The majority of Seattle University undergraduates receive gift aid in the form of grants. However, a number of students are awarded scholarships. Seattle University scholarships are merit awards that are offered shortly following acceptance in recognition of academic and extracurricular achievements. These awards are made without consideration of financial need; informally they are called "no-need" awards.
Scholarship consideration at Seattle University is very competitive and while our offer of awards is made during the admissions cycle—before full financial aid packages based upon an evaluation of possible need—they are not made at the time of acceptance. We review all applicants who have applied by the application deadline before choosing candidates. Our process is "holistic" and as the profile of who applies for admission varies from year to year, accordingly so do the characteristics of those who are offered scholarships.
Academic scholarships are available to domestic and international freshman and transfer applicants for fall quarter entry; additionally, transfers graduating from Washington State community colleges who apply for the winter or spring quarters will be considered for Washington Articulation Scholarships.
Scholarships are based upon several thorough reviews of an application by different members of the admissions staff. After initial application reviews selected candidates are referred to a scholarship committee, which later reviews all recommended candidates for scholarship consideration. The applications of those selected for scholarships have been thoroughly reviewed by different staff members several times.
The primary consideration for any candidate is the rigor of the academic program completed, students' cumulative academic performance trend, and the level of academic challenge they have invited.
Freshmen
Greatest emphasis is placed upon the gateway subjects: English, social studies, laboratory science, mathematics, and foreign language. Particular attention is given to senior year course selection. It is expected that applicants will be enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate courses if they are an option at their schools. We seek to determine whether students have taken full advantage of the academic opportunities available to them. Academic performance is also compared with standardized test performance (ACT or SAT). We do not use grade point average or test score minimums.
Significant consideration is given to extracurricular and or part-time employment experience. Involvement in leadership is highly valued, whether it be in student government, athletics, the arts, volunteer positions, or as a member of a religious youth organization. Extracurricular involvement is assessed in light of the opportunities available to a student. We recognize that some applicants have family obligations or need to work part-time, limiting opportunities for extracurricular involvement.
While most students who are selected fall within the top quarter of Seattle University's entering freshman class profile, not all students in the top quarter will be offered scholarships, nor will all scholarship recipients necessarily fall within the top quarter.
Annually, the following numbers are budgeted to be awarded to freshmen entering fall quarter:
| 30 | Presidential Scholarships | $18,500 per year* |
| 60 | Trustee Scholarships | $15,000 per year* |
| 150 | Campion Scholarships | $11,000 per year* |
Freshman applicants from Jesuit high schools who receive Presidential, Trustee, or Campion awards will be eligible for additional Ignatian Scholarships of $3,000 per year.*
*Freshman scholarships are renewable for a total of 4 years of consecutive undergraduate study. Recipients must complete 45 credits per year at Seattle University and maintain a 3.0> cumulative grade point average to renew scholarships.
Transfers
Greatest emphasis is placed upon course selection, individual course performance, and academic trend. We carefully reference personal statements when assessing collegiate course performance to determine what opportunities and constraints influenced academic options. When applicants have completed less than two full years of study at other collegiate institutions high school performance will be considered if the student chooses to include secondary transcripts and test scores at the time of performance. Transfers applying from both two year and baccalaureate institutions for fall quarter admission can be considered for Transfer Trustee or Loyola scholarships.
Annually, the following numbers are budgeted to be awarded to transfers entering fall quarter:
| 10 | Transfer Trustee | $16,000 per year |
| 18 | Loyola | $14,000 per year |
Washington Articulation Scholarships are equal to $11,000 per year for two years of consecutive full time undergraduate study and are automatically granted to students with cumulative grade point averages of 3.5 or greater at the time of admission and must be retained through completion of the associate's degree. Those admitted through the Culture Language and Bridge program are not eligible to receive the Washington Articulation Scholarship.
Deadlines
Freshmen applying for the fall quarter must submit and complete applications by February 1 for scholarship consideration. Decisions are mailed the first week of March (with complete financial aid packages following in late March).
Transfers applying for the fall quarter must submit and complete applications by March 1 for scholarship consideration. Decisions are mailed the first week of April (with complete financial aid packages following in late April).
Transfers from Washington State colleges who meet regular application deadlines for any quarter will be considered for Washington Articulation Scholarships.
