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Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA·Private nonprofit·2,073 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

91%
Accept
2,073
Students
$24,820
Net Price
62%
Grad Rate
$54,200
Earnings
10 yr
$16,946
Debt

About This School

Seattle Pacific University is a private nonprofit institution located in Seattle, Washington with approximately 2,073 undergraduate students enrolled. Seattle Pacific University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 91%. The average net price after financial aid is $24,820 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $54,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a private Christian university in Seattle, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1891 in conjunction with the Oregon and Washington Conference of the Free Methodist Church as the Seattle Seminary. It became the Seattle Seminary and College in 1913, adopted the name Seattle Pacific College two years later, and received its current name in 1977.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 91% acceptance rate means admission is accessible, but a 62% graduation rate suggests a meaningful share of students don't finish — worth asking hard questions about support and fit before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively manageable $16,946, and the Seattle location offers real career proximity for students drawn to the Pacific Northwest job market. Worth considering if you're a values-driven student seeking a tight-knit Christian university environment in a major city, but make sure SPU's retention and completion trends don't signal a mismatch with your needs.

Founded
1891
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions16%
Business & Marketing12%
Biological Sciences10%
Psychology9%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Education6%
Social Sciences6%
Engineering5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Larry WallMarcus HahnemannJaime Herrera BeutlerJeff ProbstEugene H. Peterson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1191
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile660

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$38,814
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,814
Avg Net Price
$24,820
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$16,946

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
62%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,946
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,946
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White38%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino19%
Asian16%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,073 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Seattle Pacific University

3307 3rd Ave W

Seattle, WA 98119-1997

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Washington

Browse all Washington schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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