Northwest University vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest University in Kirkland, WA with Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Seattle Pacific University is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (2,261 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest University is located in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest University 9:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

Northwest University vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest University or SPU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northwest University than SPU ($24,251 vs. $25,232).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 32.2% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($11,180 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 12.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $4,372 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at SPU than at Northwest University (about $4,372 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 21.3% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($31,558 vs. $26,017).

Northwest University vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest University or SPU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SPU and Northwest University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest University (1200) is 10 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest University 1040/1350; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSeattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest University - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SPU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than Northwest University (83.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.8% at Northwest University vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Northwest University vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest University and SPU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Seattle Pacific University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $4,071 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($21,532 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($222 vs. $264).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.