CELEBRATING

Student Right To Know

Student Right to Know

The status of “enrolled student” conveys certain rights and responsibilities. Policies based on U.S. law are applicable to all City University of Seattle students worldwide and it is the student’s responsibility to know all the policies and practices of the University that are available in the University’s annual catalog, a compendium of all the policies. A subset of those policies can be accessed on CityU’s Compliance page.
Postsecondary institutions participating in federal financial aid programs are required to notify enrolled and prospective students regarding consumer information. Should you not find the information here, please contact the Director of Financial Aid, Registrar, Director of Student Accounts, or the Director of Admissions. All contact information can be found in CityU’s Administrative list.
CityU is dedicated to providing an affordable tuition and offers students access to several financial aid services and programs – loans, grants, work study, scholarships, and more. To learn more about all the aid provided through CityU, go to the Financial Aid page.
Regular undergraduate and graduate tuition rates apply to all sites in the United States and Canada, and cover all course formats, including day, evening and weekend classes, distance learning courses, mentored undergraduate or graduate research, internships, challenge exams, projects or theses, and university level English as a Second Language courses. The tuition and fees charged for attendance at international instructional sites, with the exception of Canada, are established and may be collected in local currencies, and may also vary from U.S. tuition. Accordingly, they are set forth in country-specific brochures available upon request from the site offices in each of the respective international locations. Students can find out about CityU’s tuition on CityU’s website.
The Net Price Calculator is typically used for full-time freshman to calculate the net price of attending college. The algorithms used in this calculation are not representational of the CityU populations who are predominately working adults. Use the Net Price Calculator.
City University of Seattle campuses are non-residential. Direct costs are tuition and fees. Additionally, student cost of attendance or budget for financial aid purposes include expected costs associated with books, supplies, housing and food, transportation and personal expenses. These costs are established using student surveys, CPI index, and actual institutional expense. Other items may be added with proper documentation. More about this topic can be read on CityU’s Financial Aid page.
Schools are required to report certain information about students who are enrolled in financial aid eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). Regulations provide that institutions disclose to prospective students information about their GE Programs. Information for each GE program at CityU is provided on the Financial Aid Services webpage.
The FAFSA Simplification Act amended Section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), making several important changes to student eligibility criteria. One of these is the elimination of the prohibition on receiving Title IV aid for students with drug-related convictions.

Having a drug conviction while receiving Title IV aid no longer impacts a student’s Title IV aid eligibility, and a student who has a drug conviction may be eligible to receive Title IV aid if they meet all other eligibility criteria. The Department has removed the drug convictions questions from the 2023-24 FAFSA, and students with drug convictions are eligible for Title IV aid if they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Learn more about Washington’s state financial aid programs, collectively known as opportunity pathways. There are affordable college and career training opportunities for everyone. The first, best step is to apply for financial aid.

Need-Based Programs

Merit-Based Programs

Workforce Programs

To get an early look at which student loan repayment plans you may be eligible for and to see estimates for how much you would pay monthly and overall based on your student loan borrowing, use the Federal Student Aid’s Repayment Estimator.
Students who have not previously received a federal student loan are required to complete the entrance counseling tutorial to ensure an understanding of the responsibilities and obligations being assumed as a borrower. Topics covered include understanding your loans, manage your spending, plan to repay, avoid default, and make finances a priority. The entrance counseling tutorial is available on the Federal Student Loans website.
Federal student loan borrowers may access their loan history information at StudentAid.gov. Borrowers can access information about their aggregate loan debt, loan portfolio details and their assigned student loan servicing agency.
Exit counseling provides important information needed to prepare for repayment of federal student loans. Students who have received a federal student loan and are no longer attending are required to complete the exit counseling tutorial available on the Federal Student Loans website.
Private or alternative student loans are available to students when his or her financial aid does not fully cover their cost of attendance or the student is otherwise ineligible for federal financial aid. We strongly recommend that students weigh their options carefully and utilize private student loan borrowing as a last resort. Financial Aid Counselors are available to discuss your financial aid options. City University of Seattle allows students the freedom to choose through their own personal research the private lending institution that best fits their needs. The Financial Aid department does not recommend lenders, offer a preferred lender list, nor do we have any agreement with any one of the many private educational loan institutions. You may read CityU’s Code of Conduct for Education Loans Policy.
City University of Seattle adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. City University of Seattle does not discriminate in its admissions practices, in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender. As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, City University of Seattle is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of its education programs and activities do not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender. Sex include sex, sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status.City University of Seattle also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internal or external to the institution. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and by City University of Seattle policy.

Any member of the campus community, guest, or visitor who acts to deny, deprive, or limit the educational, employment, residential, or social access, opportunities and/or benefits of any member of the City University of Seattle community on the basis of sex is in violation of the Policy on Prohibition of Sexual Harassment and Title IX Policy.

