Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition & Fees 2022-2023

2022-2023 tuition & fee rates are listed below. For more detail, click here. 

$55,044
Total 2-Year Tuition

Based on 2023-2024 academic year tuition rates

$32,526
Total Advanced Standing Tuition

Based on 2023-2024 academic year tuition rates

$834
Cost per credit

2023-2024 Academic Year

$1,615*
University Fee Estimate

Matriculation (one-time), Wellness fee (quarterly), Technology fee (quarterly), Graduate activity fee (quarterly). View details here.

*Total for 4 quarters of study based on 2023-2024 University fees

$223
Tevera Field Management System

A one-time expense for field practicum placement (required to initiate the placement process before program start) 

$250
MSW Program Deposit

Deposit goes toward student's first quarter tuition cost and is assessed at admission offer confirmation

Tuition Comparisons 2022-2023 Academic Year

Two-Year Tuition Estimates

Two-year tuition comparison table: Seattle University, University of Washington, University of Washington Tacoma, Smith College, University of Southern California
Institution Program Resident  Non-Resident International
Seattle University Two-Year $49,896 $49,896 $49,896
University of WA Day Program (21-22) $42,206 $70,608 $72,519
University of WA Extended Degree (21-22) $65,465 $65,465 $65,465
University of WA Tacoma Three-Year $62,572 $103,616 -
Smith College Two-Year  $72,315  $72,315 $72,315
University of Southern California Four Semester $85,890  $108,212 - 

Advanced Standing Tuition and Fee Estimates

Advanced Standing tuition comparison table: Seattle University, University of Washington, University of Washington Tacoma, Smith College, University of Southern California
Institution Program Resident Non-Resident International 
Seattle University Advanced Standing $29,484 $29,484 $29,484
University of WA Full-Time Advanced Standing (21-22) $27,974 $46,965 $47,955
University of WA Part-Time Advanced Standing (21-22) $41,845 $41,845 $41,845
University of WA Tacoma Advanced Standing $35,692 $61,772 -
Smith College Advanced Standing  $38,690  $38.690 $38,690
University of Southern California Advanced Standing  $73,212  $73,212 - 

Scholarships

 

General Information-Seattle University Scholarships for Graduate Programs

All admitted applicants are considered for Seattle University Scholarships for Graduate Programs based upon a holistic review of all information received in the application process and available funding. Awards are renewable for multi-year programs based upon satisfactory progress toward degree completion. Scholarship amounts are based upon full-time enrollment of minimally 6 quarter credits per term. Students taking less than 6 quarter credits will have their award amount pro-rated accordingly.

Seattle University Scholarships for Graduate Programs are called Equity Scholarships. 

Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative 

Overview

To help address Washington’s persistent behavioral health workforce challenges, Seattle University's Clinical MSW Program and a number of university partners, is participating in the Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (WDI). With a generous gift from Ballmer Group, the WDI provides two-year grants to master’s students (and one-year grants to Advanced Standing MSW students) in accredited clinical mental health programs. 

Students may receive up to $51,500 in scholarship, depending on the student’s financial eligibility. Recipients of this scholarship will commit to working in Medicaid-receiving community behavioral health agencies and tribal health centers in Washington for 3 years (18 months for Advanced Standing students) upon graduation. Seattle University 2-Year and Advanced Standing MSW applicants are welcome to apply for this groundbreaking scholarship. We are especially interested in applicants who have experience in, and commitment towards working with economically distressed and historically underrepresented communities or populations. 

Award

Up to $51,500 for 2-Year MSW students and up to $25,750 for Advanced Standing MSW students depending on financial eligibility (based on unmet need: FAFSA or WASFA is required). Recipients will commit to work for 36 months (2-Year) or 18 months (Advanced Standing) post-graduation at an approved behavioral health agency or tribal health center. 

SU's WDI Application Deadline

We are still accepting applications

Work Requirement/Practicum Placement

To be eligible for a conditional grant through the Ballmer Behavioral Health Scholarship, students must agree to train at a target Medicaid-receiving agency, then work at a targeted Medicaid-receiving agency post-graduation, both of which must take place in Washington state. The internship placement and the employment can be at different agencies. The Workforce Development Initiative has a select list of community behavioral health agencies that address the Initiative’s goals.

