Seattle University Tuition Fees for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide
For international students aspiring to study in the United States, understanding the financial aspects of higher education is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of tuition fees, associated costs, and financial aid opportunities at Seattle University, offering a comprehensive guide to navigate the financial landscape.
Understanding the Sticker Price: Tuition and Fees
Seattle University's tuition is $58,965, which is more expensive compared to the national average cost of tuition of $46,950. This figure, often referred to as the "sticker price," includes both tuition and fees. Fees may cover a range of services and resources, such as library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers. It's important to note that these fees can vary significantly between institutions.
Beyond Tuition: Calculating the Total Cost
When comparing the costs of different institutions, it's essential to consider the total cost, which includes the sticker price plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Seattle University, the total cost amounts to $76,904. This comprehensive figure provides a more realistic estimate of the overall financial commitment required to attend the university.
Financial Aid Opportunities: Making Education Accessible
Seattle University is committed to making education accessible to students from diverse financial backgrounds. In fall 2023, 68% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The university also met 84% of its students’ financial aid need.
Need-Based Aid: Scholarships, Grants, and Self-Help
Need-based scholarships and grants are awarded to students based on their financial status. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Seattle University was $44,840. Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study programs, with the average award for first-year students being $6,411.
Read also: Neurodivergent Students
Merit-Based Aid: Recognizing Achievement
Merit-based aid, also known as non-need-based aid, is awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Seattle University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $27,377.
Types of Aid Available
Seattle University offers various types of need-based scholarships and grants. The university is also G.I. Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Student Loan Debt: Planning for the Future
Student loan debt can significantly impact your financial life after graduation. Ideally, your total student loan debt should be less than your anticipated starting salary. At Seattle University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $19,883. The median monthly federal loan payment (if repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $211.
In 2024, the average total indebtedness of the graduating class was $24,720, with 65% of graduating students having borrowed some type of loan.
Scholarships: Funding Your Education
Scholarships are a crucial source of funding that you don't need to repay. They can be need-based, merit-based, or awarded based on community service, unique hobbies or traits, personal background, or a parent’s affiliation. Some students receive enough scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.
Read also: Meaningful Careers: Seattle U's Approach
Work-Study Programs and Campus Jobs
Working while in school can help reduce your reliance on student loans. Seattle University offers work-study programs to eligible students and campus jobs to those seeking to earn money in their free time. Check the university's in-person or online job boards for available positions.
Tuition at Community and Technical Colleges in Washington State
Tuition at community and technical colleges in Washington state is charged by credits rather than by part-time or full-time status.
Term Fees
Several term fees contribute to the overall cost of attendance:
- Campus Enhancement Fee: $90.00 per credit, covering costs associated with a new Gymnasium/Health & Wellness Center, charged up to 10 credits.
- Instructional Technology Fee: $5.00 per credit, covering costs related to instructional technology administration and support, charged per quarter for students enrolled in at least 4 credits.
- Transportation Management Fee: $15.00 flat fee per quarter for students enrolled in 10 or more credits, covering costs related to compliance with city transportation and parking laws.
- Universal Tech Fee: $54.00 per credit, covering student-oriented technology improvements, charged up to 18 credits for in-person, hybrid, and web-enhanced classes.
- Wellness Center Fee: $25.00 quarterly fee covering Wellness Center use.
Course and Class Fees
Various course and class fees may apply depending on the program of study:
- Ceramic Lab Fee: $54.00 flat fee.
- Computer Lab Fee (CF): Flat fee covering student use of campus computer-related technology and services.
- Science Lab Fee (CJ): $61.88 flat fee covering maintenance of equipment and supplies for science laboratories.
- Welding Materials Fee (CK): $154.50 flat fee.
- BAS Program Fee (CW): $8.50 per credit.
- Diesel Heavy Equipment Fee (EF): $232.00 flat fee covering materials for the Diesel Heavy Equipment program.
- Fitness Lab Fee (FC): $5.00 flat fee covering PE classes hosted in Wellness Center.
- Aviation Materials Fee (FF): $150.00 flat fee.
- Automotive Fee (FH): $98.00.
- Food Service Lab Fee (FL): $164.45 flat fee covering the cost of food and materials used to teach classes.
- Art Lab Fee (GG): $54.00 flat fee.
- Home & Family Materials Fee: $15.00 flat fee covering classroom materials.
- Internship Insurance (IB): $12.50 flat fee for the student intern non-medical professional liability policy.
- Inclusive Access Materials: Variable fee for Inclusive Access course materials available in Canvas.
- Land/Hort Materials Fee (LH): $49.48 flat fee covering classroom and greenhouse materials.
- BAS Library Fee (LL): $7.00 per credit covering the cost of upper division resources.
