How Competitive Is Seattle University? Admission Statistics and What Really Matters
Seattle University offers something different from a large public university: a private, Jesuit education in the middle of Seattle, with direct-entry options in Nursing, Business, Engineering and other professional fields.
Its latest independently verified, clearly dated federal admissions figures show a 76.9% acceptance rate for Fall 2024. Seattle U received 8,468 first-year applications, admitted 6,514 students and enrolled 888.
That makes general admission accessible to many academically prepared students. However, the overall figure can be misleading for applicants to Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound and certain accelerated or cohort-based programs, where preparation and admission rules are more demanding.
A complete, institution-specific Fall 2026 applicant/admit count has not been verified from Seattle University’s current public admissions materials.
The 76.9% figure is based on a dated federal reporting cohort, not presented as a fabricated 2026 admission result.
This guide uses current 2026–27 university policies for applications, program requirements and costs while labeling historical admissions statistics by their actual year.
Research reviewed October 20, 2026. This article covers Seattle University, a private university in Seattle, Washington—not the University of Washington.
Seattle University’s latest clearly verified first-year acceptance rate is 76.9%, based on Fall 2024 federal admissions figures. Its current admissions website lists a middle-50% SAT range of 1160–1360 and ACT range of 24–30 among admitted score-submitters.
Seattle University is test-optional. For Fall 2027, Early Action applications are due November 1, 2026, while Regular Decision applications are due January 15, 2027. A binding Early Decision option is available only for Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound applicants.
Nursing is Seattle U’s most competitive undergraduate program. Its admissions office identifies a 3.7–4.0 unweighted GPA as the typical competitive first-year profile, even though the formally stated minimum GPA for Nursing consideration is 2.75.
Official references: first-year application guide and direct-entry academic requirements.
Seattle University Acceptance Rate Trends: 2022–2026
Seattle University’s acceptance rate has changed over time, but its most recent consistently comparable federal admissions statistics place general first-year admission at approximately 77%.
The university admitted 6,514 students from 8,468 Fall 2024 applicants. In the preceding Fall 2023 cohort, 6,826 students received offers from 8,976 applicants.
| Fall entering class | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance rate | Reporting status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8,976 | 6,826 | 76.0% | Historical federal data |
| 2024 | 8,468 | 6,514 | 76.9% | Verified federal IPEDS admissions figures |
| 2025 | Not independently verified | Not independently verified | Not established | Complete institution-specific counts unavailable from verified sources |
| 2026 | Not independently verified | Not independently verified | Not established | Do not substitute an undated aggregate figure |
On smaller screens, scroll horizontally to view the complete comparison.
Verified acceptance rates by admission year
The chart deliberately includes only admission years with identifiable application and admissions-offer counts.
What changed between 2023 and 2024?
Seattle University’s reported number of first-year applications decreased by 508, from 8,976 to 8,468.
Admission offers also decreased, from 6,826 to 6,514. Because applications declined slightly faster, the acceptance rate increased by approximately 0.9 percentage points.
The change was modest and does not, on its own, establish that Seattle University substantially relaxed its admission standards.
Why do some websites show a 41.8% acceptance rate?
One third-party website presents a supposed 2025–26 Common Data Set containing more than 72,000 applicants and 57,000 total enrolled students.
Those totals are not consistent with Seattle University’s own institution-specific enrollment profile and should not be accepted as a Seattle University first-year admissions dataset without independent verification.
Seattle University is a private Jesuit institution. The University of Washington is a separate public research university.
Their applicants, acceptance rates, tuition schedules and admission policies are different. A data table combining another institution’s campuses cannot legitimately be used to calculate Seattle University’s undergraduate acceptance rate.
Does the 76.9% rate make Seattle University easy to get into?
The university admits a majority of general first-year applicants, but it does not operate an unrestricted open-admission system.
Applicants must present a suitable college-preparatory academic record. Some degree programs, particularly Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound, are much more competitive than the overall institutional rate suggests.
Historical source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS admissions database. Select Seattle University in Seattle, Washington, for the relevant Fall cohort.
What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Seattle University?
Seattle University’s general admissions office does not publish one universal minimum high school GPA that guarantees admission to every undergraduate program.
The Fall 2024 federal admissions profile gives an average entering high school GPA of approximately 3.62.
That is useful historical context, but the academic expectations for Nursing, Business Analytics, Engineering or University Honors can differ considerably.
Approximate Fall 2024 entering first-year profile, not an official university-wide minimum.
