SPU vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Washington University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Seattle Pacific University is located in Seattle, WA (Large City setting); Western Washington University is in Bellingham, WA (Small City setting).
• Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Seattle Pacific University 13:1; Western Washington University 18:1.

SPU vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SPU or Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University than SPU ($24,338 vs. $25,232).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Washington University are 4.5% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($15,747 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 321.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Washington University (about $30,825 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $9,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.8% higher at SPU than at Western Washington University (about $11,700 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $28,707.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle Pacific University than at Western Washington University (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 357.2% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($31,558 vs. $6,902).

SPU vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SPU or Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University and SPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Washington University (1270) is 80 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming Western Washington University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Seattle Pacific University 20/28; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SPU - Test-free; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SPU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than SPU (83.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.8% at SPU vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

SPU vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SPU and Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University's (73%).
• Graduates from Seattle Pacific University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Western Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $6,190 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($19,413 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($200 vs. $264).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Washington University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 71%)

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.