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85.2%Acceptance
$54,285Tuition
4,117Students
73%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$75,272Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Seattle University

Seattle University builds its academic programs around Jesuit principles of social justice and service to others. The 4,117 students at this Catholic university benefit from small classes in the heart of one of America's most active cities. Alumni include The Office's Rainn Wilson and comedian Joel McHale, both of whom got their start in Seattle's active arts scene.

Students pay an average net price of $34,802 after financial aid, which represents significant savings from the $54,285 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $75,272 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $19,883 quite manageable. The monthly loan payment of $211 reflects the university's commitment to keeping education affordable for middle-class families.

The student body is diverse, with 26.84% Asian students and strong representation across racial groups. Women make up 60.7% of enrollment, reflecting the university's popularity in nursing and other health programs. With 16 Division I sports teams competing in the West Coast Conference, the Redhawks maintain a strong athletic presence. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that helps achieve the 84.6% retention rate.

Academics & Faculty

Seattle University operates as a Jesuit Catholic institution where social justice principles shape every academic program. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions that Jesuit education demands. With a 73% four-year graduation rate, students benefit from close mentoring relationships with professors. The university's nursing program ranks among the nation's best, preparing students for Seattle's booming healthcare sector. Business students gain real-world experience through internships at major Seattle corporations like Amazon and Starbucks. The median earnings of $75,272 ten years after graduation reflect strong career outcomes. Students engage with faculty who view education as forming the whole person, not just transmitting knowledge.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
67.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
73.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
73.3%
Retention Rate
84.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$75,272
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $91,744
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Bachelor $86,867
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $86,424
Computer Science. Bachelor $83,768
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $71,473
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $69,505
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $67,101
Accounting and Related Services. Master $64,493
Business/Managerial Economics. Bachelor $63,749
Public Administration. Master $63,546

View all 139 programs →

Campus Life

Seattle University sits in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Seattle's tech companies and coffee culture. With housing capacity for 2,448 students and total enrollment of 4,117, about 60% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. The quarter system keeps academic pace quick, and the 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.

Seattle's famous drizzle means you'll need a good rain jacket more than heavy winter coats, though temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Students embrace the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, hiking nearby trails or exploring Pike Place Market on weekends. The campus buzzes with social justice activism, reflecting its Jesuit mission. Women make up 60.7% of the student body, creating a collaborative atmosphere. Coffee shops become study spaces, and many students intern at local nonprofits or tech startups. The Redhawks compete in NCAA Division I with 340 total athletes, but campus culture centers more around service learning and urban exploration than traditional college sports.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
2,448 beds
Calendar System
Quarter
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1891

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 14 6 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 0 0 3
Robbery 2 0 0 7
Rape 3 3 0 0
Fondling 2 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 2
Stalking 2 0 0 0
Dating Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
36°–48°F
July Avg
57°–77°F
Annual Precipitation
36.5"
Annual Snowfall
3.8"

Student Demographics

Seattle University draws students who value social justice and community engagement alongside academic rigor. Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong nursing and education programs. The campus brings together students from diverse backgrounds, with significant Asian American and Latino representation. About 44% come from Washington state, showing the school's strong local reputation while also attracting students nationwide who seek a Jesuit education. One in five students receives Pell Grants, demonstrating the university's commitment to making education accessible across economic backgrounds.
Men
39.3%
Women
60.7%
White
31.3%
Black
6.5%
Hispanic
15.4%
Asian
26.8%
In-State Students
44.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.6%

Location

Seattle University sits in the heart of Seattle, Washington, one of the Pacific Northwest's major metropolitan areas. The campus occupies 50 acres in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Seattle's tech corridor and cultural districts. Students have immediate access to internships at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, all headquartered in the region. The university's location puts the Puget Sound waterfront within walking distance and Mount Rainier visible on clear days. Seattle's coffee culture, music scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities define student life outside academics. With 44.10% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to the urban Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Seattle University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Seattle, Washington 98122-4340
Seattle U - Casey Building 01
Seattle U - Casey Building 01
Seattle U St Ignatius 42
Seattle U St Ignatius 42
Seattle U - Lee Center for the Arts 01
Seattle U - Lee Center for the Arts 01

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$75,272
Median Earnings (5 years)
$79,122
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$48,100
Loan Repayment Rate
77.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$211/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,883

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Seattle University?

Seattle University accepts 85.15% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The admitted students typically score between 1150-1380 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on well-rounded admissions that values social justice commitment alongside academic achievement.

How much does Seattle University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $34,802 after aid, lower than the $69,795 total cost of attendance. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $23,374 on average, demonstrating the Jesuit institution's commitment to making education accessible across economic backgrounds.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Seattle University?

Seattle University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 4,117 students total. This intimate setting reflects the Jesuit educational tradition of personalized attention and close mentorship relationships between professors and students.

What are the employment outcomes for Seattle University graduates?

Graduates achieve a 94.9% employment rate and earn a median salary of $75,272 ten years after graduation. The strong outcomes reflect both Seattle's thriving job market and the university's emphasis on developing ethical leaders who make meaningful contributions to their communities.

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

The campus sits in the heart of Seattle with housing for 2,448 students out of 4,117 total enrollment. Students enjoy both the close-knit community feel of a private university and immediate access to Seattle's cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and outdoor recreation.

How diverse is the student body at Seattle University?

The student population is 31.31% White, 26.84% Asian, 15.35% Hispanic, and 6.51% Black, creating one of the more diverse Catholic universities in the region. Women comprise 60.70% of students, and 44.10% come from Washington state, bringing together perspectives from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.