Seattle University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 5, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1260
- Average GPA: 3.6
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Seattle University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Change Makers & FACHEX and Tuition Exchange)
Average Net Price
$37,103/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
14 opportunities
5 automatic · 1 competitive · 6 hidden gem · 2 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: Jan 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Change Makers & FACHEX and Tuition Exchange
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
Seattle University sits in an interesting middle ground that a lot of families miss. It’s a private school with a higher sticker price, but it uses merit aid to bring that number down—starting at about $8,000 per year automatically, with bigger awards for stronger students. Where it really stands out is at the top end: the Sullivan Leadership Award is a true full ride, but it’s built around leadership and service, not just grades and test scores.
This is a great fit for students who are solid academically (think B+/A- range or better) and have actually done something outside the classroom—volunteering, leading, organizing, helping others. If your student is more of a “quiet high achiever” without that service angle, they’ll still get merit—but probably not the big headline awards. Use this page to separate what’s automatic from what’s competitive so you know what’s realistic going in.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Seattle University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 27; SAT: 1260.
Average net price? About $37,103/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Seattle University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$57,825 |
$57,825 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$16,620 |
$16,620 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$74,445 |
$74,445 |
Average Federal Net Price: $37,103 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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.
Sources:
https://www.seattleu.edu/student-financial-services/cost-of-attendance/ (Seattle U Student Financial Services — Cost of Attendance)
https://www.seattleu.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-fees/ (Seattle U Tuition & Fees, 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.
Full TuitionApp Required
Change Makers
📅 Deadline: Change Makers cohort applications managed by Seattle University Youth Initiative; Seattle U admission application by January 15 (Regular Decision) for first-year consideration
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition pipeline scholarship
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Up to 10 scholars supported per grade in the high school cohort. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
The four-year tuition scholarship is paired with eligible federal and state grants, work-study, and outside scholarships up to the full cost of attendance, allowing families to address housing, meals, and fees alongside the tuition coverage.
📄
How to Apply
First — apply to the Seattle University Youth Initiative's High School Change Makers cohort at Garfield High School (up to ten scholars are selected per grade through a cohort application managed by the Center for Community Engagement). Participate in the program throughout high school, demonstrating academic preparedness and civic engagement. Then apply to Seattle University as an incoming first-year through the regular admission application; Change Makers who meet program criteria are awarded the four-year tuition scholarship at admission.
💡
Strategic Detail
Change Makers is a Seattle University Youth Initiative cohort program for Garfield High School students that emphasizes academic readiness, community engagement, and college and career preparation. Up to ten scholars are supported per grade. Change Makers who demonstrate academic preparedness and civic engagement in high school receive a four-year tuition-paid scholarship to Seattle University. The pipeline is small and not actionable for students outside Garfield.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Garfield High School students who joined the Change Makers cohort earlier in high school, worked with Seattle U student mentors on academic readiness and community engagement, and demonstrated both academic preparedness and civic engagement throughout high school. The pipeline runs through Seattle University's Center for Community Engagement — and getting in starts with applying to the high school program, not the scholarship itself.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
FACHEX and Tuition Exchange
📅 Deadline: Tuition Exchange application by January 31; Seattle U Common App by January 15 (first-year, Regular Decision) or transfer application by February 1; FAFSA also required · 📢 Results: Mid-March (roughly one week after Regular Decision admission notifications)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition exchange scholarship
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Approximately 8 to 10 awards per year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
FACHEX/TE covers full tuition. Any other Seattle U merit or institutional aid cannot stack above the cost of tuition — and if it was already awarded, it can only be used to cover tuition, not housing, meals, or fees. Outside scholarships, however, are allowed to stack on top of the Tuition Exchange award up to the full cost of attendance, which is how most FACHEX/TE families close the housing and meal gap.
📄
How to Apply
Step one — the employee parent or legal guardian contacts the Human Resources office at their home institution (a member of either Tuition Exchange or the AJCU FACHEX program) and submits the Tuition Exchange application listing Seattle University as a school of interest, by January 31 of the year the student plans to enroll. Step two — the student applies to Seattle University through the Common Application (first-year) by January 15 Regular Decision, or through the Seattle U transfer application (transfer) by February 1. Step three — file the FAFSA. Decisions are released in mid-March, typically a week after Regular Decision admission notifications.
