SFS Updates

2025-2026 Updates

File Your FAFSA

The 2025-2026 FAFSA is available to file now. We suggest filing your FAFSA as soon as possible to receive your financial assistance offer. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid) determines your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study. The FAFSA information is also used by the state and SPU to determine your aid, it is important you fill it out. Click here to file your FAFSA.

If you are not eligible for the FAFSA, click here to learn about the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid).

FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to submit the FAFSA?

  • The priority deadline to file your FAFSA is April 1. It is important to fill it out as soon as possible to receive the best possible financial aid offer.

What is an SAI?

  • The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number calculated by Federal Student Aid using FAFSA data. The SAI determines how much financial aid a student is eligible to receive.

Does the FAFSA have to be filled out every year?

  • Yes, a new FAFSA application is needed each academic year in order to be eligible for continued federal financial aid.

How do I create a FAFSA account (FSA ID)?

 

2024-2025 Updates

Student Accounts

Direct deposit: Direct deposit is the quickest and easiest way to receive funds, from financial aid to work-study paychecks. Access direct deposit here.

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.

Payment & payment Plans

Fall tuition is due October 10: How to Pay

  • Student Account balances are due in full on October 10
  • Student Account Statements will be sent the week of September 23 by email to students, those who have been added as authorized payers, and those with FERPA access. 
  • Tuition and housing charges will be applied to student accounts in August and early September. Federal and state financial aid disbursements will appear on student accounts beginning the week of September 20. The Cost and Payment Estimator provided below is a great tool to help determine what your costs might be if you are not sure. We recommend having a copy of your financial offer letter handy when you use it.

Payment plans due October 1: Submit your Payment Plan

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

2024-25 Cost and Payment Estimator

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 October 10. You can email the results to yourself.
  3. Determine your payment option before the deadline, if requesting a payment plan, the deadline is October 1.
  4. If would like to schedule an appointment with someone in Student Financial Services to discuss any of this information, please select one of our staff below based on our last name. We’re here to help!

There are three types of student loans available.

1.    Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are offered to students as Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized loans. The amounts are based on your year in school and FAFSA. Find more information at studentaid.gov.

2.    Parent PLUS Loans
Direct PLUS Parent Loans are taken by the parent on behalf of the student.

3.    Private/Alternative Loans
Private Alternative Loans are non-federal student loans. SPU does not award these loans, but will accept private loans if you work with a lender on your own. For more information, check FastChoice.


Loan next steps

1. Review your Offer of Financial Assistance to determine which loans you would like to accept or decline.

2. Complete these steps based on your selections:

  • I would like to schedule an appointment with someone in Student Financial Services to discuss loans.Select one of our staff below based on your last name:

We hope this is helpful! Remember, SFS is here to help make sure you are prepared when you arrive on campus in the fall. 

Here’s a quick review of the steps all incoming students need to make sure you are on track:

Ø Log in to Banner and check your outstanding Financial Aid Requirements

Ø Complete all the items on your Financial Aid Checklist

Ø If accepting loans, complete the appropriate next steps listed above

We are your friendly neighborhood team of financial aid experts, here to support you from now until your graduation. Let us know if you have any financial aid questions, or just stop by to say hi!


Important financial steps:

Complete any outstanding financial aid requirements

  • 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.

Set up Direct Deposit*

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

Set up FERPA Authorization*

  • 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.

Add Authorized Payer(s)*

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

*If you already completed this step, you do not need to complete it again.

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


Find your financial aid specialist: