Dort vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

Compare Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA 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 Dort based on total student enrollment (2,261 students vs. 1,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dordt University is located in Sioux Center, IA (Remote Town setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Dordt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dordt University 14:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

Dort vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dort 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 Seattle Pacific University than Dort ($25,232 vs. $28,486).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dordt University are 28.6% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($11,770 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 9.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dort (about $3,357 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $37,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at SPU than at Dordt University (about $3,357 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $37,050.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dordt University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 35.6% larger than aid received by Dordt University students ($31,558 vs. $23,277).

Dort vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dort 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 Dort.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dordt University (1200) is 10 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming Dort 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: Dordt University 1070/1330; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dordt University 21/29; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dort - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Dort students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than Dort (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38% at Dort vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Dort vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dort 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 Dordt University's (60%).
• Graduates from Seattle Pacific University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Dort graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dordt University graduates have a $2,603 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, Dort graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($237 vs. $264).
• More Dort graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SPU students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 82%)

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.