Overview
Seattle University is a accessible private four-year institution in Seattle, Washington. The school accepts 85.2% of applicants and enrolls 4,117 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 85.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,265
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,150–1,380
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 27
- Total Enrollment
- 4,117
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application by Seattle University's November 15 early action deadline or January 15 regular decision deadline. You'll need transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a personal essay. Test scores are optional but can strengthen your application if they're strong.
The nursing program operates on a separate admissions timeline with higher requirements and limited spots. Submit your nursing application by February 15 for fall entry. Engineering programs also draw more competitive applicants than the general university pool, though admission rates remain favorable.
Housing fills up quickly, so submit your housing application and deposit immediately after admission. First-year students must live on campus unless they're local residents living with family. The campus sits on Capitol Hill, walking distance from downtown Seattle but expect steep hills between buildings.
Seattle University requires you to attend one of several summer orientation sessions before your first semester. These sessions include academic advising and course registration, so you can't skip orientation and register independently. International students attend a separate pre-orientation program.
The quarter system moves faster than semesters, with classes starting in late September rather than August. You'll take fewer classes simultaneously but cover material more intensively. Finals week happens before winter break, so you won't return from holidays with exams looming.
Campus parking costs extra and spots are limited. Many students rely on Seattle's bus system or walking to nearby neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and First Hill. The light rail doesn't directly serve campus, requiring a bus connection from downtown stations.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $34,802/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $54,285
- Students Receiving Aid
- 22%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $75,272/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 84.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Seattle University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Seattle University has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Seattle University?
Seattle University has rolling admissions with a priority deadline of February 1 for fall admission. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so applying earlier is recommended.
Does Seattle University offer early decision or early action?
Seattle University offers early action with a November 15 deadline. This is a non-binding option that provides an admission decision by January 15.
What GPA do you need to transfer to Seattle University?
Transfer students need a minimum 2.5 GPA from their previous college coursework. Students with fewer than 30 college credits must also submit high school transcripts.