CityU vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle Pacific University is larger than CityU based on total student enrollment (2,261 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• City University of Seattle is located in Seattle, WA (Midsize City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• City University of Seattle is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: City University of Seattle 5:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

CityU vs. SPU Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at City University of Seattle are 29.6% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($11,613 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 177% more expensive for in-state tuition than CityU (about $25,818 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $14,589.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 177% higher at SPU than at City University of Seattle (about $25,818 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $14,589.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle Pacific University than at City University of Seattle (99% vs. 0%).

CityU vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CityU 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 CityU.

• City University of Seattle reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSeattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSeattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CityU - Open admission; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027.

CityU vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CityU 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 City University of Seattle's (13%).
• Graduates from City University of Seattle earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,500 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, City University of Seattle graduates have a $937 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($24,666 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, CityU 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 CityU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 55%)

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.