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10 minutes·Last updated on Feb 6, 2026

Seattle Pacific University: Rankings ,Tuition and Admissions (2026)

Founded in 1891 as an independent institution of higher learning within the Free Methodist Denomination, Seattle Pacific University (SPU), located in Seattle, Washington, United States, serves students seeking an education rooted in Christianity. Initially founded in Seattle, it transformed into a vast institution. By providing education at various levels, including undergraduates, graduates, and professionals, through integrating scholarly knowledge with ethical considerations for serving others.

About Seattle Pacific University

Situated within an expansive 43-acre urban setting on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Seattle Pacific University integrates classic liberal arts education seamlessly alongside practical courses, educating around 2,100 learners through various academic divisions, including colleges and theological studies. The organization's goals encompass both intellectual development and spiritual and ethical growth of its learners. The following are the key details you should know about the university :

  • Founded as a private Christian university in 1891.
  • Situated in an urban campus in Seattle, Washington, USA.
  • There are about 2,100 students enrolled overall.
  • Provides master's, doctorate, and undergraduate degrees in a variety of subjects.
  • Keeps the student-teacher ratio at 15:1 for individualized instruction.
  • It is rather selective, with an acceptance rate of between 83 and 91%.
  • Participates in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's NCAA Division II sports.

Seattle Pacific University Ranking

SPU holds an esteemed position alongside other American institutions of higher learning, frequently recognized for its robust undergraduate offerings across various fields such as engineering and nursing. It is also celebrated as a prominent Christian university within the Pacific Northwest region.

Seattle Pacific University Ranking:

  • Among the Best National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report (2026).
  • Niche Rankings: Washington State's top Christian university (2026).
  • One of the "Best West" regional institutions, according to The Princeton Review.
  • The Wall Street Journal: Listed as one of America's Best Colleges.
  • Undergraduate engineering and nursing programs were ranked well in the U.S. News Subject Rankings.

Seattle Pacific University Admissions and Acceptance Rate 

The Seattle Pacific University acceptance rate is relatively high, around 83-91%, making admission accessible. Admission decisions consider GPA, transcripts, and recommendations, with test scores optional in many cases.

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Admission MetricKey Data
Acceptance Rate~83–91% (moderately selective)
Total Applicants~2,885 per year
Students Admitted~2,406
Students Enrolled (First-Year)~379
Application Fee$50
Average High School GPA~3.3
SAT Middle Range~1050–1320
ACT Middle Range~20–28

Campus Experience 

The Seattle Pacific University campus is situated between the Queen Anne and Fremont districts, located approximately 4 miles northwest of downtown Seattle, offering both picturesque landscapes and an active urban atmosphere. This property has an expansive area of 43 acres, which features historical structures, communal areas, and educational amenities designed to create a close neighborhood atmosphere. At SPU, campus experiences integrate faith-based principles alongside educational pursuits. Young people engage in religious gatherings, teams, athletic competition, community projects, and art activities, achieving both personal development and group participation.

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Student Housing

SPU offers campus accommodations through five residential buildings named after places like Ashton Hall, Emerson Hall, and Hill Hall, along with various apartment-type dwellings. Residence halls provide diverse living options along with communal amenities such as dining plans, recreational areas, and scheduled gatherings designed for fostering student interaction within an inclusive campus setting. Students can choose nearby student housing options through amber, which offers convenient access to SPU. Before moving, check the complete breakdown of the cost of living in Seattle for students to estimate monthly rent, transportation, and lifestyle expenses.

 Check out the following listings of student housing near SPU:

1. Alta Studios: Modern studio apartments with easy access to campus. From $1069/month
2. Twelve At U District: student housing with shared units from $704/month
3. Hub U District: student residence with shared apartments and modern amenities From $859/month
4. Bridges At 11th: student apartment with fitness facilities and community lounges. From $874/month
5. The Grey House: Co-living style student apartments From $900/month

Seattle Pacific University Courses and Degrees: 

The school of Professional Studies provides diverse bachelor's and master's courses distributed in three academic divisions: Applied Science and Natural Resources, Business Administration and Information Technologies, as well as Theological studies at the SPU seminary. Additionally, SPU offers various undergraduate initiatives, international education experiences through exchange programs, and an academically rigorous general studies framework designed to enhance students' intellectual growth and their individualized learning paths.

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LevelPopular Programs
UndergraduateBusiness, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Nursing, Biology, Finance
GraduateMBA, Data Science, Engineering, Law (JD), Nursing (MSN), Education
DoctoralLaw (JD), Nursing Practice (DNP), Leadership & Education PhD

Seattle Pacific University Careers and Employability 

SPU focuses on preparing students for careers by offering mentoring initiatives, internships, and guidance services. Around 89% recent college students secure employment or continue their education immediately after earning their degrees. The placement of SPU within an urban area is close to tech companies, medical facilities, and educational institute which enables students to discover job opportunities and connections during their academic years.

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Career MetricKey Highlights
Career ServicesResume help, career counseling, and interview preparation
Internship SupportStrong internship and experiential learning programs
Job PlacementHigh employment or grad school placement within 6 months of graduation
Employer ConnectionsPartnerships with local and global companies
Alumni NetworkActive alumni network supporting mentoring and job opportunities

Seattle Pacific University Cost and Tuition

Seattle Pacific University cost varies by program for undergraduates, ranging roughly between $39,500 and $41,200, and post-graduate fees average around $20,910 per year. 

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CategoryKey Cost (USD)
Undergraduate Tuition~$43,452 per year
Room & Board (On-Campus)~$16,491 per year
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance~$65,626 per year

SPU Financial Aids:
1. Most students receive scholarships or grants to reduce tuition costs.
2. Merit-based scholarships are awarded automatically to strong academic students.
3. Need-based aid, federal loans, and special scholarships (ROTC, donor, church awards) are available.

Find your student housing in Seattle today

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Notable Alumni

Check out some of the most well-known alumni of Seattle Pacific University listed here:

  • Robert A. Funk: CEO and founder of the international employment firm Express Employment Professionals.
  • Marcus Hahnemann: former goalkeeper for the Seattle Sounders FC and member of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team.
  • Jim Cornelison: Known for singing the Chicago Blackhawks' national song.
  • Gordon Fee: esteemed theologian and important New Testament scholar. 
  • Andrew Foster: who founded schools for the deaf, is regarded as the "Father of Deaf Education in Africa."

Conclusion

Founded in 1891 as Seattle Pacific College by conservative Christians, this institution has become an esteemed private educational entity. And is renowned for its commitment to both intellectual rigor and moral integrity. Strong local credentials, such as its academic excellence, student experience, job assistance programs, and religious commitment, attract those interested in high-quality learning within city environments blended by moral principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How good is Seattle Pacific University?

Seattle Pacific University has been ranked as a “Best National University “by U.S News and World Report. Its is a private Christian university that is well known for quality education  and strong academics in Business, nursing, and psychology

Is Seattle Pacific University public or private?

Seattle Pacific University is a private and non-profit university.

How much does Seattle Pacific University cost?

Seattle Pacific University tuition is around USD 43,000, and the total cost with housing and other expenses can reach USD 60,000-65,000 per year.

Is it hard to get into Seattle Pacific University?

No, it is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of around 83-91%

What major is Seattle Pacific University known for?

SPU is known for Business, Nursing, Psychology, Education, and Engineering programs.

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