Current Seattle University direct-entry guidance, expressed as an unweighted GPA range.
How competitive is your high school GPA?
The following comparison is intended to help students interpret their academic preparation rather than assign artificial acceptance probabilities.
| High school GPA | General admission perspective | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 3.8–4.0 | Strong relative to the historical entering average. | Review direct-entry expectations for Nursing, Ultrasound, Honors and accelerated programs. |
| 3.5–3.79 | Near the historical institutional profile. | Academic course rigor and the intended major remain important. |
| 3.2–3.49 | Below the approximate historical mean. | Use strong academic preparation, current grades and meaningful recommendations to provide context. |
| 3.0–3.19 | May still be considered for eligible programs. | Examine specific major prerequisites and consider academic support or pre-major pathways. |
| Below 3.0 | Further below the historical admitted-class profile. | Discuss your academic record with admissions and consider transfer or alternative preparation if appropriate. |
These ranges are editorial guidance, not Seattle University acceptance-rate bands. The university does not publish the probability of admission for each individual high school GPA interval.
Can you get into Seattle University with a 3.0 GPA?
A 3.0 does not automatically rule out general undergraduate admission. Seattle University reviews applicants holistically and offers advising or pre-major options for some students who are academically promising but do not meet the direct-entry requirements of a specific major.
However, the strongest application will show appropriate high school coursework and an upward or consistent academic trend.
For Nursing, a 3.0 GPA is far below the typical 3.7–4.0 competitive admitted profile even though it exceeds the stated 2.75 minimum consideration threshold.
How important is your senior-year academic record?
Seattle University uses grades, course selection and academic trends during its holistic admission review.
A difficult sophomore year followed by a stronger junior year may tell a more favorable story than a transcript showing declining performance during increasingly important college-preparatory classes.
Acknowledge circumstances accurately when relevant, but give the admissions office evidence of what changed afterward.
Stronger science grades, improved writing, completed advanced mathematics or a more consistent academic record may be more persuasive than an elaborate explanation without demonstrated improvement.
Seattle University SAT and ACT Scores for 2026–27 Applicants
Seattle University is test-optional for first-year undergraduate applicants.
Students may choose whether SAT or ACT results should be included in the university’s holistic review. Applicants who do not submit testing results are evaluated using their transcripts, coursework, grade trends, essays, recommendations and other application materials.
Current admissions-office score profile
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT composite | 1160 | 1360 | Admitted students who submitted scores |
| ACT composite | 24 | 30 | Admitted students who submitted scores |
These are the middle-50% ranges Seattle University currently displays on its first-year application page.
They do not represent minimum scores required for admission, nor should they be assumed to describe all students who enrolled.
Should you submit a 1100, 1200 or 1350 SAT?
A 1350 is close to the upper end of the university’s published admitted-student range. A 1200 falls inside that range, while an 1100 is below its lower endpoint.
Whether a score helps depends on the rest of your record and intended academic program.
If your transcript is a stronger representation of your abilities, the test-optional choice may make sense. Seattle University states that choosing test-optional admission does not reduce consideration for merit scholarships and financial aid.
Does Seattle University superscore?
Yes. If you submit test scores, Seattle University states that it uses the highest section scores from SAT or ACT sittings when evaluating admission and placement.
The writing portion of either examination is not required.
Can you change your test-optional decision later?
Seattle University says that applicants can adjust their testing choice before submitting the Common Application. Once submitted, the test-optional status cannot be changed.
Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Engineering and Albers School of Business programs may identify minimum test results that apply if the student chooses to submit scores.
Test-optional admission should not be interpreted as eliminating mathematics and science preparation or direct-entry eligibility rules.
Seattle University SAT code: 4695. ACT code: 4478.
Seattle University High School Admission Requirements
Seattle University publishes a recommended minimum program of secondary-school academic preparation.
These course expectations matter because the university may admit students directly to a major, and some majors require more mathematics or science than the general preparation standard.
| Subject | Academic units | Preparation guidance |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | Writing, literature and communication. |
| College-preparatory Mathematics | 3 | Advanced mathematics recommended for STEM and some business majors. |
| Social Studies | 3 | Social science and related coursework. |
| Laboratory Science | 2 | Nursing and Engineering applicants often need additional specific laboratory sciences. |
| Foreign Language | 2 | Academic preparation in another language. |
| History | 1 | History-focused academic coursework. |
| Additional academic units | 2 | Courses from the disciplines listed above. |
Why does the intended major matter?
At Seattle University, direct-entry admission allows students to select a major when they apply.
Some students who are not prepared for their intended program may be admitted to an advising or pre-major pathway instead.
This option does not apply to every program.
Seattle University specifically states that students must be admitted directly to Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound or Business and Law to pursue those cohort-based programs.
If you are considering Nursing, Engineering or Diagnostic Ultrasound, use your junior-year course planning to confirm access to Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Pre-Calculus as applicable.
These courses often take multiple semesters to complete. A student cannot always solve a missing prerequisite by simply changing an intended major at the end of senior year.
What Does Seattle University Look for Beyond GPA and Test Scores?
Seattle University describes its admission process as holistic.
In practice, that means the university considers a student’s academic preparation alongside writing, recommendations, involvement and evidence of readiness for the intended major.
Important first-year application components
| Component | Requirement | Applicant advice |
|---|---|---|
| High school transcript | Required | Make sure it includes all completed academic coursework. |
| Common Application essay and Seattle U supplements | Required | Respond with a clear, authentic explanation of your experiences and interests. |
| Teacher recommendation | One required | Choose someone able to discuss your academic work specifically. |
| Counselor recommendation or school report | One required | Arrange submission early. |
| SAT or ACT | Optional | Follow the test-optional instructions and major-specific rules. |
| College transcripts for dual enrollment | Required when applicable | Request official transcripts from institutions where college credit was attempted or earned. |
What makes an effective Seattle U essay?
Seattle University is rooted in the Jesuit educational tradition, which emphasizes education of the whole person, ethical reflection and service.
Applicants do not need to claim a religious identity or write an essay praising the university’s values in general terms.
A stronger response shows how a meaningful experience shaped the student’s priorities, learning or responsibilities.
For example, a student who worked part-time while attending high school might explain how interacting with customers changed their communication skills or understanding of community needs.
A student who struggled during an early science project could describe how they learned to revise an approach instead of abandoning the work.
After reading your essay, would someone understand something about how you think or act that is not visible in your transcript?
If the response is just a list of adjectives—hardworking, compassionate, ambitious, dedicated—it may need more specific evidence.
Seattle University Nursing Acceptance Rate and Direct-Entry Requirements
Seattle University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing is described by its admissions office as its most competitive undergraduate program.
A verified 2026 first-year Nursing acceptance percentage was not found in the institution’s public admissions materials reviewed for this article.
Therefore, Seattle University’s general 76.9% historical acceptance rate should not be used as the Nursing admission rate.
First-year Nursing GPA expectations
This is not the typical admitted-student GPA and does not guarantee a Nursing offer.
Seattle University’s published direct-entry Nursing admissions guidance.
Required academic preparation for Nursing
| Requirement | Nursing admission expectation |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Four years of college-preparatory mathematics, including Pre-Calculus or equivalent completed or in progress; B grades or higher preferred. |
| Biology | One year of laboratory Biology; B or higher preferred. |
| Chemistry | One year of laboratory Chemistry; B or higher preferred. |
| Academic GPA | 2.75 minimum, with 3.7–4.0 unweighted GPA typical of competitive applicants. |
| SAT Math if submitted | 560 or higher. |
| ACT Math if submitted | 23 or higher. |
| Intended major | Nursing must be selected on the admission application. |
Among Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound applicants submitting tests, Seattle U’s admissions page also provides a typical SAT range of 1210–1330 and ACT range of 25–29 for the relevant admitted group.
Can you switch into Nursing later?
Seattle University is explicit that its undergraduate Nursing program is cohort-based.
A student who enrolls in another Seattle University major cannot simply change into Nursing after starting classes.
If your goal is the BSN, apply directly to Nursing.
Do not assume admission to Biology, Psychology or an undeclared major creates a guaranteed route into the Nursing cohort later.
Early Decision for Nursing
Seattle University offers a binding Early Decision option specifically for Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound applicants.
For Fall 2027, the deadline is November 1, 2026.
Students admitted through Early Decision are expected to enroll and complete their commitment by the university’s stated deadline.
Running Start and the two-year Nursing cohort
Washington’s Running Start program allows high school students to complete college coursework while still enrolled in secondary school.
Seattle University has a special route for Running Start students who earn a qualifying direct-transfer associate degree and complete all required Nursing prerequisites.
Eligible students can request review for the two-year transfer-level Nursing cohort while applying as first-year students.
The university’s program-specific instructions identify a January 15 application deadline for this route, followed by an additional Redhawk Admissions Portal process.
