Students choose Seattle Pacific University because of our rigorous academics, supportive community, beautiful location, and vision to engage the culture and change the world.
Mission Statement
“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.”
CAMPUSES
SPU’s 43-acre campus is located in a residential neighborhood on the north slope of Queen Anne Hill, only 10 minutes from downtown Seattle. SPU also owns and operates a 965-acre wilderness campus and field station on Blakely Island and a 330-acre seaside campus on Whidbey Island.
ENROLLMENT
Total enrollment: 4,061
Undergraduate ethnic minority students: 38%
Middle 50% SAT score of entering freshmen (new SAT, as of March 2016): 1110–1310
Average unweighted high school GPA of entering freshmen: 3.53
Average college GPA of entering
transfers: 3.17
National Merit Scholars enrolled: 18
States from which students originate: 39
Countries from which students originate: 48
ACADEMICS
Undergraduate majors: 66
Graduate areas of specialization: 20 master’s degree programs, five doctoral programs, and 12 graduate certificate programs
Average class size: 21
Student-faculty ratio: 14:1
Faculty qualifications: 84% of full-time faculty members have a doctoral degree or the terminal degree in their field.
Learning resources: SPU’s facilities include a $28 million science building, a $10 million library, and a sophisticated campus computer network featuring online access to extensive campus services.
Financial assistance: SPU awarded nearly $110 million in scholarships and financial aid for 2016–2017.
GRADUATES
Graduate study: Recent SPU graduates have been accepted into graduate schools such as Princeton University, Harvard Law School, University of Washington School of Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Duke Divinity School.
Employment: In 2014, 98% of SPU graduates surveyed were employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation.
All information is based on statistics from the 2016–2017 academic year unless otherwise noted.
Undergraduate Academic
Offerings
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Division of Arts and Humanities: Art; Art History; Asian Studies; Classics; Communication; English (Literature*, Writing*); Film Studies; French and Francophone Studies; History; Journalism*; Linguistics; Music; Music Therapy; Philosophy; Russian Studies; Spanish Studies; Theatre; Visual Communication
Division of Sciences: Anthropology*; Apparel Design; Apparel Merchandising; Applied Human Biology; Applied Mathematics; Biochemistry; Bioethics and Humanities*; Biology; Cellular and Molecular Biology; Chemistry; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Dietetics; Ecology; Electrical Engineering; Engineering (Appropriate and Sustainable; Mechanical); Exercise Science; Family and Consumer Sciences; Food and Nutritional Sciences; Human Development and Family Studies; Information Systems; Interior Design; Mathematics; Physics; Physiology; Sociology; Urban Studies
SCHOOLS
Business, Government, and Economics: Accounting; Business Administration (Economics; Entrepreneurship*; Finance; Information Systems; International Business; Management; Marketing; Public Policy; Social Enterprise); Economics; Global Development Studies; Political
Science (various); Politics, Philosophy,
and Economics (various); Pre-law
Education: Elementary Education Certification; Secondary Education Certification; Special Education
Health Sciences: Exercise Science; Health and Fitness Education; Nursing
Psychology, Family, and Community:
Psychology
Theology: Christian Mission; Christian Scripture; Christian Theology; Educational Ministry; Global and Urban Ministry*; Reconciliation Studies*; Youth Ministry*
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Pre-dentistry; Pre-law; Pre-medicine; Pre-optometry; Pre-pharmacy; Pre-physical Therapy; Pre-veterinary
INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS
Costume Design and Production; General Studies; Professional Studies; Women’s Studies*; Student-Designed Majors
Find complete list at spu.edu/majorsminors.
* These programs are minors only.
Seattle Pacific University students, faculty, and alumni are bringing knowledge, skill, faith, and hope to communities across the globe. They’re serving youth in poverty, pursuing legal careers to advocate for social justice, and developing computer languages. They’re also working in churches, raising families, and participating in public life. In short, they’re “engaging the culture and changing the world.” If you’d like to use your abilities to influence the world for good, SPU can help. One of the few comprehensive Christian universities located in a major urban center, Seattle Pacific is uniquely able to equip students for significant roles in today’s world.
Academics with a difference
SPU’s Christian commitment brings new depth to 66 majors and 52 minors, linking academic competence with the formation of personal character. Seattle Pacific aims to help you graduate with a deep, thoughtful faith and the desire for Christian leadership and service. With an average of 21 students per class and a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, you’ll learn from experienced professors who know you by name. Small classes allow you to interact with faculty members, gaining the confidence to express your ideas and pursue your academic goals.
The results are exciting. Seattle Pacific students spend thousands of hours serving and empowering people throughout the city and around the world. A recent survey found that 98% of SPU graduates were employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation. Ninety percent or more of SPU’s Pre-med students are accepted to medical schools. Seattle Pacific has had seven Fulbright Scholars in the past six years, and the University currently has 18 National Merit Scholars enrolled. SPU is also the only private university in the Pacific Northwest to make the 2017 “Best National Universities” list ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Learning beyond the classroom in Seattle
Seattle Pacific University offers students a unique opportunity to live, learn, and work in one of the nation’s most vibrant cities. Located only 10 minutes from downtown, Seattle Pacific uses the city of Seattle as a multifaceted classroom. Hundreds of internships each year provide priceless real-world experience in such diverse places as Microsoft, Boeing, KING-TV, the Seattle Opera, Amazon, and the Seattle Seahawks. From art museums to airplane production plants, you’ll find exceptional learning experiences in every neighborhood. The Pacific Northwest region also offers unparalleled recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, boating, and scuba diving.
Financing your education
The tuition you pay at SPU is a prime investment in your future. It goes directly into the quality of your educational experience; supporting the academic program, the faculty, and the latest in learning technology. Seattle Pacific is committed to outstanding Christian education at affordable rates and has helped award $110 million in scholarships and financial aid to qualified students in 2016–2017.
Get the inside scoop
Our online story hub, SPU Voices, shares the stories of SPU students, faculty, and alumni living out Seattle Pacific University’s vision to engage the culture and change the world. It’s also a great source for helpful articles to answer your questions about the application process, paying for college, and more. spu.edu/spuvoices
You’re invited!
Seattle Pacific offers visit events during the year. We can also schedule an individual visit for you. Visits include a campus tour, a counselor appointment, and meals when the dining hall is open.
Go to spu.edu/visit now to schedule your visit. Come see what sets Seattle Pacific apart!
Apply Online
Send an Email
Visit Website