Know before you go. Enrollment in an SPU-approved study abroad program is just like enrollment at SPU when you apply for federal aid. But every situation is unique, so talk to us. We can help guide you through the paperwork (and payment) maze.
Plan ahead. Internet access may be limited or impossible in some parts of the world. Before leaving, be aware of upcoming financial deadlines. Filing next year’s FAFSA is just one example. Who, when, and how you pay also varies with each program. See below for specifics.
Quarters vs. semesters. Other programs may be on a semester system. SPU is on a quarter system. So keep in mind:
- If you will be attending in the fall, you may use federal aid, and for some programs, SPU aid. If attending in the winter/spring, you may use two quarters of state and federal aid, and for some programs, one quarter of SPU aid.
- You’ll receive more credits in a semester program than you would in one quarter. Receiving more credits may help you complete your degree requirements sooner, saving you a quarter’s worth of costs later.
Beyond that, consider these options:
SPU Faculty-led programs (excluding summer)
- You may use all federal, state, and SPU gift aid towards these programs.
- Payment schedule from SFS; pay SPU. Eligible for the payment plan.
SPU Partner programs
- You may use all federal, state, and SPU gift aid.
- Receive 24 transfer credits but pay SPU’s full-time tuition rate.
- Payment schedule from SFS; pay SPU on quarterly payment due date. Not eligible for the payment plan.
Family and Consumer Science Consortium programs
- Applies to study abroad programs by Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
- Receive all federal and state aid and a maximum of $5,000 in SPU gift aid per academic year ($1,666 per quarter at FIDM or $2,500 per semester at FIT).
- FIT and FIDM’s rate for tuition, room/board, fees.
- Pay SPU following the normal billing schedule.
Christian College Consortium
- Applies to these schools and their own study abroad programs in our consortium: Asbury College, Bethel University, George Fox University, Gordon College, Greenville College, Houghton College, Malone University, Messiah College, Taylor University, Trinity International University, Westmont College, Wheaton College.
- Receive all federal and state aid, and maximum of $5,000 in SPU gift aid per academic year ($1,666 per quarter or $2,500 per semester, depending on whether host school is quarter- or semester-based).
- Host school rate of tuition, room/board, fees.
- Pay SPU following the normal billing schedule.
Independent/Non-SPU programs
- For programs not run by/affiliated with SPU (such as Semester at Sea, Normandy, University of Salamanca, others).
- Use all federal and state aid but no SPU gift aid.
- Set up consortium agreement with SFS counselor.
- Pay program directly. SPU is not involved in payment process.
Summer programs
You may use federal and state aid for summer programs. This may mean less federal and state aid is available for Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters, and less for alternative funding options.
More financial aid/scholarship information on SPU’s Study Abroad pages, as well as on the SFS scholarship pages.