Seattle Pacific University
The Vibe Check
Seattle Pacific University offers a close-knit, faith-integrated community feel with a historic, red-brick campus nestled in the quiet residential neighborhood of Queen Anne. It feels like a supportive, intimate learning environment where students know their professors and neighbors by name, yet it's just minutes from the energy of downtown Seattle.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
SPU is recognized for strong programs in health professions, business, and biology, often leveraging its location for local internships and clinical placements. The university emphasizes teaching excellence with small class sizes, though research opportunities are more accessible through faculty collaboration than large-scale graduate labs.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Seattle
Students enjoy easy access to Seattle's vibrant culture, including coffee shops, Pike Place Market, and outdoor activities like hiking at nearby Discovery Park. For fun, many explore the city's music scene, catch Mariners or Seahawks games, or take advantage of the temperate climate for kayaking on Lake Union.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($64,506):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is generally considered safe with its own campus safety department and well-lit pathways in the Queen Anne neighborhood. However, being in an urban setting means students should stay aware of their surroundings when venturing into downtown Seattle.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ No tuition difference for in-state vs. out-of-state students
- ✓ Strong programs in health professions and business with local Seattle internships
- ✓ Intimate class sizes for personalized attention
- ✓ Prime location in Seattle for networking and urban amenities
Cons
- ✗ Graduation rate at 63.8% is below national average for private universities
- ✗ Urban setting may feel less traditional or isolated for those seeking a college town
- ✗ Higher sticker price with tuition at $38,814, though net price is lower
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Seattle Pacific University is known for its faith-integrated education, strong programs in health professions (like nursing), business, and visual/performing arts. It emphasizes Christian mission alongside academic rigor, with a focus on service and leadership in an urban Seattle context.
No, it's not highly selective with an acceptance rate of 91.09%. Most applicants with a solid GPA and test scores (average SAT around 1191) are admitted, but competitive programs like nursing may have higher standards.
Campus life is community-oriented with a faith-based emphasis, featuring chapel services, student clubs, and division II athletics. Students enjoy a mix of quiet study in the Queen Anne neighborhood and easy trips to downtown Seattle for entertainment, with a retention rate of 74.6% indicating strong satisfaction.
Yes, for many students, especially in high-earning fields like health professions, with a net price of $24,820 and median 10-year earnings of $64,506. The value is enhanced by Seattle's job market, though the 63.8% graduation rate suggests some students may need to weigh the investment carefully.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,682
- In-State Tuition $38,814
- Zip Code 98119
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $24,820 and no out-of-state tuition premium, SPU can be a more affordable private option compared to national peers, especially with 33% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $64,506 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for high-demand majors like health professions in the Seattle job market.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.