💡
Strategic Detail
Seattle University participates in both the Tuition Exchange program (700+ member colleges and universities) and the FACHEX (Faculty & Staff Children Exchange) program among AJCU Jesuit institutions. Dependents of eligible employees can receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years (first-year students) or for the remaining time-to-degree (transfer students, depending on credits transferred). Approximately 8 to 10 awards are made each year through holistic admission review. The award covers tuition only — not housing, meals, or fees — and other institutional aid cannot stack above the tuition ceiling.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Dependents of faculty and staff employed at one of Tuition Exchange's 700+ member schools, or at one of the AJCU-network Jesuit colleges and universities participating in FACHEX. Seattle U typically awards 8 to 10 of these scholarships each year, selected through holistic admission review weighing academics, mission fit, and demonstrated interest. First-year applicants tend to land them most often — current students can apply for Tuition Exchange but the bulk of awards go to new admits.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Seattle University Merit Award
📅 Deadline: November 15 (Early Action); February 1 (Regular Decision)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Merit Award can be packaged with other Seattle U gift aid, federal and state grants, work-study, and outside scholarships, but total institutional gift aid is capped at the cost of attendance. If your student lands a larger institutional award (like Sullivan or Seattle U Bound), the Merit Award is usually replaced rather than stacked on top of it.
💡
Strategic Detail
Seattle University guarantees that every admitted undergraduate qualifies for a merit scholarship of at least $8,000 per year — there is no separate application and no public tier grid. For first-years, awards are renewable for up to four years. Transfer students with fewer than 45 credits are eligible for up to four years of award, while those with 45 or more credits receive awards for up to three years.
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Who Actually Wins
Nearly every admitted first-year and transfer student walks away with at least the $8,000 floor — Seattle U commits to that minimum publicly. From there, families with stronger academic profiles see the dollar figure climb. Students with rigorous coursework and unweighted GPAs of roughly 3.6 and up tend to receive the upper tiers, while a 3.3 to 3.5 GPA typically lands in the middle range. There is no public grid, but the floor itself is the safety net.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ Transfer Only
Seattle Promise
📅 Deadline: Quarterly Seattle U transfer application deadlines; FAFSA by February 1 prior to enrollment
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
full tuition transfer scholarship
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Seattle Promise full-tuition award stacks with federal Pell, Washington College Grant, work-study, federal loans, and outside scholarships up to the full cost of attendance — so families can still build a need-met package for housing, meals, and fees on top of the tuition coverage.
💡
Strategic Detail
Seattle Promise students enrolled in the Washington State College Bound Scholarship program who complete a DTA or AS-T at one of the Seattle Colleges with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA are guaranteed admission to Seattle University and receive a full-tuition scholarship. Required prerequisite courses for the intended Seattle U major must be completed at the community college. Renewal requires satisfactory academic progress and yearly FAFSA filing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Seattle Promise students from Seattle Public Schools who completed both the Washington State College Bound Scholarship sign-up and the Seattle Promise pipeline at Seattle Central, North Seattle, or South Seattle Community College, and finished a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) or Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. For these students, admission to Seattle U is guaranteed and tuition is covered — a genuinely game-changing path from a Seattle public high school to a private Jesuit university.
Full RideAutomatic
Seattle U Bound
📅 Deadline: January 15 (Regular Decision admission application); FAFSA by February 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full demonstrated financial need
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Seattle U Bound is built from a layered package — federal Pell, Washington College Grant, Washington College Bound Scholarship, Seattle U institutional grants and scholarships, federal work-study, and modest low-interest loans — combined to bring the family's net cost down to the federal Student Aid Index. Outside scholarships also fit into the package, but they typically reduce the loan and work-study portions first rather than the gift aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Seattle U Bound is Seattle University's commitment to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for four years for incoming first-year students enrolled in Washington's College Bound Scholarship program. The total need-met package is built from a mix of grants and scholarships, work-study, and low-interest loans — drawn from federal, state, and institutional sources — combined with the state College Bound scholarship. Renewal each year requires continued College Bound eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, and timely FAFSA filing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Washington state high school seniors who were enrolled in the state's College Bound Scholarship program (signed up in middle school), earned at least a 3.5 unweighted cumulative GPA in high school, and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. The award is essentially automatic for any College Bound student who clears the GPA bar and applies on time — a quietly powerful four-year guarantee that most families don't know exists until they see the offer letter.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
Full RideApp Required
Sullivan Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 15 (Common App deadline to be eligible); Sullivan supplemental due March 1 for invited applicants
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA👥 ~Two new Sullivan Scholars selected per year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Sullivan covers full tuition, housing and meals, and required fees for four years, and replaces other Seattle U merit awards. A real bonus most families miss — Sullivan Scholars are granted automatic admission to the University Honors Program and the Matteo Ricci Institute (for most majors), so the honors track comes built-in. Outside private scholarships can still stack up to the cost-of-attendance ceiling.
