OSU vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oregon State University is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oregon State University 18:1; Seattle University 10:1.

OSU vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU 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 Oregon State University than Seattle U ($22,467 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 4.2% lower than at Oregon State University ($15,702 vs. $16,386).
• Seattle University is 293.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than OSU (about $42,321 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $14,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.5% higher at Seattle U than at Oregon State University (about $18,531 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $38,190.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Oregon State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 214.8% larger than aid received by Oregon State University students ($35,351 vs. $11,230).

OSU vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OSU 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 OSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 50 points higher than at OSU (1270).
• Incoming OSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Seattle U - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at OSU (3.61).
• OSU has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

OSU vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU 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 Oregon State University's (61%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than OSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $53,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oregon State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($23,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, OSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($242 vs. $253).
• More Seattle U graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OSU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 66%)

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.