Applicants not admitted to the two-year cohort are automatically considered for the standard four-year BSN program.
If you attend a Washington community college while still in high school, compare your course sequence with Seattle U’s actual Nursing prerequisites before assuming you will qualify for the shortened pathway.
Earning many college credits is not the same as completing the specific prerequisite sequence required for direct entry.
Diagnostic Ultrasound, Engineering and Business Admission Requirements
Seattle University offers direct admission to academic majors, but several programs have requirements beyond the university’s general high school preparation guidelines.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic Ultrasound is another cohort-based program that requires students to select the major during the original admission process.
Seattle University lists a 3.6–4.0 unweighted GPA as a competitive profile for admitted applicants.
Students should have four years of mathematics including Pre-Calculus, together with laboratory Chemistry and Physics completed or in progress. B grades or higher are preferred in those subjects.
Students cannot change into Diagnostic Ultrasound after enrolling in another major.
Engineering
Applicants to the College of Science and Engineering should normally have four units of college-preparatory mathematics, with Pre-Calculus recommended.
Engineering applicants should also prepare through laboratory sciences, including Chemistry, with Physics recommended.
If optional standardized-test scores are submitted, Seattle U identifies an SAT Math minimum of 560 or ACT Math minimum of 23 for many relevant College of Science and Engineering majors.
Albers School of Business and Economics
The Albers School emphasizes academic preparation in mathematics. Three years of college-preparatory mathematics are required for competitive consideration, and Pre-Calculus is encouraged.
If a student has not taken Pre-Calculus, the university may require it as a business elective after enrollment.
| Program | Published competitive preparation | Important restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | 3.5 GPA or higher preferred; Pre-Calculus or equivalent ideally with B or higher. | Review the separate mathematics and optional testing standards. |
| Business and Law | 3.5 GPA or higher preferred; strong Pre-Calculus preparation. | Students must apply directly and begin the first-year cohort. |
| Forensic Science | Strong mathematics through Pre-Calculus, laboratory Biology and laboratory Chemistry. | Additional academic preparation expected. |
| Engineering | Four years of mathematics preferred, Chemistry and other laboratory sciences. | Math preparation can influence direct entry or pre-engineering placement. |
Seattle University states that the Business and Law program follows a structured cohort sequence beginning during the student’s first year.
Applicants should select it directly on their admission application if that is their intended degree pathway.
These program standards come from the university’s official direct-entry admissions requirements.
Seattle University Honors Program: GPA, Essays and Scholarships
Seattle University’s University Honors Program is a distinct academic experience emphasizing interdisciplinary study, close reading, writing and challenging seminar-based coursework.
Students do not apply to Honors through the same process as ordinary direct-entry Nursing or Business admission.
Honors application by invitation
Students first submit the Common Application to Seattle University.
Once Seattle U processes the application, eligible students who have selected an Honors-compatible academic program may receive an invitation to complete the University Honors application within the Redhawk Admissions Portal.
The Honors review has its own essay and recommendation components.
Seattle University states that competitive Honors applicants generally have a GPA of at least 3.5.
Eligible admitted University Honors students may receive an Honors scholarship renewable for up to four years.
Honors deadlines for Fall 2027
Students should first submit the Seattle University Early Action application by November 1.
Students should complete the general Seattle U application by January 15 to receive consideration for the Honors invitation.
Honors applications received after January 25 may be considered on a space-available basis.
Is the Honors acceptance rate the same as Seattle University’s?
No. Honors uses a separate selection process and academic criteria.
An independently verified 2026 Honors acceptance percentage was not available in the university’s public materials reviewed for this article.
Do not wait until the Honors deadline to begin the university application. The invitation becomes available only after Seattle U processes an eligible Common Application.
Give yourself enough time to complete the additional essay thoughtfully.
Seattle University Application Deadlines for Fall 2027
Students applying during late 2026 are generally seeking admission for Fall 2027.
Seattle University provides Early Action for all majors and a specialized binding Early Decision plan only for Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound.
Nonbinding Early Action applications are due for all majors. Decisions are generally released in late December.
Binding Early Decision applications are due for Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound applicants only. Decisions are generally issued in early December.
Eligible applicants must complete the invited Honors application for first-priority consideration.
Seattle University lists December 1 as the applicable FAFSA or WASFA priority date for Early Action applicants.
Applications are due for all majors. Decisions are generally available in early March.
Students admitted through the binding specialized Early Decision option are expected to complete their enrollment commitment by the university’s deadline.
