PrivateUrbanSeattle Pacific University
SPU
Seattle, Washington 98119-1997
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences
Seattle Pacific University is a private institution in Seattle with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1191, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.1K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
62% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,506 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $24,820.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Seattle Pacific University was founded in 1891 by Free Methodist pioneers to train missionaries for overseas service.
- •The first permanent building built on campus, designed by notable architect John B.
- •In May 2022, the university's board of trustees voted to keep rules in place that ban LGBTQ people from becoming employees, prompting student protests.
- •In September 2022, multiple faculty, students, and staff brought a lawsuit against the Board of trustees for breach of fiduciary duty, a suit that was later dismissed on all but one count.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1191
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
49.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
0.5%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,946
Programs (91)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
75%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
16
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from WA state average + large city premium