Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, Washington
As a Christian university founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has devoted over a century to preparing learners to lead in Jesus’ name. As its mission states:
“Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.”
In support of this dedication, SPU has created a plan to grow on the basis of four core themes: Academic excellence and relevance; Transformative and holistic student experience; and Vital Christian identity and purpose. As the University thrives, so too will the talented students who join its community.
Get to know Seattle Pacific University
College Highlights
STUDY ABROAD
Seattle Pacific offers three ways to travel and study, giving students a whole variety of options to fit both their interests and schedules.
- SPU Faculty-Led Programs: Students are able to take in the wonders of a foreign country, all while receiving the same wonderful education from their SPU professors. Faculty members design and lead trips abroad for quarter-long, summer, and 2-3 week-long sessions. Just a few examples of these SPU adventures have taken students to study health in Guatemala, film in Paris, and biology in Argentina!
- Partner Programs: SPU maintains strong ties with the University of Kent in England as well as the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to offer fully immersive trips around the world beyond the shorter trips led by faculty. This global network gives students the chance to spend a full semester or year abroad.
- Non-SPU Programs: If a student has an idea for a trip abroad that isn’t already offered at SPU, they can easily reach out to plan a trip with SPU staff, enrolling directly in a foreign university to customize their college experience.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 106 | 10-19: 193 | 20-29: 148
30-39: 72 | 40-49: 33 | 50-99: 13 | 100+: 2
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 157
Hispanic/Latino: 335
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 115
White, non-Hispanic: 1,606
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 8
Asian, non-Hispanic: 337
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 27
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 253
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 62
Total Enrollment: 2,900
SPU GENERAL EDUCATION
The General Education program at Seattle Pacific is designed to help students pursue the path of wisdom and engage the culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Seattle Pacific University’s General Education program is made up of two parts—Common Curriculum and Exploratory Curriculum—to prepare every student for excellence.
The Common Curriculum begins with a freshman seminar that encourages faculty and peer to share and explore a specific topic. Other courses include University Foundations, which asks students to reflect on the importance and impact of Christian living, and two courses that build the inquiry and writing skills needed to succeed in college. Beyond the first year, students continue to ask big questions about Christian faith in today’s complex society.
The Common Curriculum’s preparation enables students to discover far more than they could read in a textbook, and it’s through the Exploratory Curriculum that they are then able to dive deeply into intricate topics. These advanced courses approach a variety of viewpoints through a variety of disciplines, challenging students to think outside of their specific major and ultimately develop a well-rounded way of thinking.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
SPU offers 69 major and 55 minor undergraduate programs through the College of Arts and Sciences; School of Business, Government, and Economics; School of Education; School of Health Sciences; School of Psychology, Family, and Community; and School of Theology.
“It’s a calling. By God’s grace I’ve been invited to serve in this richly rewarding work that weaves together my business experience, theological studies, and pastoral ministry. To take part in transformational moments of learning and growth in Christ is a profound privilege, and a calling which deepens my awareness of and need for his grace.” – Bruce Baker, Assistant Professor of Business Ethics
SERVICE-LEARNING WITH SEATTLE PACIFIC
At Seattle Pacific, students are inspired to bring their Christian values and scholarly minds out into the community around them, all while earning credit as they participate in local businesses, churches, nonprofits, and more. For example, many faculty in the School of Business, Government, and Economics structure their courses in a way that incorporates service into their syllabus. These service-learning courses have given SPU’s future leaders a chance to put their planning and analysis skills to use in a philanthropic project.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Seattle Pacific is located just 10 miles from downtown Seattle, sitting along the Lake Washington Ship Canal with breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. The campus features newly renovated science buildings, made-to-order dining options, many residence hall options, and multiple coffee shops.
ATHLETICS
The maroon and white SPU Falcons are NCAA Division II affiliates in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (gymnastics only), and the Northwest Collegiate Rowing Conference. Varsity sports include men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, and track & field, and women’s gymnastics, rowing, and volleyball.
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 91%
Undergraduates: 52%
Campus housing options.
Coed Dorms
Apartments for married students
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
SPU CONNECTED
As leaders in their fields themselves, Seattle Pacific’s professors, mentors, and advisors bring students access to their own networks of professionals all around the globe. These connections bring students in touch with other alumni as well as internships and post-graduate opportunities.
PREPARED FOR THE WORLD
SPU’s Center for Career and Calling prides itself in connecting students with the right people and setting them out on the right path. Staff provide guidance and career counseling, cover letter and résumé assistance, and information about employers and recruiters seeking SPU-quality students.
81% of undergraduates complete internships or field experience before graduating, most of whom report how helpful their professional experience was in getting them their first post-graduate job.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Application Essay | Recommendation(s)
Important
Interview | Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities | First generation
State residency | Religious affiliation/commitment | Racial/ethnic status | Volunteer work | Work experience
Considered
Class rank | Alumni/ae relation | Geographical residence | Level of applicant’s interest
FRESHMAN PROFILE
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 27
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT English
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 29
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $40,464
Fees: $429
Room & Board: $11,232
Room Only: $6,093
Board Only: $5,139
What Others are Saying
Contact Seattle Pacific University
Contact Admissions
spu.edu/undergraduate-admissions
(206) 281-2021
admissions@spu.edu
Campus Location
3307 3rd Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119-1997
(206) 281-2000