City University of Seattle: Rankings, Courses, Costs & Career Prospects
Career focused learning at heart of the Seattle
The city’s prestigious City University of Seattle (CityU) institution, commonly referred to as “CityU”, is an independent, private, non-profit educational entity located in Seattle, Washington, U.S. It was established in 1972 specifically for serving adults who seek higher education while balancing work responsibilities. Initially known as City College, it subsequently grew into an all-encompassing educational institution providing bachelor’s degrees, master’s qualifications, doctoral programs, and professional certificates in various fields such as business, technology, education, and the arts and sciences.
Students can also explore Seattle’s vibrant culture, attractions, and lifestyle by checking out our detailed Seattle city guide with top attractions and travel tips to make the most of their stay in the Emerald City.
About the City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle operates campus and partnership locations in Seattle, Tacoma, Edmonds, Renton, and Vancouver while fostering global educational collaborations that allow students access to programs in Canada, China, Mexico, Slovakia, Vietnam, and parts of Europe. The organization's goal is to deliver career-relevant and flexible education, tailored to accommodate students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1973 |
| Type | Private, nonprofit university |
| Location | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); ACBSP (Business) |
| Mode of Study | On-campus, online, and hybrid programs |
| Programs Offered | 60+ degree and certificate programs |
| Popular Fields | Business, Leadership, Education, Project Management, Computer & Information Systems, Health & Human Services |
City University of Seattle QS Ranking
The City University of Seattle has yet to be separately evaluated by the QS World University Rankings for the year 2026. City University Seattle holds national recognition within the U.S particularly for its adult-focused, online, and flexible degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education offerings, which make it an attractiveoption for learners seeking practical, career-relevant education.
City University of Seattle Ranking :
- Ranked among Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (U.S. News & World Report)
- Consistently Ranked in U.S. News Online Program Lists
- CityU is not ranked in major global research rankings, as it is a teaching-focused private university, but it is recognized for strong U.S. News-ranked online programs.
- Recognized for online master’s programs in business and education
City University of Seattle Admissions and Acceptance Rate
The City University of Seattle has a flexible, inclusive admission strategy focusing on evaluating academic records, personal statements, and supplementary materials. It typically does not require standardized tests such as ACT, SAT, GRE, or GMAT for many of its undergraduate and graduate programs, instead assessing applicants' qualifications through these alternative means. International candidates are required to submit documentation proving their English language proficiency. A specific acceptance rate is not published publicly, but some programs' specific report states relatively high acceptance trend.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Student Population | ~1,970–2,000 students |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | ~5:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~85–90% |
| International Students | 500+ (approx.) |
| Undergraduate Tuition (Annual) | ~USD 13,900 |
| Graduate Tuition (Annual) | ~USD 12,500 |
| Graduation Rate | ~17% |
City University of Seattle campus Experience
The Main Campus of CityU is located in downtown Seattle, within a vibrant urban environment. Its proximity to commercial districts, business centers, and major technology hubs provides students with access to opportunities such as internships, employment prospects, and exposure to diverse cultural attractions. It primarily serves adult learners and working professionals, emphasizing flexibility through online, onsite, and hybrid learning formats rather than traditional residential university life. Opportunities such as professional networking events, student associations, academic support, and community engagement initiatives help students build connections and support their personal and professional growth.
Student Housing
CityU lacks conventional on-campus dormitories, but it provides guidance and support services to help students find housing options within the city. For those planning to stay in the city, explore the best places to live in Seattle to find neighborhoods that offer great connectivity, safety, and student-friendly amenities. With limited on-campus housing at CityU, students often rely on amber’s nearby off-campus accommodations for modern amenities and easy access to campus
Top 5 Student Accommodations near CityU:
- Trailside Student Living — From $999/month
- Twelve At U District — From $704/month
- Bridges At 11th — From $759/month
- Hub U District — From $859/month
- U20 Apartments — From $1,099/month
City University of Seattle Courses and Degrees
CityU offers a wide range of academic programs across disciplines such as business, education, technology and computing, and health and social sciences. Its programs are designed to meet industry-specific needs. Students can choose on-campus, online, or hybrid learning formats, allowing them to balance academic study with professional and personal commitments.
| Level | Popular Courses & Degrees |
|---|---|
| Associate Degrees | Associate of Science (various transfer pathways) |
| Bachelor’s Degrees | Applied Computer Science, Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Information Technology, Project Management, Healthcare Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Education, Management |
| Master’s Degrees | MBA, MS in Computer Science, MS in Cybersecurity, MS in Data Science, MS in Project Management, MS in Healthcare Administration, MS in Management & Leadership, Master of Education, Master of Counseling |
| Doctoral Programs | Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) |
| Certificates | Data Science, Cybersecurity, Full-Stack Development, Systems Security, Computing Foundations, Project Management (graduate & undergraduate certificates) |
City University of Seattle Careers and Employability
Graduates of CityU enter careers across sectors, including business, technology education, healthcare services, and public administration, supported by the university's career development services. These services assist with resume building, job search, and career planning.
- Career-Focused Programs: Practical, industry-aligned curricula are created for working professionals.
- Robust Online & Hybrid Learning: Students may manage their education, jobs, and internships with the support of flexible study modes.
- Career Services Support: Students receive networking tools, resume advice, career counseling, and assistance in their job hunt.
- Industry-Relevant Fields: Business, IT, cybersecurity, data science, education, and healthcare administration are among the fields where graduates frequently find employment.
- Global Alumni Network: CityU boasts an international alumni base, facilitating professional networking and mentorship possibilities.
- Employer Partnerships: Students can obtain practical experience and job exposure through partnerships with industry partners.
City University of Seattle Cost and Tuition
City University of Seattle Tuition varies depending on the program level, number of credits, and mode of study. Undergraduate tuition and fees annually are around $13,900, and for graduate students are $12,900. Costs are generally calculated on a per-credit basis on individual course loads and enrollment status.
University of Seattle cost and tuition :
| Level | Estimated Annual Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | ~USD 13,800–14,000 |
| Graduate Programs (Master’s) | ~USD 12,500–13,000 |
| Doctoral Programs | Varies by program (charged per credit) |
Notable Alumni
- Bruce Harrell – Former Mayor of Seattle; earned a master’s degree from CityU
- Calvin Ayre – Canadian billionaire entrepreneur and founder of Bodog Entertainment Group.
- Wilma Chan – Former California State Assembly member and Alameda County Supervisor, known for public service leadership.
- Mohamed Fahmy – Canadian-Egyptian journalist and former CNN & Al Jazeera correspondent.
- Kelly Jennings – Former NFL safety and public speaker involved in education and leadership initiatives
Conclusion
Seattle City University offers pragmatic educational programs tailored towards careers, providing diverse study opportunities including continuing education courses specifically designed for working adults, alongside robust partnerships fostering engagement within the local business community. The institute maintains an excellent standing within the United States for online courses and career-oriented diplomas, thus appealing strongly to those interested in practical knowledge and job prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City University of Seattle a public or private university?
City University of Seattle is a non-profit and a private university situated in Seattle, Washington.
Is City University of Seattle accredited?
Yes, CityU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Does City University of Seattle provide on-campus housing?
No, CityU does not offer on-campus housing or dormitories, but it provides guidance to help students find off-campus housing in Seattle.
What is the tuition cost at City University of Seattle?
Tuition cost varies by program but typically ranges from $13,000 to $14,000, which does not include living expenses
Is City University of Seattle suitable for working professionals?
Yes, City University of Seattle is known for its hybrid learning, flexible online, and on-site learning formats, making it ideal for working professionals.