📄
How to Apply
Step one — submit the Common Application to Seattle University by January 15. Step two — wait for the Admissions Office to invite you, in January, to submit the Sullivan supplemental application via your Redhawk Admissions Portal. The supplemental portal opens in late November for invited students. Step three — complete and submit the Sullivan supplemental application by March 1. There is no campus visit, on-campus competition, or required interview — that piece was retired in 2024.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The Sullivan Scholarship is a full-ride award — tuition, housing and meals, and required fees — for two incoming first-year students each year who attend Jesuit or Catholic high schools (domestic or international). Selected students are invited to complete a supplemental application after Admissions reviews their Common App. Since 2024, there is no campus-visit competition component. Sullivan Scholars are automatically admitted to the University Honors Program and the Matteo Ricci Institute for most programs.
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Who Actually Wins
Two new Sullivan Scholars each year. The winning profile is consistent — a student attending a Jesuit or Catholic high school anywhere in the world, an unweighted GPA at or above 3.7, a transcript loaded with the most rigorous courses available, and a track record of leadership, service, and global engagement that goes well beyond the resume bullet. The 2024 redesign removed the on-campus competition, so the supplemental application essays now carry even more of the decision.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
Sullivan Scholarship – https://www.seattleu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/financing/scholarships/sullivan/
Seattle University Scholarships – https://www.seattleu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/financing/scholarships/
💎 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.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Black Student Union (BSU) Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Around April 1; applicants should confirm current-year deadline with BSU or the university scholarships site
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Endowed scholarship that typically supplements other institutional and external aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the BSU Scholarship process, following directions posted by Seattle University and the Black Student Union each year.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes BSU involvement, leadership, and contribution to the Black student community on campus.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Seattle U’s giving page describes the BSU Scholarship Endowment as a student-led, Black-serving scholarship; CRP notes typical awards in the $1,000–$3,000 range, but exact amounts vary by funding and year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming or returning students who are involved in or intend to be active in Seattle University’s Black Student Union and demonstrate leadership and engagement.
Full RideApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Onlypipeline
Fostering Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: March 31
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance
✔ Stackable
⚠ Strictly for students who have experienced the foster care system.
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Program funding is coordinated with federal, state, and institutional aid to cover full tuition, fees, books, and year-round housing and meals up to the cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be admitted to Seattle University, then submit the Fostering Scholars application as a Washington resident with foster care experience by the priority deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes foster care background, financial need, and readiness to engage in the program’s academic and life-skills support.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Official program description states that scholars receive full funding of tuition, books, and other approved educational expenses, waiver of enrollment-related fees, and year-round on-campus housing and meal plan, along with intensive support services.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Washington students with current or former foster care experience who demonstrate admission readiness and engage with the program’s academic and personal support resources.
App Required
Ignatian Leaders Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April (varies by year; selection typically in spring after admission)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to stack with institutional merit awards, subject to overall institutional aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
After admission, submit the Ignatian Leaders application and participate in the program’s spring selection process, which usually includes an interview.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of leadership experience, service, and alignment with Jesuit mission.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP lists a typical award range of $1,500–$3,000 per year; Seattle U frames this as a leadership and values-based scholarship with a cohort experience.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming students with strong leadership records and commitment to Jesuit values such as service and social justice.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
McGoldrick Alumni Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1 FAFSA deadline
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Legacy scholarship that stacks with other institutional aid up to the cost of tuition; recipients of certain tuition benefits or full presidential authorizations are not eligible.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for undergraduate admission by January 15 (first-year) or March 1 (transfer), list eligible alumni relatives on the admission application, and complete the McGoldrick Alumni Scholarship application and FAFSA by February 1.
Selection criteria: Selection considers legacy status, minimum GPA, and demonstrated financial need.
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Strategic Detail
Alumni association materials state that the McGoldrick Scholarship is a $1,000 annually renewable award for legacy students, including transfer and international students, who meet GPA and need criteria and list alumni relatives on their application.