Second Honors application priority deadline for invited eligible students.
Seattle University lists February 1 for applicable FAFSA or WASFA financial aid priority filing.
Nonbinding admitted applicants generally submit the admission response and enrollment deposit by May 1.
Does applying Early Action improve acceptance chances?
Seattle University does not publish a sufficiently detailed, comparable Early Action versus Regular Decision admissions table in the reviewed sources to justify an exact advantage.
Early Action is still valuable because it provides an earlier decision and allows more time for financial and housing planning.
Students applying to Honors should also be aware that the first Honors priority deadline follows shortly after the Early Action application deadline.
Seattle University’s Early Action deadline is November 1, 2026. Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound applicants choosing binding Early Decision share that deadline.
Confirm that the Common Application, recommendations and school records are on schedule now rather than assuming submitting only the student portion completes the file.
How to Apply to Seattle University: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
Seattle University’s application process is manageable when students organize their academic records and understand the requirements of their intended major before submitting.
The university requires the Common Application, supporting essays, official academic transcripts and recommendations.
Choose your major before selecting an admission route
Determine whether your intended program allows general or pre-major admission, or requires direct first-year entry.
This is especially important for Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound and Business and Law.
Add Seattle University to the Common Application
Complete your academic history, personal information and intended major selection.
Prepare the Common Application essay and Seattle University writing supplements.
Request official high school transcripts
Ask your school counselor how transcripts will be submitted.
If you have completed college courses through Running Start, dual enrollment or another institution, arrange the necessary official college transcripts as well.
Arrange the required recommendations
Seattle University requires one teacher recommendation and one counselor recommendation or secondary school report.
Choose people who can discuss your learning and academic preparation in meaningful detail.
Make your testing decision
Decide whether SAT or ACT scores will be included in the application.
Review major-specific score conditions if applying to Engineering, Business, Nursing or another direct-entry program.
Pay the application fee or request a waiver
Seattle University’s current first-year application fee is $60.
Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.
Monitor the Redhawk Admissions Portal
Follow the university’s application checklist and respond to any missing document notifications.
Invited Honors applicants must use the portal to complete the separate University Honors application.
How long does Seattle University take to release a decision?
Seattle University’s current first-year admissions calendar states that Early Action decisions are generally released in late December and Regular Decision decisions in early March.
Binding Early Decision applicants in Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound usually hear in early December.
Incomplete applications can be delayed, so students should monitor the portal rather than relying entirely on a projected notification date.
Seattle University Transfer Acceptance Rate and GPA Requirements
Seattle University enrolls a substantial number of transfer students and maintains transfer agreements and course-planning guides with community colleges.
However, a verified, current Fall 2026 transfer acceptance percentage was not established from the public sources reviewed.
A transfer acceptance rate should be calculated using transfer applications and transfer admissions offers from the same period—not by applying the first-year 76.9% rate.
Recommended transfer GPA
Seattle University’s standard transfer guidance recommends a 3.0 cumulative college GPA for competitive consideration.
Its transfer admissions page reports an average GPA of approximately 3.44 among admitted transfer students.
Program-specific requirements may be higher.
Published by Seattle University in its current transfer guidance.
Transfer deadlines
| Transfer entry term | Deadline | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Fall — Nursing | December 1 | Separate BSN transfer process; Fall entry only. |
| Fall — Diagnostic Ultrasound | February 1 | Program-specific cohort deadline. |
| Fall — Other majors, priority | March 1 | Priority transfer review. |
| Fall — Other majors, final | August 15 | University’s current general transfer deadline. |
| Winter | November 1 | Subject to program availability. |
| Spring | February 15 | Subject to program availability. |
| Summer | May 15 | Subject to program availability. |
Washington community college transfer opportunities
Seattle University provides course equivalency guides and planning materials for students transferring from Washington institutions.
These can be particularly useful for students attending Seattle Central College, Bellevue College, Shoreline Community College, North Seattle College and South Seattle College.
Students holding an approved Direct Transfer Associate’s degree should still confirm the prerequisites for the intended Seattle U major.
If you are considering transferring from a Washington community college, ask whether the planned courses satisfy Seattle University’s major requirements—not merely whether they transfer as elective credits.
This distinction is especially important for business prerequisites, Engineering sequences and Nursing science courses.
Official transfer GPA and course requirements and current transfer deadlines.
International Admission at Seattle University
Seattle University welcomes international applicants and reviews educational preparation from a wide range of school systems.