How to Apply

  • Apply to Seattle University's MSW program by February 20, 2023
  • Complete your 2023-2024 FAFSA or WASFA
  • Submit the WDI application by February 15, 2023; select Seattle University 

WDI Frequently Asked Questions

You can view a list of WDI frequently asked questions here. For Seattle U specific WDI applicant frequently asked questions, click here. 

Click here to view the WDI Website

MSW Departmental Scholarships

To establish a diverse and equitable student population in the MSW program, the SU MSW program offers scholarships that are distributed based on these principles. We offer an Equity in Distribution Scholarship to support students who have financial need. To increase the number of clinical social workers of color, we also offer an Equity in Representation Scholarship to provide financial support to students of color (e.g., Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, Alaska Native). Students may qualify for one or both scholarships based on eligibility.

If you plan to apply for MSW Departmental Scholarships, your application, the scholarship form (MSW applicants can access the scholarship application here) and all required application materials will need to be on file before the January 20 priority deadline to be considered. We recommend that you submit your scholarship form and then submit your application. The Social Work Department will review your scholarship form and your MSW application simultaneously and any scholarship funds awarded would be announced on your admission decision letter.

Etnyre Scheingold Clinical Social Work Endowed Scholarship

Seattle University's MSW Program offers an endowed scholarship created by Lee Scheingold, MA, MSW and Bill Etnyre, MSW, PhD. The Etnyre Scheingold Clinical Social Work Endowed Scholarship supports students who are pursuing their MSW education and are dedicated to working with society's most vulnerable citizens. 

To be eligible for scholarship, a student must meet the following criteria: 

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student at Seattle University.
  • Be enrolled in the MSW degree program.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to community-based clinical social work practice. 
  • Demonstrate financial need. 

Endowed scholarship consideration may require additional documents and recipients may be notified after admission depending upon the selection criteria. Domestic and permanent resident applicants are strongly encouraged to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for any need-based endowed or external scholarships and/or graduate student loans.

AmeriCorps Alumni Scholarship

In recognition of their invaluable service and commitment to positive impact in our communities, Seattle University offers the following benefits for AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps alums. All applicants to Seattle University Graduate Programs are eligible to apply for the AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship.

Recipients of the scholarship receive a total award of $3,000 toward tuition, which is distributed over the first two years of the student's academic program. Eligible applicants must have successfully completed (or will have completed) an AmeriCorps term of service by the time of enrollment in their graduate program. 

How to Apply

  • Complete the online AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship Application. 
  • Enclose Certification of Service letter to your AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship Application.
  • If currently serving, include a letter from your supervisor, uploaded to the AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship Application.

Notice of Scholarship Award

Applicants who have been offered admission to their program are welcoe to apply for the AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship. Priority consideration is given to scholarship applications submitted before or on April 30. For applications submitted after April 30, Seattle University will notify applicants of scholarship decisions made on a case-by-case basis, depending on funds remaining. The AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship Awards Committee meets in May of each year.

AmeriCorps Alumni Fee Waiver

AmeriCorps alums who complete an application for any Seattle University graduate program may request an application fee waiver. In the “Fee Payment” section of their online application, applicants should indicate they are an AmeriCorps alum in order to receive the fee waiver.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships (GA) in teaching, research and marketing/recruitment may be available to qualified students. These opportunities are generally sent to incoming MSW students in late summer. 

Past GA positions: 

  • Project Research Assistant-Department of Social Work
  • Clinical Practice Lab Assistant-Department of Social Work
  • Recruitment & Marketing Graduate Assistant-Master of Social Work
  • BSW Research Capstone Graduate Assistant-Department of Social Work
  • Research Assistant (General)-Department of Social Work

Find out more about student employment here>>

Student Employment and Faculty Fellowships

Each academic year, the MSW department has student worker positions that may be available. Availability is based on whether current student workers are graduating or moving to other positions. Students are also free to reach out to other graduate programs within the university to ask about employment opportunities within other departments as well. 

