Do I need to apply for academic scholarships (In-State Matching Scholar, Faith for the Future, SPU Merit Scholarships, Distinguished Scholar)?

No, there is no separate application for academic scholarships. We assign your scholarship at the point of your application submission to Seattle Pacific. Scholarships are determined based on your GPA, your academic performance, and a holistic review of your application. If a GPA and/or test score criteria are given, that is the determining factor.

May I submit new test scores or my updated cumulative GPA after I apply?

Yes! If you have already received a decision and want your new scores to be considered we must receive your new official test score or mid-year transcript information by March 1 for review.

Are scholarships renewable and stackable?

Yes, our scholarships stack so you can receive multiple scholarships. The only exception is our academic awards; you can only receive one based upon your academic criteria.

Unless otherwise noted on our scholarship page, all scholarships are renewable for up to four years. To review limitations and renewal criteria once you are student, please refer to the guidelines outlined by Student Financial Services.

Can international students be considered for any scholarship?

International students are not eligible for the full-tuition Distinguished Scholar Award, engineering awards, the Falcon Bound Commitment, In-State Matching Scholar Award, or the Summit Seeker’s scholarships, as these scholarships require that the recipients be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students are eligible for all other awards.

International students are not eligible for aid awarded based on the FAFSA.

Do you consider weighted GPAs?

All of our listed requirements are based on unweighted GPAs. We will calculate an unweighted GPA when we process and review your application. Please make sure to unweight your GPA to see what scholarship you will be eligible for.

How are my test scores evaluated?

Please view our test score policy to learn more. Test scores are not required for admission or scholarships for Winter, Spring, and Fall 2022 application process.

What if I’m really close to the GPA or test score criteria for a scholarship? Will you bump me to the next level?

Our scholarship criteria for particular awards are listed so students can plan and adjust for the scholarship they hope to receive. The listed requirements are strict minimums and we do not make exceptions, so if you want to receive a higher scholarship than what you currently qualify, be sure to improve your GPA or test score well before March 1.

 I think I qualify for different scholarships than what I was awarded. What should I do? 

Talk to your admissions counselor!  We are happy to discuss the scholarships you have been awarded. Please note that final scholarship decisions are at the discretion of Undergraduate Admissions.

I’m a high school student who is dual-enrolled in college classes (ex: Running Start, College in the High School). Do I qualify for the First-Year or Transfer scholarships?

If you have not yet graduated from high school at the time of application, you will be considered for our First-Year student scholarships only.

My grades went down after I received a scholarship award. Will you take it away?

We rarely reduce an academic scholarship post-admission. However, it is important that you contact your admissions counselor if your GPA has dramatically shifted from when you applied to SPU.

Do I have to submit the FAFSA to qualify for scholarships?

While we recommend that every student submit the FAFSA, our merit scholarship decisions are not based on your FAFSA information. Your estimated financial contribution will not affect which academic scholarships you qualify for, and you will be considered for merit scholarships even if you decide not to complete the FAFSA. Keep in mind that if you complete the FAFSA, you might qualify for even more aid!

When will I find out which scholarships I have been awarded?

Academic scholarships will be awarded when you receive an admissions decision. A few merit scholarships require separate applications, so if you apply for one of those, you will hear your decision in early spring. If you submit the FAFSA, you will receive a full financial aid package, including both need- and merit-based aid, by March.

Any other recommendations about how to pay for college?

Our Student Financial Services office has lots of great recommendations about how your family can make SPU a reality! 

We also recommend part-time work. The majority of our students work! Please note that all of our on campus jobs are available to both work study eligible and non-work study eligible students.

Can I enroll less than full-time and receive my scholarship?

No, students must be enrolled full-time to receive any scholarship awarded by Undergraduate Admissions.