The overall historical 76.9% admission rate should not be interpreted as a separately verified international acceptance rate.
International applicants must satisfy the university’s academic, document and English proficiency policies when applicable.
Published English proficiency standards
| English examination | Admission with language bridge requirement | Proficiency without language bridge |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 68–85 on the university’s published scale | 86 |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105–115 | 120 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 48–57 | 58 |
Seattle University’s English Language and Cultural Bridge program provides an additional pathway for students whose proficiency scores fall within the eligible bridge range.
But Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound and certain other programs require higher English proficiency without the bridge option.
Applicants should confirm how the university interprets updated English-test scoring scales before submitting an examination result.
International student documents
- Official secondary-school academic records.
- Required translations or educational credential evaluations.
- Applicable English proficiency results or approved waiver.
- Financial documentation for immigration processing.
- Program-specific prerequisites when applying to a direct-entry major.
- Visa and arrival arrangements after admission.
An international admission offer does not by itself establish that all financial documentation, enrollment deposits, housing arrangements or visa steps have been completed.
Official Seattle University international and English proficiency guidance.
Seattle University Tuition, Scholarships and Cost After Acceptance
Seattle University is a private institution, so the standard undergraduate tuition rate is not divided into Washington resident and nonresident categories in the same way as a state public university.
The university’s 2026–27 published full-time undergraduate tuition is $59,400 per academic year.
That figure covers standard full-time tuition for the regular fall, winter and spring quarters. Housing, meals, required fees and personal expenses increase the full cost of attendance.
2026–27 undergraduate cost comparison
| Annual budget category | Living on campus or independently off campus | Living with parents or relatives |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $59,400 | $59,400 |
| Housing | $11,202 | $3,024 |
| Food | $6,426 | $3,024 |
| Personal expenses | $1,968 | $1,968 |
| Transportation | $1,716 | $1,716 |
| Books and supplies | $594 | $594 |
| Technology fee | $642 | $642 |
| Wellness fee | $516 | $516 |
| Activity fee | $198 | $198 |
| Estimated loan fee | $64 | $64 |
| Estimated annual total | $82,726 | $71,146 |
The figures above are financial aid budgets, not necessarily the amount the university will bill each student.
The housing and food amounts vary by living arrangement. Books, transportation and personal expenses are estimated indirect costs. Loan fees may not apply to a student who does not borrow.
Nursing program fees
Seattle University lists a separate $490 quarterly BSN program fee beginning in the spring quarter of the student’s sophomore year.
This additional charge matters when comparing the total cost of a BSN with other undergraduate majors.
How much aid does Seattle University provide?
Seattle University’s current financial aid website reports that 100% of first-year students received some form of financial aid in 2025–26.
The university also explains that eligible institutional gift aid is designed to provide stable support across the years for which the student qualifies.
That does not mean every student receives an identical scholarship or that the whole published cost of attendance is covered.
FAFSA and WASFA deadlines
Eligible U.S. students file the FAFSA, while qualifying Washington students who cannot submit the FAFSA may use the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA.
Seattle University’s FAFSA school code is 003790.
Applicable financial aid priority deadline for early applicants.
Published financial aid priority date for regular applicants.
Two students may pay the same university tuition but have very different living costs.
Someone commuting from a family home in Bellevue, Shoreline or Seattle may avoid residence hall charges, while someone renting an apartment near Capitol Hill may face substantial housing costs.
Compare your actual financial aid offer, housing plan, transit expenses and possible loan payments before making an enrollment decision.
Official sources: 2026–27 tuition and cost of attendance, financial aid and scholarships and FAFSA/WASFA instructions.
Seattle University Campus and Local Tips for Applicants
Seattle University’s location is one of its most distinctive characteristics.
Its main campus sits in the First Hill neighborhood near Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle. Students have access to restaurants, hospitals, arts organizations, employers and public transit, but also need to understand the practical costs and transportation patterns of an urban campus.
1. Use the correct Seattle University address
901 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
The Undergraduate Admissions Office is located on the first floor of Vi Hilbert Hall, near East Madison Street and Madison Court.
Admissions events and campus tours may provide a separate visitor check-in point. Follow the location in your specific confirmation.
2. Know the difference between light rail and the Seattle Streetcar
Seattle University is directly served by the Seattle Streetcar at the Broadway & Marion stop.
Link light rail serves nearby transit stations, but the First Hill campus does not have a Link station at its entrance.
