SPU vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Seattle Pacific University is located in Seattle, WA (Large City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Seattle Pacific University 13:1; Seattle University 10:1.

SPU vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SPU 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 Seattle Pacific University than Seattle U ($25,232 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 4.8% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($15,702 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle University is 40.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $16,314 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.4% higher at Seattle U than at Seattle Pacific University (about $16,314 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 12% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($35,351 vs. $31,558).

SPU vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SPU 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 SPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 130 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming Seattle U students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Seattle Pacific University 20/28; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SPU - Test-free; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.8% at SPU vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

SPU vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SPU 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).

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $1,103 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($253 vs. $264).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.