Student Loans
*The GRAD PLUS Loan program has ended for new students. Only borrowers who are continuing in their program may still qualify.
An investment in your future.
No one likes borrowing money, and debt should never be considered lightly. But when it makes a college education possible, taking out low-interest student loans could be the smartest decision you'll ever make.
Here's why. Research shows that college graduates earn approximately $1.2 million more in lifetime income than those with only a high school diploma. They also have lower unemployment rates and are generally healthier and happier.
Through good times and bad, the value of education has remained high—a proven investment that's likely to pay off exponentially over the course of your life.
Did you know?
- Â鶹´«Ã½ students make good on their loans, with a default rate far below the national average.
- Your career may qualify you for a generous loan forgiveness program. Visit .
1Department of Education
Financial literacy resources
Student Financial Services is here to help you with your finances throughout your time at Â鶹´«Ã½ and into loan repayment. Part of what we do to help is make sure you're informed and aware of your financial situation so you are on your way to making thoughtful financial decisions on your own.
Â鶹´«Ã½ offers several ways that you can become more financially literate. Here are some options:
- for a student-oriented financial literacy course.
- Talk to a financial counselor for personal assistance with your student finances.
- Take Financial Awareness Counseling offered by Federal Student Aid.
Financial awareness counseling
The Federal Student Aid website offers financial awareness counseling in addition to entrance and exit counseling. This counseling provides tools and information to help you understand your financial aid and help you manage your finances.
- To complete the counseling, visit and sign in with your .
- Once you log in, click "Complete Counseling" in the left-hand menu, and then click "Financial Awareness Counseling" in the middle of the next page.
If you have any questions about the information you receive, you may contact us:
- Call us at (509) 527-2333 or (800) 656-2333
- Visit us in Room 307 of Canaday Technology Center
- Email student.loans@wallawalla.edu
Public service loan forgiveness workshop
Â鶹´«Ã½ Student Loan Center and the Student Development Center co-hosted a workshop on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Learn which jobs cancel some loans (with no payments!) after 5 years, and which ones forgive the balance of some loans after 10 years of minimal payments.
Student loan resources
New and current students
Federal Loan Updates for 2026-2027
These changes primarily affect graduate/professional students and parents of undergraduate students. If you are planning to utilize federal loans to finance your education in 2026–27 or later, we encourage you to review these updates carefully to understand how they may impact your financing plan.
Borrowing For College
A brief overview on the different types of loans available, definitions of loan terminology, and how to apply.
An explanation of the 150% Subsidy Limit for first-time borrowers taking out federal Direct subsidized loans on or after July 1, 2013.
General Tips On Paying For College
Tips and advice from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on how to choose a savings account to avoid paying unnecessary fees.
Parent Plus Loans or Private Loan
An in-depth comparison between a general private loan and the Parent Plus Loan to help you understand the Parent Plus Loan and help you make the right loan decision.
Plus Loan or Private Loan For Graduate Students
Another in-depth comparison between a general private loan and the Plus Loan for graduate students.
A breakdown of the rates of interest and fees charged on federal student loans.
A simple guide to help you understand which loans you are able to afford and descriptions on repayment options.
A description on available tax benefits from having student loans.
Alumni
Loan Repayment Resources
Navigating repayment, consolidation, and deferment options can be overwhelming. We are here to help.
Servicer contact information
Contact information for several loan servicers.
A definition of deferment and forbearance, a description of how these apply to payment relief, who is eligible, and how to apply.
A description on ways you can get your loan(s) partially or completely forgiven if you are unable to pay them.
A description of loan consolidation, loan rehabilitation and other ways you can avoid the consequences of going into default on a loan. How to get help is also included.
A simple guide to help you understand which loans you are able to afford and descriptions on repayment options.
A description on available tax benefits from having student loans.
If you have any questions about your student loans, email student.loans@wallawalla.edu or call (509) 527-2333.
Claudia Santellano
Associate Director, Student Financial Services
(509) 527-2333
claudia.santellano@wallawalla.edu
