Roanoke College vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

Compare Roanoke College in Salem, VA 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 Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (2,261 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Roanoke College is located in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Roanoke College 11:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

Roanoke College vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Roanoke College 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 Seattle Pacific University than Roanoke College ($25,232 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Roanoke College are 6.8% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($15,366 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 6.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Roanoke College (about $2,339 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $38,068.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.1% higher at SPU than at Roanoke College (about $2,339 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $38,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 12% larger than aid received by Roanoke College students ($31,558 vs. $28,188).

Roanoke College vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Roanoke College 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 Roanoke College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Roanoke College (1200) is 10 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming Roanoke College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Roanoke College 1090/1300; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Roanoke College 24/31; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Roanoke College - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Roanoke College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than Roanoke College (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Roanoke College vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Roanoke College vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Roanoke College 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 Roanoke College's (69%).
• Graduates from Roanoke College earn a median of about $800 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $1,397 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($25,603 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($264 vs. $279).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Roanoke College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

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.