Seattle University Scholarships (2025–2026)

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Seattle University is a private Jesuit institution in Washington that often surprises families with the amount of aid it offers. If you’re weighing the cost of a private school, this guide breaks down what you really need to know—from tuition and average net price to scholarships and honors perks. And if you live nearby, don’t miss the Washington State Aid guide for programs that can stack with SU awards.

💰 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
Books & Supplies	$660	$660
Travel	$1,710	$1,710
Personal Expenses	$1,908	$1,908
Total (before aid)	$79,863	$79,863

Note: Totals above exclude the federal loan fee that Seattle U includes in its “sample student budgets” (+$65). With that fee, Seattle U’s sample total is $79,928.

Average Net Price: $37,103 (2022–23 NCES/IPEDS). This is what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants—loans not included.

Regional Discounts: Seattle University is a private university and does not participate in WUE, MSEP, or other state reciprocity programs. All undergraduates are billed the same tuition regardless of residency.

Quick example: A nonresident does not receive a reduced “reciprocity” tuition; plan instead for merit scholarships and need-based aid to bring costs down.

Seattle University and the CSS Profile

Some private universities require more than the FAFSA to award their own institutional aid. Seattle University is one of them. If your student is applying here, you’ll need to complete both:

FAFSA — to qualify for federal and state aid
CSS Profile — Seattle U’s code is 4695, and this is required for need-based university grants

Parent Tip: Submitting only the FAFSA will qualify your student for federal and Washington state aid, but not for Seattle U’s own need-based scholarships and grants. To maximize aid, complete both forms by the priority deadlines.

For step-by-step help, see our full CSS Profile Guide.

COA FAQs

Why are in-state and out-of-state the same? SU is private; there’s one tuition rate for everyone.

What drives housing & meal costs? Room type and meal plan. Seattle U’s averages assume standard first/second-year housing and the required residential meal plan.

Where do these numbers come from? They match Seattle U’s 2025-26 tuition band ($57,825) plus required fees (Tech $624 + Wellness $516), and SU’s 2025-26 housing/meal allowances and standard allowances for books, travel, and personal expenses.

✅ 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?
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)*

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).

Priority dates that affect merit consideration: Apply by Nov 15 (Early Action) or Jan 15 (Regular Decision) — both receive full scholarship consideration. For institutional aid packaging, file FAFSA/WASFA by Feb 1 (priority).

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.

🏆 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?
Sullivan Scholarship	Full tuition, housing & meals, and mandatory fees for 4 years	Incoming first-years currently attending a Jesuit or Catholic high school; leadership and service strongly emphasized	Yes — invitation to apply after submitting the Common App by Jan 15	Yes — up to 4 years (full-time, satisfactory progress)	Students with top academics (often ~3.7+ unweighted), rigorous coursework, standout leadership, and sustained community service

Flagship Scholarship FAQ

Is the Sullivan Scholarship automatic? No. It’s competitive and requires an invitation-only application after you submit the Common App.

How many are awarded? A very small number each year (campus-level flagship award).

What profile stands out? High GPA with rigorous courses, sustained leadership, and significant service/justice work.

Can I stack this with other SU awards? Full-ride flagship awards typically replace other institutional aid; outside/private scholarships may still reduce out-of-pocket costs depending on the package.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the automatic merit and flagship awards, Seattle University has several “hidden gem” scholarships and aid programs that reward identity, service, or special participation. These aren’t always obvious on the main admissions page but can make a real difference for families.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Army & Air Force ROTC Scholarships	Full or partial tuition + stipend + book allowance	Students who commit to ROTC training and post-graduation military service	Yes — apply through ROTC branch	Yes, if service and academic standards are maintained	Students who meet physical fitness, GPA, and leadership requirements and plan to serve as officers
Fostering Scholars Program	Covers full tuition, standard housing, meals, and wraparound support	Washington residents who are current or former foster youth	Yes — program application required	Yes, with full-time enrollment and participation in support program	Students with foster care backgrounds who want a comprehensive support and funding package
Ignatian Leaders Scholarship	$1,500–$3,000/year	Incoming students with strong leadership and commitment to Jesuit values	Yes — separate application and interview	Yes, if program requirements are met	Students with a clear track record of service or leadership during high school
Naef Scholars Program	Substantial need-based award + community program	Rising juniors and seniors with financial need and commitment to social justice	Yes — competitive application during sophomore year	Yes, if active participation and GPA are maintained	Students who excel academically and show deep engagement with service and justice issues
Thomas J. Bannan Scholarship	Substantial tuition support + enrichment activities	Juniors and seniors in the College of Science & Engineering	Yes — separate program application	Yes, with academic performance and program participation	Upper-division STEM majors with strong GPA and commitment to service and research
Black Student Union (BSU) Endowed Scholarship	Varies, typically $1,000–$3,000	Incoming or returning students involved in or planning to be active in BSU	Yes — apply through BSU	Yes, if participation continues	Students who actively participate in BSU programming and leadership
McGoldrick Alumni Scholarship	Varies, competitive	Children or grandchildren of Seattle U alumni; GPA and financial need considered	Yes — separate alumni scholarship application	Yes	Legacy students with at least a solid academic record and demonstrated financial need

*Award amounts are based on current public information. Some ranges are approximate because Seattle U does not publish fixed dollar values for every donor fund; families should confirm with the Financial Aid Office each year.

Seattle U student clubs, Greek organizations, and campus groups often run their own small scholarships, but amounts are highly variable and not published in advance.
Departmental scholarships for STEM, Business, Nursing, and other majors are covered later in this guide.

Hidden Gem FAQ

Do ROTC scholarships replace SU aid? They often stack with some institutional aid, but full-ride ROTC packages may replace tuition portions of university scholarships. Housing stipends can reduce out-of-pocket costs further.

What is the Fostering Scholars Program? It’s a comprehensive support package for students from foster care, covering tuition, room, board, and wraparound services like advising and mentoring.

Are these awards automatic? No. Hidden gems require separate applications or program enrollment. They’re not guaranteed with admission.

⭐ 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.

Signature Program: The Albers School of Business and Economics is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the Northwest, with strong programs in accounting, finance, and leadership development. It is frequently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Business School” regionally.

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.

🎖️ 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.

What a Typical Seattle U Honors Student Looks Like

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

Perks that Matter

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?
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
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 first-year Honors students with strong academics and commitment to the program

Honors FAQ

Is admission automatic? No — students must be invited to apply after submitting the Common App by Jan 15 and showing strong academics.

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.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Seattle University can feel like a big financial stretch at first glance, but the combination of automatic merit, flagship awards like the Sullivan, and hidden gems such as the Fostering Scholars Program shows how many different ways families actually bring costs down. If your student is drawn to a Jesuit education in the heart of Seattle—with strong programs in business, nursing, and law—this page should give you a clear picture of what’s possible. The next step is running the numbers for your own family and stacking the scholarships that fit best.

✅ Last updated: September 24, 2025