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Scholarships

Seattle University scholarships are provided in recognition of your ability to enhance our educational community. Some scholarships are offered based on information you submit as part of the admission process while others are based on your achievement at Seattle University.

Institutional scholarship renewal is based on the specifics of the scholarship, continued need, and satisfactory progress. Academic scholarships have strict renewal requirements, so be sure to read the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy on the Conditions of Award and Student Responsibilities form you'll be required to accept as part of your financial aid award each year to be sure you comply with all criteria.

All scholarships are financial resources and must be coordinated with other types of financial aid. You must notify our office of any additional scholarships you receive which do not appear on your original Award letter. You must also notify us if your outside scholarship is renewable, so we can automatically include it with your subsequent awards.

There are five types of scholarships at Seattle University:

Academic Scholarships: Academic scholarships are "non-need-based." With the exception of the Sullivan Leadership Award and Matteo Ricci College Scholarship, academic scholarship recipients are selected by the Admissions Office. With the exception of the Sullivan Leadership Award, the following scholarships are awarded based on information students submit as part of the admission process and do not require an additional application: Sullivan Leadership Awards; Presidential, Trustee, Campion, Ignatian, Transfer Trustee, Loyola and Washington Articulation Scholarships; and Matteo Ricci College Scholarships. For more information about these scholarships, go to the Undergraduate Admissions "Scholarships" page.
Donor Scholarships: Institutional scholarships are generally "need-based" scholarships given to the university by alumni and friends. All continuing students who have demonstrated academic excellence and have financial need are automatically considered for these funds. Students who receive Donor Scholarships are strongly encouraged to write Thank You notes to the donor. These letters should be sent to University Advancement to be forward to the donor. Click on sample letter to help you get started.
Service Scholarships: Various university departments and organizations award service scholarships for services students perform for the university. Your award letter will confirm the award about which you were already notified by the awarding department or organization.
Private Outside Scholarships: Outside scholarships are scholarships you bring with you to Seattle University. On your Award Letter they are referred to as "Private Outside Scholarships".

Additionally, Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics Scholarships offers a list of potential, private scholarships for Business students, and undergradute and graduate Accounting majors. Please contact their department directly to apply for these scholarships

Scholarship Categories

Steps for Getting a Private Scholarship

Start Early

If possible, start the process at least two years before you need the aid.
Always remember that you will be applying for scholarships about a year before you will actually receive the aid.
Get good grades-they will only help you and put you above the next applicant.

Prepare Yourself

Often scholarships are awarded to students who are involved in activities both in school and out of school. Well-rounded students have the best chance of receiving scholarships.
Many clubs and organizations have scholarships associated with them. Doing your research in the beginning may help you obtain more scholarships.

Do Research

Figure out what makes you a special individual. This may include such things as academics, volunteer work, athletics or your family background.
Consider unique circumstances or conditions that might make you eligible for aid such as being a foster child, having asthma, being a single parent or having a disability.
Scholarship opportunities can be found in many places including financial aid offices, libraries, local civic organizations, your (or your parents') employer, local businesses, your high school guidance office, the Internet or Student Outreach Services (call 1-800-337-6884).
Send Away for Applications and Information
After you collect all of the information about the scholarships for which you are interested in applying, you will need to contact the organization.
Many organizations will require that you contact them through the mail to request applications and other pertinent information. Some organizations will give potential applicants their phone numbers and email addresses to expedite the request for information.
Give the organization ample time to send you the necessary paperwork. Be aware of all deadlines associated with applying.

Apply

Once you receive the application and understand all of the information that you are expected to send to the organization, you will need to apply for the scholarship.
Many organizations require information such as a completed application, an essay, recommendations, and/or a resume from each applicant. Make sure you have given yourself plenty of time to gather all of the required information.
Most scholarships will have deadlines for applying. You may want to keep a calendar with all of the deadlines listed so that you do not let any expire.
Before you send in your completed application, make sure to double-check the spelling and grammar. Nothing looks worse on a scholarship application than a common spelling error.
Remember that the application process takes time, and it could be months before you are notified of any awards. Be aware that some organizations will not send any follow-up correspondence if you do not receive the award.
Always put your best effort into each application. Be neat and organized - First impressions count.

Sample Letter of Inquiry for Private Scholarship

This sample scholarship letter provides a format for an inquiry about private scholarships or private grants. Of course, you must first identify foundations and organizations which offer such assistance. You can get help finding the names and addresses of sources of gift aid, such as private scholarships or private grants, from a reference librarian. Once you have obtained that information, you will need to modify this sample scholarship letter in order to customize it to your own background and needs by replacing the text printed in boldface below.

Date

Ms. T. Sample, Director
XYZ Organization
Moneytown, USA 99999

Dear Ms. Sample:

I am writing with regard to any student assistance that the XYZ Organization may offer to postsecondary bound students.

(Enter a concise paragraph about your background and goals. Try to show how you meet the requirements of the organization's financial aid program. If this is a letter to find out if the organization even offers aid, write a short paragraph about how your background and ambitions coincide with the mission of that organization.)

Please forward information to me about student financial assistance available through the XYZ Organization, including how I might apply and any deadlines for applying for the 20XX - 20XX academic year. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your Address
Your Telephone Number