Any person may report sex discrimination (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to have experienced the conduct), in person, by mail, by telephone, by video, or by email, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator (below). A report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by email.

Questions regarding Title IX, including its application and/or concerns about noncompliance, should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. For a complete copy of the policy or for more information, visit my.cityu.edu/titleix or contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Individuals who believe they have experienced sex discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation in violation of City University of Seattle policy should contact the following:

Individuals with Oversight for All Non-Discrimination

  • Faculty/Staff
    Janet O’Leary, Director, Human Resources
    Phone: 206-239-4940
    Email: joleary@cityu.edu
  • All Other
    Melissa Mecham VP Student Services
    Phone: 206-239-4730
    Email: mmecham@cityu.edu
  • Title IX Coordinator
    Harvey Duncan II
    521 Wall Street, Seattle
    Phone: 206-239-4753
    Email: TitleIXCoordinator@cityu.edu

Government Agencies

A person may also file a complaint with the appropriate federal, state, or local agency within the time frame required by law. Depending upon the nature of the complaint, the appropriate agency may be the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Justice, and/or the Washington Human Rights Commission.

  • Human Rights Commission
    Olympia Headquarters Office
    711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 402
    PO Box 42490
    Olympia, WA 98504-2490
    Phone: 360-753-6770
    Fax: 360-586-2282
    Toll Free: 1-800-233-3247
    TTY: 1-800-300-7525
    Se Habla Español
    www.hum.wa.gov
  • OCR District/Seattle Office
    U.S. Department of Education
    915 Second Avenue, Room 3310
    Seattle, WA 98174-1099
    Telephone: (206) 607-1600
    Facsimile: (206) 607-1601
    Email: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov
  • EEOC Field Office
    Federal Office Building
    909 First Avenue
    Suite 400
    Seattle, WA 98104-1061
    United States
    Phone 1-800-669-4000
    Fax 206-220-6911
    TTY 1-800-669-6820
    ASL Video Phone 844-234-5122
  • Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    Office for Civil Rights, National Headquarters
    U.S. Department of Education
    Lyndon Baines Johnson Dept. of Education Building 400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC 20202-1100
    Phone: 800-421-3481

Within any resolution process related to this policy, City University of Seattle provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities and religious accommodations, when that accommodation is consistent with state and federal law.

City University of Seattle does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender. City University of Seattle also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. For a complete copy of the policy or for more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Email: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

Respectful Workplace Policy – Canada Campus

City University of Seattle, Canada is committed to ensuring that the education environment is bounded by standards of mutual respect and safety and is free from discriminatory practices. In compliance with the British Columbia Human Rights Code, the Alberta Human Rights Act, WorksafeBC, and the Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta, the University believes that its environment should at all times be supportive and respectful of the dignity and self-esteem of individuals. Discrimination, harassment and bullying conduct, whether through person to person behaviour or via electronic communications such as email or social media is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. As an educational institution, it is our responsibility to cultivate an environment of excellence, equity, mutual respect and to recognize the value and potential of every individual. The University will take all necessary steps to meet or exceed the requirements of the law to prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying.

The Respectful Workplace Policy for the prevention of discrimination, harassment and bullying policy and procedure can be found at https://www.cityu.edu/discover-cityu/about-cityu/ under the Policies section or https://www.cityuniversity.ca/about/.

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation in violation of City University of Seattle policy should contact the following:

  • Faculty/Staff
    Janet O’Leary, Director, Human Resources
    Phone: 206.239.4940
    Email: jolearly@cityu.edu
  • All Other
    Steve Conway VP Canadian Operations
    Phone: 778.588.5017
    Email: sgconway@cityu.edu
City University of Seattle is required to notify all students annually of their FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) rights. This notification is delivered through the University catalog and the website. You can view CityU’s catalog.
CityU’s academic year starts July 1 and ends June 30. Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling admission. Keep in mind different degree programs start at different times and only some degree programs begin every quarter. CityU’s full list of programs can be viewed online.
Students who enter City University of Seattle as candidates for a degree or certificate may have already completed courses at other educational institutions. Transfer credit policies are listed in the CityU Course Catalog.
City University of Seattle is incorporated in Washington State and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), 8060 165th Ave. NE, Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052. City University of Seattle’s School of Management is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). More information can be obtained at www.acbsp.org. City University of Seattle’s Project Management program is accredited by PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).Additional information about CityU’s NWCCU accreditation.