Depending on the direction of travel, students can connect through Capitol Hill Station, International District/Chinatown or Pioneer Square and then use a streetcar, bus or appropriate walking route.
Calculate the entire door-to-door commute rather than only the light rail or bus segment.
Include connections, waiting time, weather and the walk to your academic building. An otherwise manageable commute can become inconvenient when classes begin early or finish late.
3. Sea-Tac Airport is connected by public transit
Seattle University’s travel instructions identify Link light rail and streetcar connections between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and campus.
The airport is approximately 15 miles south of Seattle University.
Students arriving with multiple bags may prefer to compare the total transit journey with the cost of a taxi or rideshare.
Official Seattle University airport, rail and transit directions.
4. Visitor parking is paid, not automatically free
Seattle University’s Transportation and Parking Services office states that visitors must purchase a parking permit.
Permits are required around the clock, including weekends, unless a specific event provides another arrangement.
Visitor parking locations include:
| Visitor parking option | Location | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Lot | 12th Avenue and East Marion Street | Follow visitor permit rules and availability. |
| Murphy Garage | 11th Avenue and East Cherry Street, visitor area | Use the visitor-designated level or spaces. |
| Redhawk Center Lot | 14th Avenue area near the athletics facilities | Confirm event-specific parking instructions. |
Parking can be purchased through PayByPhone or designated permit machines.
Current Seattle U visitor parking requirements.
5. First Hill is close to opportunities—but also Seattle’s living costs
Seattle University’s urban setting provides access to healthcare employers, technology companies, professional offices, nonprofit organizations and arts institutions.
But an urban location can also mean higher rent, parking and general living expenses than families initially expect.
If you are comparing off-campus housing, investigate the complete lease cost, deposit, utilities, renter’s insurance, transportation and the distance to your classrooms.
6. Nursing students should consider clinical travel
Nursing education involves clinical training in addition to classroom instruction.
Seattle’s concentration of hospitals and healthcare facilities can be valuable, but students should ask how clinical assignments are made and whether transportation to each placement is required.
Do not assume every clinical experience will be located directly beside the First Hill campus.
7. Seattle University’s arts campus is in a different neighborhood
Seattle University also operates a South Lake Union campus associated with Cornish College of the Arts.
That means some arts-focused students may spend substantial time in a different part of Seattle from the main First Hill campus.
Applicants should verify where their classes, rehearsals, studios or performances actually take place before choosing housing or planning a commute.
“Where will I spend most of my time during a normal week in my intended major?”
For a Nursing student, the answer may involve labs and clinical sites. For an Engineering student, it may involve specific academic buildings and project work. For an arts student, it could include the South Lake Union campus.
Understanding the real weekly routine is often more valuable than knowing only the general campus address.
8. Experience Seattle’s weather and campus environment
Seattle’s cool, wet seasons can affect walking, cycling and public-transit commuting.
A student arriving from a warmer or drier region should plan for rain, shorter winter daylight hours and the practical requirements of moving around an urban campus.
For students who enjoy city life, Seattle U’s neighborhood can be a major advantage. Others may prefer a residential campus farther from downtown activity.
Visiting with that distinction in mind can help determine whether Seattle University feels like the right environment.
Official transportation and campus access guide and First Hill and South Lake Union campus maps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle University Acceptance Rate 2026
What is Seattle University’s acceptance rate for 2026?
The latest complete independently verified first-year acceptance rate in the sources reviewed is 76.9% for Fall 2024. Seattle University received 8,468 applications and admitted 6,514 students. A finalized, institution-specific Fall 2026 acceptance percentage was not verified from the public data reviewed on October 20, 2026.
Is Seattle University hard to get into?
Seattle University admits a majority of general first-year applicants, based on its historically verified 76.9% rate. However, applicants must show appropriate academic preparation, and competitive direct-entry programs such as Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound have additional standards.
What GPA is needed to get into Seattle University?
Seattle University does not publish one universal minimum high school GPA that applies to every first-year degree program. Historical entering-student data indicates an average GPA around 3.62. Nursing applicants typically have a competitive unweighted GPA of 3.7–4.0, while other programs have different expectations.
Can I get into Seattle University with a 3.0 GPA?
It is possible for eligible majors, but admission is not guaranteed. Seattle University considers academic preparation, grade trends, recommendations and other application materials. A 3.0 GPA is below the historical entering-class average and the competitive GPA range for Nursing and some other direct-entry programs.
What SAT score is competitive at Seattle University?
