Seattle U vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

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

Washington State University is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Seattle University is located in Seattle, WA (Large City setting); Washington State University is in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Seattle University 10:1; Washington State University 15:1.

Seattle U vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Seattle U or Washington State? 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 Washington State University than Seattle U ($18,171 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington State University are 13.2% lower than at Seattle University ($13,622 vs. $15,702).
• Seattle University is 323.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington State (about $43,330 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $13,391.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.4% higher at Seattle U than at Washington State University (about $26,771 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $29,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Washington State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 224.7% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($35,351 vs. $10,886).

Seattle U vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Seattle U or Washington State? 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 Washington State and Seattle U.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 200 points higher than at Washington State (1120).
• Incoming Seattle U students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Washington State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Seattle University 1200/1430; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Seattle University 23/30; Washington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Seattle U - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Washington State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: Seattle U Jan 15, 2027; Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Washington State (3.5).
• Washington State has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Seattle U vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

Seattle U vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Seattle U and Washington State? 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 Washington State University's (67%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Washington State graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $54,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $4,071 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($20,429 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($211 vs. $253).
• More Seattle U graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington State students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 71%)

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.