Tuition and Scholarships

Master of Public Administration Tuition and Costs

  • MPA tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $849 per credit and is subject to change annually by the Seattle University Board of Trustees.
  • The MPA is a 57-credit program, so the total cost for the degree based on the 2024-2025 tuition is $48,393.
  • For complete financial aid information please contact Student Financial Services.

Master of Public Administration Scholarships

During the previous academic year, 100% of our students received at least one partial tuition scholarship between $1,200-$3,600! 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. Applicants are encouraged to include a statement of any special personal or family circumstances affecting their need for financial assistance. The question is embedded into the admission application itself; no additional application is required.

The MPA program offers two scholarship opportunities for new incoming students: 

Collins Departmental Scholarship

AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship

Collins Departmental Scholarship

Collins Departmental Scholarship supports students demonstrating 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. All incoming students are eligible and encouraged to apply.

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.

Quarter for Admission/Priority Application Deadline

  • Summer: May 20
  • Fall: July 20
  • Winter: November 20
  • Spring: February 20

Scholarship Requirements

  • 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.
  • Award notifications are included in the Letter of Admission at the time of admission.
  • Seattle University employees who are eligible for tuition remission benefits are not eligible for the Graduate Scholarship.  

Continued Enrollment Requirement

  • 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.

AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps 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.

Total award amount of $3,000 applies 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/PeaceCorps term of service by the time of enrollment in their graduate program.

How to Apply

  • Complete the online AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship Application within your graduate admission 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

AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps Alumni Scholarship award decisions will be made after admissions decisions. For scholarship applications submitted before April 30, Seattle University will notify applicants of scholarship decisions by June 1. 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.

Application Fee Waiver

In addition, AmeriCorps alums who complete an application for the MPA, MPA/JD, or Certificate in Public Administration program may request an application fee waiver (these are currently waived for all students). In the "Fee Payment" section of their online application, applicants should indicate they are an AmeriCorps alum in order to receive the fee waiver.

Additional Scholarship Information

Students are strongly encouraged to explore other financial opportunities by contacting Seattle University’s Office of Student Financial Services at (206) 220-8020 or by visiting their website.

For scholarship questions, please contact the program by email

No application fee
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Application Deadlines

Fall: July 20th
Winter: November 20th 
Spring: February 20th
Summer: May 20th

Questions?

Destiny Ledesma

Senior Admissions Counselor

206-296-5960

destiny.ledesma@seattleu.edu

Anna Guenther

Program Coordinator

206-296-5437

aguenther1@seattleu.edu

Olha Krupa, PhD

Program Director

206-296-2509

krupao@seattleu.edu