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Seattle Pacific University vs Whitman College

Seattle Pacific University is a private university in Seattle, WA, and Whitman College is a private college in Walla Walla, WA. Whitman College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 38% 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 $33,313 at Whitman College. About 81% of students graduate at Whitman College, compared with 62% at Seattle Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, Whitman College alumni earn a median of about $67,589, against $64,506 for Seattle Pacific University.

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Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private

Whitman College

Walla Walla, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Seattle, WA
Walla Walla, WA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,762
1,531
Acceptance rate
83%
38%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1320
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,488
$33,313
Full cost / yr
$56,826
$78,092
In-state tuition
$40,407
$64,050
Out-of-state tuition
$40,407
$64,050
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,735
$13,567
$30k - $48k
$18,559
$11,596
$48k - $75k
$19,332
$21,915
$75k - $110k
$27,976
$27,237
Over $110k
$29,819
$47,679
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
81%
Freshman retention
72%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,496
$45,594
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,506
$67,589
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$18,437
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
16%
First-generation students
23%
12%
International students
7%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 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 Whitman College harder to get into?
Whitman College is harder to get into. It admits about 38% 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 Whitman College?
Seattle Pacific University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,488 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,313 at Whitman College. 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 Whitman College?
Before aid, Seattle Pacific University costs about $56,826 a year and Whitman College about $78,092. 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 Whitman College?
Whitman College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,567 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, Seattle Pacific University or Whitman College?
Seattle Pacific University is the larger of the two, with about 1,762 undergraduates against 1,531 at Whitman College.
Does Seattle Pacific University or Whitman College have a better graduation rate?
Whitman College has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 62% at Seattle Pacific University.
Do graduates of Seattle Pacific University or Whitman College earn more?
Whitman College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,589 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 Whitman College require SAT or ACT scores?
Seattle Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Whitman College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Seattle Pacific University and Whitman College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1050–1320 at Seattle Pacific University and 1310–1480 at Whitman College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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