Faculty are always applying for grants and funding for research. Periodically, faculty members will be awarded a grant that allows them to hire an MSW student to help them with their project. Faculty will notify students as opportunities arise. 

Funding Databases

The Lemieux Library has a comprehensive guide to institutional and local funding databases.

Interested in fellowships? Check out the Seattle University's Fellowships database.

External Scholarships

There are many organizations that offer scholarships and fellowships to MSW students. Here are some options:

Below is a list of individual external scholarships MSW applicants and students may qualify for. Please consult each scholarship's website for further details about eligibility, awards, and deadlines. 

CSWE Minority Fellowship Program

Eligibility Requirements

  • An advanced (final year or advanced standing), direct practice-focused, master’s-level committment to providing mental health and/or substance use disorder services to racial/ethnic minority populations
  • Enrollment in a CSWE-accredited master’s program full time (per the program’s standards)
  • American citizenship, noncitizen national status, or permanent residency (international students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals students, and work visa holders are not eligible to apply)
  • Service in an appropriate internship/placement setting providing mental health and/or substance use disorder services to racial/ethnic minority populations (must provide documentation from the program)
  • Completion or upcoming completion of at least two advanced master’s of social work courses in one or both of the following categories: (a) mental health and/or co-occurring substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery; (b) culturally competent evidence-based practices

General Selection Criteria

  • Commitment to seeking employment in mental health and/or substance use disorder services or prevention with the target population immediately after graduation, for at least 2 years
  • Knowledge of/experience with underserved ethnic and racial minority individuals or communities
  • Potential as a future social work practitioner with a focus on mental health and/or substance use disorder prevention or treatment with racial/ethnic minority populations

Award

Recipients receive a 1-year fellowship that includes specialized training in mental health and/or substance use disorder issues of racial/ethnic minority populations, a monetary stipend, and other professional development supports.
 
The fellowship stipend is a total award of $10,000, subject to change depending on funding received from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

All fellows are required to attend an in-person 2.5-day training session held in Alexandria, VA. All travel, food, and hotel expenses will be covered by the MFP. Fellows are also expected to participate in all conference calls and webinars.

Student Financial Services (SFS)

Student Financial Services Office is the central department that manages tuition bills, fees, scholarships, and loans. Visit the SFS website for office hours, financial aid information, and payment plan options.

 

Federal Funding

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

A FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be filed for EACH YEAR a student wants to be considered for financial aid eligibility. 

A new FAFSA is available each year on October 1st and asks for financial data from two years ago.

Students and their families are encouraged to file the online version of the FAFSA. The online version provides edits which alert filers to possible problems with their applications before the application is submitted. Applying online is also faster so updates and corrections can be submitted with ease.  If unable to file online, please contact Student Financial Services for assistance.

File the FAFSA by SU's February 1 priority funding deadline. All types of aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  Many funds are extremely limited.  Applications received after the priority deadline will be considered in the order received on a funds-available basis.

Select the correct version of the FAFSA to complete as each year, from October 1st through June 30th, two versions of the FAFSA are available: 1) for the current academic year and 2) for the upcoming academic year.

 

Loan Repayment Programs

National Health Service Corps

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) provides loan repayment programs for eligible, licensed, social workers. 

Sign up for notifications of the next application cycle. 

NHSC Loan Repayment Program

Licensed primary care clinicians in eligible disciplines can receive loan repayment assistance through the NHSC Loan Repayment Program (NHSC LRP).

Loan Repayment

  • Full-time service: Up to $50,000 for a two-year initial term
  • Half-time service: Up to $25,000 for a two-year initial term

Do I qualify for the NHSC LRP?

Yes, you qualify if you are:

  • A United States citizen (U.S. born or naturalized) or the United States national;
  • A provider (or eligible to participate as a provider) in the Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, as appropriate;
  • Fully trained and licensed to practice in the NHSC-eligible primary care medical, dental, or mental/behavioral health discipline and state in which you are applying to serve
  • A health professional in an eligible discipline with qualified student loan debt for education that led to your degree; and
  • Working at an NHSC-approved site.

Are military reservists eligible?

Yes. Find out about specific guidelines and requirements for military reservists.

Which disciplines and specialties are eligible?

