RIT vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rochester Institute of Technology is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (17,098 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rochester Institute of Technology is located in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Rochester Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rochester Institute of Technology 13:1; Seattle University 10:1.

RIT vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RIT 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 Seattle University than RIT ($36,948 vs. $39,534).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 2.7% lower than at Rochester Institute of Technology ($15,702 vs. $16,142).
• Rochester Institute of Technology is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $2,553 more per year; $59,274.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at RIT than at Seattle University (about $2,553 more per year; $59,274.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Rochester Institute of Technology (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 0.8% larger than aid received by Rochester Institute of Technology students ($35,351 vs. $35,077).

RIT vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RIT 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 RIT .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rochester Institute of Technology (1380) is 60 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming RIT students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester Institute of Technology 1300/1460; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester Institute of Technology 29/33; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RIT - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RIT Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RIT students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than RIT (66.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.3% at RIT vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

RIT vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RIT 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 Rochester Institute of Technology's (64%).
• Graduates from Rochester Institute of Technology earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,900 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than RIT graduates ($24,500 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RIT graduates ($253 vs. $289).
• More RIT graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.