Seattle University vs Washington State University
Seattle University is a private university in Seattle, WA, and Washington State University is a public university in Pullman, WA. Seattle University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 87% at Washington State University. Washington State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,971 a year against $34,662 at Seattle University. About 74% of students graduate at Seattle University, compared with 61% at Washington State University. Ten years after enrolling, Seattle University alumni earn a median of about $75,272, against $68,905 for Washington State University.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
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.
- Is Seattle University or Washington State University harder to get into?
- Seattle University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 87% at Washington State 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 University or Washington State University?
- Washington State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,971 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 University and Washington State University?
- Before aid, Washington State University costs about $27,648 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 University or Washington State University?
- Washington State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,074 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 University or Washington State University?
- Washington State University is the larger of the two, with about 21,099 undergraduates against 4,062 at Seattle University.
- Does Seattle University or Washington State University have a better graduation rate?
- Seattle University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 61% at Washington State University.
- Do graduates of Seattle University or Washington State University earn more?
- Seattle University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,272 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,905 for Washington State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Seattle University and Washington State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Seattle University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Washington State University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Seattle University and Washington State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1430 at Seattle University and 1020–1210 at Washington State 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.