DU vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

DU vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU 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 University than DU ($36,948 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 11.6% lower than at University of Denver ($15,702 vs. $17,759).
• University of Denver is 8.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $4,677 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at DU than at Seattle University (about $4,677 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at University of Denver (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 4.1% larger than aid received by University of Denver students ($35,351 vs. $33,955).

DU vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DU 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 DU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 10 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming DU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• DU has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

DU vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU 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).

• University of Denver's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from University of Denver earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,400 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Denver graduates have a $801 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($23,699 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, DU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($245 vs. $253).
• More Seattle U graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 72%)

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.