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Who Actually Wins
Legacy undergraduate students who are children or grandchildren of Seattle University alumni, or other close legacy relationships, with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Naef Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: May 5
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 2 yrs)
$3,000–$4,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.4+ GPA🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Naef awards are added to a student’s need-based aid package and may adjust other institutional aid so that total aid does not exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
During the sophomore year, eligible students submit a competitive Naef application, including essays and recommendations, for funding beginning in the junior year.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic performance, financial need, and substantial engagement with social justice and service.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Official description notes that each Naef Scholar receives a need-based award of $3,000 or $4,500 and joins a cohort focused on leadership and social justice; other public sources reference eligibility for students with 90+ credits and GPA ≥ 3.4.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Rising juniors and seniors with at least a 3.4 Seattle U GPA, demonstrated financial need, and a strong record of engagement with social justice and community issues.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Thomas J. Bannan Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 7 for current students; May 9 for transfer applicants
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 2 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Bannan awards stack with other aid up to the cost of tuition; if a student’s aid would exceed tuition, the cash portion may be limited while the student still participates in the enrichment program.
📄
How to Apply
Apply as a current or incoming junior or senior in the College of Science and Engineering or as an eligible transfer; submit the Bannan Scholarship application by the posted February and May deadlines.
Selection criteria: Merit-based selection focusing on GPA, engagement in service and scholarly activities, and fit with the Bannan Scholars Enrichment program.
💡
Strategic Detail
Seattle U describes the Bannan Scholarship as a $6,000 per year junior and senior merit award for College of Science and Engineering students; recipients participate in the Bannan Scholars Enrichment program and may also compete for summer research stipends.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Junior and senior STEM majors in the College of Science and Engineering with GPAs of 3.5 or higher and active involvement in service, scholarly, and community activities.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
Fostering Scholars Program – https://www.seattleu.edu/scholarships/fostering/
Naef Scholars Program – https://www.seattleu.edu/scholarships/naef/
SU Bannan Scholarship – https://www.seattleu.edu/scieng/student-success/bannan/
Black Student Union Scholarship – https://www.seattleu.edu/scholarships/bsu/
McGoldrick Alumni Scholarship – https://www.seattleu.edu/alumni/benefits/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.
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
App Required
Honors Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 25; January 25
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
The $1,800 Honors Scholarship is layered on top of any Seattle U Merit Award and other institutional or outside aid, subject to the cost-of-attendance ceiling. Honors students also become strong candidates for the Madsen, Naef, and Bannan awards during their sophomore year — a meaningful upside for families thinking about the four-year picture.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Common Application to Seattle University to an Honors-compatible major. Once Admissions processes the application, the Honors application appears in your Redhawk Admissions Portal checklist for eligible students. Complete the 600-word Honors essay and submit one teacher letter of recommendation by the Honors priority deadline that matches your admission round. Admission to the University Honors Program automatically delivers the $1,800 Honors scholarship — no separate scholarship application is required.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
Every student admitted to the University Honors Program receives an $1,800 scholarship for all four years of their undergraduate education. The Honors application — a 600-word essay plus one teacher letter of recommendation — is offered by invitation after the Common App is processed and the student has applied to an Honors-compatible major. Honors admission is for incoming first-years only.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students invited to and admitted into the University Honors Program. Competitive applicants typically present an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher, a writing sample that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, and a teacher recommendation that speaks directly to academic potential. Engineering majors and Matteo Ricci students are structurally ineligible — those programs cannot accommodate the Honors course load.
Automatic⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Madsen Family Honors Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Selections made each spring by Honors faculty; awards applied to the following academic year
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Madsen layers on top of the standard $1,800 Honors Scholarship, other Seattle U institutional awards, and outside aid, subject to the overall cost-of-attendance ceiling.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Madsen Family Honors Program Scholarship is an endowed award — funded by Dr. Dave Madsen, longtime Honors faculty member, and his wife Mary Anne — given to outstanding Honors students at the end of their first year in the program. Eligibility is limited to students on the Intellectual Traditions or Society, Policy and Citizenship tracks with a 3.0 or higher GPA; priority is given to Intellectual Traditions students. Award amounts are not published — they are set annually by the Honors program based on endowment yield.
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Who Actually Wins
Honors students who have just wrapped up their first year on the Intellectual Traditions or Society, Policy and Citizenship tracks, with strong academic performance and clear engagement in the Honors community. Priority leans toward students on the Intellectual Traditions track. Innovations-track Honors students — including most engineering-adjacent and pre-health BS majors — are not eligible.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
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.
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.
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