To find the textbooks you need, please find detailed instructions on our FAQ page.
City University of Seattle is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education to academically qualified students with disabilities who demonstrate a reasonable expectation of college success. Students are encouraged to contact the Disability Support Services Office to discuss the need for reasonable accommodations. For accommodations, please email, disability@cityu.edu.
City University of Seattle provides access to its computing facilities and equipment, its information technology system, and connectivity to the internet, for the purpose of advancing and enhancing the educational objectives of its programs. Systems usage is restricted to educational activities directly tied to program objectives and incidental personal communications. Use of CityU information technology systems for unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, including but not limited to the downloading and/or distribution of copyrighted material, is strictly prohibited. Any unauthorized use of CityU’s information technology system could result in removal from access to the system, or institutional discipline, including suspension and dismissal. Reproduction or distribution of copyrighted works, including but not limited to images, text or software, without permission of the owner, is an infringement of U.S. Copyright Law and is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.
CityU encourages students to participate in the democratic process of voting. During election years information about registering to vote will be available on the student portal. To find out more about registering to vote visit, please visit the Washington State Elections webpage.
Information used to populate the College Navigator is based on first time, full time college students. As a degree completion institution serving working adults, City University Seattle does not admit first-time, full-time freshmen. Therefore, data on the College Navigator website does not reflect the typical CityU student experience.
Access the National Teacher Preparation Data for Title II State Reports as well as City University of Seattle’s Teacher Preparation Data report.
According to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 101- 690), City University of Seattle provides information and notices to its students, faculty, and employees to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, including sanctions imposed for violations of the standards of conduct consistent with local, state and federal law. For more information see the CityU Course Catalog.
A counseling center is offered at CityU’s Seattle campus. Information can be found on the Student Services webpage and more in-depth information can be found on the Counseling Center webpage.
City University of Seattle does not require vaccinations for admission to University programs. Vaccinations, in compliance with local, state and federal regulations, are required for students who apply to live in the Residence Hall at Cornish Commons. View the Housing and Residence Life Immunization Policy.
City University of Seattle is committed to the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the university is dedicated to the accurate and timely dissemination of all crime statistics and security related information to our constituents. A current copy of the Campus Security report is available online. Paper copies are available upon request. Campus safety announcements, events, forms and contact information can be found on the Student Portal.

Information on the University’s student body including diversity, student profile, retention, graduation and completion rates can be viewed on CityU’s fast facts webpage. Student Body Diversity

  • American Indian/Alaskan Native: 1%
  • Asia: 5.8%
  • Black:9.4%
  • Hispanic: 5.3%
  • Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander: 0.9%
  • 2 or more races: 0.9%
  • White: 56.3%
  • Undeclared: 20.0%
CityU does not participate in intercollegiate athletic programs.
A student enrolled in a course may withdraw for any reason without academic penalty, provided written notice is received by the student’s advisor or the University Registrar’s Office no later than the 80 percent completion point of the course. Course withdrawal requests received after the 80 percent completion point may result in academic penalty. Once a grade has been posted to a student’s academic record, the student may not withdraw from the course. For additional information on course withdrawal see the university catalog.
Tuition is refundable only when a student officially withdraws from a course. The Tuition Refund Table is available in the university catalog, and the tuition webpage. The date the student contacts their Advisor or the Office of the Registrar will determine the amount of the tuition refund, if any. Students who are withdrawn from a course or courses for disciplinary reasons or a breach of conduct forfeit the right to a refund of any portion of their tuition and fees. Students may appeal the amount of tuition refunded due to extenuating circumstances (hardship, medical, or other related reason). Appeals submitted outside of the refund schedule may require documentation pending the decision of the University Withdrawal Committee.
Students receiving financial aid who withdraw from all courses in a quarter are subject to the federal refund and repayment calculation requirement. Any tuition refund will go to reimburse financial aid returns first. The proportion of aid that a student is entitled to is based on the number of days the student was in attendance in the quarter. CityU is required to return to the financial aid programs the portion of your institutional costs that equal the portion of the quarter of nonattendance. If the student received a financial aid refund in excess of the amount of aid they were entitled to for the term, the student must return those funds to the university. Based on the federal calculation, there are times when a student’s tuition charges are left completely or partially unpaid for the term. The student is responsible for any unpaid tuition or fee charges after the federal calculation is completed. No aid funds must be repaid if the student attends more than 60% of the class(es) in a quarter before withdrawing. Only if funds remain available after payments to federal aid programs will refunds be issued to the student, if any. Please review the Satisfactory Progress criteria when considering dropping courses or dropping from a term. Dropping courses and or from the quarter may effect a student’s eligibility to continue to receive financial aid funding. Reference the Satisfactory Academic Progress form and talk to Financial Aid.

States have varying rules, requirements, and regulations that govern online (distance) education offered by out-of-state postsecondary institutions. These rules require higher education institutions that offer distance education to state residents to obtain exemption, approval, authorization, or other certification from the relevant state agencies. In addition, requirements for professional licensure in disciplines such as accounting, counseling, and education vary among states.

City University of Seattle has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). A full list of SARA states and additional information about the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements can be found on the NC-SARA website.

For more detailed information as it pertains to CityU programs, visit the State Authorization and Licensure Disclosures page.

REQUEST INFORMATION

* Indicates a required field.



By clicking SUBMIT, I understand and agree to CityU's privacy policy.