Licensed Clinical Social Workers are eligible to apply. See this link for a full list of eligible disciplines. 

NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program

Eligible clinicians may receive up to $75,000 in student loan repayment in exchange for a three-year commitment to provide substance use disorder treatment services at NHSC-approved sites.

Loan Repayment

  • You will receive funds to repay your outstanding, qualifying, educational loans.

Do I qualify for the NHSC SUD Workforce LRP?

Yes, you qualify:

  • If you work at a SUD treatment facility with a Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) score that would ordinarily be too low to qualify for NHSC funding.
  • Using either your NHSC-approved treatment facility's Mental Health or Primary Care HPSA score.

Am I eligible for an NHSC SUD Workforce LRP award?

Yes, as long as you are:

  • A United States citizen (U.S. born or naturalized) or the United States national;
  • A provider (or eligible to participate as a provider) in the Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, as appropriate;
  • Fully trained and licensed to practice in the NHSC-eligible primary care medical, dental, or mental/behavioral health discipline and state in which you are applying to serve;
  • A health professional in an eligible discipline with qualified student loan debt for education that led to your degree;
  • Working at an NHSC -approved SUD treatment facility with a Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) score that would ordinarily be too low to qualify for NHSC funding; and
  • Using either your NHSC-approved site’s Mental Health or Primary Care HPSA score.

Are military reservists eligible?

Yes. Find out about specific guidelines and requirements for military reservists.

Which disciplines and specialties are eligible?

You must be trained and licensed to provide SUD treatment at NHSC-approved evidenced-based SUD treatment facilities.

See this link for a list of eligible disciplines and approved facilities. 

NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program 

Eligible clinicians enjoy the following benefits in exchange for providing substance use disorder and opioid use disorder treatment services at rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facilities.

Loan Repayment

Eligible clinicians may receive up to $100,000 for full-time service or $50,000 for half-time service, to repay outstanding, qualifying, educational loans.

Do I qualify for the NHSC Rural Community LRP?

Yes, you qualify if you are:

  • A United States citizen (U.S. born or naturalized) or the United States national;
  • A provider (or eligible to participate as a provider) in the Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, as appropriate;
  • Fully trained and licensed to practice in the NHSC-eligible primary care medical, or mental/behavioral health discipline and state in which you are applying to serve;
  • A health professional in an eligible discipline with qualified student loan debt for education that led to your degree
  • Working, or have accepted a position, at a rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. (Facilities that have received RCORP funding will receive preference); and
  • Using either your rural* NHSC-approved facility’s Mental Health or Primary Care HPSA score.

*Use the Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer to find out what NHSC-approved SUD treatment facilities we consider rural.

 

Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment Program

The IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) can help dedicated health professionals like you chart a course for a long-lasting and successful health care career. The LRP funds IHS clinicians to repay their eligible health profession education loans — up to $40,000 — in exchange for an initial two-year service commitment to practice in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Opportunities are based on Indian health program facilities with the greatest staffing needs in specific health profession disciplines. As an LRP participant, you are eligible to extend your contract annually until your qualified student debt is paid. Many health professionals enter this program because of the financial benefits but find the cultural and professional rewards to be so great that they spend their entire careers working in Indian health.

Eligibility 

You are eligible for the Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) if you:

  • Are a US citizen.
    • Males 18 years or older must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Have a health profession degree or are in your final year of academic/post-graduate clinical training.
  • Have a valid license to practice. Health profession students in their final year of post-graduate clinical training/school are eligible to apply before obtaining a license. However, you are not eligible for an award until you provide proof of licensure.
  • Are committed to practice at an Indian health facility.
  • Can begin service on or before September 30 for two continuous years of full-time clinical practice.

Qualifying Behavioral Health Professions

  • Clinical Psychology: PhD and PsyD
  • Counseling — Licensed Professional Counselor: Master's degree
  • Counseling Psychology — PhD
  • Social Work — Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Master's degree

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

Eligibility

To qualify for PSLF, you must

To ensure you’re on the right track, you should submit a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) & Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Certification & Application (PSLF Form) annually or when you change employers. We’ll use the information you provide on the form to let you know if you are making qualifying PSLF payments. This will help you determine if you’re on the right track as early as possible.