Seattle University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Automatic merit scholarships for first-year and transfer students
- Competitive Sullivan Leadership Award (full tuition + room & board)
- Need-based and Jesuit mission-based scholarships
- Testing policy and key deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160–1360
- Middle 50% ACT: 24–30
- Average HS GPA: 3.6 (unweighted)
Source: Seattle University Class Profile & federal datasets. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Seattle U at a Glance
Last verified: October 24, 2025
Seattle University offers generous merit and leadership-based scholarships, with its premier award—the Sullivan Leadership Award—covering full tuition, room, and board for four years. The Sullivan program recognizes students who combine academic excellence with a deep commitment to service, leadership, and global engagement.
All admitted students are automatically considered for merit aid worth at least $8,000 per year. Students who embody Jesuit values of compassion, justice, and leadership are especially strong candidates for competitive programs like the Sullivan Award.
FAQ
What is Seattle U’s top scholarship? The Sullivan Leadership Award covers full tuition, room, board, and fees for four years.
Are there automatic merit scholarships? Yes. All admitted students receive consideration for automatic awards starting at $8,000 per year.
When is the Sullivan deadline? Submit the Common Application by January 15. Select admitted students are then invited to submit Sullivan materials and interview in the next stage.
What’s the average net price? About $37,103 after scholarships and grants (College Scorecard 2022–23).
https://www.seattleu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid–scholarships/scholarships–grants/scholarships/ (Scholarships page — Sullivan full ride; merit starts at $8,000)
https://www.seattleu.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions/first-year-admissions/class-profile/ (Class Profile — SAT 1160–1360; ACT 24–30)
https://www.seattleu.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions/first-year-admissions/how-to-apply/deadlines/ (Admissions deadlines — Nov 15 EA; Jan 15 Regular; FAFSA timing)
https://www.seattleu.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions/first-year-admissions/how-to-apply/ (Test-optional policy)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?236595-Seattle-University= (College Scorecard — Average annual net price $34,802, latest year 2022–23)
https://www.seattleu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid–scholarships/scholarships–grants/scholarships/sullivan-scholars/ (Sullivan Scholars — consideration & process; Common App by Jan 15; invited application)
💰 Cost of Attendance at Seattle University
Assumes full-time undergraduate enrollment of 12–18 credits per quarter (banded tuition). “Tuition & Mandatory Fees” includes required Wellness and Technology fees; housing/meal uses Seattle U’s standard on-campus averages.
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits/term) | $58,965 | $58,965 |
| Housing & Meals (avg on-campus) | $16,620 | $16,620 |
| Total (before aid) | $75,585 | $75,585 |
Note: The table above includes only direct costs billed by Seattle University (tuition, mandatory fees, standard housing, and meal plan). Other common expenses—like books and supplies, transportation, and personal costs—are not included because they are not paid directly to the university and vary by student. Seattle U estimates these indirect expenses at roughly $4,200–$4,500 per year for budgeting purposes.
https://www.seattleu.edu/student-financial-services/cost-of-attendance/ (Seattle U Student Financial Services — Cost of Attendance 2025–26)
https://www.seattleu.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-fees/ (Seattle U Tuition & Fees, 2025–26 banded rate & mandatory fees)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?236595-Seattle-University= (College Scorecard — average net price)
https://wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/ (WUE confirmation — private universities excluded)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Seattle University automatically considers first-year (including undocumented and international) and transfer applicants for academic merit during admission review. No separate application is required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) + Stacking | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle University Merit Award | At least $8,000/yr (up to 4 years for first-years; transfers prorated by credits). SU does not publish public tier amounts. | Automatic with admission; based on academics in your application (GPA, rigor, context; test scores optional). May be packaged with need-based aid; final stacking shown on your award. | No | Yes — up to 4 years (12 quarters) for first-years; up to 3 years (9 quarters) if entering with >45 transfer credits, contingent on full-time enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress. | *Higher awards typically go to students with strong rigor and a ~3.6+ unweighted GPA; solid awards often land for ~3.3–3.5 with strong grades and activities. Test scores can help but are not required. (estimate) | Nov. 15 (Early Action); Jan. 15 (Regular Decision) |
Note on ranges: Seattle U publicly states a minimum of $8,000/year and does not publish tier charts. Amounts above the minimum depend on academic profile and holistic review. We’ll show the exact figure on the SU page once confirmed on the official award grid (if released).
Automatic Merit FAQ
Is SU test-optional? Yes. If you submit scores, SU will superscore the SAT/ACT (they use your highest subscores when reviewing).
Do I need a separate scholarship application? No — admission doubles as your merit application. You’ll be notified of merit at admission release.
Can merit stack with need-based aid? Generally yes; SU packages aid from multiple sources. Your final award letter shows how funds stack and any adjustments.
