JCU vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH with Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

John Carroll University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (2,864 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Carroll University is located in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

JCU vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 JCU ($25,232 vs. $30,030).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 12% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($14,520 vs. $16,491).
• John Carroll University is 25% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $10,093 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25% higher at JCU than at Seattle Pacific University (about $10,093 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 13.4% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($35,785 vs. $31,558).

JCU vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Carroll University (1260) is 70 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming JCU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JCU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than JCU (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 15.8% at SPU.

JCU vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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 John Carroll University's (71%).
• Graduates from John Carroll University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $1,336 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($25,603 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($264 vs. $278).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 74%)

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.