Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Online | spu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Religious Affiliation | Free Methodist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Seattle Pacific University occupies a 43-acre campus in the residential Queen Anne Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, situated three miles from downtown and overlooking the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The private, Christian liberal arts institution, founded in 1891 by Free Methodist pioneers, maintains its religious affiliation while serving students of all faiths. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the landmark Alexander Hall, and operates as a primarily residential undergraduate institution with traditional dormitory-style housing and campus apartments. SPU's academic programs emphasize business, nursing, psychology, and education, with the School of Health Sciences and School of Business, Government, and Economics being prominent divisions. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Falcons, participating in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
SPU is rated within the top 33% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Seattle Pacific University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#246 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#184 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in Washington
#5 in Best Private Colleges in Washington
#223 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Value Colleges in Washington
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1050/1320 |
| ACT | 20/28 |
| GPA | 3.53 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jul 11, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $768 |
| Other Fees | $849 |
| Room and Board | $15,498 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,888 |
| Total One Year Cost | $58,968 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 13% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 11% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
| Psychology | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering SPU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=236577 IPEDS survey data for Seattle Pacific University.
Current students may use the Seattle Pacific University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025