Scholarship Details

U.S. Domestic Program Scholarships


Need-Based Scholarship

Scholarship Award

Average award $500, up to $2,500 per quarter

Number of Awards

Varies per quarter and academic year

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • All U.S. domestic students may apply
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must be registered in the quarter of the scholarship award
  • Students awarded for a quarter who do not attend forfeit their scholarship
  • Students may re-apply each quarter of enrollment
  • Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program or certificate

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Need-Based Scholarship Application.
  2. Submit an essay answering the questions from the application.
    – How have you been financing your college education?
    – From a financial standpoint, what impact would this scholarship have on your education?
    – State any special personal or family circumstances affecting your need for financial assistance?
  3. Have a valid 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with an official EFC on or before the application deadline.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Merit-Based Scholarship

Scholarship Award

Average award $500, up to $1,000 per quarter

Number of Awards

Varies per quarter and academic year

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • All U.S. domestic students may apply
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and registered in the quarter of the scholarship award
  • Students awarded for a quarter who do not attend forfeit their scholarship
  • Students may re-apply each quarter of enrollment
  • Scholarships are not awarded to U.S. domestic candidates during the Summer quarter
  • Must have earned at least 40 undergraduate or 12 graduate credits taken at CityU based on their last completed quarter
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for undergraduate or 3.75 for graduate based on their last completed quarter

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Merit-Based Scholarship Application.
  2. Submit an essay answering the questions from the application.
    – Describe the most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your program and your future goals.
    – How has your education contributed to who you are today?
    – Why are you a good candidate to receive this award?
  3. Submit a professional resume.
  4. Submit an unofficial copy of CityU transcripts.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15 (not offered during this quarter)
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Underrepresented Communities in Technology Scholarship

Scholarship Award

50% tuition for remainder of program

Number of Awards: 10

  • 3 – Women
  • 3 – African American (0 remaining for the 2023-2024 Academic Year)
  • 3 – Latinx
  • 1 – Native American or Native Hawaiian

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Must be admitted and enrolled in a CityU Technology and Computing degree or certificate
  • Must be a first-time applicant to CityU
  • Must be from an underrepresented community in the technology field
  • Must be a documented U.S. resident
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tution cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must begin enrollment within one quarter of being awarded
  • Must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Must be enrolled at least part time to maintain eligibility

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Underrepresented Communities in Technology Scholarship Application.
  2. Submit a personal statement addressing the following: Reflecting on your own personal journey within the context of your unique cultural and ethnic heritage, tell us how your
    life experiences influenced you to dedicate your future to learning technology?
  3. Submit a resume.
  4. Have a valid 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with an official EFC on or before the application deadline.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Banking Professional Tuition Scholarship

Scholarship Award

Up to $2,500 per calendar year ($625/quarter), and may be renewable for one (1) additional calendar year, up to $5,000 aggregate award

Number of Awards

25 (awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 22 remaining scholarships)

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Open to U.S. domestic students who are employed at a Washington Bankers Association member bank, subject to employer verification at the time of application, and/or have an ABA membership
  • Must be a newly admitted CityU student in the quarter of the scholarship application
  • Must meet all admissions criteria for the City University of Seattle declared program of study
  • Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and registered in the quarter of the scholarship award
  • Tuition scholarship renewal is contingent on student maintaining satisfactory academic progress (cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for undergraduate, 3.0 for graduate or doctoral
    program), and maintaining current employment at a WBA/ABA member bank
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost.
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Recipients must maintain full-time continuous enrollment status (two classes per term), and only one vacation quarter during each calendar year scholarship award
  • Students awarded for a quarter who totally withdraw or do not attend (other than eligible vacation quarter) forfeit their scholarship
  • Scholarship may be renewable for up to one additional calendar year, depending on making satisfactory academic progress and continuing employment at a member financial institution

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Scholarship Application.
  2. Submit a professional resume.
  3. Submit a two-page maximum Word processed or Formstack form essay answering the questions from the application.
    – Describe your most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your program and your future goals.
    – How has your education contributed to who you are today?
    – Why are you a good candidate to receive this award?
  4. Submit documentation of employment with a WBA/ABA bank.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are ranked by Financial Aid and selected by CityU’s President.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Enactus Scholarship

Enactus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing student leaders around the world across 1,600 campuses in 40 countries. Enactus is a student organization that brings together college students, academic professionals and industry leaders to focus on a shared mission of creating a more sustainable world through entrepreneurship. Annually, CityU awards eleven (11) tuition scholarships to its student leaders. Visit cityu.edu/enactus to learn more.

