistance until the minimum cumulative
GPA is achieved.
Minimum Credit Requirement
First-time financial aid applicants will have their previous academic records measured for satisfactory
completion of 80 percent of the credit hours attempted at Seattle Pacific University. Students averaging 80
percent satisfactory completion of credits attempted will be eligible to be considered for financial aid.
Graduate students must complete a minimum of 3 credits per quarter or 80 percent of all attempted credits,
whichever is greater. The calculated percentage will be rounded up to the nearest full credit hour.
Completed credits are determined from coursework, which has received a grade of A, B, C, D, or P at the
end of the academic term.
Maximum Time Frame
A student receiving financial aid must complete a degree within a reasonable time. Financial aid will be
awarded to students pursuing a master�s or doctoral degree for a maximum of six years.
Consequences
of Unsatisfactory Progress
A student who completed 3 or more credits each quarter, but less than 80 percent of attempted credits each
academic year, will be placed on financial aid probation during the subsequent quarter of attendance. During
the quarter of probation, the student will be eligible to receive financial aid and must complete all attempted
credits to have the probation status removed. If the student does not complete all attempted credits, the
student will be ineligible for further financial assistance until enough credits have been completed to bring
the student back into compliance with SPU�s satisfactory-progress requirements.
A student who completes less than 3 credits in any quarter will be ineligible for further financial assistance.
To regain eligibility for financial assistance, the student must complete a minimum of 3 credits in a term.
These credits may be taken at another institution and transferred to Seattle Pacific or they may be taken at
SPU without receiving aid.
Petitions for
Reinstatement of Eligibility
Students have the right to appeal their eligibility for financial aid. Written appeals due to extenuating
circumstances should be submitted to the appropriate SFS counselor.
Graduate Assistantships
Limited graduate assistantship funds are available each school year. These part-time employment
positions are not considered a part of the student�s financial aid award. To be eligible, students must be
currently taking at least 6 credits and must be making satisfactory progress toward degree completion, as
determined by an advisor. Contact the appropriate graduate director regarding open positions and to
obtain a Graduate Assistant Agreement (GAA) form.
Scholarships and Grants
SPU-Church Matching Scholarships are awarded to students who are chosen by a scholarship committee
within an organized Christian church in the United States or Canada. Churches must be approved by
Student Financial Services and must provide the office with a letter of confirmation for each scholarship
awarded by October 1. Contact Student Financial Services (SFS) for further information.
Students may contact their respective graduate school coordinator to learn more about endowed gifts and
scholarship opportunities that may be available. Scholarship and grant directories are available at the
Seattle Pacific University Library and in public libraries. Suggested resources include:
- Grants for Graduate Students, Peterson�s Guide.
- How to Find Out About Financial
Aid: A Guide to Over 700 Directories, Gail Schlachter, ed.
- Scholarships, Fellowships
and Loans, Feingold and Feingold.
- Students may also search for
scholarship resources on the Web at www.fastweb.com.
Downloadable Documents | Loan
Entrance Counseling | Student Financial
Services Location and Hours
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