Seattle U vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Washington University is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Seattle U vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Seattle U or Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University than Seattle U ($24,338 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 0.3% lower than at Western Washington University ($15,702 vs. $15,747).
• Seattle University is 492% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Washington University (about $47,139 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $9,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.6% higher at Seattle U than at Western Washington University (about $28,014 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $28,707.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Western Washington University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 412.2% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($35,351 vs. $6,902).

Seattle U vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 50 points higher than at Western Washington University (1270).
• Incoming Western Washington University 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: Seattle University 1200/1430; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Seattle University 23/30; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Seattle U - Test optional; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Seattle U Jan 15, 2027; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Seattle U vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

Seattle U vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Seattle U and Western Washington University? 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).

• Western Washington University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Western Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $5,087 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($19,413 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($200 vs. $253).
• More Seattle U graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Washington University 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.