Reed vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare Reed College in Portland, OR with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Seattle University is larger than Reed based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 1,358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Reed College is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Reed College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Reed College 9:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Reed vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Reed or Seattle U? 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 Reed College than Seattle U ($30,953 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 11.1% lower than at Reed College ($15,702 vs. $17,660).
• Reed College is 22.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $12,629 more per year; $69,350.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.3% higher at Reed than at Seattle University (about $12,629 more per year; $69,350.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Reed College (100% vs. 58%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Reed College students is 56.8% larger than aid received by Seattle University students ($55,445 vs. $35,351).

Reed vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Reed or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U and Reed.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Reed College (1410) is 90 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming Reed students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Reed College 1290/1520; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Reed College 30/34; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Reed - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Reed students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than Reed (24.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Reed vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Reed vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Reed and Seattle U? 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).

• Reed College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Reed graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $47,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Reed College graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($16,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Reed graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($165 vs. $253).
• More Reed graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 75%)

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.