SFS Updates

Types of Student Loans

1.    Federal Direct Loans
These are loans offered directly to students and may be Subsidized (no interest while in school) or Unsubsidized (interest accrues immediately). Eligibility is based on your FAFSA and year in school. Learn more at studentaid.gov.

2.    Parent PLUS Loans
These are federal loans that parents can take out on behalf of their student. A separate application and credit approval are required. Learn more at studentaid.gov.

3.    Private/Alternative Loans
These are non-federal loans from private lenders. SPU does not award them directly, but we will process any private loan you arrange on your own. You can compare lenders through FastChoice.

Loan next steps

1. Review your Offer of Financial Assistance.
Log in to Banner to see which loans you were offered and decide which you want to accept or decline.
 

2. Accept or Decline Your Loans in Banner

You must accept or decline your loan(s). If you do not accept your loan(s), they will not disburse.

Go to:
Banner > Student Menu > Financial Aid Menu > Your Financial Aid Offer

• Select the appropriate aid year
• Click on the “Accept Award Offer” tab
• Use the drop-down menu to accept or decline each loan

If you do not wish to use your loan(s), click "Decline" to cancel the loan(s).

3. After Accepting or Declining Your Loans, Take the Appropriate Action Below:

Student Financial Services Contact List (by Last Name):

• A–Gh: Lydia Florence – lydiaf@spu.edu
• Gi–M: Tanhia Atzet – tanhia@spu.edu
• N–V: Allyson Walworth – walwortha@spu.edu
• W–Z: Gloria Rizo – gloriar@spu.edu

Final Reminders for All Incoming Students

To stay on track for this Fall Quarter:

• Log in to Banner and check your outstanding Financial Aid Requirements
• Complete your Financial Aid Checklist
• If you plan to accept loans, complete the relevant next steps outlined above. These steps are also available on our Loans Acceptance & Requirements page.

Make sure you have completed all of the items on your Financial Aid Checklist. Below, find some important information on student accounts and payments.

Student Accounts

Student account access

1. Access your student account:  Banner > Student Account > View and Pay Invoices Online
2. FERPA access: If you would like to authorize SPU to send a copy of your statements or be able to speak with someone other than yourself regarding your student account and financial aid, you will need to complete FERPA access.
3. Add an authorized payer: If you would like another person to pay your student account online you will need to add them as an authorized payer.
4. Direct deposit: If you haven’t already signed up for direct deposit, access direct deposit here. Direct deposit is the quickest and easiest way to receive funds, from financial aid to work-study paychecks.

Tuition Due Date & Payment Plans

Fall tuition is due September 10:How to Pay

• Student Account balances are due in full on September 10
• Student Account Statements will be sent on August 20 by email to students, those who have been added as authorized payers, and those with FERPA access. 

Payment plans are available. Sign up for your plan by September 1: Submit your Payment Plan

• We offer both academic year and quarterly payment plans at SPU. Payment plans are available to those not paying the balance in full on September 10. Your plan choice must be submitted by the due date.
• The first monthly payment is due September 10

2025-26 Cost and Payment Estimator

• Not sure what you’re going to owe? The Cost and Payment Estimator can help estimate your changes.

Next steps:

1. Complete any outstanding items on the Checklist. This will ensure you are ready to go in September.
2. Use the Cost and Payment Estimator if you have any questions about Tuition Costs due September 10. 
3. Determine your payment option before the deadline, if requesting a payment plan, the deadline is September 1.

Connect with us

If you have any questions about your student account or financial aid, we encourage you to reach out to our Financial Aid Office. Find your specialist below:

• Last names beginning with A-Gh: Lydia Florence, lydiaf@spu.edu 
• Last names beginning with Gi-M: Tanhia Atzet, tanhia@spu.edu 
• Last names beginning with N-V: Allyson Walworth, walwortha@spu.edu 
• Last names beginning with W-Z: Gloria Rizo, gloriar@spu.edu

We are your friendly neighborhood team of financial aid experts, here to support you throughout your educational journey at SPU. Let us know if you have any financial aid questions, or just stop by to say hi!

What are my financial next steps?

• Complete your financial aid requirements as soon as possible! Log in to Banner to view your current requirements. Most requirements in Banner have direct links and instructions on how to submit requirements online. View your financial aid requirements.
   
• If you’ve been awarded loans or work study, please accept or decline the award in Banner under the Accept Award Offer tab (Banner Student Menu > Financial Aid Menu > Your Financial Aid Offer).

• Direct Deposit is the quickest and safest way to receive financial aid refunds. SFS recommends all students set this up. Set up Direct Deposit.

• By setting up FERPA Authorization, you grant access to other designated people (like a parent or guardian) to receive billing statements and discuss your account/financial aid with SFS. This authorization can be completed in Banner. Set up FERPA Authorization.

• By adding an authorized payer, you grant access for another person to view your monthly tuition statements and make payments. Add authorized payers.
  

Questions about these steps or anything else related to financial aid? Reach out to your financial aid specialist below.

Find your financial aid specialist:

• Last names beginning with A-Gh: Lydia Florence, lydiaf@spu.edu 
• Last names beginning with Gi-M: Tanhia Atzet, tanhia@spu.edu 
• Last names beginning with N-V: Allyson Walworth, walwortha@spu.edu 
• Last names beginning with W-Z: Gloria Rizo, gloriar@spu.edu