University of St Thomas vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of St Thomas in Saint Paul, MN with Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of St Thomas is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (9,410 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of St Thomas is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• University of St Thomas is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of St Thomas 14:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

University of St Thomas vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of St Thomas 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 University of St Thomas ($25,232 vs. $31,250).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of St Thomas are 9.2% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($14,969 vs. $16,491).
• University of St Thomas is 34.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $13,991 more per year; $54,398.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.6% higher at University of St Thomas than at Seattle Pacific University (about $13,991 more per year; $54,398.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle Pacific University than at University of St Thomas (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Thomas students is 12.8% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($35,587 vs. $31,558).

University of St Thomas vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of St Thomas 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 University of St Thomas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Thomas (1340) is 150 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming University of St Thomas 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: University of St Thomas 1260/1423; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 25/30; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of St Thomas - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Jan 15, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Thomas students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at SPU (3.53).
• University of St Thomas has a higher acceptance rate (85.4%) than SPU (83.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.8% at University of St Thomas vs. 15.8% at SPU.

University of St Thomas vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of St Thomas 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).

• The graduation rate at University of St Thomas is the same as at Seattle Pacific University (74% vs. 74%).
• Graduates from University of St Thomas earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $397 lower median loan debt than University of St Thomas graduates ($25,603 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Thomas graduates ($264 vs. $268).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of St Thomas students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.