Scholarship Awards

  • One scholarship of $2,000 awarded during the tenure of the president
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the vice president, operations and research
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the vice president, projects
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the vice president, finance
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the vice president, engagement & corporate relations
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the vice president, marketing
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the vice president, human resources
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the project leader, GEC
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the project leader, OTA
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the project leader, Clean Up
  • One scholarship of $1,200 awarded during the tenure of the project leader, O&O project

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Student must maintain good academic standing while holding the position of president and president-elect
  • Resignation of position terminates the scholarship
  • Revocation of position terminates the scholarship
  • Scholarships in this category are awarded to the current sitting Enactus officers as nominated and elected by the Enactus membership.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Promise Scholarship

Scholarship Award

Up to $10,000 maximum, $1,250 per quarter

Number of Awards

No limit

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Open to Seattle Promise students transferring from qualifying Seattle colleges within the Seattle Colleges System
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must have successfully completed AA degree or 90 transferrable credits from qualifying Seattle Colleges at time of enrollment at CityU
  • Must be admitted to a bachelor’s degree program at CityU
  • Award will fund up to 90 credits maximum toward CityU bachelor’s degree
  • Award is prorated based on enrollment standing each term
  • Award not to exceed three award years
  • Candidate must not be more than 18 months from transferring from a college in the Seattle Colleges System
  • Must be registered in the quarters of the award

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Scholarship Application.
  2. Have a valid 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with an official EFC.
  3. Submit a letter of referral from the Student Success Specialist verifying candidate is in good standing and their expected completion date.

Application Deadline

  • First Day of the Quarter

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship

Scholarship Award

$2,000

Number of Awards

8

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

At City University of Seattle, we’re proud to support inclusion of diverse teachers and the students working to become teachers and administrators with the Diversity Scholarship. This $2,000 award opportunity is designed for students pursuing a teaching or administrator credential.

Access to a racially and culturally diverse teacher workforce is beneficial for all P-12 students, particularly for students of color, who often thrive in classrooms led by teachers who share their racial and cultural background (see Hiring and Educator Workforce Issues in Washington’s Comprehensive Support Schools, OSPI, 2019; and Addressing Washington’s Educator Shortage, PESB, 2021, pp. 3, 8).

To be eligible for the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship, you must be a candidate admitted to a teacher, administrator, or superintendent certification program in the School of Education and Leadership.

Teacher Preparation Programs

  • Bachelor of Arts in Education: Teacher Certification Program
  • Master in Teaching: Teacher Certification
  • Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification (BAED, MED)

Educational Leadership Programs

  • Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership: Superintendent Certification
  • Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership: Administrator Certification
  • Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Administrator Certificate
  • Master of Education in Educational Leadership: Administrator Certificate
  • Master of Education in Educational Leadership: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Administrator

Conditions

  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost.
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded.
  • Must be enrolled at least half time as defined by CityU.
  • Must be enrolled in an eligible program.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Application.
  2. Self-identify race/ethnicity.
  3. Have a valid 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with an official EFC.
  4. Submit a personal statement (minimum 500 words) addressing the topics from the application.
  5. Letters of Recommendation (optional).

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15

This scholarship is administered by the the School of Education and Leadership.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Ballmer Behavioral Scholarship

The University of Washington School of Social Work launched the Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) with the goal to strengthen workforce development in Washington state. With a generous gift from the Ballmer Foundation, the WDI provides two-year conditional scholarships to master’s students in accredited mental health, and marriage and family counseling programs who are committed to serving individuals and families with mental health and substance use challenges in community behavioral health agencies in Washington.

CityU is one of 13 universities and 20 graduate programs participating in this statewide effort. The initiative is also partnering with more than 100 state-approved community behavioral health agencies and tribal health centers to serve as student training sites and potential future employers, providing services in some of the state’s most marginalized communities.

The Ballmer Behavioral Health Scholarship Program is designed to attract highly committed, capable, and diverse cohorts of students who will enter key professional roles in the state’s behavioral health sector—debt-free or substantially debt-relieved. Students participating in the initiative receive conditional scholarships, up to $51,500, to offset master’s degree expenses by agreeing to serve three years in an approved Washington state community behavioral health agency or tribal health center following their graduation. The initiative also provides expert career placement and mentoring support.

DACA students are encouraged to apply, using the WASFA application.

Scholarship Award

The maximum conditional scholarship amount is up to $51,500 over two years. Award amounts vary depending on the student’s financial need. Conditional funds are distributed quarterly. Amount of the award is determined during the financial review stage of the application process and will be communicated to the student during the contract review stage before the student commits to the conditional scholarship.

