UW-Seattle vs. Seattle U vs. Gonzaga

Comparable Facts

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

University of Washington Seattle Campus is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (56,997 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Washington Seattle Campus is located in Seattle, WA (Large City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• University of Washington Seattle Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Washington Seattle Campus 20:1; Seattle University 10:1.

UW-Seattle vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UW-Seattle 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 University of Washington Seattle Campus than Seattle U ($11,784 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 14.7% lower than at University of Washington Seattle Campus ($15,702 vs. $18,405).
• Seattle University is 337.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW-Seattle (about $43,748 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $12,973.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.3% higher at Seattle U than at University of Washington Seattle Campus (about $13,512 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $43,209.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at University of Washington Seattle Campus (100% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 118.8% larger than aid received by University of Washington Seattle Campus students ($35,351 vs. $16,156).

UW-Seattle vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UW-Seattle 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 UW-Seattle.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Washington Seattle Campus (1330) is 10 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming UW-Seattle students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Washington Seattle Campus 1200/1453; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Washington Seattle Campus 27/33; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UW-Seattle - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); Seattle U - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: UW-Seattle Nov 16, 2026; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UW-Seattle students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than UW-Seattle (39.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.6% at UW-Seattle vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

UW-Seattle vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UW-Seattle 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).

• University of Washington Seattle Campus's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from University of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Washington Seattle Campus graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, UW-Seattle graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($155 vs. $253).
• More UW-Seattle graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.