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Seattle University vs Whitman College

Seattle 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 77% at Seattle University. Whitman College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $33,313 a year against $34,662 at Seattle University. About 81% of students graduate at Whitman College, compared with 74% at Seattle University. Ten years after enrolling, Seattle University alumni earn a median of about $75,272, against $67,589 for Whitman College.

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Seattle 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
4,062
1,531
Acceptance rate
77%
38%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1430
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$34,662
$33,313
Full cost / yr
$72,124
$78,092
In-state tuition
$56,721
$64,050
Out-of-state tuition
$56,721
$64,050
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,896
$13,567
$30k - $48k
$24,523
$11,596
$48k - $75k
$26,977
$21,915
$75k - $110k
$36,967
$27,237
Over $110k
$42,737
$47,679
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
81%
Freshman retention
84%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,656
$45,594
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,272
$67,589
Median debt at graduation
$19,883
$18,437
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
16%
First-generation students
19%
12%
International students
7%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
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 University or Whitman College harder to get into?
Whitman College is harder to get into. It admits about 38% of applicants, compared with 77% at Seattle 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 Whitman College?
Whitman College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $33,313 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 Whitman College?
Before aid, Seattle University costs about $72,124 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 University or Whitman College?
Whitman College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,567 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 Whitman College?
Seattle University is the larger of the two, with about 4,062 undergraduates against 1,531 at Whitman College.
Does Seattle University or Whitman College have a better graduation rate?
Whitman College has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 74% at Seattle University.
Do graduates of Seattle University or Whitman College earn more?
Seattle University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,272 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,589 for Whitman College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Seattle University and Whitman College require SAT or ACT scores?
Seattle 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 University and Whitman College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1430 at Seattle 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