Financial Aid

Understanding Types of Financial Aid

Several different types of financial aid can make up a financial aid package. Some aid is need-based; some aid is based on achievement. Your Financial Aid Offer letter can be made up of  aid that does not need to be paid and/or some that does need to repaid. Earning money through work study may be part of paying for school, in addition to gaining valuable work experience. We will help you navigate the types of financial aid. Our team at Student Financial Services is ready to help.

Grants

Grants are gift aid which you do not need to repay. Seattle University is pleased to award the following grants:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  • Washington College Grant 
  • Seattle University Grants

Seattle University students participating in Army, Air Force, or Navy ROTC may receive ROTC grants.

Loans

Student loans are a type of funding that must be repaid.  Some student loans can be interest-free while you are in school and low interest during the repayment period. Payments may be deferred or forgiven based on certain conditions set by the federal government.  In general, the federa loan terms are far more favorable than commercially available loans.

There are a number of loans available through the Student Financial Services Office at Seattle University. These include Federal Direct Loans, Federal Nursing Loan, Federal Direct PLUS loan for Parents, Federal Direct PLUS loan for graduate students, and Alaska Loan.  Student Financial Services can also certify Private Educational Loans for borrowers including some that can pay Past Due Accounts.

Work Study

Work Study aid is a work-to-earn type of award where students work and earn paychecks.  Our work study programs offer you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while earning money for college. Students are able to enhance their current coursework as well as their future profession by integrating classroom learning with real-world work experience. Seattle-area employers are eager to participate in the program so many opportunities can exist. 

Undergraduate students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the university priority deadline, February 1st (or within 30 days of admission if admitted after January 1) are considered for institutional gift aid in addition to federal and state funding. So don’t wait; apply today!

96%
of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid