Westminster vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle Pacific University is larger than Westminster based on total student enrollment (2,261 students vs. 1,155 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Westminster University is located in Salt Lake City, UT (Midsize City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Westminster University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Westminster University 8:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

Westminster vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Westminster 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 Westminster ($25,232 vs. $26,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westminster University are 28.2% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($11,844 vs. $16,491).
• Westminster University is 7.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $3,121 more per year; $43,528.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.7% higher at Westminster than at Seattle Pacific University (about $3,121 more per year; $43,528.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Westminster University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 2.8% larger than aid received by Westminster University students ($31,558 vs. $30,694).

Westminster vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Westminster 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 Westminster.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westminster University (1190) is the same as at SPU (1190).
• Incoming Westminster 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: Westminster University 1070/1310; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westminster University 23/29; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Westminster - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Westminster students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than Westminster (66.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Westminster vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Westminster vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Westminster 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).

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Westminster University's (66%).
• Graduates from Westminster University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westminster University graduates have a $603 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, Westminster graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($258 vs. $264).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Westminster students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 73%)

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.