Miscellaneous Fees
Several miscellaneous fees may also apply:
Read also: Paying for SPU
- Student ID Card (AA): $7.50 per card.
- Auto Tool Kit: $3,000.00.
- Aviation Tool Kit: $875.00.
- NSF Check Charge (AZ): $30.75 per returned check.
- Calculator Rental (CR): $20.00.
- Duplicate Diploma (DU): $15.50.
- Assessment Fee (EA): Variable, $30.00 - $35.00.
- Myers Briggs Testing Fee (EJ): $31.00.
- Strong Campbell Test Fee (EK): $31.00.
- Petition Credit by Exam (ET): Variable, $100 base plus $40 per credit.
- Work Experience & Evaluation (EX): $100.00 per course.
- Expedited Transcript (FD): $20.00.
- Add/Drop Admin Fee (FQ): $6.00.
- Transcript Fee (FT): $7.95.
- Registration Late Fee (LT): $10.50 per credit.
Parking/Transportation Fees
- Parking Fine (C9): $30.00.
- ORCA Student Qtr (CG): $125.00 quarterly.
- Parking Permit, Carpool (CM): $39.00 quarterly.
- Student Parking Permit Qtr (CQ): $50.00 quarterly.
- Student PM Parking Permit Qtr (DW): $25.00 quarterly.
- Parking Permit Daily (CX): $7.00 daily.
Tuition Rates for Lower Division Courses (Fall 2022 - Summer 2023)
The following table shows tuition rates for lower division courses based on residency status and credit hours:
| Credits | Resident | Non-Resident waiver eligible | Non-Resident e-Learning | Non-Resident International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $119.13 | $135.04 | $135.04 | $306.92 |
| 2 | $238.26 | $270.08 | $270.08 | $613.84 |
| 3 | $357.39 | $405.12 | $405.12 | $920.76 |
| 4 | $476.52 | $540.16 | $540.16 | $1,227.68 |
| 5 | $595.65 | $675.20 | $675.20 | $1,534.60 |
| 6 | $714.78 | $810.24 | $810.24 | $1,841.52 |
| 7 | $833.91 | $945.28 | $945.28 | $2,148.44 |
| 8 | $953.04 | $1,080.32 | $1,080.32 | $2,455.36 |
| 9 | $1,072.17 | $1,215.36 | $1,215.36 | $2,762.28 |
| 10 | $1,191.30 | $1,350.40 | $1,350.40 | $3,069.20 |
| 11 | $1,250.24 | $1,410.19 | $1,410.19 | $3,135.81 |
| 12 | $1,309.18 | $1,469.98 | $1,469.98 | $3,202.42 |
| 13 | $1,368.12 | $1,529.77 | $1,529.77 | $3,269.03 |
| 14 | $1,427.06 | $1,589.56 | $1,589.56 | $3,335.64 |
| 15 | $1,486.00 | $1,649.35 | $1,649.35 | $3,402.25 |
| 16 | $1,544.94 | $1,709.14 | $1,709.14 | $3,468.86 |
| 17 | $1,603.88 | $1,768.93 | $1,768.93 | $3,535.47 |
| 18 | $1,662.82 | $1,828.72 | $1,828.72 | $3,602.08 |
| 19 | $1,769.70 | $1,935.60 | $1,935.60 | $3,896.75 |
| 20 | $1,876.58 | $2,042.48 | $2,042.48 | $4,191.42 |
| 21 | $1,983.46 | $2,149.36 | $2,149.36 | $4,486.09 |
| 22 | $2,090.34 | $2,256.24 | $2,256.24 | $4,780.76 |
| 23 | $2,197.22 | $2,363.12 | $2,363.12 | $5,075.43 |
| 24 | $2,304.10 | $2,470.00 | $2,470.00 | $5,370.10 |
| 25 | $2,410.98 | $2,576.88 | $2,576.88 | $5,664.77 |
Tuition Rates for Upper Division Courses
| Credits | BAS Resident | BAS Non-Resident | Non-Resident International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $232.26 | $248.17 | $653.27 |
| 2 | $464.52 | $496.34 | $1,306.54 |
| 3 | $696.78 | $744.51 | $1,959.81 |
| 4 | $929.04 | $992.68 | $2,613.08 |
| 5 | $1,161.30 | $1,240.85 | $3,266.35 |
| 6 | $1,393.56 | $1,489.02 | $3,919.62 |
| 7 | $1,625.82 | $1,737.19 | $4,572.89 |
| 8 | $1,858.08 | $1,985.36 | $5,226.16 |
| 9 | $2,090.34 | $2,233.53 | $5,879.43 |
| 10 | $2,322.60 | $2,481.70 | $6,532.70 |
| 11 | $2,334.27 | $2,494.22 | $6,545.22 |
| 12 | $2,345.94 | $2,506.74 | $6,557.74 |
| 13 | $2,357.61 | $2,519.26 | $6,570.26 |
| 14 | $2,369.28 | $2,531.78 | $6,582.78 |
| 15 | $2,380.95 | $2,544.30 | $6,595.30 |
| 16 | $2,392.62 | $2,556.82 | $6,607.82 |
| 17 | $2,404.29 | $2,569.34 | $6,620.34 |
| 18 | $2,415.96 | $2,581.86 | $6,632.86 |
| 19 | $2,635.97 | $2,801.87 | $7,273.88 |
| 20 | $2,855.98 | $3,021.88 | $7,914.90 |
