Scholarships

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  3. Scholarships

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Providing Equity in Access to a Jesuit-Inspired Education

More than 92 percent of current Seattle University undergraduate students, and 68% of graduate students, receive financial aid to help fund their education. The ability to offer generous financial aid packages, which includes donor-supported scholarships, helps Seattle University attract the kind of students we are known for—capable and committed to making a difference in their professions and their communities.  

Scholarships increase accessibility to a college education to first-generation students and those from a diverse background and lessen the debt burden of our graduates.

The Impact of Scholarships at Seattle University

5,393

Scholarships awarded

495 donor-supported scholarships provide undergraduate and graduate students necessary financial support to begin and complete their educational pursuits at Seattle University.

$7M

Contributions to scholarships

1,385 alumni and friends made gifts of all sizes to 143 distinct scholarship funds during the 2023 fiscal year.

97%

Of Undergraduate Students Receive Financial Aid

From merit scholarships to award packages, we support student success.

How to Support Scholarships at Seattle University

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Establish an Endowed Scholarship

A gift to establish a named scholarship endowment provides essential support to students each year. Your gift is invested in perpetuity to support the philanthropic objectives you designate. You can establish an endowment with a gift of cash, securities, bequest, or other means. A minimum gift of $100,000 is required to create a named endowed scholarship.

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Support the Annual Scholarship Fund

Give a one-time or recurring gift to the Annual Scholarship Fund to provide access to high quality education at Seattle University. This fund provides support where needed to students across all disciplines. For more information about the Annual Scholarship Fund, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at annualgiving@seattleu.edu. 

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Establish a Named Annual Current-Use Scholarship

You may establish a named, unrestricted scholarship with an annual commitment of $2,500 or more for five years or more.

Named, restricted scholarships may be established with a minimum commitment of $25,000 or more (payable over a period of up to five years).

Please contact Christa Callanan, Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship for more information about establishing an annual scholarship. 

Your Gift Matters

A photograph of Anthonny Ruiz

Anthonny Ruiz, '23

"Without scholarships, I would not have the funds to meet basic needs while attending school. Now, I am able to solely focus on my studies and not worry about basic things like rent, groceries, gas, etc. I have accomplished more than I ever would have imagined while here at SU. Seattle University provides practical experience, internships, and course specific work- ALL of which provide me with the tools for a successful transition from school to career."

Support a Scholarship Initiative

You may also choose to designate your one-time or recurring gift to one of Seattle University's established scholarship funds that are already making a profound impact in the lives of our students. Below are just a few of Seattle University's existing scholarship funds to which you may choose to add your support.

Seattle University Bridge Scholarship

Bridge scholarships offer a new tack for helping middle-and low -income students struggling with tuition costs. SU offers generous awards to incoming students, but for many students it is not enough. Bridge scholarships are based on SU data models that show that an increase in grant aid significantly improves success to graduation and reduce the debt burden so that students can work less and still can complete their degrees.

Students in a print making class

Indigenous People's Institute Scholarship

The Indigenous Peoples Institute (IPI) supports Native student success at Seattle University and raises awareness about issues of importance to local and global Indigenous peoples. Providing scholarships is an important facet of the support IPI offers students.

A statue of Chief Seattle on campus

Fostering Scholars

Fostering Scholars is a full scholarship and program of support awarded to eligible students currently in, or who aged-out of, the foster care system. Recipients receive financial, academic, and personal support towards the completion of an undergraduate degree at Seattle University.

Marta and Lucio photographed for the Fostering Scholars program at Seattle University.

Black Student Union Scholarship

The Black Student Union (BSU) Scholarship Endowment is the first student-led, Black-serving scholarship at Seattle University. Any incoming or returning Seattle University student is eligible to apply for the BSU Endowed Scholarship. Students will need to be involved in BSU and/or intend to be an active member of BSU.

Members of the Black Student Union holding up a sign

Contact Us

We’re here to help. For more information on how you can support scholarships at Seattle University, contact:

Christa Callanan

Associate Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship