Seattle Pacific University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Seattle Pacific University is a private Christian university with an acceptance rate of 90%. Founded in 1891 by the Free Methodist Church of North America, Seattle Pacific's 43-acre campus is located in a residential neighborhood 10 miles from downtown Seattle. The school also owns property on Blakely Island and Whidbey Island. Undergraduates can choose from over 70 majors with fields such as psychology, business, and nursing being among the most popular. The university has a 13-to-1 student / faculty ratio, and the majority of classes have under 30 students. In athletics, the SPU Falcons compete in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC).

Considering applying to Seattle Pacific University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, Seattle Pacific University had an acceptance rate of 90%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 90 students were admitted, making SPU's admissions process less competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Seattle Pacific University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 84% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of SPU's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to SPU scored between 520 and 630, while 25% scored below 520 and 25% scored above 630. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 510 and 610, while 25% scored below 510 and 25% scored above 610. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1240 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Seattle Pacific University.

Requirements

Seattle Pacific does not require the SAT writing section or SAT Subject tests. Note that SPU participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Seattle Pacific University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 38% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of SPU's admitted students fall within the top 48% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Seattle Pacific University received a composite ACT score between 20 and 27, while 25% scored above 27 and 25% scored below 20.

Requirements

SPU does not require the ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, Seattle Pacific superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

In 2018, the average high school GPA of Seattle Pacific University's incoming freshmen class was 3.51, and 56% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.5 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Seattle Pacific University have primarily high B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Seattle Pacific University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Seattle Pacific University, which accepts over three-quarters of students, has a slightly selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. Keep in mind, however, that SPU has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Note that letters of recommendation are optional, but strongly recommended. Applicants are also encouraged to participate in an interview, either in-person or by phone. This will demonstrate your interest in the university and help you determine if the university is a good fit. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores and grades are outside SPU's average range.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent students who were accepted to Seattle Pacific University. Most had SAT scores (ERW+M) of 1000 or higher, an ACT composite of 20 or higher, and a high school average of a "B+" or better. Grades and test scores above these lower ranges will improve your chances of acceptance.

If You Like Seattle Pacific University, You May Also Like These Schools

• University of Washington-Seattle
• University of Washington-Bothell
• University of Washington-Tacoma
• Western Washington University
• Seattle University
• Gonzaga University
• Washington State University

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Seattle Pacific University Undergraduate Admissions Office.