Financial Planning and Resources

The Education Abroad Office works in tandem with Student Financial Services and the Office of Fellowships to provide outside resources to help students plan and prepare for their time abroad.

Education Abroad: Semester vs. Quarter Comparison

The majority of education systems operate on the semester system. While Seattle University operates on the quarter system, most SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchanges, and Non-SU programs operate on the semester system. Therefore, depending on the program and when you go abroad, there are different credit and financial considerations. Below is an illustration highlighting the basic differences in credits and finances between the quarter system at SU and studying abroad for a semester (or two!) on SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange and Non-SU Programs. 

Consult with your Academic Advisor to see how credit transfers will impact your academic progress towards graduation. Consult with Student Financial Services for detailed information regarding your individual financial aid.

*"other SU fees" include the mandatory technology fee

Highlights

  • Fall Semester participants generally earn more credits than they would during Fall Quarter at SU (22.5 vs. 15)
  • Spring Semester participants generally earn less credits than they would during BOTH Winter and Spring Quarters at SU (22.5 vs. 30)
  • Fall Academic Year participants on a semester program generally earn the same amount of credits as they would during the Academic Year at SU (45)
  • Both Fall and Spring Semester participants on SU-Sponsored or Exchange Programs will pay one quarter's worth of SU tuition and receive one quarter's worth of SU scholarships and grants.
  • Fall Semester participants in any program will receive one quarter's worth of Federal/State Aid & Spring Semester participants on any program will receive two quarter's worth of Federal/State Aid

Please contact EAO with any additional questions regarding financial aid, budgeting and/or scholarships.