Seattle Pacific University: 90.7% Acceptance Rate

90.7%Acceptance

$38,814Tuition

2,073Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$64,506Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Free Methodist

About Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University serves as a Christian liberal arts university where faith and academics blend together in meaningful ways. With 2,073 students on its Seattle campus, SPU focuses on nursing, business, and psychology programs that prepare graduates for service-oriented careers. The Free Methodist university maintains close ties between professors and students with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Notable alumni include former NFL coach Phil Smart Jr. and human rights activist Craig Kielburger, reflecting the school's commitment to developing leaders who make a difference.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $24,820 after aid, which is much less than the $38,814 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $64,506 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $24,000 with monthly payments of $254. The employment rate reaches 96.3%, suggesting strong job placement for graduates.

The student body leans heavily female at 66.86% women, creating a nurturing environment that fits the university's caring mission. About two-thirds of students come from Washington state, giving the campus a regional feel. With 74.62% of students returning for their second year and a 63.83% four-year graduation rate, SPU works best for students who connect with its Christian values and smaller community atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Seattle Pacific University offers a Christian liberal arts education with particularly strong programs in nursing, business, and psychology. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means students get plenty of personal attention from professors, which matters at a school where faith and learning intersect in small classroom discussions. However, the 62.10% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, possibly due to the academic rigor or the adjustment to a faith-based learning environment. The quarter system moves quickly through material, requiring students to stay organized and engaged. SPU attracts students who want both academic challenge and spiritual growth, making it different from secular liberal arts colleges.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 62.1%
Retention Rate: 74.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,506
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$94,408
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$71,463
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$70,456
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Doctoral	$66,077
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$57,318
Business/Commerce, General.	Master	$57,318
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$56,802
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$56,415
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$55,964
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$49,875

View all 91 programs →

Campus Life

Seattle Pacific University sits on a 43-acre campus in the Queen Anne neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Seattle and Pike Place Market. With housing capacity for 1,775 students and total enrollment of 2,073, most undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. The Pacific Northwest weather means you'll need a good rain jacket and layers, with mild winters around 40-50 degrees and pleasant summers that rarely break 80.

Students here embrace the Christian liberal arts atmosphere, with mandatory chapel services twice weekly creating shared community moments. The 66.86% female student body reflects strong programs in nursing and psychology that draw many women. Weekend activities often center around Seattle's coffee culture, hiking trails like those on nearby Queen Anne Hill, or exploring Pike Place Market and the waterfront. The quarter system keeps academic pace quick, with 10:1 student-faculty ratios creating close professor relationships. Many students volunteer through faith-based service programs, and the Falcons compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 180 total athletes across 8 sports.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,775 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1891

Campus Safety (2023)

103 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	13	13	0	0
Burglary	14	3	2	0
Stalking	9	5	0	0
Fondling	6	4	0	0
Arson	4	0	0	4
Domestic Violence	4	4	0	0
Aggravated Assault	2	1	0	3
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	6
Dating Violence	3	2	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–47°F
July Avg: 56°–76°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.8"
Annual Snowfall: 3.8"

Student Demographics

Seattle Pacific draws students who want a Christian education close to home, with 65% coming from Washington state. The student body is two-thirds women, reflecting strong programs in nursing and education that traditionally attract more female students. With a third of students receiving Pell grants, SPU serves many first-generation college students and families of modest means who value the school's faith-based approach. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic (19%) and Asian (16%) populations, showing how the university connects with Seattle's multicultural communities while maintaining its Free Methodist roots.

Men: 33.1%
Women: 66.9%
White: 37.7%
Black: 8.2%
Hispanic: 18.5%
Asian: 16.2%
In-State Students: 64.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.2%

Location

Seattle Pacific University sits in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, just 2.7 miles from downtown. The campus overlooks the Lake Washington Ship Canal and is walking distance from the Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle and numerous cultural attractions. Seattle's tech-heavy economy creates strong internship opportunities for SPU's 2,073 students, especially those in business and computer science programs. The Pacific Northwest setting means year-round mild temperatures but frequent rain, and students can reach hiking trails in the Cascade Mountains within an hour. The urban campus gives students access to major employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Seattle Pacific University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Seattle, Washington 98119-1997

Seattle Pacific University Alexander Hall 04

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $64,506
Median Earnings (5 years): $67,175
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 78.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $254/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Seattle Pacific University?

Seattle Pacific University accepts 90.71% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for prospective students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1080-1350 on the SAT. This Christian university prioritizes well-rounded admissions that align with its Free Methodist values.

How much does Seattle Pacific University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Seattle Pacific University is $24,820 after aid, lower than the $55,080 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $19,348 on average. The school awards institutional grants averaging $25,359 to help make its Christian education more affordable.

What academic programs is Seattle Pacific University known for?

Seattle Pacific University operates on a quarter system with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. The university is particularly strong in nursing, business, and psychology programs. With 2,073 students, SPU maintains its reputation as a close-knit Christian liberal arts institution.

What are the career outcomes for Seattle Pacific University graduates?

Seattle Pacific University graduates earn a median salary of $64,506 ten years after graduation with 96.3% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $24,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $254. The 62.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's supportive but academically rigorous environment.

Where is Seattle Pacific University located and what is campus life like?

Seattle Pacific University sits in the heart of Seattle with housing capacity for 1,775 students. The student body is 66.86% female and diverse, with 62.28% students of color. The campus offers 8 NCAA Division II varsity sports with 180 total athletes competing as the Falcons.

Does Seattle Pacific University have a religious affiliation?

Seattle Pacific University maintains a Free Methodist affiliation dating back to its 1891 founding. The university integrates Christian faith with liberal arts education across all academic programs. This religious foundation shapes campus culture while serving a diverse student body that is 64.58% from Washington state.