Seattle University
Seattle, United States • Founded 1891 • World Rank #3962
Updated Jun 2026
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.
144 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 64 programmes
Showing 10 of 64.
Master's Degree 37 programmes
Showing 10 of 37.
Doctorate 3 programmes
Professional Doctorate 6 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 34 programmes
Showing 10 of 34.
How to apply to Seattle University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Seattle University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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