If a student cannot fulfill the conditional scholarship requirements, the full award must be repaid.

Number of Awards

No limit for 2023-24.

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Demonstrated financial need as indicated by completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) for current academic year.
  • Enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Master of Arts in Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program. Applicants who have applied and/or accepted admission but have not yet begun their first term of study are still eligible to apply.
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to working in the behavioral health field.
  • Have demonstrated experience with and a commitment to working in diverse communities.
  • Applicants must sign a conditional scholarship award agreement as acceptance in the Ballmer Behavioral Health Scholarship Program.
  • Remain in good academic standing with your program and be enrolled at least part-time.
  • Participate in WDI-related trainings/meetings. Students should expect to spend approximately eight hours per month on these activities during the academic year. Activities take place virtually but may include in-person events.
  • Complete your specialized practicum at a WDI-approved, Medicaid-receiving, community-based behavioral health agency/program.
  • Maintain legal residency in Washington state for at least 36 months post-graduation.
  • Within two months of graduation, secure a job at an eligible community behavioral health agency in Washington state and work there for 36 months.

How to Apply

  1. Submit your CityU admissions application.
  2. Submit your FAFSA or WASFA.
    1. DACA students should use the WASFA application.
  3. Complete the online Ballmer Behavioral Health Scholarship application. The application takes approximately 60 minutes to complete and must be completed in one session.

Application Deadlines

  • August 18, 2023

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • As applications are received and processed (processing time may vary).

CULTIVAR Scholarship

Scholarship Award

$5,000 tuition scholarship disbursed equally throughout the Academic Year and $400 reimbursable funds for testing

Number of Awards

12 for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Future awards will depend on fundraising

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Tuition scholarship of $5000 is for tuition only with disbursements divided evenly across an Academic Year and a one-time $400 refundable award for testing fees.
  • Must be admitted and enrolled in an eligible teacher certification program.
  • Must be enrolled at least part-time.
  • Student must maintain continuous enrollment with the exception of one allowable vacation quarter within the Academic Year.
  • Award is a one-time only and may not exceed 4 quarters of enrollment.
  • CULTIVAR funds are the last payer of tuition (unused tuition funds may be carried over through the end of the Academic Year before they are rescinded).

How to Apply

  1. Apply to an eligible Alternative Routes program;
  2. Self-identify as Latina/o/x;
  3. Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of a tie, the final award(s) will be determined with an essay covering the following topic:
    1. How do you plan to use the CULTIVAR Scholarship and participate in the CULTIVAR Initiative to support a more wholistic inclusion of Latinos in the K-12 educational system?

Application Deadlines

  • First Day of Summer Quarter

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are selected by the School of Education and Leadership and SJEDI Department.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • As applications are received and processed (processing time may vary).

U.S. Domestic Program for International Students Scholarships


Merit-Based Scholarship

Scholarship Award

Average award $500, up to $1,000 per quarter

Number of Awards

Varies per quarter and academic year

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • All international students may apply in U.S. domestic programs
  • Scholarships are not awarded to U.S. domestic candidates during the Summer quarter
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and registered in the quarter of the scholarship award
  • Students awarded for a quarter who do not attend forfeit their scholarship
  • Students may re-apply each quarter of enrollment
  • Must have earned at least 40 undergraduate or 12 graduate credits taken at CityU based on their last completed quarter
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for undergraduate or 3.75 for graduate based on their last completed quarter

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Merit-Based Scholarship Application.
  2. Submit an essay answering the questions from the application.
    – Describe the most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your program and your future goals.
    – How has your education contributed to who you are today?
    – Why are you a good candidate to receive this award?
  3. Submit a professional resume.
  4. Submit an unofficial copy of CityU transcripts.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15 (Not offered during this quarter)
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

International Student Presidential Merit Scholarship

Scholarship award

$5,000

Number of Awards

Awards will be given on a first-come, first-served basis by acceptance letter issuance date, until available funds have been awarded.

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Open to first-time international applicants to CityU
  • Must hold an F-1 Visa in the Seattle area
  • Must be an active I-20 holder
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must maintain full-time enrollment and begin your studies at CityU within one quarter of the award letter
  • Students who start in the ELP Program must be continuously enrolled in the program, except for approved vacation quarters, and the award will be applied once the student enrolls in degree program classes

How to Apply

Submit a Financial Declaration Form to the International Student Office, selecting the appropriate scholarship option.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

International Student Academic Achievement Scholarship

Scholarship award

$2,000

Number of Awards

Awards will be given on a first-come, first-served basis by acceptance letter issuance date, until available funds have been awarded.

