Northwest University vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle University is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest University is located in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest University 9:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Northwest University vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest University or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U ($24,251 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 28.8% lower than at Seattle University ($11,180 vs. $15,702).
• Seattle University is 57.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $20,686 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.4% higher at Seattle U than at Northwest University (about $20,686 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University as at Seattle University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 35.9% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($35,351 vs. $26,017).

Northwest University vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest University or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U and Northwest University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 120 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest University 1040/1350; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSeattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest University - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.8% at Northwest University vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Northwest University vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest University and Seattle U? 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 University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $19,000 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $2,968 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($21,532 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($222 vs. $253).
• More Seattle U graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.