What do I need to renew? Remain full-time and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SU guarantees institutional gift aid amounts across years if you maintain eligibility and file FAFSA/WASFA annually.
Seattle University Scholarships – https://www.seattleu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/financing/scholarships/
Merit Awards & Aid – https://www.seattleu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-grants/
Admission Application & Deadlines – https://www.seattleu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/application-timeline/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
Seattle University offers a small number of highly selective “flagship” competitive scholarships that sit above automatic merit. These require extra steps and have limited slots.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sullivan Scholarship | Full tuition, room/board, and fees for 4 years | Incoming first-years currently attending a Jesuit or Catholic high school in the US or abroad. Requires strong leadership, service, commitment to global and community engagement. | Yes — invitation after Common App filing; submit by Jan 15. Invited via portal/email for Sullivan supplement. | Yes — up to 4 years (full-time, satisfactory SAP, program participation) | Top academics (unweighted GPA ~3.7+), rigorous courses, robust leadership/service, great application essays and recommenders | Jan 15 (Common App); Sullivan supplement opens in January |
Flagship Scholarship FAQ
Is the Sullivan Scholarship automatic? No. It’s competitive and requires an invitation-only application after you submit the Common App by Jan 15.
How many are awarded? A very small number each year (typically ~2 full scholarships). It’s SU’s most selective campus-level flagship award.
What profile stands out? High GPA with rigorous courses, sustained leadership, and significant service/justice work; strong interview and essays are critical.
Can I stack this with other SU awards? Full-ride flagship awards replace other institutional merit—outside/private scholarships may still stack, but check your award package for caps.
Sullivan Scholarship – https://www.seattleu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/financing/scholarships/sullivan/
Seattle University Scholarships – https://www.seattleu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/financing/scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College / Program
Seattle University’s Honors Program is selective and invitation-only. Students who submit the Common Application by the January 15 Regular Decision deadline and have a strong academic record (typically a 3.5+ GPA) may be invited to apply. Honors offers small seminars, faculty mentorship, and a curriculum that replaces much of the Core.
- GPA of 3.5+ with challenging coursework (Honors/AP/IB or dual-credit)
- Strong writing skills and reflective essays
- Leadership or service experiences aligned with Jesuit values
- Intellectual curiosity and readiness for small, discussion-based classes
- Priority course registration and close advising
- Small, seminar-style classes and strong faculty mentorship
- Enhanced research and writing sequence with capstone
- Extra scholarship support tied directly to Honors participation
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Program Scholarship | $1,800 per year (up to 4 years) | All students admitted into the Honors Program | No — automatic with Honors admission | Yes — for all four years with good standing | Every admitted Honors student receives this scholarship | Priority: Nov. 25, Jan. 25; Final: space-available after Jan. 25 |
| Madsen Family Honors Program Scholarship | Competitive award; amount varies | Current Honors students in Intellectual Traditions or Society, Policy & Citizenship tracks with GPA ≥ 3.0 | No — recipients selected by Honors faculty | Yes, if GPA and program participation are maintained | Outstanding Honors students with strong academics and commitment to the program | Invited during spring selection in program |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic? No — students must be invited to apply after submitting the Common App (by Jan. 15). Priority deadlines for Honors: Nov. 25 and Jan. 25; late applications may be considered if space is available.
Does Honors add extra time? No. Honors courses substitute for the Core, so most students graduate on time.
Are there extra costs? No tuition differential. Instead, Honors students receive additional aid through the $1,800 annual Honors Scholarship.
Can current students apply? Yes — limited spots may open for current SU students, depending on space and performance.
University Honors Program – https://www.seattleu.edu/honors/
Honors Application Deadlines – https://www.seattleu.edu/honors/apply/
Honors Scholarships – https://www.seattleu.edu/honors/costs-scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Seattle University may not be an R1 research powerhouse, but it has carved out a strong reputation in Washington and across the country for its Jesuit approach to education, focus on leadership, and standout professional programs. Families looking for majors that combine academic rigor with service and justice will find SU’s strengths go beyond its size.
- Nursing: Seattle U’s College of Nursing is ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation, with high NCLEX pass rates and a strong reputation for clinical placements in the Seattle health system.
- Law: The Seattle University School of Law is the largest in the Pacific Northwest and nationally recognized for its legal writing program and social justice emphasis.
- Public Affairs: The Master of Public Administration program is nationally ranked for nonprofit management and public service preparation.
- Environmental Science & Sustainability: SU is known for its commitment to sustainability and was the first campus in Washington to divest from fossil fuels, reflecting its academic and institutional leadership in environmental studies.
📎 Official Links
- Seattle University Homepage
- Seattle University Honors Program
- Scholarships & Financial Aid at Seattle U