Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, United States • Founded 1891
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1891, the Seattle Pacific University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Seattle (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Washington.
Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. Seattle Pacific University (SPU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 133-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
SPU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Seattle Pacific University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Seattle Pacific University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Programs Offered
Seattle Pacific University's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.
90 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 56 programmes
Showing 10 of 56.
Master's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Doctorate 6 programmes
Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 4 programmes
How to apply to Seattle Pacific University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Seattle Pacific University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Seattle Pacific University offers 90 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Seattle Pacific University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via Seattle Pacific University's online portal at spu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (206) 281 2000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle Pacific University
Quick reference for Seattle Pacific University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
How old is Seattle Pacific University?
The institution opened in 1891 (approximately 135 years ago).
Where can I find Seattle Pacific University?
The institution is located in Seattle, United States.
Is Seattle Pacific University a public or private institution?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students does Seattle Pacific University have?
The institution has a student body of 1,762.
Is Seattle Pacific University affiliated with a religion?
Seattle Pacific University operates within the Christian-Methodist tradition.
Who recognises Seattle Pacific University?
Seattle Pacific University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How do I find Seattle Pacific University online?
The institution's website is spu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Members of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
Members of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), alongside Seattle Pacific University.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Methodist
Other Christian-Methodist-affiliated institutions in the United States appear below.
Faculties at nearby universities
These universities are located near Seattle Pacific University, listed below for students comparing options by location.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Below: other the United States universities that offer Education & Teaching programmes.
Universities Compared with Seattle Pacific University
The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to Seattle Pacific University.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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