Tuition and Scholarships

Learn more about Seattle University’s Master of Public Administration tuition and scholarships.

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Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee information can be found here. For Academic Year 24-25, the estimated cost of the program, not including books and fees, is $48,393.

Financial Aid and Federal Funding

Student Financial Services (SFS) is the central department that manages tuition bills, fees, scholarships and loans. For questions regarding scholarships, federal funding or financial aid, please contact student financial services directly.

Student Financial Services

For more information on International student financial planning and scholarships, visit the International Student Center.

International Student Center

Scholarships

General Information – SU Scholarships for Graduate Programs

All admitted applicants are considered for Seattle University Graduate Scholarships in Public Administration based upon a holistic review of all information received in the application process and available funding including the optional, but encouraged, statement of any special personal or family circumstances affecting your need for financial assistance. This question is embedded into the admission application itself; no additional application is required. Awards are renewable for multi-year programs based upon satisfactory progress toward degree completion. Scholarship amounts are based upon full-time enrollment of 6 quarter credits per term. Students taking fewer than 6 quarter credits will have their award amount pro-rated accordingly.

Collins Departmental Scholarship

Awarded to incoming graduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service in government or the nonprofit sector through work, studies, and community engagement. Financial need is strongly considered when selecting recipients and the amount of their award.

Award amounts range between $1,200 and $5,400 for one academic year and are renewable for the second year of study based on available funds. Students who meet the priority admissions deadline for a respective quarter receive priority in scholarship consideration.

An additional application is not required. Applicants are considered based on their application as part of the admission process.

  • Applicants must demonstrate commitment to public service in government or the nonprofit sector through their work, studies, and community engagement.
  • Strong consideration is given to students with demonstrated financial need.
  • Awards are applied as a reduction of tuition balance; a total scholarship award cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
  • Seattle University employees who are eligible for tuition remission benefits are not eligible for the Graduate Scholarship.
  • Scholarship recipients must enroll in six credit hours (approximately two courses) each quarter during the award period to receive the full scholarship amount.
  • Recipients ought to maintain good academic standing during each quarter they receive the scholarship.

Award notifications are included in the Letter of Admission at the time of admission.

AmeriCorps Alumni Scholarship

In recognition of their invaluable service and commitment to positive impact in our communities, Seattle University offers these benefits for AmeriCorps alums.

Applicants to Seattle University Graduate Programs are eligible to apply for the AmeriCorps 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. Seven new scholarships are awarded annually.

  • Complete the online AmeriCorps Alumni Scholarship Application.
  • Certification of Service letter (uploaded to the AmeriCorps Alumni Scholarship Application).
  • If currently serving, a letter from your supervisor (upload to the AmeriCorps Alumni Scholarship Application).

AmeriCorps Alumni Scholarship award decisions will be made after admissions decisions. Seattle University will notify applicants of scholarship decisions by May 1.

Nafziger Scholarship Award

This scholarship is coming Winter 2025. 

This scholarship is awarded to one student per year. This scholarship is a $2,500 award that applies to tuition. It is awarded to one student per year. The application opens in January. 

The Nafziger Scholarship application will be available to students who meet all of the following criteria:   

  • Must be enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program 
  • FAFSA on file for the academic year
  • Successfully completed 6+ credits at Seattle University 
  • Enrolled in 6+ credits   

The scholarship is awarded in March. 

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help.

Destiny Ledesma

Senior Admissions Counselor

Destiny Ledesma smiling headshot