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Open to first-time international applicants to CityU
  • Must hold an F-1 Visa in the Seattle area
  • Must be an active I-20 holder
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must maintain full-time enrollment and begin your studies at CityU within one quarter of the award letter
  • Students who start in the ELP Program must be continuously enrolled in the program, except for approved vacation quarters, and the award will be applied once the student enrolls in degree program classes

How to Apply

Submit a Financial Declaration Form to the International Student Office, selecting the appropriate scholarship option.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

International Student Economic Hardship Scholarship

Scholarship award

$3,000

Number of Awards

12

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • Open to international students who have completed at least three consecutive quarters of full-time study at CityU
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuiton cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must be a current F-1 student
  • ESL students do not qualify
  • Must be enrolled in an eligible degree program
  • Must be enrolled at least part-time to maintain eligibility

How to Apply

  1. Complete the International Student Economic Hardship Application.
  2. Submit a copy of unofficial CityU transcripts showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for undergraduates or 3.0 for graduates.
  3. Submit an essay (up to 1,000 words) describing your current economic hardship and the impact this scholarship has with you staying in school.
  4. Submit supporting documentation that is relevant to your financial situation to support your statement.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Canadian Program Scholarships


Need-Based Scholarship

Scholarship Award

Average award $500, up to $2,000 per quarter

Number of Awards

Varies per quarter and academic year

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • All Canadian students may apply
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost
  • Remaining award funds may roll over to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must be registered in the quarter of the scholarship award
  • Students awarded for a quarter who do not attend forfeit their scholarship
  • Students may re-apply each quarter of enrollment
  • Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program or certificate

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Need-Based Scholarship Application.
  2. Submit an essay answering the questions from the application.
    – How have you been financing your college education?
    – From a financial standpoint, what impact would this scholarship have on your education?
    – State any special personal or family circumstances affecting your need for financial assistance.
  3. Canadian students must submit their 2022 tax assessment for the required year on or before the application deadline (T4’s are not a valid substitute for the 2022 tax assessment).

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Merit-Based Scholarship

Scholarship Award

Average award $500, up to $1,000 per quarter

Number of Awards

Varies per quarter and academic year

Eligibility and Scholarship Conditions

  • All Canadian students may apply
  • Scholarship must be used for tuition only and may not be paid out as a cash refund if the award is more than the tuition cost
  • Remaining award funds may rollover to another quarter for up to two additional quarters before it is rescinded
  • Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and registered in the quarter of the scholarship award
  • Students awarded for a quarter who do not attend forfeit their scholarship
  • Students may re-apply each quarter of enrollment
  • Must have earned at least 40 undergraduate or 12 graduate credits taken at CityU based on their last completed quarter
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for undergraduate or 3.75 for graduate based on their last completed quarter

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Merit-Based Scholarship Application.
  2. Submit an essay answering the questions from the application.
    – Describe the most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your program and your future goals.
    – How has your education contributed to who you are today?
    – Why are you a good candidate to receive this award?
  3. Submit a professional resume.
  4. Submit an unofficial copy of CityU transcripts.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Quarter: June 15
  • Fall Quarter: September 15
  • Winter Quarter: December 15
  • Spring Quarter: March 15

This scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Department, and the awards are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Notifications for scholarships are sent out by the first of each quarter:

  • Summer Quarter: July 1
  • Fall Quarter: October 1
  • Winter Quarter: January 1
  • Spring Quarter: April 1

Other Scholarship Resources

We have compiled a list of external scholarship and grant resources which we offer as an additional reference for students. These resources are not affiliated with the university.

Scholarship FAQs


Scholarship applications update on the www.cityu.edu/scholarships website in May for the upcoming Academic Year that starts with summer quarter. Students can submit applications at that time for the next quarter. Once a scholarship deadline expires, applications will open up for the next quarter. For example, in May applications can be submitted for summer quarter and when that deadline expires, applications will open up for fall quarter.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for multiple scholarships, you can apply for each eligible scholarship. If you are also awarded multiple scholarships, they will be applied to your school account to cover your tuition charges.
If you submitted a scholarship application and did not receive an automated confirmation email, please reach out to scholarships@cityu.edu to ensure your application was received.
Scholarships are separated on the www.cityu.edu/scholarships website by the program and who is enrolled in the program.

