Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood on about 50 acres. With over 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students across eight schools and colleges, it offers a rigorous education combined with personal attention.
The university hosts more than 850 international students from over 60 countries, and its alumni are spread around the world in nearly 100 countries.
The good news for 2026‑2027 undergraduate applicants is that Seattle University Scholarships are open and fully funded for international students. This scholarship offers up to $48,000 over four academic years, making your dream of studying in the USA more attainable. If you’re applying for undergraduate study, this scholarship is designed for students just like you.
Why Choose Seattle University?
Before diving into the scholarship details, it helps to understand why Seattle University stands out:
- Academic excellence and small classes: As a mid‑size Jesuit university, Seattle U balances strong academics with smaller classes, giving you direct access to professors.
- International community: More than 850 international students from 60+ countries create a truly global campus.
- Dynamic city environment: Located in Seattle, you benefit from a vibrant urban environment, tech and innovation hubs, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.
- Broad program offerings: Seattle U offers a wide range of majors and programs—from Biochemistry to Creative Writing to Mechanical Engineering to International Business.
- Alumni network: Seattle U alumni live and work globally, recognized for their success and leadership.
What the Scholarship Covers
Even though it’s called a “fully funded” scholarship, it’s important to understand what is actually covered:
Tuition support
The scholarship is structured to provide up to $12,000 per year toward your tuition costs. This may cover a large portion, depending on your overall financial aid package and tuition rates for each year.
Renewable for four years
If you maintain full-time enrollment and meet GPA requirements each year, the scholarship renews automatically up to four years, totaling $48,000.
Does it cover room, board, or fees?
In most cases, the scholarship focuses on tuition. It does not directly pay for housing, meal plans, textbooks, or personal expenses. However, with tuition significantly lowered, students often find it easier to handle those remaining expenses through other financial aid options, employment, or careful budgeting.
Books, supplies, and travel
These are typically not covered. You can explore on-campus part-time jobs or federal work-study (if eligible) for help covering these costs.
Study abroad
If you participate in approved study abroad programs, your scholarship generally continues to apply toward the tuition portion, though additional study abroad costs flights, visa fees, insurance are not covered.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive the Seattle University Scholarship, you must meet these criteria:
Academic performance
- Equivalent of a U.S. GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher from your previous high school study or equivalent secondary education.
- Strong academic record and transcripts from your previous institutions.
Language proficiency
- English proficiency is required regardless of your residency or citizenship.
- You must provide certified English‑language transcripts and demonstrate proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE, unless your prior schooling has been fully in English.
- Seattle does not require ACT or SAT scores for international freshmen—but if you have them and they are strong, you may include them to strengthen your admissions application.
Enrollment status
- You must apply as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- You must maintain full-time enrollment (typically 12 or more credits per semester) to retain the scholarship.
Citizenship
- Open to international students from all countries worldwide.
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents may not be eligible for the international undergraduate scholarship package but may qualify for other funding options.
Academic Programs You Can Pursue
Seattle University offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs across disciplines. You can select from majors such as:
- Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, International Business, Marketing
- Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Public Affairs
- Biology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Marine and Conservation Biology
- Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Physics, Mathematics
- Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sport & Exercise Science
- Communication and Media, Creative Writing, Film Studies, Art History, Visual Art, Photography
- English (Literature or Creative Writing), Performing Arts, Arts Leadership, and Individualized Majors
- Theology & Religious Studies, Philosophy, Modern Languages & Cultures, Women & Gender Studies
- Interdisciplinary Programs, Honors Program, Law Scholars Program, ROTC Program, Criminal Justice, Nursing, and more.
Benefits of Receiving This Scholarship
Here’s what you gain as a scholarship recipient:
Financial relief
- $12,000 per year toward tuition removes a major financial barrier.
- Over four years, coverage grows to $48,000, significantly reducing debt.
Access to high-quality education
- You receive a rigorous education at a respected Jesuit university in a high-tech global city.
- Small class sizes and personal attention from faculty support student success.
Room for personal growth
- Less financial stress means more opportunities to engage in internships, research, clubs, or community service, and explore Seattle.
- You can focus on developing leadership, professional, and networking skills without heavy financial pressure.
Global campus environment
- Sit among students from 60+ countries there is cultural diversity and a global learning perspective.
- Build friendships, collaborative projects, and professional connections across cultures.
Long-term impact
- Graduating with less debt gives you more freedom to pursue graduate school, start a nonprofit, or accept early-career jobs without worrying about high monthly loan payments.
What It Takes to Keep the Scholarship
Receiving a Seattle University Scholarship is a major achievement it’s a recognition of your hard work, potential, and commitment to academic excellence. But receiving the scholarship is just the beginning.
To enjoy the full benefits, which can be as much as $48,000 over four academic years, you’ll need to meet certain expectations throughout your time at the university.
1. Stay Enrolled as a Full-Time Student
First and foremost, you must remain a full-time student every semester. At Seattle University, this typically means enrolling in at least 12 to 15 credit hours per term. Dropping below full-time status—even if it’s just temporary can put your scholarship at risk.
The university expects scholarship recipients to show steady academic progress by maintaining a full-time schedule. If you ever face challenges that make it hard to stay full-time (like personal issues or medical concerns)
It’s crucial to speak with the financial aid office immediately. They may be able to help you file a petition or guide you through the appropriate next steps.
2. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
To keep your scholarship active, you must meet the university’s definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). This usually means maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
While one difficult semester may not automatically disqualify you, repeated poor performance or a GPA that consistently stays below the required level could result in a loss of funding.
SAP isn’t just about your GPA. It also takes into account your completion rate, which refers to how many of your attempted credit hours you actually pass. If you’re withdrawing from classes too often or failing to complete enough credits each semester, it can negatively affect your eligibility.
3. Complete the Required Credit Hours
Each academic year, you’re expected to complete a certain number of credit hours to stay on track. At Seattle University, this is typically between 12 to 15 credits per semester, depending on your program.
Falling short of this requirement especially without a valid reason can signal that you’re not making enough progress toward your degree, which puts your scholarship in danger.
If you have concerns about your credit load or need to adjust your schedule, always do it in consultation with an academic advisor. They can help you stay on track and avoid mistakes that could affect your scholarship.
4. Renew Your Eligibility Annually
Your scholarship doesn’t automatically renew without any check-in. Every year, the university will review your academic record to ensure you’re meeting the requirements. This includes reviewing your GPA, credit hours, and full-time enrollment status.
If you’ve met the university’s academic policies and are on track with your degree plan, your scholarship will be renewed for the next academic year.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for Seattle University Scholarships takes place through the admissions application. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you should do:
Step 1: Create your Common App account
- Begin a new application using the Common App. Enter your general, academic, contact information, family background, and extracurricular activity details.
- Choose Seattle University as one of your institutions.
Step 2: Complete all required sections
- Fill in your personal information, academic history, high school transcripts, and activities.
- Be honest, clear, and thorough in describing your achievements, involvement, and interests.
Step 3: Submit transcripts and test scores (if available)
- Upload certified copies of your academic transcripts from your previous institutions in English.
- Submit English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE).
- You may provide ACT or SAT scores, though they are not required.
Step 4: Write your personal essay
- Write a thoughtful personal statement. Highlight your goals, motivations for studying in the USA, your interest in Seattle University, and how you hope to contribute to the campus community.
Step 5: Submit and pay application fee (or request waiver)
- Complete your application and submit it.
- Pay the application fee unless you’re eligible for a waiver.
Step 6: Wait for admission decision
- Once admitted, Seattle University will automatically review you for the merit-based scholarship.
- They will send you an admission and financial aid package that includes whether you qualify for the $12,000/year scholarship.
Step 7: Accept your offer
- If you receive the scholarship, you’ll be asked to accept the offer and satisfy any next steps, like paying a deposit or providing final documents.
Conclusion
Seattle University Scholarships for 2026‑2027 is a valuable merit-based opportunity for international undergraduates. Offering up to $48,000 over four years, it provides strong financial support toward tuition, allowing you to pursue a high-quality American education in Seattle.
With no separate scholarship application required, all you have to do is submit a strong admissions application complete with transcripts, English proficiency scores, and a thoughtful personal essay. Maintain good academic standing and full-time enrollment, and you can keep the scholarship through all four years.
If you’re an international student with solid academics and a dream of studying in a dynamic city like Seattle, this scholarship could be the stepping stone you need. It eases your financial burden, supports your growth, and lets you focus on learning, exploring, and preparing for your future.
Take your next step: apply early, work hard on your application, and believe in your potential. Seattle University is ready to support you on the journey.
FAQ’s
Can U.S. citizens apply?
No, U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not eligible for this specific scholarship. The Seattle University Scholarships 2026 are designed exclusively for international undergraduate students.
If you are a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, you would instead be considered for other financial aid opportunities, such as federal student aid, state grants, and institutional merit-based scholarships that are tailored for domestic students.
Do I need SAT/ACT scores to apply?
Not at all. Seattle University does not require SAT or ACT scores for international freshman applicants. However, if you have already taken one of these standardized tests and scored well, you are encouraged to submit the results.
Strong SAT or ACT scores can enhance your application profile and may potentially increase your chances of receiving a higher merit-based award. But rest assured, your application will be reviewed holistically even without them.
Does this scholarship fund graduate or master’s degrees?
No, it does not. The Seattle University Scholarships 2026 are strictly for undergraduate studies. This means it covers tuition assistance for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree only.
Once you’ve completed your undergraduate program or if you’re applying for a graduate or master’s degree you will need to explore separate funding options such as graduate fellowships, assistantships, or other university-sponsored programs tailored for postgraduate students.
What happens if I take a break from school or stop studying full-time?
Great question. The scholarship is renewable for up to four academic years, provided that you maintain full-time enrollment and meet the university’s satisfactory academic progress standards.
If you take a leave of absence, drop below full-time status, or interrupt your studies for any reason without prior university approval, you may lose your scholarship.
In some special cases, you can reapply for reinstatement upon return, but it’s not guaranteed. Always talk to the university’s financial aid or international office before making such decisions.
Can I use the scholarship if I study abroad during my degree?
Yes, in most cases. Seattle University allows students to participate in approved study abroad programs while remaining eligible for their scholarships. The scholarship will usually still cover the portion of tuition billed by Seattle University.
However, keep in mind that additional costs such as international travel, housing abroad, visa fees, and personal expenses are not covered under this scholarship. It’s always smart to consult with the financial aid office in advance to ensure your program qualifies and to understand what is and isn’t included.