Seattle University
Seattle, United States • Founded 1891 • World Rank #3962
Overview
Established in 1891, the Seattle 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 University (Seattle U) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Seattle University (Seattle U) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as 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 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Seattle U 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 University is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Seattle University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Academic Structures
Seattle University's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.
Unit 8 items
- Albers School of Business and Economics
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Nursing
- College of Science and Engineering
- Matteo Ricci College
- School of Law
- School of Theology and Ministry
Programs Offered
Search and filter Seattle University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
Bachelor's Degree
64 programmes
There are 64 programmes to choose from at Seattle University for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Physical Sciences, General Natural Sciences
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Sociology and Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
37 programmes
Seattle University's 37 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Law Law
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Economics Economics
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
3 programmes
Browse 3 programmes of research-degree study at Seattle University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
6 programmes
Browse 6 programmes of research-degree study at Seattle University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Law Law
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
34 programmes
Seattle University offers 34 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Religious Education Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Economics Economics
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Seattle University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Seattle University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Seattle University runs 144 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Seattle University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Seattle University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.seattleu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (206) 296 6000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle University
The questions below summarise Seattle University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When did Seattle University open?
Seattle University traces its founding to 1891 (approximately 135 years ago).
Where is Seattle University located?
Seattle University is located in Seattle, United States.
What is Seattle University's control type?
Seattle University is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Seattle University?
Student enrolment at Seattle University is around 7,000-7,999.
Where does Seattle University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #3962 globally and #423 in United States.
What is Seattle University's religious tradition?
Seattle University operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.
How many faculties does Seattle University have?
Seattle University is organised into 8 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Seattle University officially recognised?
Seattle University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How do I find Seattle University online?
You can find Seattle University online at www.seattleu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Top universities in the United States typically offer the most generous institutional scholarships. Seattle University's scholarship range relative to these benchmarks reflects funding capacity.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Tuition reciprocity exists in some International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Interfaith dialogue programmes exist at many Christian-Catholic universities and signal openness alongside tradition. The peers below often run such programmes at varying levels of depth.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Seattle University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Beyond Seattle University, several other universities in the United States deliver focused Education & Teaching programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.
Universities Often Compared with Seattle University
Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.