  • If you are enrolled in a U.S. domestic program in-person or online (regardless of where you live), then you would apply for the scholarship(s) under the U.S. Domestic Program Scholarships.
  • If you are an international student enrolled in a U.S. domestic program in-person or online (regardless of where you live), then you would apply for the scholarship(s) under the U.S. Domestic Program for International Student Scholarships. Your applicant status identifies you as an international student.
  • If you are enrolled in a Canadian program in-person, then you would apply for scholarships under the Canadian Program Scholarships.
    • Canadian international students are currently ineligible for Canadian Need-Based and Merit-Based Scholarships.
    • If you live in Canada, but are enrolled in a U.S. domestic program, then you would apply for the U.S. domestic program scholarships
  • Students may not be eligible for every scholarship listed under the program title. Please review the eligibility criteria before applying
We will use your first received application and then mark the subsequent applications will be marked as duplicates. If you want us to consider a certain scholarship application when multiple are sent of the same application, please contact us at scholarships@cityu.edu to let us know which one to use.
The Merit-Based Scholarship online application includes measures to notify you when you are not eligible for the scholarship. If you input criteria (such as cumulative GPA and/or credits completed) that is below the minimum eligibility criteria (e.g. you are a graduate student who has a 3.749 cumulative GPA when the minimum eligible criteria is 3.750 or higher), the online application will notify you that you are not eligible and will only give you an option to submit the application thus far. It will not move forward to the resume/essay section. If you think you are meeting the eligibility criteria and are still not able to move forward with the online application, please contact scholarships@cityu.edu.
It depends. The data is taken from the last completed quarter because the deadline for scholarships falls in the middle of an active quarter and not all students have received grades for their classes by the deadline date. If the credits/GPA from your current quarter made you eligible for the scholarship and you are not eligible without considering that information, then you are not eligible. If you have met the minimum criteria in previous quarters, then you are eligible regardless of what your grades/credits completed are from your current quarter. The application will let you know which quarter the information should be taken from.
CityU has limited funds to award students and all our scholarships are competitive. Many students applying are in similar academic and financial situations as you are. When that is the case, refining the other scholarship requirements (resume, essay, etc.) can help to set you apart from other students.
U.S. and U.S. International students share one pool of funds while Canadian students share a separate pool of funds. Within that, there are quarters where the top candidates are awarded scholarships and some quarters where the top candidates within the school (School of Education & Leadership, School of Technology & Computing, School of Business & Management and School of Health & Social Science) are awarded.
No, your picture should not be included on your resume. Including it can make your application ineligible as it opens up any potential biases when reviewing your resume.
  • Plan ahead
    • Don’t procrastinate
    • Give yourself plenty of time to review and edit your responses
    • Be aware of the deadline date
  • Talk about your accomplishments
  • State your need
    • What is your financial situation?
    • Do you work?
    • Do you receive support from your family?
    • Do you receive financial aid?
  • Keep it simple
    • Don’t use unnecessary words (i.e., don’t use three words when one will do)
    • Don’t include unnecessary information just to “fill the page”
  • Make it easy on your reader
    • Have someone else read your responses for clarity (this can be a friend, co-worker, family, etc.)
    • Write complete sentences and paragraphs
    • SPELL CHECK – make sure words are used correctly (e.g.,: “two,” “to,” “too;” or “there,” “their,” or “they’re;” “its” or “it’s,” etc.)
  • ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS
    • Who are you?
    • Why are you who you are?
    • What are you doing?
    • What have you done?
    • Where are you now?
    • Where are you going?
    • How are you going to get there?
    • Why do you need a scholarship?
    • How will it make a difference?
    • How did you make the decision to continue your education?
Scholarship notifications are sent out to all applicants by the first of the quarter regarding the status of their application and will be sent to the student’s school email address.
Congratulations! Your scholarship funds are disbursed in the first couple of weeks of the quarter by the Financial Aid Office. You do have to meet the enrollment criteria to be eligible for the disbursement, so if you enrolled after the initial disbursement are reviewed, then it will be reviewed again after the 100% drop/add date. If you are still not enrolled/enrolled in enough credits to meet the enrollment criteria of your specific scholarship after the 100% drop/add date, your award will not be released to your account.
No. All CityU scholarships are tuition-only. If your scholarship(s) exceeds the tuition amount for the quarter it was awarded in, the excess funds will stay on your account and can be applied to up to two additional quarter tuition costs.
Congratulations! Once your scholarship funds are applied to your school account, they will be applied to your school invoices and the funds from your personal payment will be credited back to you either by direct deposit or by a mailed check by that Friday. If not, please contact billing@cityu.edu.
There are outside resources here External Grants and Scholarships – CityU of Seattle that can be reviewed for additional funding. These resources have been vetted to ensure they are valid sources. For Canadian students, external or private resources are found here Scholarships – CityU in Canada (cityuniversity.ca).