
3307 3rd Ave West, Seattle, WA 98119-1997, USA


Seattle Pacific University holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, a regional accrediting body recognized for evaluating institutions in the northwestern United States. This accreditation confirms that the university meets established standards for academic quality, institutional integrity, and student support services. Additionally, specific programs within the university may have specialized accreditation relevant to their respective fields, further ensuring that those programs adhere to industry and educational standards. Prospective students should consider this accreditation as an indicator of the university's commitment to maintaining rigorous academic criteria and continuous improvement.
Seattle Pacific University requires applicants to have a high school diploma, explicitly not accepting GED equivalents. A secondary school GPA must be submitted as part of the application, and while class rank is recommended, it is not mandatory. Applicants need to provide their secondary school academic records and letters of recommendation, both of which are required. Although the university recommends demonstrating certain competencies and submitting additional test scores beyond the TOEFL, these are not compulsory. The TOEFL exam is mandatory for non-native English speakers.
The institution does not have an open admission policy, so applicants must meet specific criteria beyond mere application submission. Dual credit courses and college programs are not accepted for admission credit, although Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized. A personal computer is neither required nor leased by the university as part of the admission process.
Standardized test scores such as the SAT and ACT are not explicitly required, and data on admitted students' test score distributions is limited. However, the average SAT composite score for enrolled students is approximately 1175, with a mean math score of 580 and a writing score of 595, placing them around the national average. The mean ACT score for enrolled students is 24, which is considered average but falls in the lower half nationally.
The university receives an average volume of applications, with roughly 2,800 applicants each cycle, and an acceptance rate near 91%, indicating relatively high admission likelihood. Enrollment figures show about 380 new students matriculating each year, and the acceptance rate places Seattle Pacific University among institutions with high admission rates.
Seattle Pacific University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. The fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university recognizes that application costs can be a barrier for some individuals and offers fee waivers under certain circumstances.
Applicants may be eligible for fee waivers if they demonstrate financial need or meet specific criteria established by the admissions office. These waivers are intended to facilitate access to higher education by reducing upfront expenses for those who qualify. Prospective students seeking a fee waiver typically must provide documentation or information supporting their request, and they are encouraged to consult the university's admissions office to understand the exact process and eligibility requirements.
Seattle Pacific University does not host any ROTC branch units on its campus, nor does it serve as a cooperating host institution for these programs. As a result, prospective students interested in ROTC training will need to seek opportunities at other institutions that offer these military commissioning programs directly.
Seattle Pacific University welcomes transfer students for every academic term, including fall, winter, spring, and summer, providing multiple entry points throughout the year. The admissions process is considered moderately difficult, reflecting a selective approach that seeks well-qualified candidates.
Transfer applicants should note that the university accepts credits from other institutions, which can facilitate a smoother transition and potentially reduce the time to degree completion. Additionally, Seattle Pacific University recognizes College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits, both subject-specific and general exams, offering further opportunities to earn transfer credit. Applicants are also encouraged to submit recommendation letters as part of their transfer application, which may support their admission prospects.
Seattle Pacific University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic and cultural experiences of its students. Programs include semester and year-long exchanges with partner institutions overseas, allowing students to immerse themselves in different academic environments while earning credits toward their degrees.
Additionally, the university provides shorter-term options such as summer and January term programs, which focus on specific topics or disciplines and combine classroom learning with experiential activities. These shorter programs are particularly suited for students who wish to study abroad without interrupting their regular academic schedule.
Students can choose from destinations across multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The range of locations offers exposure to diverse cultures and languages, enhancing global competence.
Moreover, Seattle Pacific University supports service-learning and internship-based study abroad programs. These opportunities enable students to gain practical experience while contributing to communities abroad, integrating academic goals with meaningful engagement.
The university provides advising and preparatory resources to assist students in selecting programs that align with their academic plans and personal interests, ensuring that their study abroad experience complements their overall education.
Median composite SAT score
1175Median composite ACT score
24Percent of students submitting ACT scores
20%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
16.1%High school completions
High school diploma required and GED is not acceptedComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer