Canisius vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

Compare Canisius University in Buffalo, NY with Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Canisius University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (2,451 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Canisius University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Canisius University 11:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

Canisius vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Canisius or SPU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Canisius University than SPU ($19,666 vs. $25,232).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 17.8% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($13,560 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 17.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Canisius (about $5,907 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at SPU than at Canisius University (about $5,907 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 26.4% larger than aid received by Canisius University students ($31,558 vs. $24,972).

Canisius vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Canisius or SPU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SPU and Canisius.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Canisius University (1190) is the same as at SPU (1190).
• Incoming Canisius students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 1050/1320; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 22/28; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Canisius - Test-free; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than Canisius (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Canisius vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Canisius vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Canisius and SPU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from Seattle Pacific University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Canisius University graduates have a $853 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($24,750 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, Canisius graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($255 vs. $264).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.