
City University of Seattle is a private, nonprofit university founded in 1973 to serve working adults. It began as City College and later adopted its current name as its academic offerings expanded.
That adult-education origin remains relevant to applicants: the university offers undergraduate and graduate study, including online and other flexible formats. City University of Seattle is a distinct institution; applicants should not confuse it with similarly named universities or assume that a program offered through one location is available in person in Seattle.
City University of Seattle organizes its programs across schools covering business and management, education and leadership, technology and computing, and arts and sciences. Its offerings include bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral study, and certificates, although available credentials and delivery formats vary by program.
Representative fields include business administration, accounting, computer science, information technology, education, counseling, and psychology. Applicants comparing programs should use the current academic catalog to check the exact degree title, required credits, course format, and any professional licensure pathway. A degree in education or counseling, for example, should not be assumed to meet another state's licensing rules merely because the university offers it.
City University of Seattle is based in Seattle, Washington. Its Seattle location places it in an urban setting rather than on a traditional residential campus.
For students attending in person, the practical questions are where their particular classes meet, how often they must travel there, and whether their schedule fits local transit or parking options. Some programs include online coursework, while others may have required in-person activities. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport serves the region, but it is unlikely to be a routine consideration for local commuters.
City University of Seattle describes its educational purpose in terms of accessible, career-relevant learning for a diverse population, including working adults and international students. Its program formats and applied fields reflect that stated emphasis.
A mission statement describes institutional priorities, not a measured outcome. Prospective students can assess how those priorities operate in a particular program by checking course schedules, instructor availability, academic support, and required in-person components. City University of Seattle is a private, nonprofit institution, not a public university in the Washington state system.
Name of the institution
City University of SeattleLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
QuartersFoundation year
1973City University of Seattle is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.