About Seattle University
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
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
| Program | Level | Median 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 |
Campus Life
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
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public 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
- 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
- Address
- Seattle, Washington 98122-4340
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.