Skip to content

Seattle Pacific University vs Seattle University

Seattle Pacific University is a private university in Seattle, WA, and Seattle University is a private university in Seattle, WA. Seattle University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 83% at Seattle Pacific University. Seattle Pacific University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,488 a year against $34,662 at Seattle University. About 74% of students graduate at Seattle University, compared with 62% at Seattle Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, Seattle University alumni earn a median of about $75,272, against $64,506 for Seattle Pacific University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private

Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,762
4,062
Acceptance rate
83%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1320
1200–1430
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
23–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,488
$34,662
Full cost / yr
$56,826
$72,124
In-state tuition
$40,407
$56,721
Out-of-state tuition
$40,407
$56,721
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,735
$22,896
$30k - $48k
$18,559
$24,523
$48k - $75k
$19,332
$26,977
$75k - $110k
$27,976
$36,967
Over $110k
$29,819
$42,737
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
74%
Freshman retention
72%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,496
$64,656
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,506
$75,272
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$19,883
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
24%
First-generation students
23%
19%
International students
7%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Seattle Pacific University or Seattle University harder to get into?
Seattle University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 83% 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.
Which is cheaper, Seattle Pacific University or Seattle University?
Seattle Pacific University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,488 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $34,662 at Seattle 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 Seattle Pacific University and Seattle University?
Before aid, Seattle Pacific University costs about $56,826 a year and Seattle University about $72,124. 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, Seattle Pacific University or Seattle University?
Seattle Pacific University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,735 there, against about $22,896 at Seattle University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Seattle Pacific University or Seattle University?
Seattle University is the larger of the two, with about 4,062 undergraduates against 1,762 at Seattle Pacific University.
Does Seattle Pacific University or Seattle University have a better graduation rate?
Seattle University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 62% at Seattle Pacific University.
Do graduates of Seattle Pacific University or Seattle University earn more?
Seattle University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,272 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,506 for Seattle Pacific University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Seattle Pacific University and Seattle University require SAT or ACT scores?
Seattle Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Seattle University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Seattle Pacific University and Seattle University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1050–1320 at Seattle Pacific University and 1200–1430 at Seattle 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