Skip to content

Northwest University vs Seattle Pacific University

Northwest University is a private university in Kirkland, WA, and Seattle Pacific University is a private university in Seattle, WA. Both admit about 83% of applicants. Northwest University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,288 a year against $24,488 at Seattle Pacific University. About 67% of students graduate at Northwest University, compared with 62% at Seattle Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, Seattle Pacific University alumni earn a median of about $64,506, against $54,914 for Northwest University.

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA · Private

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Kirkland, WA
Seattle, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
645
1,762
Acceptance rate
83%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1350
1050–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
20–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,288
$24,488
Full cost / yr
$50,501
$56,826
In-state tuition
$36,035
$40,407
Out-of-state tuition
$36,035
$40,407
Application fee
$30
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,996
$20,735
$30k - $48k
$14,384
$18,559
$48k - $75k
$17,840
$19,332
$75k - $110k
$22,644
$27,976
Over $110k
$28,570
$29,819
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
62%
Freshman retention
84%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,495
$51,496
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,914
$64,506
Median debt at graduation
$20,891
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
35%
First-generation students
36%
23%
International students
6%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Northwest University or Seattle Pacific University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 83% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Northwest University or Seattle Pacific University?
Northwest University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,288 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,488 at Seattle Pacific University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Northwest University and Seattle Pacific University?
Before aid, Northwest University costs about $50,501 a year and Seattle Pacific University about $56,826. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Northwest University or Seattle Pacific University?
Northwest University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,996 there, against about $20,735 at Seattle Pacific University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Northwest University or Seattle Pacific University?
Seattle Pacific University is the larger of the two, with about 1,762 undergraduates against 645 at Northwest University.
Does Northwest University or Seattle Pacific University have a better graduation rate?
Northwest University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 62% at Seattle Pacific University.
Do graduates of Northwest University or Seattle Pacific University earn more?
Seattle Pacific University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,506 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,914 for Northwest University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northwest University and Seattle Pacific University require SAT or ACT scores?
Northwest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Seattle Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Northwest University and Seattle Pacific University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1350 at Northwest University and 1050–1320 at Seattle Pacific University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school