Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Online | spu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Religious Affiliation | Free Methodist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Seattle Pacific University (SPU), situated in a residential neighborhood just 10 minutes from the heart of downtown Seattle, Washington, offers students a campus experience that melds an urban environment with a Pacific Northwest setting. Founded in 1891, this private Christian university boasts a history rooted in the Methodist tradition and emphasizes a liberal arts education. The university's academic profile includes a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in business, education, and nursing. Selectivity for admission is considered moderately competitive. SPU is characterized by its traditional collegiate Gothic architecture, and the campus provides on-campus living options to foster student involvement and academic convenience. Seattle Pacific does not emphasize intercollegiate athletics as a cornerstone of its identity, focusing rather on its academic and spiritual mission.
In the most recent statistical year 3,895 prospective students applied, and 3,533 were granted admission. Of those admitted 538 enrolled in the school. 2,647 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 471 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $36,504 plus fees of $654. SPU is ranked 270 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
SPU is rated within the top 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Seattle Pacific University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#270 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#202 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in Washington
#5 in Best Private Colleges in Washington
#299 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Value Colleges in Washington
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1080/1350 |
| ACT | 20/27 |
| GPA | 3.53 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jul 11, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $708 |
| Other Fees | $654 |
| Room and Board | $14,409 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,462 |
| Total One Year Cost | $55,737 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 13% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 11% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
| Psychology | 8% |
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Students considering SPU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Seattle Pacific University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=236577 IPEDS survey data for Seattle Pacific University.
Current students may use the Seattle Pacific University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024