Seattle University’s current admissions website lists a middle-50% SAT composite range of 1160–1360 and an ACT composite range of 24–30 among admitted students who submitted test scores. These ranges are not minimum general admission requirements.
Is Seattle University test-optional for Fall 2027?
Yes. First-year applicants may choose whether SAT or ACT scores are included in the holistic review. Seattle University states that applying without scores does not disadvantage scholarship and financial aid consideration. Applicants should still review the academic rules for their selected direct-entry major.
What is the Seattle University Nursing acceptance rate?
A verified, separately published 2026 undergraduate Nursing acceptance rate was not available in the official sources reviewed. Seattle University describes Nursing as its most competitive program and publishes a 3.7–4.0 unweighted GPA range for competitive first-year candidates, with specific mathematics and laboratory science expectations.
What are Seattle University’s Early Action and Regular Decision deadlines?
For Fall 2027 admission, Early Action is due November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision is due January 15, 2027. A binding Early Decision option with a November 1 deadline is available only to Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound applicants.
What GPA is recommended for Seattle University transfer students?
Seattle University generally recommends a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 for transfer consideration. Its current transfer admissions guidance reports an average admitted-transfer GPA of approximately 3.44. Program-specific requirements and prerequisite coursework can be more demanding.
How much does Seattle University cost in 2026–27?
Seattle University’s published 2026–27 standard full-time undergraduate tuition is $59,400. Its estimated annual cost of attendance is $82,726 for students living on campus or independently off campus, and $71,146 for students living with parents or relatives, before scholarships and grants.
Official Seattle University Sources and Research Documents
This guide distinguishes current university admissions policies from historical federal admissions statistics. Institutional sources were prioritized for deadlines, direct-entry requirements, fees and campus-specific details.
- U.S. Department of Education IPEDS Admissions Data — Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 applicant and admit totals for Seattle University, Seattle, Washington.
- Seattle University First-Year Application Guide — Common Application, essays, recommendations, application fee, test-optional rules and admitted-student testing profile.
- Fall 2027 First-Year Admission Deadlines — Early Action, specialized Early Decision and Regular Decision application plans.
- Undergraduate Direct-Entry Requirements — High school subjects, Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Engineering, Business and international English proficiency.
- University Honors Application — Honors invitation process, extra application and Fall 2027 priorities.
- University Honors Academic Profile and Scholarship — Competitive GPA expectations and renewable Honors award.
- Transfer Admission GPA and Course Requirements — Recommended transfer GPA, admitted-transfer average and major equivalencies.
- Transfer Application Deadlines — Program-specific Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound deadlines and general transfer calendar.
- BSN Transfer Application Requirements — December 1 transfer Nursing deadline, prerequisites and supporting transcripts.
- Official Seattle University Tuition and Fees 2026–27 — Standard full-time tuition, program fees, housing, meals and sample student budgets.
- Financial Aid Application Guide — FAFSA and WASFA procedures, school code and priority deadlines.
- Undergraduate Admissions Office — Vi Hilbert Hall location, office contacts and admissions support.
- Visitor Parking Rules — Paid parking permits, parking locations and payment procedures.
- First Hill Campus Directions and Public Transportation — Streetcar, Link light rail connections, King County Metro routes and airport access.
- Seattle University Campus Maps — First Hill and South Lake Union/Cornish campus locations.
Research methodology: Acceptance rates are calculated as admitted applicants divided by applications for the same entering class. Fall 2024 federal admission figures are used because a complete, independently verified Fall 2026 institution-specific applicant/admit count was not established in the sources reviewed. GPA and SAT/ACT profiles do not establish admission guarantees. Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Honors and transfer admission use different standards and should not be assigned the general acceptance percentage.
Final Assessment: Is Seattle University a Realistic Choice in 2026?
Seattle University is accessible to many academically prepared first-year applicants, with a 76.9% acceptance rate in its latest independently verified federal admissions cohort.
But there is an important difference between being admitted to Seattle University and securing a place in its most competitive direct-entry programs.
Students interested in Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound or Business and Law should review the separate academic requirements before applying. These pathways have cohort restrictions, and changing into them after enrolling in another major may not be possible.
For other applicants, a strong high school transcript, thoughtful essays, reliable recommendations and accurate choice of major can make the application more convincing.
Finally, compare the cost after financial aid, Seattle’s housing and transportation expenses, and whether the urban First Hill campus suits your daily life and academic goals.
The right college decision is not simply about receiving an acceptance letter. It is about choosing a university where the academic program, affordability and environment fit the student who will actually attend.