| 21 | $3,075.99 | $3,241.89 | $8,555.92 |
| 22 | $3,296.00 | $3,461.90 | $9,196.94 |
| 23 | $3,516.01 | $3,681.91 | $9,837.96 |
| 24 | $3,736.02 | $3,901.92 | $10,478.98 |
| 25 | $3,956.03 | $4,121.93 | $11,120.00 |
Tuition Rates for Veterans
| Credits | Veteran |
|---|---|
| 1 | $59.57 |
| 2 | $119.13 |
| 3 | $178.70 |
| 4 | $238.26 |
| 5 | $297.83 |
| 6 | $357.39 |
| 7 | $416.96 |
| 8 | $476.52 |
| 9 | $536.09 |
| 10 | $595.65 |
| 11 | $625.12 |
| 12 | $654.59 |
| 13 | $684.06 |
| 14 | $713.53 |
| 15 | $743.00 |
| 16 | $772.47 |
| 17 | $801.94 |
| 18 | $831.41 |
| 19 | $884.85 |
| 20 | $938.29 |
| 21 | $991.73 |
| 22 | $1,045.17 |
| 23 | $1,098.61 |
| 24 | $1,152.05 |
| 25 | $1,205.49 |
Additional Fees
| Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| Add / Drop Administrative Fee | $6 |
| Adult Basic Education (ABE) | $25 per quarter |
| Aerospace Composite Fee | $257 per quarter |
| Allied Health Skills Lab Fee | $31 per course |
| ASE Retest Fee | $10.50 per test |
| Assessment Test | $31 per test |
| Automotive ASE Testing | $31 per quarter |
| Automotive Fee | $98 per course |
| Aviation Materials Fee | $150 per quarter |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Application Fee | $35 per application |
| Community Technology Access | $21 per quarter |
| Computer Lab Fee (1 class) | $58.50 per quarter |
| Computer Lab Fee (2 classes) | $92 per quarter |
| Credit By Exam (Course Challenge) | $100 base plus $40 per credit |
| Culinary Arts Lab Fee | $154.50 per quarter |
| Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology Materials Fee | $232 per quarter |
| Drafting and Design Program Fee | $103 |
| Duplicate Award / Degree / Certificate / Diploma | $15.50 per award |
| eLearning Fees: Online Server Fee | $7.50 per credit |
| eLearning Fees: Hybrid Server Fee | $5.25 per course |
| eLearning Fees: Web-enhanced Server Fee | $5.25 per course |
| Exam Proctoring | $40 per test |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) | $25 per quarter |
| Fitness Center Fee | $3.50 per credit |
| GED Prep | $25 per quarter |
| GED Test Fee | $30 per test |
| Industrial Vehicles Materials Fee | $1,545 per quarter |
| Intensive English Program (IEP) | $3,150 per quarter |
| International Student Application Fee | Details |
| International Student Health Insurance | Details |
| IT Test Cert | $77.50 |
| Late Registration Fee (after 5th day of quarter start) | $10.50 per credit |
| Landscape Horticulture Material Fee | $46.50 |
| Lab Fee | $54 per course |
| Local Payment Plan | $17 |
| Manufacturing Academy | $206 |
| NET+ Certification | $154.50 |
| Nursing Application Fee | $35 |
| Nursing Clinical Placement Fee | $103 |
| Nursing Electronic Medical Record User Registration | $77.50 per year |
| Nursing Materials Fee | $54 |
| RN Annual Assessment Fee | $387.50 |
| Portfolio Review (Prior Experiential Learning) | $100 base plus $40 per credit |
| Science Lab Fee | $58.50 per course |
| Security & Certification | $215.50 |
| Student Campus Enhancement Fee | $9.50 per credit |
| Student Identification Card Fee | $7.50 per card |
| Transportation Management Plan (TMP) | $15 per quarter |
Important Notes Regarding Tuition
- Students 18 years old and younger who have not graduated from high school must pay the standard tuition fees for their courses unless they enroll in Running Start. Non-residents will be charged the resident tuition fee.
- Resident students age 19 or older are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
- When students in the BAS program also take Community College credits, tuition for those courses are at a different rate.
tags: #seattle #state #university #tuition #fees #for

